Nineteen, Twenty-One is a slice of life more than anything. The story is about two people who, during their times of distress or anxiety, find comfort in cats. 8 stray cats to be precise. These cats help us to acknowledge and understands important life lessons. Topics such as growing up and equality. Ju Dong-hwi doesn’t want to grow up, but in order to help the cats, he can’t be a teenager forever. He is also taught not everyone can be happy and the world isn’t kind. Cats aren’t exactly seen as equals to humans. What’s even worse is the cats in question are stray. They’re perceived as nothing more than neighborhood nuisances. What will it take to get them to understand? This is where Ju is at a crossroads. Will he remain with the mindset of a child and live a life of freedom or become an adult responsible enough to save the cats? Don’t forget there’s another character too. Lee Yun-Lee is a girl who wants to grow up as fast as possible. She, too, wants the cats to live a happy life. Will she continue on her path and study as hard as possible then get a good job? Or Be a little bit looser and start doings that would be fun and kind of nonsensical? The questions to life hinted in this story are endless. You’ll just have to read the story to discover the others.

When two people spend enough time with each other doing something they both love, some feelings are bound to bud. Fortunately, these feelings sprout in the story. Not only do we have a slice of life, but romance as well and a conclusive one at that. It’s definitely not the main focus of the story, but it’s certainly a treat.

The art is simply good. The characters are appealing, the cats are adorable, and the scenery is nice. There are times though, when the characters look off and or creepy.

The cast of Nineteen, Twenty-One isn’t big. It consists of about 5 characters, not including the cats.

Our 2 main protagonists are Ju Dong-hwi & Lee Yun-Lee. You could say they’re polar opposites. Ju Dong-hwi wants to have as much fun and excitement as possible before he becomes 21, because he thinks it’s when he has to grow up. On the other hand, due to her being in a coma for 2 years, Lee Yun-Lee wants to grow up already, so she can catch up to everyone else. Despite their different desires, they’re actually similar in personality and they do share 1 common goal. That is to help the stray cats around the neighborhood by feeding them, giving them temporary shelter, etc. Through their common love for cats, they are able to influence one another. Ju tells Lee the joy of having fun and Lee tells Ju the importance of responsibility. By the end, their personalities have mixed and they make a great couple.

Now, for the rest of the characters. Sorry, but I can’t recall their names since it’s not on MAL and I read the story a while ago. However, I’ll try to describe them to the best of my ability.

We have a coffee shop worker who also love cats. He gives advice to Ju & Lee and warns them of how hard it’s going to be if they continue to try to help the stray cats. He’s not against them helping, he just wants to let them know, what they want is not going to be an easy task. I guess he’s the guy who somewhat makes the final decision or acts as the voice of reason.

The last characters are one of the residents and her son. The woman is initially portrayed as the closest thing to an antagonist. She plants beautiful flowers around the community and keeps the neighborhood clean. The cats often destroy the flowers. As a result, she loathes them. Well, in the beginning anyways. After talking with Lee for quite some time, she realizes her wanting the best for the neighborhood isn’t very different from Ju & Lee wanting to help the cats. No one asks them to do it, but they do it regardless because they love what they do. By the end of the story, she becomes an ally and supporter.

Her son starts off differently than his mom. He wanted to pet one of the stray cats, but ended up getting attacked by it. Later, when he sees a stray cat again, he screams at it. He does end up feeling regret.

If anything I’d say the mother and son are used to show, whether good or bad, people’s hearts can change within the split of a second.

All in all, the characters began as fairly simple characters and ended as well-developed ones.

What can I say? Nineteen, Twenty-One is a soothing and relaxing story about cats, life, and romance. I guarantee the story will leave you smiling and feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. If you pick it up, you might just think about your own goals and desires.