This story is an incredibly sweet and wholesome take on the childhood-friends-to-lovers romance trope. What makes it especially enjoyable is how clearly both Taku and Yua care about each other. Rather than relying on endless misunderstandings or a frustrating love triangle, the story allows their relationship to progress naturally once they finally reconnect. Their affection for each other is obvious, and their relationship feels genuinely mutual.
One of the strongest aspects is Taku’s character development. He begins as a lonely, introverted guy who is used to eating lunch alone and believing that someone like Yua could never be interested in him. After reconnecting with her, however, he gradually becomes more confident and expressive. Seeing him go from having almost no friends to casually eating lunch with his girlfriend and two friends is a surprisingly satisfying form of character growth.
Yua is also extremely lovable. Her devotion to Taku is never really in doubt, and her shy reactions, affectionate personality, and willingness to openly support him make her a very charming heroine. Their interactions are intentionally excessive and almost comically sweet, but that is clearly the point of the story. Even the side characters, especially Okamura and Fujiwara, add humor by reacting to the couple’s constant flirting.
Episode 112 particularly captures the story’s greatest strength: its ability to turn an ordinary lunch break into a warm romantic scene. Taku realizing that he has finally become someone who has a girlfriend, friends, and a social life is a nice reminder of how far he has come.
Overall, this is a comfort-read romance built around pure affection, mutual devotion, and steady character growth. It may be overwhelmingly sweet at times, but if you enjoy wholesome childhood-friend romances without unnecessary drama, this story is very easy to recommend.
Btw author disappeared and its hasn't been updated in 5 years so I guess that interlude was more of that ending. Hope author is fine and healrht