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How Do We Relationship? #5
付き合ってあげてもいいかな 5 [Tsukiatte Agete mo Ii ka na 5]
お願い。私を、ひとりにしないで…。
すれ違いを解消できず、
別れることになったみわと冴子。
そのショックを引きずりながらも、
みわは勇気を出して初恋の先輩に連絡をする――。
「志帆先輩、私…後輩じゃなくて、彼女になりたい…」
胸の奥底で温めてきた
積年の想いは実るのか?
心を締め付ける第5巻!
すれ違いを解消できず、
別れることになったみわと冴子。
そのショックを引きずりながらも、
みわは勇気を出して初恋の先輩に連絡をする――。
「志帆先輩、私…後輩じゃなくて、彼女になりたい…」
胸の奥底で温めてきた
積年の想いは実るのか?
心を締め付ける第5巻!
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2020
16 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 16, 2023
Yea….I think I’m done
It’s too toxic. It’s the fact that she took advantage of Miwa at her lowest point so that she could “control” her. There’s a line between unhealthy relationships and abuse and I’m sorry but this read as abusive. For my mental health, I’m just going to drop the series. It’s not worth continuing on to see if the characters grow not when I literally hate one of them.
It’s too toxic. It’s the fact that she took advantage of Miwa at her lowest point so that she could “control” her. There’s a line between unhealthy relationships and abuse and I’m sorry but this read as abusive. For my mental health, I’m just going to drop the series. It’s not worth continuing on to see if the characters grow not when I literally hate one of them.
May 28, 2022
[Content Warning: Talk of Suicide]
Now that the title should be a more generalized “we” or possibly How Did We Relationship?, Miwa and Saeko are moving on to new loves. Or… are they? Grab your mop and bucket because this is going to get very, very messy…
Even with some big dramatic swings, this volume nails the complex emotions of breaking up and trying to stay friends and also the revelation that people are not always going to do what’s in anybody’s best interest.
It all starts innocuously enough - Saeko’s potential new romance with her coworker gets derailed by somebody else and you can see that’s definitely going to be a thing, plus the most sexually free member of our cast gets a great chapter explaining her nature while also calling out the double standards of slut-shaming.
All the while, Saeko is making some comments that imply she might not have been nearly as ready to end things as it seemed and our two leads have a very nice friend moment. Plus, Saeko encourages Miwa to go after Shiho, her high school crush that broke the two of them up and suddenly there’s blood in the water.
Oh, it all seems fine. Good intentions, at least, but everybody knows where they go. Turns out that Shiho kind of knew about Miwa’s feelings and they spend a very pleasant vacation that has a hell of an aftermath. It’s one thing to be rejected because of who you are, but to instead be given the boot because of what you’d be together is a whole other kettle of fish. It’s mostly Shiho rejecting herself, but she doesn’t seem to realize how she’s rejecting Miwa as a person at the same time.
What this volume does incredibly well is pay off the previous four. There was always something kind of missing from the previous volumes, but now I feel like they were just getting the pieces in place for this, the real story. I bet if I re-read the whole series I would spot a lot more signs of what happens here.
In fact, it’s obvious in retrospect that Miwa’s self-esteem issues ran a lot deeper than even she might’ve realized and the blow from the Shiho situation, combined with her unfortunately timed desire for independence from home, has left her with very little by way of a social safety net.
At first her complete meltdown seems very overwrought, but looking back on the past, no, this makes perfect sense. Her utter despair is brutal to behold and the way Saeko comes through for her, yet Miwa then takes advantage of, is complicated.
It’s complicated because these two still have some interest in one another, but their intent becomes murky and dubious. Miwa wants to make herself feel better any way she can, which unfortunately for her is essentially codependence, while Saeko uses her act of kindness in a way that is oh-so-terrible, yet shockingly believable for her own personality.
This whole last section is fraught and complicated and difficult and as accurate portrayal of depression as I’ve seen lately. Miwa feels like she has absolutely nothing left and that turns the situation between the two completely on its head.
For her part, Saeko recognizes the damage she’s done after the fact, but she sure doesn’t realize the extent until the end of the book, which closes with a conversation that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie.
