For males or females who can recall either being the object of the desire or being the desirer in a relationship.

The couple in this J romance have a lot to overcome before they open up to each other.
The female is an introverted bookworm who would rather lose herself in the printed page than anything else and this means relationships as well. The ML, in a tired and sensitive time at school, steals a kiss. This tiny action has a lasting impression on him and so 10 years later, when he returns to Japan, he contrives a chance meeting and pursues her. The timing of this encounter is perfect because the Fl need somewhere to live that will contain her many books.

Once they are living together he tentatively but relentlessly puts into action all the supportive, sweet romantic gestures he can without scaring her away, The Fl comes to like and expect these offerings and so their intimacy progresses,

What I liked was the ML straightforwardness. He also knows how to play the push pull game to get the Fl to initiate more. The Fl keeps believing her past trope of only needing books until she starts to realise she also needs him.

What stood out for me was the consistency of the ML's pursuit. At first I thought it was too one sided but as their relationship develops the Fl surprises herself with her awakened lust and jealousy.

There is a lot of fantasy and skinship all done in a soft dreamy way. Gentle but still far and away better than the K drama and C drama efforts that pass for romance.
Entertaining reminder of young love in it's first passion.