As an expert in the medium, it is a pleasure to dissect one of the most refreshing and brutally honest entries in the modern Yuri landscape. "How Do We Relationship?" (known in Japan as *Tsukiatte Agetemo Ii yo*), created by the talented Tamifull, is not your typical "girls' love" fantasy. It is a sophisticated, grounded, and often heartbreakingly relatable exploration of queer identity and romantic pragmatism.
Demographics and Context
While many Yuri titles fall under the *Shojo* or *Josei* umbrellas, *How Do We Relationship?* is serialized in Shogakukan’s *MangaONE* and *Ura Sunday*, categorizing it primarily as Seinen. This demographic distinction is vital; it allows the story to bypass the idealized, "pure" tropes often found in schoolgirl romances. Instead, it embraces a more mature, unfiltered look at university life, sexual intimacy, and the psychological complexities of young adulthood.
Detailed Plot Synopsis
The story follows Miwa, a shy, soft-spoken university student who has spent her life hiding her attraction to women. Burdened by the fear of social rejection and the internalized pressure to conform, she enters college hoping for a fresh start but remains paralyzed by her own insecurities.
Everything changes when she meets Saeko, a fellow student who is the polar opposite of Miwa: outgoing, blunt, and seemingly comfortable in her own skin. During a night of drinking and candid conversation, the two realize they share a common "problem"—they are both women who like women, and they are both incredibly lonely. In a moment of impulsive pragmatism, Saeko suggests that since they are both looking for a girlfriend, they should simply date each other.
What begins as a "relationship of convenience" quickly evolves into a complex emotional journey. Unlike many romances that end when the couple starts dating, *How Do We Relationship?* begins at the confession. The narrative tracks the "honeymoon phase," the awkwardness of first-time physical intimacy, and the inevitable friction that arises when two people with vastly different communication styles try to build a life together.
As the series progresses, the scope widens. We see Miwa struggling with the "closet" and the anxiety of coming out to her childhood friends, while Saeko grapples with her own past heartbreaks and a defensive cynicism that threatens her connection with Miwa. The manga meticulously documents their growth—not just as a couple, but as individuals navigating a world that isn't always kind to those who deviate from the norm.
Main Themes
1. The Realism of Queer Identity:
Tamifull excels at depicting the "mundane" aspects of being LGBTQ+. It explores the nuances of "passing," the fear of being "outed" in professional or social circles, and the specific loneliness of feeling like an outsider even within one's own friend group.
2. Communication and Misalignment:
A central theme is the gap between what we feel and what we say. Miwa’s tendency to overthink and withdraw contrasts sharply with Saeko’s impulsive honesty. The manga serves as a masterclass in showing how even a relationship built on genuine affection can crumble if the partners cannot find a common emotional language.
3. Sexual Exploration and Consent:
Rarely does a manga handle physical intimacy with such grace and honesty. It treats sex not as fanservice, but as a vital component of the characters' development. It addresses the awkwardness, the learning curve, and the emotional weight of physical vulnerability without being exploitative.
4. The Transition to Adulthood:
Set in university and moving into the early working years, the story captures the terrifying transition from being a student to being an adult. It deals with career anxieties, changing friendships, and the realization that "happily ever after" requires constant, daily effort.
Conclusion
*How Do We Relationship?* is a landmark series for anyone seeking a romance that feels lived-in and authentic. It avoids the "melodrama for the sake of melodrama" trap, opting instead for a character-driven narrative that feels like eavesdropping on a real couple’s life. For the discerning otaku, this is a mandatory read that redefines what a modern Yuri manga can achieve. It is a poignant reminder that love isn't just a feeling—it's a series of choices we make every single day.
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