She’s also balancing this with her growing affection for her coworker; the two of them grow even closer towards the finish of the story, but even that is tainted by memories of Miwa, as Saeko is slowly recognizing the things that she did wrong when they were together.
It’s so, so messy, but it’s fascinating and has a car crash intensity that’s all the more impactful because we had a lot of time to get to know these two as people and a couple and now we have to see them moving forward through a real tangle. Where this is going, I think I know, but I could be wrong. I certainly have no idea how it’ll get there and that feeling after so many formulaic books (even some very good ones) is amazing.
5 stars - this series finally spread its wings in this volume and achieved a complexity that I had been waiting for and did it by going down one of the darkest paths it could. A good series has finally achieved a greatness I wasn’t sure it had in it and it was definitely worth the wait.
Now that the title should be a more generalized “we” or possibly How Did We Relationship?, Miwa and Saeko are moving on to new loves. Or… are they? Grab your mop and bucket because this is going to get very, very messy…
Even with some big dramatic swings, this volume nails the complex emotions of breaking up and trying to stay friends and also the revelation that people are not always going to do what’s in anybody’s best interest.
It all starts innocuously enough - Saeko’s potential new romance with her coworker gets derailed by somebody else and you can see that’s definitely going to be a thing, plus the most sexually free member of our cast gets a great chapter explaining her nature while also calling out the double standards of slut-shaming.
All the while, Saeko is making some comments that imply she might not have been nearly as ready to end things as it seemed and our two leads have a very nice friend moment. Plus, Saeko encourages Miwa to go after Shiho, her high school crush that broke the two of them up and suddenly there’s blood in the water.
Oh, it all seems fine. Good intentions, at least, but everybody knows where they go. Turns out that Shiho kind of knew about Miwa’s feelings and they spend a very pleasant vacation that has a hell of an aftermath. It’s one thing to be rejected because of who you are, but to instead be given the boot because of what you’d be together is a whole other kettle of fish. It’s mostly Shiho rejecting herself, but she doesn’t seem to realize how she’s rejecting Miwa as a person at the same time.
What this volume does incredibly well is pay off the previous four. There was always something kind of missing from the previous volumes, but now I feel like they were just getting the pieces in place for this, the real story. I bet if I re-read the whole series I would spot a lot more signs of what happens here.
In fact, it’s obvious in retrospect that Miwa’s self-esteem issues ran a lot deeper than even she might’ve realized and the blow from the Shiho situation, combined with her unfortunately timed desire for independence from home, has left her with very little by way of a social safety net.
At first her complete meltdown seems very overwrought, but looking back on the past, no, this makes perfect sense. Her utter despair is brutal to behold and the way Saeko comes through for her, yet Miwa then takes advantage of, is complicated.
It’s complicated because these two still have some interest in one another, but their intent becomes murky and dubious. Miwa wants to make herself feel better any way she can, which unfortunately for her is essentially codependence, while Saeko uses her act of kindness in a way that is oh-so-terrible, yet shockingly believable for her own personality.
This whole last section is fraught and complicated and difficult and as accurate portrayal of depression as I’ve seen lately. Miwa feels like she has absolutely nothing left and that turns the situation between the two completely on its head.
For her part, Saeko recognizes the damage she’s done after the fact, but she sure doesn’t realize the extent until the end of the book, which closes with a conversation that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie.
She’s also balancing this with her growing affection for her coworker; the two of them grow even closer towards the finish of the story, but even that is tainted by memories of Miwa, as Saeko is slowly recognizing the things that she did wrong when they were together.
It’s so, so messy, but it’s fascinating and has a car crash intensity that’s all the more impactful because we had a lot of time to get to know these two as people and a couple and now we have to see them moving forward through a real tangle. Where this is going, I think I know, but I could be wrong. I certainly have no idea how it’ll get there and that feeling after so many formulaic books (even some very good ones) is amazing.
5 stars - this series finally spread its wings in this volume and achieved a complexity that I had been waiting for and did it by going down one of the darkest paths it could. A good series has finally achieved a greatness I wasn’t sure it had in it and it was definitely worth the wait.
