"I, Like, Love, Um, You, and Stuff" by Jaryuu Dokoro is pretty much the only longform manga by the author that I've read besides their ground-breaking (heart-stopping) tale 'Endless World.' Endless, unlike this manga here, is about mourning, coming of age, sex, and drug abuse. I was surprised to learn that Jaryuu Dokuro could play the opposite to this so naturally.
Here's the gist of the story: Oono, a member of the so-called "Public Morals" brigade--think the inquisitors that ran amok in JK Rowling's 'Order of the Phoenix'--is revealed to be rather in love with Takeuchi, who's the closest thing to a gangster on campus. However, despite this complicated social situation, their hearts are clear and pure, and the affection and intimacy that they grow between them (with a little help from their female friends) proves that no matter their sexual orientation, age, or public personality, all lovers truly are the salt of this earth.
EVERYTHING in 'Love You and Stuff' was pure sugar and fluff, the good kind, not the cloying or brainless. Art included. Storywise, there are seriously tender moments between our two teenage lovers as well as between their friends (a hint of a kickass lesbian couple? Yes, please!). The whole tone, in fact, of this manga sums up as this: lightness of heart. Or, if I had to say it in other words, a tender state of being where emotions are freely and uncomplicatedly displayed, whether they are banal or romantical. If Jaryuu wanted us to relax for a bit while reading this work, they absolutely succeeded.
Also, on a side note, I think, personally, Jaryuu also managed to get me to laugh and smile, showing a deft hand at an allegory-like style of comedy, a genre where so many writers, artists, comedians struggle and often fail. The last chapter absolutely stunned me with its strivings for a different style of storytelling, one that emphasizes boldness and brevity. Kudos.