ari's manga / #friends to lovers(5)

"Two members of the chemistry club promised each other that they would go from friends to lovers at the summer's end of their sophomore year. Akui (black full-framed glasses) is not quite sure what a "boyfriend" is, while Sako (light-rimmed glasses) seems cheerful, even though he insists it's just an experiment. The four-eyes of the chemistry club are clumsy but sincere in their first experience of experimenting with love."

"Takumi, who is inexperienced in love, talks to a girl as usual and listens to his childhood friend Ren, who he lives with. Ren proposes to Takumi, "Do you want to try going out with me?" and, under the influence of alcohol, Takumi agrees. They begin their lives as "trial lovers," going on dates, hugging, and kissing. At first, Takumi feels awkward with the unfamiliar closeness, but gradually begins to develop feelings for Ren's sweet attitude towards him." A very good, classic friends-to-lovers but it takes place in adulthood + they have a pet ferret. Very refreshing read.

"Ootani struggles to express his love for Ayumi, but with advice from his classmate Takatsuki, their growing friendship blossoms into something deeper." Weirdly compelling? A little bittersweet, but more on the sweet side. A rather realistic take.