Here at Penguin Teen HQ, we know one thing for sure: falling for a fictional character is a 100% real phenomenon. That’s why we’ve decided to start spotlighting some of our most eligible book boyfriends – the ones readers can’t stop talking about. Why? Because the only thing better than crushing on a fictional character is getting your friends to join in. This week, we’re talking about Hideo Tanaka from Marie Lu’s exhilarating Warcross. Let’s dive in.
Who is Hideo Tanaka?
When he was thirteen years old, tech prodigy Hideo Tanaka invented the NeuroLink and Warcross, the highly addictive game that took the world by storm. Now that he’s twenty-one, the savvy, genius Hideo is the CEO of Henka Games–and the most eligible bachelor in the world.
Why should Hideo be your next book boyfriend? We’re glad you asked.
1. Like we said, he’s literally the world’s most eligible bachelor.
“As I pass the newsstand, I glimpse the magazine covers. I have a habit of checking them out, searching for coverage of my favorite person.
There’s always something. Sure enough, one of the magazines features him prominently: a tall young man lounging in an office, dressed in dark trousers and a crisp collar shirt, sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows, his face obstructed by shadows. Below him is the logo for Henka Games, Warcross’s parent studio. I stop to read the headline.
HIDEO TANAKA TURNS 21
INSIDE THE PRIVATE LIFE OF THE WARCROSS CREATOR
My heart skips a familiar beat at my idol’s name. Too bad there’s no time to stop and flip through the magazine.
2. He’ll keep you guessing.
“I watch in stunned silence as Hideo bids farewell to his trainer, then heads out of the room’s double doors with his bodyguards flanking him, his hands wrapped in bloodied bandages…Why does he train like a demon possessed? Why does he strike as if he wants to kill?”
3. He’s even a genius when it comes to kissing.
“All I can think about is his nearness, his dark eyes, his breath stirring against my skin. There is a spark in his gaze now, that darkening of his eyes, something fiery and hungry, something that wants. He hesitates for an agonizing second. Then, his head tilts down toward me. The soft skin of his lips presses against mine, and before I can even register it, he’s kissing me.”
I mean, don’t just take our word for it–here’s what the internet has to say!
Me reading #Warcross during any Hideo and Emika scene so far. They’re definitely my new OTP💙 pic.twitter.com/o62Jc02gEf
— smella (@ella_oceann) July 20, 2017
Me : swooning over Hideo Takana every minute.
I need to finish this book tonight. #Warcross
— Melanie Barbosa ☾ (@melanielost) May 18, 2017
I didn’t think it was possible to want another book boyfriend besides Kaz but Hideo Tanaka is making me swoon. #warcross @Marie_Lu @LBardugo
— Stephanie Michelle (@lispylibrarian) April 25, 2017
Suggested first date with Hideo?
We’d have to suggest a night in with Hideo at his beautiful home in Tokyo so the two of you can get cozy by the fireplace–or the hot tub.
Steaminess Rating?
A solid 8 out of 10–who wouldn’t want to have a whirlwind romance with a brilliant, sexy millionaire?
Ready to meet Hideo for real? Get your copy of Warcross here!