... But it doesnt fulfill whats announced till the end. The yuri romance never happens, and the parting in the end just leaves a bitter taste to the story as, while i dont really like the homossexual thematic, the friendship-love created by the bond between both was beatiful.
I think the author likes to leave thing understanded but not explicit. Since the start it was aparent that the romance would keep platonic, and indeed it did. Probably not because they didnt love each other but possibly both were too afraid breaking the barrier. Ran effectively, physically loved Keiko, as it was show in countless pages like the dream, but aparently she couldnt just admit that. Keiko on the other side, needed less a physical relationship than an emotional partner as she was had a troubled past (which was never cleared, i still dont know what Keiko hated about her mother). In the end, i think Keiko loved Ran but not like a couple. It was a love between 2 friends, and i think that was the reason why they never managed to take the next step.
Now, the most emblematic scene that i think defined how their love would remain platonic was when Keiko was playing with a kid and having fun. Ran saw it and was saddened and she should have understanded Keiko had dreams that could never filled by a relationship between both. At that point i was almost sure they wouldnt get together, and i wasnt surprised in the end.
But the travel kind of endind, forced separation, imo its a bitter taste ending, and i hate it.