Kakao 79%

The story of the bittersweet youth of two childhood friends. That premise is spare, and the series fills it with the small, specific moments of growing up: practice, classroom glances and the quiet distance that appears as two people change. The school setting is bright and sincere, and the friendship is the heart of every chapter.The strength is the tenderness. The leads' longing and hesitation are rendered with real care, and the full-colour art lends their everyday world a warm, expressive glow. Small gestures carry the emotional weight.The weaknesses are clear. The series was cancelled before its arc fully lands, leaving some threads open. The tennis backdrop is used more lightly than some readers may expect.Recommended for readers who enjoy gentle, bittersweet stories about the friendships of youth. Expect a warm but unfinished read.