Mm... So I want romance, but I want to read something with a more down-to-earth vibe? Sort of gradual and, uh, pragmatic(?) in sensibility. A slow and steady burn, if that makes sense.

I don't want any of the dramatic confessions or grand gestures in the name of Love or the sparkly backgrounds. And none of that "love at first sight" stuff, please.

And if you could please check my lists before recommending anything. (:

Thanks thanks thanks.

Hmm, I can recommend Oboreru Knife, or Orange

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Kinda want to say Maison Ikkoku. Sort of love at first sight for the guy, but not the girl and he sorta wears her down, lol. But yeah the relationship develops over a long time. The chick's kind of pragmatic too. It's a comedy though so I don't know how "downtempo" that is...

@.Chi-chan I love both those series, but what I'm looking for is more understated? I mean, Oboreru Knife can be unexpectedly low-key sometimes but it still has that sense of drama that perforates the narrative. And it was love at first sight, if I remember correctly. But thanks though. ^^

@jedinat I'd been meaning to read that, actually. And they have it at my library, so that's perfect. Thanks a lot! And I meant downtempo in terms of the romance, so comedy is totally fine as long as it's not like, a gag manga.

Bonnouji is one of my favorite slice-of-life romances. follows ordinary adults and their quirky relationships.very endearing.
Story of Someone We Know quiet, subtle, and has some good life lessons.
Ties of Compassion thoughtful, slice-of-life story following high school students. very different from most school life mangas/manhwas in that it's really relatable. also one of the funniest manhwas i've read. the romance hasn't kicked in yet, but since it's filed under that genre, it should show up sometime soon.

i'm also on the search good quality slice-of-life/ordinary romances, or mangas that have a solid romantic subplot, it's a shame they're so hard to find. hope this helped!