[m]To give an example,
recently I have played a Hanzo Hattori route in an otome game Nightshade and I thoroughly enjoyed it for several reasons:

Basic

• The MC wasn't stupid and tried to solve things to the best of her capabilities, while also realising her limits
• The male lead even if he was protective of the MC still helped her improve and get stronger on her own
• Their relationship progressed slowly and mutualy aka no love at first sight
• The MC also helped the male lead deal with his inner turmoil and problems without making extremely stupid decisions which lead to dissasterous consequences
• There was noticable character growth on both sides

Own preferences

• Stoic/straight to the point male/female lead who doesn't come off as rude but rather practical and honest
• Shy Male lead
• Slow-burn romance
• The main point isn't the romance itself
• Good art

I guess a manga that fits this description would be Chang Ge Xing (another one of my faves)

Another manga with romance I enjoyed

• Sarashi Asobi
• Mousou telepathy
• Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
• Futari no Renai Shoka
• Taiyou no Ie

Been a while since I read it, but Cat Street might be something you want to check out!

Kare Kano