Despite the excellent illustrations and translation quality, this LN as of v1c7 is confusing and is not interesting. I would rate it 2 out of 5 but as mentioned, the beautifully drawn illustrations and the awesome translation work earn it another star.

I'll point out a few issues so far. (I will keep emphasizing the "so far" part as there may still be chances that as the series progresses later with more explanations, more will be revealed and this review may no longer be relevant).

First, I don't get to see or... more>> understand the very two elements that define this story: the rom-com element and the sci-fi element (time travel).. So far, I still do not understand the time travel aspect. Why would they be able to travel back in time? The MC and the heroines never discuss or ask about this mechanism. Is it something that cannot be spoken? That's fine but the author should provide a proper sci-fi reason (like breaking time continuum or something).

How far in the future they travel back from? How does it work, as in, they project their mentality into their past selves so that two versions of one person do not exist at the same time? They cannot just pop up out of nowhere, claiming to come from the future, while still having normal friendships and family in the present time?

The rom-com element is also questionable. We do not see how and why the heroines fall in love with the MC, despite the MC being clueless about their love interests. Without a back story, interaction, or reason to fall in love (not even love at first sight), the flirting and competitions among the heroines feel shallow and forced.

Second, the drama tag got me worried but so far, I don't feel any sense of urgency despite the MC being warned of his future death. You may think, it's a time travel story so one can expect that time travelers would try to prevent the protagonist's death at a certain date and time but fail in the end. Nah. None of the heroines is able to explain it and no urgency is established. It becomes a typical slice-of-life LN where the girls try to compete for the MC at school, at work, and at club activities.

Third, there is little to no establishment of characters' personalities, let alone character development. But as the series progresses, who'd know whether more will be revealed or not?

In conclusion, I think the entire volume 1 would serve as a big Prologue for something bigger. I hope that is the case. Even IF there's a major plot twist like THE TIME TRAVEL IS A HOAX, I'm fine with that. But the author just fails to hook me from the first few chapters. There is no comedic moment, no fluffy romance, no drama, no utilization of the sci-fi elements. <<less