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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

As Ema fulfills her dream of opening a cafe, Takara is still struggling to hold in her romantic feelings for her friend. When Ema’s mother shows up, taking cruel digs at her, Takara takes Ema on a trip to cheer her up.

We get the “only one bed” trope, but it doesn’t lead to anything other than a cute moment, in case you’re looking to avoid anything explicit or stories with cheating. Other than that, these two are a bit of a mess, and I’m baffled as to how this will turn out still. So far, the only clear-cut villain is Ema’s mother, who is a verbally and mentally abusive fuckwad who I wouldn’t mind never hearing from again. But since this trip they went on had all internal revelations, we’re still in the same place in Takara and Ema’s relationship, and while I would want to see a jump forward, I think slow and easy is for the best here. 3.9 out of 5.

 

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Takara has come to terms with her feelings for Ema and is hiding them to respect Ema and Hario’s marriage. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is.

Takara goes to a lesbian club for the first time with a different friend, and it’s so cute and heartwarming. She’s realized more about her sexuality and gets a ton of support. Hario is still a great guy. There’s no sudden 180 to make him a villain. making it harder to want Takara and Em to have their happy ending at his expense. That being said, this feels more like establishing that fact than moving forward otherwise. It’s tender and insightful, but just circling around what we already know. 3 out of 5.

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In middle school, Takara was in love with her classmate, Ema. Twenty years later, they meet again after Takara is dumped by her boyfriend. Her old feelings return, but Ema is married.

This volume is very bittersweet. It touches on the cultural aspect of girl crushes as something you’re supposed to outgrow. Ema is fucking adorable, and there does seem to be some lingering feelings for both of them. But, there is a marriage to consider, and it would have been so, SO easy to make the husband a complete asshole like in Tears on a Withered Flower, but he’s a cutie patootie, too! The art is beautiful and soft, but has no trouble handling the humor in this story. 4 out of 5.

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