Xiaolan and Maomao in Sporty Outfits - "Likewise, Totally Obsessed!" Fan Art by The Apothecary Diaries Spin-off Author for April Fools' Project Draws Major Response

From manga artist Nanao Itsuki's X account, fan art of the girls group "bubbles" - consisting of Maomao (CV: Aoi Yūki), Xiaolan (CV: Misaki Kuno), and Shisui (CV: Asami Seto) - officially announced as The Apothecary Diaries' 2026 April Fools' project, along with comments expressing passionate support for the group, have been posted and are generating buzz.

Nanao is in charge of the artwork for the spin-off manga The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's Memoirs, which adapts the first official side story written by Hyuganatsu into comic form.

The first image released shows Xiaolan against a yellow background, wearing a sporty outfit of a white hoodie and black pants, winking while pointing her finger. The second features Maomao in a sleeveless outfit with a headset microphone against a green background, and the third depicts Shisui against an orange background wearing a yellow wristband with "bubbles" written on it, her impressive physique making a strong impression.

In response to this post, reactions on social media include "Likewise, totally obsessed with bubbles," "Too cute!", "They look like they're having fun being age-appropriately energetic," and "Those curves, those curves!"

The manga The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's Memoirs is the first official side story depicting The Apothecary Diaries narrative from Xiaolan's perspective. At the age of thirteen in winter, Xiaolan was sold from a poor farming village and came to the rear palace. The work portrays the world as seen through Xiaolan's eyes as she works positively with her innate cheerfulness, never becoming jaded despite the harsh circumstances of being a servant.

(C)Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/"The Apothecary Diaries"Project