How Do We Relationship?, Vol. 12

How Do We Relationship? #12

by Tamifull

Miwa is trying so hard to make things work with Tamaki, despite the strain their mismatched libidos put on their relationship. Saeko is throwing all her energy into supporting Yuria’s dream of becoming a beautician, even though Yuria doesn’t seem to want her help at all. They both love their girlfriends so much, but sometimes love isn’t enough…

Genres: Manga, Romance, LGBT, Yuri, Queer, Contemporary, Graphic Novels

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2024

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the opening pages of this volume are worth five stars on their own. There’s something heartbreaking about two people who love one another, but are too different to make it work. And it acknowledges the even worse feeling of relief that can sometimes accompany such a difficult decision.

This is the volume where it all falls to pieces. Again. It stings less because these relationships have felt very off for a while now and there were obvious, obvious problems. It still, however, clearly stings.

As somebody so adroitly puts it, wouldn’t knowing that your partner is happier when you’re apart just make you feel worse? And no matter what you might try and do to make it right, they know how you feel. Some relationships have paths to reconciliation. These do not.

But some relationships do. We get the telling admission that Saeko may have been harbouring lingering affection for Miwa this entire time, never truly getting over it. And as much as these implosions have felt like an inevitable conclusion, well, that affection has been sitting there the whole time.

Of the two, I think Miwa and Tamaki are more interesting. They are absolutely crazy for one another, but their incompatible sex drives are so far apart that it demolishes everything they’ve built. The shame Miwa feels in the beginning of the volume is gut wrenching and visceral.

Saeko and Yuria have been a looming breakup for a while. Yuria’s self-care is very important and necessary for her, but it freezes Sae out completely. Which is completely antithetical to her entire being. When Yuria tries to bring things to a middle ground, you can tell it’s for Sae and not her.

The story does right by everybody; there are no villains. Even Tamaki’s lashing out is rooted in her nature and her own views on relationships. And she knows that it’s wrong. These are people who know it’s over, pure and simple. The real story is how they deal with it.

While Saeko remains somewhat adrift, it’s Miwa who really shows how much she’s grown. Even though she has a real bad moment at the beginning, she recovers in a way she wouldn’t have before. There’s a confidence she didn’t possess at the start of the series that’s a welcome change.

Which is what I hope brings us full circle soon - the more mature Saeko and Miwa getting back together and making it work this time, using everything they learned along the way.

Even if it doesn’t, there’s no doubting that the two of them are quietly making the transition from students to adults and seeing them happy, with or without one another, will have been worth it.

5 stars - this is one of the most elegant and enjoyable yuri I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It handles so many emotions and handles them well, making for a journey that happily isn’t over just yet.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming back to this after a while....

it's just so we'll put together...

Ex partners Miwa and Saeko's relationships seem to be running on a parallel downward spiral...for vastly differently reasons.

"but sometimes love isn't enough"

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The answer to the series title's question this volume is, "Not well."

College is nearing an end, and so are some relationships. Are we building to an ending or a new beginning? I'll be back to find out, for sure.



FOR REFERENCE

Contents: Chapters 104-113 -- Bonus Manga 1-2 -- Commentary Track -- Author Note

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly sucks that this series has such a cringe millennial title in its US release bc this thing is SOOOO good. This volume in particular really captures the misery of the leadup to ending a relationship and the person having to recognize like 'these are the final good moments we'll get to have together' and whatnot.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their all so emotionally mature, I hope more high schools get this so teens can see it’s okay to break up for a variety reasons and not just bc someone cheated or did something terrible.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same realistic dynamics, where no one is wrong or right, and where their love means doing what's best even when it hurts. I also appreciated the support the main characters offer each other despite being exes.

[Snail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was really moved by this volume and how the different relationships continue to develop. The writing is really, really good in my opinion! I love how they explore different parts of the characters and their relationships including sex in such a straight-forward way (that also feels realistic). I continue to be really impressed by this whole series! Bravo!

[Larakaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried so much reading this one, damn.

[rocío · Rating 5 out of 5]

amo la dirección que está tomando la historia<3 la vida, el tiempo es circular ... empecé este manga cuando tenía 19 todavía y ahora vuelvo a él con 21 años... me hace tan feliz ver sus character development, siento que estoy sufriendo creciendo aprendiendo a la par de ellas... las quiero

[Bentgaidin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues to be very good, heartfelt, sometimes painful look at very real tangled relationships. Love seeing all of them trying their best, and want them to keep growing and finding better ways to be themselves.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooo i dont actually know which chapter this ends at but let me just say, Saeko’s approach to the job hunting and stuff stressed ME out

[EKC · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

just bingedddd so cute

[moffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love saeko so much she is redeemed in my head i need them together, loved, and married yesterday

[Aidan]

Every volume I say I'm done and then I end up reading the next volume anyways.

[nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

God…. I just love them so much, this is the best yuri manga. So raw and real when it comes to relationships with people and with yourself. I adore it!

[Sucre · Rating 5 out of 5]

sigh. I have a feeling of where this is going and I don't want it. this was a real painful volume, but done so well.

[Charles Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

seriously heart wrenching stuff

[peep · Rating 4 out of 5]

never thought id see a healthy break up in this story

[axi ♡]

thought i was starting a fun lighthearted yuri but this genuinely would have change dumbass uni me's life. yuria saeko break up has me on the floor man i'm a mess rn

[Rebecca Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[ad · Rating 4 out of 5]

the breakup volume

[Reuben Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous as always. It’s so mature and healthy and communicative and ugh I just love this series so much.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miwa and Saeko have always been my favorite ships