MANGA REVIEW | "How Do We Relationship?" - Volume Thirteen
How Do We Relationship? is starting to wind down. And despite it coming close to the end, we are nowhere near figuring out the answer to the question the title poses. But as we both read about and experience relationships, the more one should realize that there’s no right answer to that question. But man, are there a hell of a lot of wrong answers to it!
But I digress. We’re here to talk about the thirteenth volume of How Do We Relationship?, and where its final chapters may be taking us. Miwa and Tamaki have broken up, and now Saeko and Yuria’s relationship is coming to an end. Unlike Miwa and Tamaki’s, it’s not as messy of a breakup, as the two have come to a better understanding as to what they need in life. And while Yuria has a goal in mind, Saeko lacks a solid future for herself.
Now in her third year of college, the time to start job hunting begins for Saeko. And her search starts off on a strange foot, as a hair stylist-in-training convinces Saeko to give her a cut and color. The end result even takes Saeko’s mother by surprise, but it’s not exactly bad. In fact, the stylist student manages to introduce Saeko to her group of (mostly) lesbian friends, which allows the third-year to mingle and find some purpose.
However, it’s returning to Miwa where Saeko finds her grounding once again. Even though the two of them should absolutely be on the job hunt, there’s something aching deep inside that makes them want to just put that responsibility on the back burner. After a night drinking with their band friends, a decision is made: forget going home and doing adult things. It’s adventure time!
Hitting the beach, relaxing at a B&B, and enjoying some ramen are just the things Miwa and Saeko need. However, when night falls, it’s clear the two need something else: a bit of intimacy. While Saeko is all about having a little romp, Miwa’s insecurities continue to get in the way. So a compromise is made: they’ll take baby steps when it comes to that. A little hugging, a kiss on the forehead, maybe a little something something…
Yet despite this form of intimacy, they’re not dating. Well, that’s what Saeko says at first, but there’s something really brewing again between her and Miwa. Is it a rekindling of love, or is it just a way to blow off steam after dealing with a breakup? Miwa doesn’t exactly know, but Saeko — despite her rejecting the very idea — seems on the fence. After all, the last time they dated, it ended in a heartache that no person should ever experience more than once.
Honestly, I wouldn’t be too surprised if How Do We Relationship? ends with Miwa and Saeko getting back together. Heck, every volume of this series ends with a commentary between the two of them, as they reflect on the actions that happened. It’s clear that they’re still close when this occurs, so perhaps they’re dating one another again. Or they’re just very close friends with separate relationship lives.
Whatever the case, we’ll know soon enough how Tamifull’s manga will conclude. But right now, How Do We Relationship? wraps up its thirteenth volume with conflicting thoughts and feelings. Just how will it all wrap up? Is happiness in the future for both, and is it with each other? However it decides to end, one cannot complain about how fascinating and relatable this series has been.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
