Second Lead Syndrom is ruining my life
I think something is terminally wrong with me because in every single shoujo I read, I end up loving the second lead so much more than the main, it's a problem lol. So many series I could list rn that had me gnawing at the pages (No Longer Heroine is EGREGIOUS with this), but the last straw came today after I finally gave Strobe Edge a chance, and had to stop halfway through even though it was really good because the second lead being overlooked frustrated me to no end :'')
Anyways, I tried to rationalise why I always like the second lead more, and I have three main reasons;
Those characters are usually written to be a negative mirror of the main lead's flaws. For example if the main lead is a quiet, unfeeling oaf type and that's what the source of relationship drama is in the story, then the second lead will be very outgoing and open to offer an alternative. Which makes it really frustrating to me when the main character can't fucking see it would solve all their problems to switch :')
Overall, second leads tend to be less dark-haired-mysterious-past-emotionally-constipated-indifferent-boring and more easy going, fun and friendly, which I just like more
I grew up on Kilari and Peach Girl, and got used to expectations being subverted. I know other series have the girl falling for the second lead ofc, but it's not the majority
Anyways that was a big ass rant, but istg it's becoming a problem when I read shoujo X) Ofc there are some exceptions (the second male lead in Ao Haru Ride is lowkey boring, I like the main couple way more in Hope you're happy Lemon as well) but yeah
Idk if someone else feels like this but if you don't and you always enjoy the main leads, consider yourself lucky :')