June 8, 2022
Really appreciate that the author isn't afraid to make her characters messy and even unlikeable at times. Not ones written to be like "evil" or whatever, just complex humans who make bad choices. And then not pulling punches when it comes to writing the consequences of their actions. I felt like where the last one was a little filler-y this one was definitely back on track with the lesbian drama lmao.
February 17, 2022
The new status quo is a little disorienting and heartbreaking and confusing and frustrating and certainly something I'll be returning to for the next volume.
February 10, 2022
I really do love this series! It's so good and it manages to keep capturing how riven by emotions we are. And how easily we get swept by them and how we make certain decisions based of them. I like the way it captures grief and sadness but also this interesting mixture of jealousy and anger, and how even tho Saeko's feeling all those she manages to come back to her senses and realize what she's doing is petty and she wants to apologize to Miwa but there's jut too many emotions all at ones between those two. And I love how we get to see them in different environments, it's about their relationship but we see how it is affected by their other relationships and the other things going on in their lives and how those change them. It feels very emotionally raw.
Just, my favorite manga series. *cheff kiss*
Just, my favorite manga series. *cheff kiss*
July 27, 2021
Nein nein nein nein nein nein... dieses Ende! WTF. WHY? In was für eine creepige Richtung entwickelt sich denn das plötzlich?
"Hallo, wir haben uns mit unserer unbedachten Beziehung völlig kaputt gemacht, wie wäre es, wenn wir uns noch weiter zerstören, manipulieren und ausnutzen?"
Irgendwie unschön zu sehen, wie dieser Beziehungsversuch von Miwa und Saeko sich aktuell in eine absolut toxische Richtung entwickelt. Ich verstehe, das beide ihr Päckchen zu tragen haben, aber jetzt ruinieren sie es wirklich.
"Hallo, wir haben uns mit unserer unbedachten Beziehung völlig kaputt gemacht, wie wäre es, wenn wir uns noch weiter zerstören, manipulieren und ausnutzen?"
Irgendwie unschön zu sehen, wie dieser Beziehungsversuch von Miwa und Saeko sich aktuell in eine absolut toxische Richtung entwickelt. Ich verstehe, das beide ihr Päckchen zu tragen haben, aber jetzt ruinieren sie es wirklich.
October 9, 2022
Haven't seen a manga depict the gradual shift and transformation that occurs throughout the various stages of a relationship so well before. Characters are always changing and becoming new versions of themselves in a very natural and nuanced way. This is like the Sopranos of gay musician manga.
Speaking of, I'm sad that all the music stuff has been put on hold. I get it, narratively, but I hope it comes back soon.
Speaking of, I'm sad that all the music stuff has been put on hold. I get it, narratively, but I hope it comes back soon.
June 15, 2025
shit got real im excited
March 10, 2025
Miwa visits her ' first love ' in the hopes of sharing her feelings towards her.
Then it gets dark...
Then it gets dark...
May 28, 2022
Ahhh I loved the drama in this volume so much. I liked seeing Miwa and Saeko's complicated interactions, Miwa's lingering feelings towards Shiho, and their dynamics with all the other side characters in their lives. Also, the art is so expressive! I don't think I've talked about that aspect of this manga before but I really love how the character designs (usually) look distinct and how their emotions come through on their faces.
May 3, 2022
wow i am definitely not liking whatever this direction is going
February 10, 2022
Such a tangled web being weaved, by so many spiders...
Miwa is unsure how to act around Saeko. They used to date, but are now "just friends". Saeko encourages Miwa to go see her high school friend that she's had a crush on for several years so Miwa boards a plane, and goes to see the girl she loves and wants. Things get complicated, though. The school friend figures out what's going on before Miwa can confess. Once Miwa does confess, she is turned down, but not for the reasons she expected. So Miwa returns home & basically becomes a shut-in. She quits school, she quits the band, and she's sick on top of all that. Finally, with some goading from the band, Saeko goes to check on Miwa. Miwa refuses to let her in, but Saeko finds a way to sneak in and barges into Miwa's new apartment. Day after day Saeko visits Miwa, cooks for her, cleans, and they talk. One night, one thing leads to another, & the two girls spend a night of furious passion. Saeko leaves the next day, deciding she'll just use Miwa for sex. But then, after talking to a female coworker who also likes women, Saeko feels like trash for using Miwa. She's determined to tell Miwa she's sorry. Thinking Miwa is still depressed, Saeko is startled when Miwa throws the door open, is dressed & groomed, says welcome home to Saeko, and embraces her. Saeko, is to say the least, shocked. What's going on?
