Bloom into You, Vol. 3

Ooh, I love how that one teacher is gay too! (To avoid spoiling things, I won't mention the gender and what teacher it is ;D. If you've read it, you know.) When it was first teased, I had a feeling that they might have a crush on the same gender, but I totally didn't expect them to be in a relationship already. What a nice surprise!

Also, it's nice that Maki-kun, the boy I mentioned in my review of volume 2, is similar to Yuu. You know, not having been in love yet. He did say himself though that they aren't that similar, so perhaps he is aro? Since i know Yuu won't end up being aromantic, it'd be cool if Maki-kun ends up being aro. :)

Also, the sister knows! I mean, she suspected it from the first time Yuu mentioned her Senpai, but I show more honestly thought the sister wouldn't think about it much. The fact that she only had to look at Nanami once (when they were alone) and figured it out... also same for the sister's boyfriend... lmao. It's cool and nice that they're so supportive, of course, but it's also kinda funny. show less

This series is coming along nicely.

The strong, very likable cast continue to develop, particularly the two leads but also a best friend who has a crush of her own, along with glimpses into the personal life of a teacher and her girlfriend.

I've seen this series described as problematic due to the dynamic of the central relationship - Yuu appears to be asexual/aromantic while Touko regularly declares her love for Yuu. Maybe their life is too far removed from my own experience, but I'm not seeing any issues here. Touko is older, but everything that occurs between them (which is age-appropriate making out, with no suggestion of anything more) is consensual - I see no hint of Yuu being pressured or uncomfortable.

Bring on Vol. 4!

So far with each volume the story and characters have both become deeper and more fully realized, and this installment was the best yet! Also, I'm SUPER happy to see Saeki and Yuu finally bonding and becoming friends - I was so worried that was going to become a hateful relationship but luckily it didn't go there. I'm also loving the side plot of their teacher and girlfriend quietly supporting them from the sidelines. :,)

The tone remains super sweet as the lesbian and asexual/demisexual girl continue to explore the nature of their relationship. A nice mature lesbian couple is introduced in a supporting role. A sports festival is the manga cliche for this volume, but that trope plays out a little differently here.