My first impression was that nothing really seemed earned in this story. Within the first 30 pages, the motherly FL is already nursing the ML and treating him to some porridge like an otaku dreaming of a harem of a dozen pretty girls treating him like a king. Beautiful flawless straight A student who just so happens to be ML's neighbor and just so happens to hook up with him after he gives her his umbrella? The manga to me initially made use of cliche's and there's not much character motivation on behalf of the FL other than the old trope of "because you were kind to me". Despite the rather wooden set-up, the actual story itself as it progresses I found to be very captivating.
Eventually it's found out that the FL is not the one-dimensional cutout for your dream girlfriend, but has some sass and a barrier put up protecting from prior hurt
I wish it were more subtle, but the inner monologue from the ML commentating over everything ruined the surprise and practically spelled it out for us
. She's a big critic of the ML, too. In a way, I'm reminded of Shinku from Rozen Maiden minus the unneeded violence. Also, the ML's characterization thankfully avoids being the ever-so common sniveling near-talentless kissup that will take any opportunity to get with a girl and whose colorful inner dialogue gives the impression that he's being visited by a goddess whenever he is with the FL. On the other hand, he's also not the other ever-so common clueless type that spends 3 volumes not taking any hints and continues wondering if the FL likes him back. The response on page 77 of volume 1 "I might get the mistaken impression that you like me or something" was rather amusing for me. The ML is just a laid-back fellow and very down-to-earth.
I found myself enjoying the manga the more I read it. The characterization of the two leads is a breath of fresh air and a needed break from the more typical romantic pairings seen in other works of fiction. They also actively suppress any feelings they develop for each other, interestingly.
the drama and suspense in volume 2 during the time the ML tried to hide the FL from his mother and when the supporting characters finally discovered that the FL was the ML's neighbor, thus blowing his cover, had me glued to the pages!
The chemistry between the ML and the supporting character adds for a nice humorous inbetweener separating the reader from interactions concerning the ML and FL that progress the story. It's quite formulaic, too, so it proves predictable.
Also, loved the Pokemon reference on page 171 of volume 1.