Fuwafuwa・Futashika・Yumemitai, Volume 1 (ふわふわ・ふたしか・夢みたい) by Hakamada Mera is an incredibly pleasant, low-drama story of a high school romance.

Chiyoko was always watching Onuki-sempai, who cut a dashing figure as Andre in the drama club’s version of Rose of Versailles, and on the track. She loves how weak Sempai is for her baked goods and she likes to study with her. There’s always a lingering background doubt about their relationship, but not because Sempai does anything wrong. Chiyoko just can’t imagine someone so cool likes her.

But Onuki-sempai does like Chiyoko. She’s blind to the desire her stage play co-star’s shows for her. She’s pretty much uninterested in anyone other than Chiyoko, in fact.

When a rumor starts to spread that sempai will have to move overseas, Chiyoko begins to panic, but immediately Onuki-sempai asks her over…to her new apartment, where she will be living along while finishing up school. It might only be one more year, but Chiyoko is glad to have her time with Sempai. That is, until Onuki-sempai makes it clear that she hopes they won’t be parted aft graduation. “After graduation,” she asks, will you call me by my given name?”

A few final shorts from the perspective of women whose hearts are broken unwittingly by Onuki’s love for Chiyoko and a final date between our protagonists wraps up what was a sincerely pleasant read.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Service – 5 Yes there is a bit
Yuri – 8

Overall – 8

This series  s Hakamada’s-sensei’s best work to date. Her art style has matured, the oversize heads of the past are now in proportion to the  bodies. The note between passionless romance and creepy sex is hit perfectly. This is the book I’ve been waiting for from this artist. And I’m glad as can be that she was able to put it out in Galette.