Maybe I've grown old and cranky and don't feel as sentimental and "moe" as I should, but a spineless character always having glassy eyes, crying at the drop of a hat and constantly needing assurance, pulling the damsel in distress, fixated with her boyfriend act really annoyed me in this one.

On the plus side, the male lead is portrayed quite realistically, albeit a little too affectionate and obsessed, hehe though I suppose that's what shoujo is all about. Also the mangaka has clearly considered almost every dilemna and heartwrenching issue that adolescents are faced with and has dealt with each such situation very maturely, so yes, for the right age group, I'm sure this story will hold much appeal and fascination. The humor and subsequent facial expressions, chibi versions and dialogues at many points made me unexpectedly laugh out loud, which is always a bonus.

There are plenty of intimate and touching scenes drawn very sweetly and appropriately, but sometimes, you just want to see what's happening from a different angle or perspective. The close ups for Aoi (who after one year into the relationship is still called by his surname by Karin!) are disarmingly ethereal, as are Karin's.

However, my main gripe with this otherwise well made story is the two leads' first kiss. I don't know if that can ever happen in even manga universe, but it was a little far fetched for me. I suppose it was essential to character development though, and made the story all the more charming.