The sequel series to Citrus is something of a slow-burn compared to the original run, but Saburouta has lost none of their gut-wrenching ability in Citrus+. Our main characters, Yuzu and Mei, are openly dating now, but although they received their friends’ and family’s blessing at the end of Citrus, not everything is going smoothly for them in the opening volumes of Citrus+.

The sequel series takes a closer look at the friends surrounding our main characters, and their feelings in the wake of Yuzu and Mei coming out. With emotions running high and friendships teetering on the brink of destruction, Citrus+ proves there’s still more emotional chaos awaiting the Aihara sisters!

Taking a more serious tone than other manga on this list, How Do We Relationship? inspects the difficulties of dating as a same-sex couple, following college freshman Miwa in her first relationship with a girl. Mixing comedic beats with a serious tone, the opening volumes are a whirlwind of emotions, capturing the passion and excitement of a new relationship, the hesitancy and unknowns of the ‘first time’ between two lovers, and the fear of disapproval from friends.

How Do We Relationship? isn’t afraid of tackling the bigger, more difficult subjects, and with adult-aged characters, the series has the room to expand upon mature topics that some of the high-school-aged manga can’t focus on. And that spells emotional heartache for the reader, so come prepared for highs and lows alike!

Recently released in manga format, I’m in Love with the Villainess is an excellent adaptation of the light novel series by the same name. Office worker Rei lives a regular, boring life by herself, escaping the tedium of work life by playing otome visual novels. When Rei finds herself magically transported into her favorite game, she comes fully prepared with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the characters and world.

Rei has a very clear goal — ignore the game’s suggested male romance options, and shoot for the villainess herself! The cold-hearted villainess Claire makes it very clear she has no time for Rei, but still our protagonist persists with a hilarious dedication that offers no end of rom-com hijinks. As the story progresses, Rei and Claire’s relationship solidifies into something real, and together the two begin changing the game’s story — proving that nothing, certainly not love, can be scripted!

This off-beat yuri might seem more like a comedy to start with, but there’s a slow and painful (in the good way) romance beneath the surface. High-schooler Hime is narcissistic and shallow, with a carefully crafted persona of a gorgeous, angelic girl. She uses her sickeningly sweet charms to get her way, but she’s beginning to learn that her facade can do more harm than good.

After injuring the manager’s arm, Hime starts working at a yuri-themed maid cafe, where she must roleplay as a student of a fictional school. Here, she encounters an old friend with a grudge against her, and the sparks flying between them could spell disaster for the whole cafe! Yuri Is My Job! is an excellently paced series that knows just how to twist the emotional knife at the right moment and leave us on the edge of our seats!

Sometimes, mangaka have a story to tell that doesn’t need a multitude of volumes to deliver an impactful, emotional experience. After Hours is just three volumes long, but every page earns its place, telling a moving story of two young adults in the music scene of Tokyo. The backdrop to this mature romance takes a look at the high pressure, late nights, and constant lack of funds that face musicians and promoters in the local scene.

The age gap between main characters Emi and Kei further complicates matters, with each wanting something slightly different out of their life. Their passion and love is real, but they’re never quite on the same page — a much more realistic look at love and relationships than the fantasy we’re often shown. With Kei burning out of the promoter scene quickly, and Emi only just learning what it means to truly feel alive, the fire between them is an ebb and flow of heightened emotions.

If you’re looking for a short but incredibly memorable story that transcends the yuri relationship into something relatable to all couples, After Hours claims our number one spot for this list!