Miwa is unsure how to act around Saeko. They used to date, but are now "just friends". Saeko encourages Miwa to go see her high school friend that she's had a crush on for several years so Miwa boards a plane, and goes to see the girl she loves and wants. Things get complicated, though. The school friend figures out what's going on before Miwa can confess. Once Miwa does confess, she is turned down, but not for the reasons she expected. So Miwa returns home & basically becomes a shut-in. She quits school, she quits the band, and she's sick on top of all that. Finally, with some goading from the band, Saeko goes to check on Miwa. Miwa refuses to let her in, but Saeko finds a way to sneak in and barges into Miwa's new apartment. Day after day Saeko visits Miwa, cooks for her, cleans, and they talk. One night, one thing leads to another, & the two girls spend a night of furious passion. Saeko leaves the next day, deciding she'll just use Miwa for sex. But then, after talking to a female coworker who also likes women, Saeko feels like trash for using Miwa. She's determined to tell Miwa she's sorry. Thinking Miwa is still depressed, Saeko is startled when Miwa throws the door open, is dressed & groomed, says welcome home to Saeko, and embraces her. Saeko, is to say the least, shocked. What's going on?
December 23, 2024
After the twists and turns of the last volume, this one doesn’t let up on the tension. This is a moment in the story in which the plot could potentially go in many different directions, and new developments in the drama do continually occur. The character work is quite in-depth as the author doesn’t shy away from complicated depictions of imperfect people struggling to make connections.
September 11, 2023
seriously this is ridiculous i cannot do this like i dont know how to rate this?? it hasnt even been that long since i read vol 4 i just genuinely do not understand what is happening??? ??hello????? 3.4 stars i feel?? or maybe 2 I LITERALLY DONT KNOW IM SO CONFUSED
March 16, 2023
Oooh this was originally going to be 3 stars from me, but I loved the dark and twisty turns it took at the end!! So excited to see where this is going—definitely not what I expected.
May 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
March 9, 2024
This one took a dark turn at the end. Not sure that I really liked it. We'll see what the next volume holds.
November 24, 2024
saeko GIRL
January 27, 2022
Liked it better than Vol 4. But Miwa is still acting like a young Teen and not a 19 year old young adult...but on the other Hand, Saeko is more self reflecting her behaviour which is good.
July 20, 2022
The series reaches a turning point in how it approaches its characters and their relationships with a fifth volume that really transforms this often lighthearted series into a strong exploration of depression, of LGBT treatment in Japan, and totally shifts into a more mature work.
Miwa reconnects with a former friend and someone whom she has liked for years only to be rejected in such a way that reflects the entrenched homophobia in society as her friend doesn’t reject her but what they would be as a couple, unintentionally rejecting Miwa as a person. This causes her to spiral into a depressive episode as she isolates herself and only through Saeko does she maintain a tenuous connection with the outside world.
Saeko here both uses her and is used by her and their relationship, though ended, still has some mutual feelings. That’s going to get worse before it gets better. Saeko meanwhile is drawing closer to a female coworker but any progress made here is threatened by what happens with Miwa.
This is decidedly darker than the prior four volumes and the characters, especially Miwa, really experience a dark night of the soul. In a way though this is a good direction for the series as it reëvaluates the relationship in the title. How do we relationship? How do we connect with other people, with ourselves, and with society? There’s a new arc coming and it promises to easily elevate this series into one of the better yuri series.
The new arc also sees new covers designed for the series and they are much nicer on the Japanese editions. I hope the later English editions will use them too.
