I'm looking for a manga or anime that involves romance, either as the focus or even a side plot, where the characters get together early in the series and we get to see them as a couple. I'd like them to have good communication skills, rather than blushing, stammering, misunderstandings (clearly I've been reading too much shoujo) etc. I'd love to find something where the characters actual discuss or have sex (not necessarily looking for smut here. just think Mars or Horimiya).

Honestly, I'm open to anything with regards to plot as long as the above is in there somewhere and I don't mind same sex pairings either so feel free to rec those as well.

Thanks

Sorry if you have lists; didn't look at them.

Cheese in the Trap
The couple development is really good and interesting. I don't want to say more to spoil though because everything I try to think of to inform you on this webtoon makes me think "spoiler." It's against the rules to say where to read it but hit me up PM if you want to know or if you can't figure it out. It's not that hard though.

Kare Kano
A great classic with a tone that few mangas have been able to recreate. Good couples and character development. I wouldn't be surprised if you've read it (since you've read Mars).

Bokura no Kiseki
Kind of but not really because the romance is more subplot. The plot itself is something to behold though. I recommend the manga itself.

Bread & Butter
I can't say much because it's basically what you're looking for. It's a nice easy going manga. Quite relaxing like comfort food.

Spicy Pink
Couple development it there. Two grown ups decide to just see each other and they grow closer with each chapter. Romances are bound to have some misunderstandings but it's not a bad story.

Bakuman
Shounen manga but the romance is a huge side plot yet it remains quite relevant to the story. Not sure if it's your thing but it is early. It is an interesting read though

Shuukatsu!! - Kimi ni Naitei
College campus romance. You may not like it though...because of the content and the way it is written, it is a josei but it has shoujo tendencies.

Tada, Kimi o Aishiteru
Also a college campus romance (same mangaka). Not exactly what you are looking for but the communication is pretty good imo.

Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan
This may make you cry or at least you'll have something in your eyes. Communication skills yes but it's a tragedy....

Natsu no Zenjitsu
I'm not up to date on this manga but from what I remember, there is development and intimacy but not sure about the communications. It's seinen though so to cater to that audience, there shouldn't be any shoujo cliches (the story is fuzzy for me).

If you noticed, Josei is what most of these mangas are categorized under. It's easier to just look through my list of Josei for what you want than under shoujo. It's hard to find mangas where couple development occurs early without the annoying misunderstandings, blushes and such....

I'm not a huge reader of same sex mangas either so I can't think of any at the top of my head with a tone like Mars. I'll leave it up to someone else

Last edited by mysstris at 1:47 am, Jul 28 2015

14-sai no Koi - The main characters are a couple since the first chapter and talk things out a lot

Fujiyama-san wa Shishunki - Again a couple since the first chapter, and they are quite understanding of each other feelings, it feels really natural

Love Roma - Couple from almost the start, and they talk a lot as well

Bonnouji - This is probably what fits your request better, plus the main characters are adults

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My current top 3:
Fullmetal Alchemist
Pandora Hearts
3-gatsu no Lion

Thanks guys! Some of these I've read, and actually I've had Natsu no Zenjitsu on my wish list since 2011 so that works out well (which makes me think I should go through my wish list >.>). I think I started Cheese in the Trap once and dropped it, I'll have to give it a second try.