Kouiu no ga Ii

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This is my first review, and when writing this there are 162 that have put this manga on their MAL. While this may only have 4 chapters, it is one of the best romance manga I have ever read thus far, which is saying something for how short it is right now. The characters are interesting and the dynamic that is created between the main duo is very enjoyable. This is, however, not a typical romance, as both main characters do not wish to be confined by the struggles that come with giving a name to the relationship that they have. As they both have ... had terrible experiences with dating in the past, they simply wish to be friends with benefits, but as the story goes on this could develop into them growing feelings for each other. One more aspect I like about this manga is the use of background characters to make fun of romance cliches that I've often seen in other manga. Overall, I hope that someday this manga will get the recognition it clearly deserves and that the mangaka working on this will continue to give us more great chapters.

Exploring the relationship concept of friends with benefits, protagonists Murata and Tomoka have realised that their current relationships were too much of a hassle to continue so confide with each on a physical level with no strings attached.
On the surface you may think that this series is set up for the two MCs to get it on in different scenarios but you'd be surprised!

Pre-serialisation, the author did have this in mind with those two going at it like rabbits even introducing more female characters so it started looking like a harem. Thankfully in the serialised story, Tomoka gets a lot more attention exploring the colleagues ... in her work place more though Murata still feels like a hentai MC as most females want to jump his bones.

However this manga isn't all about sex. It's actually more akin to a slice of life manga. Murata and Tomoka have lives, work, play, they go shopping and of course, they eat. The food looks incredible in this series and plays a second fiddle to the lovemaking (afterall, you can get it on with an empty stomach).
Despite it being a slice of life, I can't say that it is particularly funny. It's more of a drama with more characters being introduced thus muddying the waters of their friends with benefits relationship. Personally I think more differences should be introduced between Murata and Tomoka as the story seems to pit them on a strong friendship level with very similar wants and interests which may make you think that they'd end up together with so much in common.

Kouiu no ga ii has an interesting concept that was picked up for a J-Drama series (complete with sex almost in every episode!) - no idea how they'd broadcast this on TV. I'd recommend it for those that are wanting a little spice in their manga without too much to make you close all tabs when someone comes knocking. Or if you're tired of the same scenarios playing out in the more adult entertainment and want to slow the pace down.

This series is an absolute vibe! 37 chapters in, it hasn't gotten stale even for a moment. The balance between slice-of-life (at work or in the characters' private time), steamy scenes, and awesome food is impeccable.

The biggest selling point of 'Kouiu no ga Ii' lies in the conversations. Tomoka and Murata have been fantastic straight from their first meeting. Their dialogues are authentic and fresh. Their style effortlessly ranges from easy-going to banter to giga horny. We all know how rare it is to have characters who replicate real-life in terms of communication and reactions. These two make it seem easy as pie.

(Also, thank god ... my man Murata freed himself from the shackles of obsessive love. I got some PTSD flashbacks from two of my exes who were extra controlling and jealous. Same for Tomoka's case, but I really resonated with the MC there.)

The second thing I love is that there's zero needless drama. And I mean it. NONE. Despite this, the series doesn't fall flat or bland. It moves forward pleasantly.

Oh, yeah - and FINALLY there's a manga where adults behave like...well, adults, you know. Instead of looking at teenagers confined in adult bodies just for the sake of hitting a demographic.

What is murky is the distinction the author tries to make between FWB (セフレ) and フリフレ (which is how the duo labels their relationship). Comparing it to the difference between hard rock and heavy metal is a bit iffy. I'm interested in how the distinction plays out as the series (and the characters' motivations) progress. On paper, I don't see much difference.

All in all, this is a hearty recommendation from me. It has absolutely everything - entertaining convos, adults properly interacting with each other and sharing experiences, and plenty of spicy sex. The side cast isn't too shabby, either.

8/10 with the potential to go even higher.