This was a surprisingly wholesome and satisfying romance, especially for a school rom-com. The biggest strength is the gradual development of Sōta and Ayano’s relationship. Their bond starts through something as simple as sharing homemade meals, but slowly develops into genuine trust, emotional support, and affection. Ayano’s character progression was particularly enjoyable, as she gradually becomes more open about her feelings while still retaining her “cool beauty” personality. Sōta’s emotional struggles also give the romance more depth, especially his difficulty accepting that his feelings for Ayano are more than simple companionship.
The supporting cast, especially Hiiragi, Kurumi, Kurose, and Yuzuki, adds plenty of fun without completely overshadowing the main couple. The parallel romance between Hiiragi and Kurumi also works well.
However, the biggest weakness is the stopping point. Chapter 42 feels less like a true ending and more like the conclusion of the setup for the next major arc. The summer vacation, festival, outings, baking together, and Sōta and Ayano’s newly acknowledged feelings all promise much more, only for the story to suddenly stop.
Overall, 7.8/10. A warm, character-driven romance with strong potential that unfortunately leaves you wanting the continuation more than a completed story should.