Miwa reconnects with a former friend and someone whom she has liked for years only to be rejected in such a way that reflects the entrenched homophobia in society as her friend doesn’t reject her but what they would be as a couple, unintentionally rejecting Miwa as a person. This causes her to spiral into a depressive episode as she isolates herself and only through Saeko does she maintain a tenuous connection with the outside world.
Saeko here both uses her and is used by her and their relationship, though ended, still has some mutual feelings. That’s going to get worse before it gets better. Saeko meanwhile is drawing closer to a female coworker but any progress made here is threatened by what happens with Miwa.
This is decidedly darker than the prior four volumes and the characters, especially Miwa, really experience a dark night of the soul. In a way though this is a good direction for the series as it reëvaluates the relationship in the title. How do we relationship? How do we connect with other people, with ourselves, and with society? There’s a new arc coming and it promises to easily elevate this series into one of the better yuri series.
The new arc also sees new covers designed for the series and they are much nicer on the Japanese editions. I hope the later English editions will use them too.
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May 9, 2025Madre mía paco
May 28, 2022
I’m finally back for volume 5 of How Do We Relationship? It actually came out right after I finished volume 4, but I didn’t get back around to it until now.
And wow, things are taking a dark turn. Now that she and Saeko are broken up, Miwa goes to spend 2 months with Shiho, her crush from high school. They have a great time, but Shiho rejects Miwa’s desire to be in a relationship because Shiho can’t see past societal prejudice. And it’s definitely reasonable to be afraid to be free in that way, especially when her parents were so controlling. Miwa acts fine with Shiho’s decision, but once the trip is over, she falls into a depression.
And Miwa’s depression arc is really… I’m actually really annoyed at her immaturity. She’s displayed childish behavior the whole series, but it’s really bothering me now. When Saeko visits Miwa to cook her some food and cheer her up, Miwa is very manipulative and takes advantage of Saeko’s kindness. They have sex to comfort both of them, and of course Saeko is taking advantage of Miwa here too. (I’m frustrated at Saeko for that as well.) It’s just a shitty situation.
But at least we’re getting some more development between Saeko and Yuria. I really want them to get together already! But obviously this new situation with Miwa is going to complicate things…
And wow, things are taking a dark turn. Now that she and Saeko are broken up, Miwa goes to spend 2 months with Shiho, her crush from high school. They have a great time, but Shiho rejects Miwa’s desire to be in a relationship because Shiho can’t see past societal prejudice. And it’s definitely reasonable to be afraid to be free in that way, especially when her parents were so controlling. Miwa acts fine with Shiho’s decision, but once the trip is over, she falls into a depression.
And Miwa’s depression arc is really… I’m actually really annoyed at her immaturity. She’s displayed childish behavior the whole series, but it’s really bothering me now. When Saeko visits Miwa to cook her some food and cheer her up, Miwa is very manipulative and takes advantage of Saeko’s kindness. They have sex to comfort both of them, and of course Saeko is taking advantage of Miwa here too. (I’m frustrated at Saeko for that as well.) It’s just a shitty situation.
But at least we’re getting some more development between Saeko and Yuria. I really want them to get together already! But obviously this new situation with Miwa is going to complicate things…
May 11, 2022
This feels like a bit of a transition in the story. At the very least, I found it hard to get through since it is such a messy phase in the main character's relationship. It will be interesting to see how it develops.
Frustrating to see that there are 3 to 4 more volumes complete in Japanese. Looks like the next volume in English will be a few more months. Also, the author's commentary manga at the end of the book mentioned changing up the look of the cover. I didn't really see anything different about the style until I saw the original Japanese cover here on goodreads: for this and future volumes, it seems to not have just a single illustration, but two or more panels that emphasize the character's divergent lives. I wonder why that was changed for the English version, and hope it does not continue to be the case.
Frustrating to see that there are 3 to 4 more volumes complete in Japanese. Looks like the next volume in English will be a few more months. Also, the author's commentary manga at the end of the book mentioned changing up the look of the cover. I didn't really see anything different about the style until I saw the original Japanese cover here on goodreads: for this and future volumes, it seems to not have just a single illustration, but two or more panels that emphasize the character's divergent lives. I wonder why that was changed for the English version, and hope it does not continue to be the case.
