{Kuroko's Basketball} Like a Dog, Like a God

One-line pitch: The right way to pursue a man who's warm on the outside, aloof on the inside, and dislikes socializing, then truly get close to him and build a lasting relationship.

Literary version: We had no childhood bond, and I wasn't born into a wealthy, noble family. I'm just an ordinary person who was lucky enough to attend the same school and class as you, and witness an era of miracles. I met you in the best years of your life, and I'll do everything I can to be with you.

Would you fall for someone based solely on his looks? I'm talking about you, who have always prided yourself on having substance and depth. Shinohara Kiharu says she wouldn't. Of course, even if she would, she'd never admit it.

So she spent a year and a half secretly in love with Kise. Even after discovering that her feelings were mutual, she had no intention of dating him.

Kise: "Hey, Shinohara, do you like me?"

Shinohara: "So what if I do? Liking someone doesn't mean you have to date them."

Kise: "Huh? But I like you too, Shinohara. Doesn't that mean we can be together?"

Shinohara: "No. Looks only last three months."

Kise: "...Huh?"

Only later did Kiharu realize that even love sparked solely by someone's looks can be impossible to control.

And through her actions, she taught Kise that a girl who approaches him simply because of his appearance can also teach him about love and respect, just as Kuroko taught him about basketball and teamwork.

The title comes from: "What's the feeling of loving someone?"

"Like a dog, like a god."

"What does it feel like to love someone?"

"It's like suddenly having a weakness, and suddenly having armor."

The less serious version:

What does it feel like to fall for Kise Ryota?

To like a handsome man who's a golden retriever on the surface, but still impossible to truly get close to.

The heroine isn't a Mary Sue or a naive innocent. She's smart, has goals of her own, and has an admirable determination to work hard for the things she wants.