Yes, this story does start like many other shoujo manga. Girl and boy make an agreement, boy teases girl, they end up falling in love. BUT! Give this manga a chance before you decide to give up on it.

Unlike many similar stories, this manga actually follows the relationship of the two main characters AFTER they get together. It shows them develop as a couple and learn things about each other.

As far as characters go, they actually DO develop. The main male character starts out as your typical nice-on-the-outside-but-a-devil-on-the-inside guy but he opens up as the story goes on in a way that is very refreshing and falls in line with his character. He shows his affection by his actions towards Erika.

One of the things I loved the most about this story is that it actually addresses the concept of sex in a relationship, something you will not see in the vast majority of shoujo manga. The writer treats this issue with a lot of sensitivity and it is not a forced plot point at all. It is a natural part of relationships and it was really cool to see how it affects the characters and their progress as a couple.