Even Though We're Adults - Böcker

FROM THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED CREATOR OF SWEET BLUE FLOWERS AND WANDERING SON.Ever since Ayano and Akari became neighbors, the two women have tried to put aside their romantic feelings for each other. But their attempts at playing it cool might have been a little too successful, as now Akari is becoming friends with Ayano’s husband and his family! As they spend more time together, Akari realizes that she can’t think of Ayano as just a friend, and Ayano is forced to think about her future.

Ayano, an elementary school teacher in her thirties, stops by a bar one day and meets another woman named Shuri. Sparks fly as the two chat, and before the night is over, Ayano even goes in for a kiss. Shuri is intrigued but confused…especially when she discovers that Ayano has a husband! Both Ayano and Shuri are about to find out that love doesn’t get any easier, even as you grow older.

It’s finally time: Ayano tells her parents that she has left Wataru and has fallen for someone else. And that someone is a woman. When the news breaks, Wataru finally gives up on trying to make things work, which means the wall between Ayano and Akari’s love has now been knocked down. Meanwhile, Eri struggles with her feelings for a married man. Is there a way out of this labyrinth for anyone?

Is it worth making everyone else miserable just so we can be happy? Even as they wrestle with this question, Ayano and Akari decide to move in together. Their new life together sustains Ayano after salacious rumors chased her out of her last teaching job. Meanwhile, Wataru is left hurting in the wake of the divorce and Eri struggles with an adulterous love of her own.

The new term comes, and Ayano starts work at her new school while Akari relishes the joy of living with her. They can’t escape their guilty feelings, but their relationship moves forward nevertheless. Meanwhile, Eri is wrestling with her adulterous love for Morita when she gets a call from Morita’s wife!