For any connoisseur of the Girls’ Love (GL) genre, the name Saburouta carries a weight of aesthetic perfection and emotional intensity. After the dramatic conclusion of the original *Citrus* series, fans were left yearning for more than just a glimpse of the future. This is where Citrus+ steps in. Not merely a sequel, but a "plus-sized" exploration of the nuances of a relationship that defied social norms and family structures.
The Premise: Life After the "Yes"
*Citrus+* begins exactly where the original series reached its emotional crescendo: after Yuzu and Mei Aihara have finally committed to one another and become an official couple, following their engagement. However, as any veteran reader of romance manga knows, the "happily ever after" is often where the real work begins.
The story follows the daily lives of the fashionable, energetic Yuzu Aihara and her stoic, disciplined step-sister-turned-fiancée, Mei Aihara. While the original series was fueled by the high-octane drama of forbidden love, secret kisses, and the "will-they-won't-they" tension of step-siblings living under one roof, *Citrus+* takes a more introspective, slice-of-life approach. It fills the chronological gaps between their engagement and their eventual wedding, focusing on the growth of their intimacy and the navigation of their new reality as a couple in a society that isn't always ready for them.
Demographics and Genre Positioning
To understand *Citrus+*, one must look at its publication home. Serialized in Comic Yuri Hime (Ichijinsha), the manga falls squarely into the Yuri demographic. While the original series often leaned into the "melodramatic" tropes common in *Shoujo* or even *Seinen* romance, *Citrus+* matures alongside its characters.
It is best described as a Yuri Slice-of-Life Romance. It targets an audience that appreciates high-quality art—Saburouta’s character designs remain some of the most detailed in the industry—and readers who prefer character-driven narratives over plot-heavy twists. It appeals to both the *Josei* (young adult women) and *Seinen* (young adult men) demographics due to its sophisticated handling of emotional boundaries and its polished, aesthetic presentation.
Key Themes: Beyond the Forbidden
The "Plus" in the title signifies the addition of depth. Several core themes elevate this manga from a simple fanservice sequel to a meaningful character study:
1. The Evolution of Intimacy: The manga meticulously explores how two people with diametrically opposed personalities learn to communicate. Yuzu, who wears her heart on her sleeve, must learn to read Mei’s subtle cues, while Mei must learn to lower her defensive walls and express vulnerability without the shield of her "Student Council President" persona.
2. Public vs. Private Identity: A recurring theme is the struggle of being a couple in a conservative school environment. How do they hold hands? How do they share a moment of affection when the world sees them only as sisters or school leaders? The tension shifts from "Can we be together?" to "How do we exist together?"
3. The Supporting Cast’s Growth: *Citrus+* gives significant spotlight to the fan-favorite supporting characters. We see the internal struggles of Harumi Taniguchi, the mischievous machinations of Matsuri Mizusawa, and the evolving perspectives of Himeko Momokino. The manga treats the entire social circle as a living ecosystem, showing how Yuzu and Mei’s relationship ripples through their community.
4. Family and Tradition: As the heirs to the Aihara Academy legacy, the weight of expectation is a constant shadow. The series touches upon the reconciliation of personal happiness with familial duty, a theme that resonates deeply within Japanese culture.
Why It’s a Must-Read
For the "Otaku Erudite," *Citrus+* is a masterclass in pacing and visual storytelling. Saburouta uses fashion, background art, and subtle facial expressions to convey what the dialogue leaves unsaid. It is a slower burn than its predecessor, trading explosive confrontations for tender, quiet moments that feel earned.
Whether you are a long-time fan of the Aihara sisters or a newcomer looking for a sophisticated take on modern Girls' Love, *Citrus+* offers a beautiful, heartwarming, and occasionally poignant look at what it means to truly build a life with the person you love. It is a celebration of the "everyday" moments that make a relationship extraordinary.
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