Yotabanashi generally carries a negative connotation, but it could be neutral as well. Whether it is describing a meritless gossip, a far-fetched story, or a trivial anecdote depends entirely on context. And depending on your perspective, Telework Yotabanashi could be all three of those things.
The story is narrated by future Nokoru, reminiscing on what is perhaps the turning point of his life. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when his company started a work from home scheme that led him to meeting Natsu, his archaeology post-grad neighbour. To say that he has low self-esteem and lives a mundane life before their fated encounter would be an understatement. He was conventionally unattractive and was never hit on, he works at a terrible company at a job that drains him. Over the 20 chapters, Natsu aggressively makes advances towards Nokoru and pulls him out of that life.
I won’t claim that the romance and dialogue between Natsu and Nokoru is authentically Japanese, but even if it is not, it is at least honest. Things occasionally do get awkward, and as with all things miscommunication do happen, but they are always sincere and frank towards each other and untangle every situation as the adults they are. I think what I want to say is that they display emotional maturity, which cannot be said about a majority of romance manga out there.
This emotional maturity is supported by the author’s amazing art. Especially the facial expressions of the characters, which are diverse and subtle yet vivid.
The manga could have gone on a lot longer, talking about their adventures around the world in detail. But, as Nokoru said, this was nothing but a yotabanashi. He had a story in mind he wanted to tell, and while it might be trivial, it might not interest you, it might seem implausible, but this is the story of how he met his wife.
