ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘An Incurable Case of Love,’ Volume 4

An Incurable Case of Love is published in English by VIZ Media and created by mangaka Maki Enjoji, the creator behind one of my other romance favorites, Happy Marriage. An office romance set in a hospital, the series follows Sakura, who after witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor save a stranger’s life five years ago, trains to become a nurse. But the training wasn’t just out of wanting to save lives, no. Instead, it was to get closer to the man she met. When she begins her training at his hospital, things don’t quite go as she expects when her long-time love, Tendo, ends up being a Dark Lord with a mean streak towards his co-workers. Now in An Incurable Case of Love Volume 4, readers get to see the two in a new light.

The last volume hit the ground running with Tendo saving Sakura from the stalker and ultimately leading the two to officially become a couple. But the most interesting thing about this volume is that Tendo, despite committing to be by Sakura’s side, doesn’t seem to understand the passion that comes with dating. Now, in An Incurable Case of Love Volume 4, which covers chapters 16 to 20, the two open up to each other, pushed by the news that Tendo may be heading to the United States to research the disease who took someone close to him. Shocked at the news, Sakura tells him she doesn’t want to be apart and Tendo agrees.

What seemed like “problem solved” turns into the plot for the volume as Sakura begins to see a change in Tendo when the young patient the two are close to takes a turn for the worst. Curious, Sakura digs deeper, asking Kisugi as much as she can until she uncovers the truth about Tendo’s study abroad and his interest in the heart condition: the person who lost was his last girlfriend. Scared of holding Tendo back from his moment to get answers, Sakura pushes him to go. But, in romance manga fashion, their goodbye is the moment they finally get intimate.

An Incurable Case of Love Volume 4 is a stellar climax to this first section of the series – pun intended. But while Enjoji writes and illustrates a beautiful and emotional scene of intimacy as the two finally have sex for the first time, the strength of this volume is in Tendo’s character depth. While the two have had a typical shojo/josei romance, awkwardness and all, it’s always been clear that Sakura is more secure in expressing her feelings in their relationship. While Tendo isn’t cold, he is unsure of what to do, how to treat her, and how to meet her passion for him. This has pushed a small wedge between them and caused Sakura to worry if she’s enough for him.

That said, in this volume, Tendo comes out of the gate caring for Sakura. He will stay for her. He wants to stay for her. And as Kesugi assumes, she’s passed his ex in his heart. And when she pushes him to go abroad, he responds with nothing other than love. Their first sex scene in this volume is warm, tender, and for the first time, Enjoji illustrates Tendo as emotional and almost soft. Openness and love between them on those pages let us feel like Tendo has finally matched Sakura’s once one-sided love.

An Incurable Case of Love Volume 4 is the pivotal moment in a romance manga – the main characters’ first time and clear declaration of love. If Enjoji’s prior work is any indication, Sakura and Tendo are full speed ahead and this hospital romance has a long life left. With Tendo, Enjoji has crafted a lovable and awkward leading man who has finally opened his heart. This volume was so well done that the month’s wait until October when volume 5 debuts is just too far away.

An Incurable Case of Love Volume 4 is available from booksellers on July 7, 2020.