This was an example of a series that is still a great read, even two decades later. The story centers around Kei and Niko similar to that of the found family trope, or family of choice. Watching over their relationship throughout the course was incredible. Even watching over Kei’s romantic relationships throughout the series was enjoyable, which I initially doubted the experience would be anything but. It has realistic elements imbedded into it that are fun and heartbreaking at times.
Kei’s struggles as a temporary legal guardian are presented throughout the story as certain limitations are imposed on her that prevent her from fully adopting Niko. Thus she has to obtain certain permissions from Niko’s mother as has neither the full custodial rights. Niko’s own struggle is with her own identity, or lack of ability to acknowledge her parentage, through her distant, yet neglectful mother. This explains Niko’s strong attachment and desire to stay with Kei throughout the series.
My only complaint with this manga is that I I felt like it ended prematurely. I felt like there was a chapter or three that could have wrapped it up better, but the ending itself isn’t bad. That, or I just simply enjoyed myself too much to be ready to let it go.
The last two and most important loose ends are tied up, but it also leaves the consequences and possible repercussions of another one open, but is left forgotten as the story itself wrapped up. I was a bit disappointed by the last choice in the manga, which was one of the most central issues throughout the story - the issue of
adoption.
I felt like the ending was essentially leading up to that particular point, yet it decided not to at the end, for reasons not explicitly explained. I felt like a critical piece of dialogue was missing to explain this decision, but nonetheless the story wraps up on an otherwise good note.