How do we relationship? It’s the question Tamifull’s yuri series plasters on the front cover of every volume. And to be honest, it’s a question that doesn’t have a real answer to it. After all, every relationship is different, so there’s no clear path towards a perfect romantic life. And yet, throughout its fourteen-volume run, How Do We Relationship? has brought not answers, but rather a plethora of relatable situations throughout its story.

But all stories have to end, and in its fourteenth and final volume, How Do We Relationship? goes to great lengths to show how Miwa, Saeko, and the rest of the characters have changed. Most importantly, we finally see where destiny takes our two leads. Will they reunite and be a couple again, or will life push them onto different paths, forcing them into being nothing more than just friends? Tamifull reveals all, and in a way that feels satisfactory.

Most of the last volume is about the future. Not only is it focused on the romantic side of things, but also in what is one of the scariest experiences everyone will have to partake in: the job hunt. One by one, Miwa, Saeko, and the rest march onwards to find their next career path, as they will soon bid goodbye to college life. How both Miwa and Saeko deal with one rejection after another is very down-to-earth, with their reactions and thought processes matching with just about anyone who has experienced this part of life.

It all leads towards Miwa and Saeko finally being honest with their feelings for one another. The road may be rocky towards their true answers, and it’s not because of all of the sex they have. Nay, they have their own fears and doubts to deal with. After all, they’ve been a couple before, and the first time didn’t end so well. So naturally, Saeko fears that if they date again, they’ll face the same thing somewhere down the line.

This is when How Do We Relationship? treats the readers to a story about how Miwa’s parents met. While it doesn’t give a true answer to finding eternal love, it does show that even if there’s uncertainty, it’s worth diving into a relationship if it means being happy for a very, very long time. As such, it gives Miwa the confidence to try dating Saeko again, even if she’s still a bit reluctant. But as the story slowly wraps up, our two leads realize how much it’s worth roughing the terrain that is a romantic relationship.

One thing that I really appreciate about the ending is how grounded it is. Some things work out, like getting a job or finding success in a band you started in college. But there are also things that don’t work out, such as getting approved for an apartment with your “friend”. And then, the manga concludes with a ten-year jump, with Miwa and Saeko still together, but not married.

Tamifull said that if gay marriage was legalized in Japan by the time they finished How Do We Relationship?, then the story would’ve ended with Miwa and Saeko getting hitched. But right now, that’s not the case. While some parts of Japan recognize common-law same-sex marriages and some benefits, legal marriage for gay and lesbian couples still isn’t around. Even though I am hopeful that those in the Japanese LGBTQ+ community will have their weddings one day, I do know that the road towards that has yet to find its proper final destination.

Nevertheless, even without a fairy tale wedding to conclude it, How Do We Relationship? was a strong story about love, heartache, and getting through the good and bad parts of life in general. Even if it is an LGBTQ+ story, any person of any gender or sexual orientation can read it and find something relatable to it. Not all of the manga is perfect, and there are some behaviors from Saeko and Miwa that will have you raising an eyebrow. However, in the end, Tamifull delivered a great, grounded story that will leave any reader satisfied by the journey it gave them.

Just how do we relationship? If I knew the answer, then I’m certain the world would be a much happier place.

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.