Description
In Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, exhausted systems engineer Nokoru Mitsuhashi starts working from home and discovers how much of his life his job has swallowed. With his commute gone, he improves his apartment and takes up balcony gardening. That brings him into conversation with Natsu Izumi, the archaeology graduate student next door, whose playful confidence leaves the analytical Nokoru wondering what to make of her interest.
Kintetsu Yamada builds this one-volume romance around small exchanges, daily routines, and two adults making room for each other alongside work and research. Nokoru’s overthinking and Natsu’s teasing supply much of the humor, while candid conversations give the relationship a grounded feel. The tone is warm and gently funny, with overwork, isolation, and worries about the future still part of their lives. Short chapters stay close to the two leads and their growing attraction.
Pros
- The leads communicate openly and respect each other’s work and ambitions.
- Everyday routines and Nokoru’s overthinking give the romance warmth and humor.
- Expressive faces and clear panel layouts make quiet scenes engaging.
Cons
- The single-volume format can make later developments feel rushed.
- The quiet, low-conflict plot may feel uneventful.
Main characters
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Nokoru Mitsuhashi
三橋 残
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Natsu Izumi
泉 奈津
