Ore ga Mitsuketa, Konbini no Koi
This might be one of my new top 3 of all time. A real gem hidden behind a stylized, cartoon-like front. Which is likely why some people wouldn't give it the time of day. This story is just impressive. A lovely mixture of wholesomeness, sad relatable things introverts can relate to or those with depression, innocent romance, friendhsip, but also realism and idealized fantasy. It does such an amazing job at portraying emotional issues and how they feel, how they impact a person at times, big or small. It's a story of changing for the better and finding love after being the best version of yourself. Realizing feelings and working them out in a realistic manner, rather than the fantastical quick solutions we always see in comics nowadays. It just feels relatable, realistic but still strangely idealized in the way characters behave, reason, react, etc.. And this goes for everybody in the story. All characters feel detailed and great, nobody is needlessly portrayed as bad, because it just doesn't have to be like that in real life all the time. And that was a really lovely aspect of it tbh. Everybody was lovable and endearing. No drama, just a sweet path to healing and happiness, friendships and romance. I love that. The art is definitely something people might have issues with, but I guarantee the story is worth reading. Not everything needs incredible art. Going for a stylized cartoon style like this has it's own charm and works well with the soft and sweet story this comic portrays. All in all I think this is a must read. If you are looking for a good story rather than just mindless smut bonking, this is definitely going to be a good read for those that appreciate a realistic story about the characters and their way to betterment and romance. And I would honestly say: THIS is something that they should turn into an anime. It would be so nice to see this in animated form. <3
Natsume-san wa Hirakaretai
While we may not get to know both characters in detail, we get enough info for them to have some depth and feel real. Both of them are incredibly likable to me personally and I adore their healing romance! <3 I think it would have been nice seeing this go even slower in terms of them catching feelings and doing the therapeutic sessions, but it works well as is. And since it has a sequel apparently, I can get my fill of these two precious guys over there. :) A short but really lovely story worth reading. Give it a go, I think it's not a regrettable choice. ^^
The Man Next Door