✧ We get to see more of Watarai and Hioki, and that’s always a plus.
✧ It’s not all roses and sunshine as Watarai’s ex-girlfriend comes back into the scene wanting to be Watarai’s girlfriend again, which, girl, that ship has sailed. But at least it never blows up into this giant thing, which I really appreciate Kakuregi sticking to their strong points. Also how Watarai and Hioki handled it was really ... nice?? Like you can really see them ~*maturing*~ as a couple (as mature as you can get when they’re still both in their teens).
✧ We can see how Hioki influences Watarai’s decisions and also get even more affirmation that yeah, Hioki is a sweetheart.
✧ I’m happy with being lulled into a fantasy where two high school sweethearts will find love & peace & live happily ever after. I need this in my life now more than ever as I battle towards idk a different peace.
✦ cons ✦
✧ I am lowkey a Morisaki stan (a Morista-モリスタ-, if you will) for some reason I can’t even explain myself, legit I missed my lil brat son Morisaki in this installment. So major con: not enough Morisaki.
✧ Maybe because the blush of first love and crushing has faded but I feel like there were less ドキッと moments than the first. But eh, slice of lifey.
3rd year rolls around and Hioki and Watarai are taking the next steps in their relationship, now a couple they face the next hurdle - different classes and an unclear path to university.
There's a level of intensity I wished was pushed on a little more, but it's very much a novel of its culture.