I’m writing this because I’ve always found music-centered stories captivating, and this manga’s official playlist, paired with its heartfelt narrative, delivers an experience that truly resonates with me as a music lover.
Spoiler Alert: The following article discusses key plot points from The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All.
Overview of The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All
Written and illustrated by Sumiko Arai, this manga began as a short story on Twitter before evolving into a serialized phenomenon. Kadokawa Shoten has published three volumes in print as of February 2025, and an anime adaptation has been announced. The story centers on high school girls Aya Oosawa and Mitsuki Koga, both of whom share a deep passion for rock music.
- Volume 1 introduces the main premise: Aya, a bright and sociable gyaru, develops a crush on a mysterious record-store clerk—unaware that this “cool guy” is actually her introverted classmate Mitsuki in disguise.
- Volume 2 digs into their growing friendship and the challenges they face once Aya starts to suspect the true identity of her so-called “Onii-san.”
- Volume 3 explores how music fosters deeper connections not just between Aya and Mitsuki, but also among their classmates, setting the stage for future anime episodes.
Characters
Aya Oosawa: The Enthusiastic Gyaru
- Backstory
Aya has always felt alone in her love for alternative rock bands. In Volume 1, Chapter 2, she recounts how her closest friends barely recognize the names of her favorite bands, causing her to keep that passion hidden—until she meets the record-store clerk. - Relationships
Although popular at school, Aya struggles to find someone who truly appreciates her taste in music. Her bond with Mitsuki becomes the perfect outlet to share playlists and attend concerts.
Mitsuki Koga: The Undercover Music Aficionado
- Backstory
Mitsuki is introduced in Volume 1, Chapter 1, secretly working part-time at her uncle’s record store. She disguises herself by wearing unisex clothing and a mask, earning the nickname “Onii-san” from patrons. - Music & Identity
By Volume 2, Chapter 3, Mitsuki wrestles with the fear that revealing her identity will shatter the carefree rapport she has with Aya in the store. Her love for bands like Nirvana and Foo Fighters influences her to learn guitar, culminating in a pivotal cultural festival scene in Volume 2, Chapter 6, where she performs for the first time.
The Role of Music in the Story
Key Music Moments
- Volume 1: Aya stumbles upon a hidden gem in the record store—a rare pressing of her favorite band’s album. Mitsuki quietly recommends a follow-up record, signaling their initial bond through music.
- Volume 2: The girls exchange playlists, with Aya excitedly discovering new tracks by Red Hot Chili Peppers, while Mitsuki privately celebrates finding someone who truly understands her interests.
- Volume 3: Tension builds when Aya’s friends suspect she’s hiding something. Music once again acts as a safe haven: Aya retreats to the record store, immersing herself in the shared tunes she and Mitsuki love.
The Official Playlist
Fans can experience the manga’s atmosphere firsthand through the official playlist—available on Apple Music and Spotify. Songs by rock legends like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Royal Blood highlight pivotal story beats and reflect each character’s emotional arc.
- Playlist Highlights
- Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” becomes a recurring theme in Volume 1 when Aya realizes Mitsuki shares the same listening habits.
- Foo Fighters – Mitsuki’s recommended band to Aya in Volume 1, Chapter 4, symbolizing the trust forming between them.
- Turnstile – Introduced in Volume 3; its energetic style parallels the growing momentum of Aya and Mitsuki’s relationship as they navigate school life together.
As the manga’s popularity grew, this official playlist served not only as a marketing tie-in but also as a bridge for readers to connect more deeply with Aya and Mitsuki’s musical journey.
FINAL THOUGHT
I personally love how this series uses music as a language to bridge social gaps. Seeing Aya and Mitsuki connect over guitars and playlists reminds me of the universal power of shared passions—it’s a reminder that sometimes one song can say more than a thousand words.
From Aya’s hidden rock sensibilities to Mitsuki’s need to keep her identity under wraps, The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All dives into the complexities of teenage life and music fandom. The official playlist brings these elements to life, capturing each emotional beat and making the series a must-read (and must-listen) for music lovers.
