I loved this anime, and not for its romance! Don't get me wrong the romantic aspect of this anime is amazing, and feels a lot more natural in comparison to its anime counterparts. Though I find the male lead to be a little boring, he isn't a douche, and he genuinely seems like a nice guy girls would swoon over.
I find friendships to be at the heart of why I love it! If this anime only dedicated just a few moments to Sawako, Chizuru, and Ayane I would find it boring, but it doesn't. I find the dynamic between them an integral part that carries throughout the series.