6.5/10 I think the way this manga set up the nuances of first loves, whether to let go or to keep going with the present, who loves you and who will love you, and everything in between was wonderfully done. I like that they did show that Hikaru's marriage to Harutaka was not one of love, but one of circumstance. The moment Hana is brought back into the picture, you can really see how her longing and passion for life really come back to her. I also enjoy that not everything is spoon fed to the reader. The mangaka treats the reader with a sense ofintelligence that we will understand what is happening underneath the surface. Hikaru is written with a lot of consideration and depth given the hard choices she has to make once Hana comes back.

My main complaint comes with pacing and how Hana is written.

Pacing: I usually like to give the benefit of the doubt because there are a lot of factors, especially with yuri mangas, that could interfere with pacing. Even with that in mind, the second half of the manga really felt rushed. The jump in events between chapter 9 and chapter 10 felt stark and confusing - though at first I thought that was the point because really, she did make this decision on the whim once she realized there was a chance.

Hana: Hana feels like there is more to her that would have been great to see. We know she's divorced, that she has also paid attention to Hikaru in the same way, but that's it. I wish there was more to her character, more we could identify her with as her own person outside of Hikaru. To me, I feel like I don't really know why Hikaru likes her as much as she does. Yes she's special- but how? why? what makes her special in the eyes of Hikaru?

Overall I would say this was a rather decent read. I didn't dislike it at all - in fact I liked it so much I'm saying there should be more things included! I do think if you are someone who wants something wrapped up in a nice neat bow, this is not for you. If you like more messy, complicated, and open story then please give this one a shot!