November 28, 2022
2.5
The first half was great! I loved it. I thought this volume would finally get more stars. Like maybe 4 even.
The trip to Shiho was nice and I also loved the chapter where Rika and Miwa talked about romance in public. I also loved that kiss.
But well... the second half... gosh, no.
I really dislike Saeko. It was so nice not having her on the pages when Miwa visited Shiho. So refreshing.
And then she’s back...
At first it was nice how she took care of Miwa. And her food looked delicious.
But the end... ugh nah...
Miwa isn’t any better in the 2nd half tho. Like wtf happened? She can’t be that depressed over what Shiho told her, right?? There must’ve been another thing that happened on her way home.
The first half was great! I loved it. I thought this volume would finally get more stars. Like maybe 4 even.
The trip to Shiho was nice and I also loved the chapter where Rika and Miwa talked about romance in public. I also loved that kiss.
But well... the second half... gosh, no.
I really dislike Saeko. It was so nice not having her on the pages when Miwa visited Shiho. So refreshing.
And then she’s back...
At first it was nice how she took care of Miwa. And her food looked delicious.
But the end... ugh nah...
Miwa isn’t any better in the 2nd half tho. Like wtf happened? She can’t be that depressed over what Shiho told her, right?? There must’ve been another thing that happened on her way home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
God what a hot mess. Miwa continues to be dependent on those she has an interest in and lets them do whatever they want to her emotional state because she's too insecure to think she deserves anything good- so, of course, any validation they give or any pleasure (physical or emotional) they can provide becomes tied to her own self-worth. And Saeko... is perfectly willing to take advantage of things like that. She's smart enough to know when she's wrong and what her flaws are but she never realizes this until after the fact, and is so much more willing to put herself into that position over and over. Telling Miwa to break up with her! Telling Miwa to confess to her crush! Telling Miwa to do [x] or [y]! She's kind of terrible but in a fascinating way to read.
April 11, 2022
this is definitely my favorite of the series so far. Saeko and Miwa’s relationship is so complicated but that’s what makes this series so interesting. I really loved seeing Shiho in this volume, her scenes with Miwa were so cute. But this series really doesn’t shy away from talking about the difficulties of dating in a way that I heavily relate to! I unfortunately just got out of a relationship and a lot of this really hit close to home.
February 2, 2023
I LOVE how the last volume was about unexpected change, and now this one is about the slow and inevitable. The contrast is beautiful. Personally the slow and inevitable hit harder than the twist of #4. This is another great entry but it also adds some darkness that we haven't seen yet. Trigger warning for It's another beautiful entry, with the humor and lightheartedness still in tack.
Also Tamifull has really upped their game on some of these panels!
Also Tamifull has really upped their game on some of these panels!
July 2, 2023
Miwa confesses her feelings to her high school crush and Saeko begins her villain arc.
I'm enjoying this less as it goes on. I just kind of wish the characters were a little less dramatic? I also don't think they've made Saeko sympathetic enough. That being said, every chapter ends with a cliff hanger that makes it hard for me to walk away. It's like the structure of the work is a metaphor for the unhealthy relationships contained within.
I'm enjoying this less as it goes on. I just kind of wish the characters were a little less dramatic? I also don't think they've made Saeko sympathetic enough. That being said, every chapter ends with a cliff hanger that makes it hard for me to walk away. It's like the structure of the work is a metaphor for the unhealthy relationships contained within.
July 11, 2023
This is probably one my favorite volumes so far. Everything’s just so messy and complicated I love it😁. I love that Miwa got some kinda closure from her high school crush and her reasons for not wanting to date made so much sense and were so relatable. And omg the relationship Saeko and Miwa have rn is so interesting it’s completely different from how they were in the beginning. I don’t want them to be together but I definitely enjoy reading about them.
June 9, 2024
I like that this a story about very flawed people expressing their emotions poorly through negative outlets. It’s very interesting. This volume’s content especially is a little extreme, but I think it works. Sometimes people act like raw nerves and indulge in bad behavior. I like how this book continues to explore the main duo’s psychologically and how they rationalize their actions and feelings. It’s a very interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews