True to form, Slice of Life doesn't offer anything more than a contemporary, conventional background aka high school, and as a Yuri story, it's an all girls' high school. Surprisingly, Yuzu still gets away with her brash actions, yet the snappy pacing makes up for it, along with the consequences they bring, be it in the relationship or school department. Outside the main conflict of the couple forming up and emotionally bond with each other, the catalysts for that are villain arcs, where a new girl is introduced, offers competition for Yuzu's attention away from Mei as Yuzu contemplates Mei's emotionally intense, but sparse interactions.
Aside from Matsuri, who is the edgiest element in the entire manga in a good way, the other villains aren't compelling enough, their arcs are rather short and not to mention that later on, the conflicts are literally resolved by talking and just putting the brakes on the drama, because it is artificial in essence. However, the good thing coming from that is reaffirming the strength of Yuzu's love for Mei and vice versa. While Mei is more of a supportive role, given an enigmatic presence, as introverts are seen as puzzles in romantic relationships, her actions are intense, yet scarce, spaced out so they give a much a greater meaning to her character with minimal panels and lines. Over time you feel her progressing as a more open, emotive person, someone who is accepting Yuzu's outlooks on life, seeing how earnestness and emotional investment do not contradict her goals, nor do they exist solely to hurt wherever she is vulnerable. She starts taking on her own calculated risks instead, seeking to test Yuzu's resolve, while proving hers for herself.
The manga's presentation isn't anything amazing, but very functional for its story. Yuzu's garish looks ala gyaru is always shown with enough detail for you to recognize it. And each background has its own feeling, you can follow the character's daily activities through their locations and not feel lost. And the biggest highlight of the mangaka's artistic skill are Mei's detailed expressions, they manage to truly "show, don't tell" what Mei is experiencing in her moments of emotive epiphany and climax. Whether pissed, confrontational, determined, shocked or accepting empathy, you can tell what it is through her eyes and expression, what is going on through her head. Which is paramount for a story about dragging an introvert out of their shell with few words.
The juicy scenes are more like teasers, affirmations that the bond between out couple is getting stronger and stronger with each trial they are faced with. At the start, they feel creepy, as intended, but that's just to start and serve as a base for something that blossoms over time. I like how the drama is handled, Yuzu and Mei feel like three dimensional characters, who exist both outside their relationship and school, they have their own unique thoughts, expressions and actions to keep them distinctive and contrasting to each other. I can tell what kind of people they are and that impression never falls out of line while reading.
The biggest drawback I see right now is that the author is running out of ideas. The villains become less and less relevant each time, while our duo seem to get more focus on their own terms, which can also show their progression as people. I wouldn't mind this finishing after a few more chapters, there doesn't feel like there's more inspiration to explore what other dramatic venues could exist.
Hence why I give credit to Mei and Yuzu being compelling enough to make this a rather easy read. It's fun, but nothing truly impressive or amazing. And as a Yuri manga that stays true to its characters, that is quite the achievement, making it successful. As a romantic drama, it's just one done right, but in a fleeting sense, showing that it's running drier and drier as it goes on. There isn't really that much in terms substance, despite the competent presentation.
