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I'm so conflicted over how to score this manga. After reading 237 chapters, it has both major flaws and some really great strengths.

There are several characters for whom the character writing is exceptional--for me, the stand-out ones are Nisaka Yuusuke and the two minor characters Yajima and Ichigo. Nisaka in particular has, in my personal opinion, one of the best written arcs I've ever seen for a side character. For both him and several other characters, their emotions and behavior feel realistic and more importantly, heart-wrenching and heart-warming.

The problem lies in the main pairing: Misaki and Nejima. Let me start by saying I LOVE ... romance fiction. I absolutely adore childhood friends to lovers as a trope. Yet right off the bat these two--who in this story are supposed to represent "true love", are stated to barely have interacted with each other besides a few words in the 7 or so years they've known each other previous to the start of the story. Which makes their extreme dedication to each other and relationship over all feel extremely unrealistic and contrived, even by "love at first sight" standards. They don't seem to share any interests and know next to nothing about each other. For a manga that's purportedly about questioning and examining the different kinds of love, you'd think this would be the perfect opportunity to turn this trope on its head, yet it seems to never really be critical of this important detail. Their very rare cute moments are overshadowed by constant, burdensome drama. And after 237 chapters, there has been next to no development between them beyond the first few chapters. Their arc is incredibly repetitive and drawn out, to the point of frustration and boredom. If it weren't for a few side characters, I would've dropped it early on.

Because Misaki and Nejima (as well as Lilina, whose writing is significantly better-paced) unfortunately make up the main pairing, the writing overall comes off overly drawn-out with drama that feels forced. There are also several scenes where a very dramatic event will pop up randomly for a single chapter or two for the sake of forcing characters to interact, never to be addressed again in the plot.

Although I really enjoyed a few side character's arcs and developments, I honestly can't say for sure if I'd recommend someone slogging through this many chapters purely for their sake. I would at least say maybe to wait until the manga is finished publishing because many of the story arcs are very long and I don't think I'd be able to sit through some of the more tedious arcs myself if I had to wait between chapters that largely repeat themselves.

Story: 6/10
Art: 7/10
Characters: 4/10 to 10/10 depending on the character lol
Enjoyment: 6/10
Overall: 6/10

This series is really something special. Not your typical yaoi or even just BL, it discards many of the usual tropes in favor of something more slice-of-life, realistic, and down-to-earth. While the first installation (Umibe no Etranger) was great as well, I found the plot a little rushed and would've liked to see the relationship and the characters get more developed and fleshed out: and that's where Harukaze comes in.

It manages to tackle difficult topics like depression, self-acceptance, loss, coming out, and societal homophobia, while also blending in some genuinely sweet and funny moments that balance it perfectly. Though there is always a slight undertone ... of melancholy just under the surface, there is light and hope in the little things that make life feel worth living.

The plot is also something I haven't seen addressed much in fiction, but is a reality for many LGBT people: reconciliation with formerly accepting and estranged family, and what's more, moving back in along with your same-gender partner to take care of them (a slight twist to an otherwise traditional occurrence). In terms of plot, there aren't a lot of huge, sudden developments, but rather, as is typical for slice-of-life, many things are small events over time that gradually build up our understanding of the characters and their relationships (and I say relationships, plural, because this sequel focuses a little more on other characters close to the main pairing).

Story: 10/10


The artwork has a really beautiful style, both for characters and the gorgeous backgrounds, and the character expressions are great. My only problem is that it runs a little far into "same-face" territory and there are certain scenes where I have to discern which character is which, but usually context makes this a non-issue.

Art: 9/10


One thing I love especially about this manga is that none of the characters nor their relationships with each other are perfect, but none of them are complete assholes, either. They feel like realistic people with real problems and complexes and good and bad traits that don't just exist for the sake of countering good traits. They change over time, in both good and bad ways. They lie about themselves, and sometimes we don't learn this until very later on. The story doesn't really seek to "fix" everyone and everything though, rather, it acknowledges that life isn't perfect and neither are people, but it's still worth holding on to them regardless. Although none of the characters are necessarily completely unique or stand-out, the way they contribute to the larger story works perfectly.

Characters: 10/10


Although there are a few sex scenes in it, it definitely isn't the focus and you don't have to be a big BL/yaoi fan to enjoy this. It's a great read for anyone who likes a good romance or slice-of-life story.

This has immediately become a favorite series of mine and I can't wait to see where else it goes. ^-^

Enjoyment: 10/10