I like how this age gap was handled. The younger party is the one who is pursuing, leading, while the older one looks confused and, ultimately, swept into it by the determination, and even some slyness on the part of the high school student. Such dynamics basically circumvent all the stereotypical issues with age gap relationships when one party is still rather young, like power dynamics, consent, and such. Not only is the adult here in no position of authority over the adolescent (like a teacher would be, for example), but the adolescent is actually the one doing all the romantic pursuing.
In fact, I like this particular approach to the point that Andou's slightly stalkerish (case in point, her seeking out Machi at her workplace, after the latter decided on ignoring Andou's messages as a course of action, and even going as far as intimately touching her; now, it is obvious Machi does not mind, but still, that is her workplace, and the two of them met previously a grand total of two times) and sly (when she managed to get Machi to stop her at the end, at least, my interpretation is that it was a calculated risk on Andou's part) actions do not seem reproachable.
All of this is then made even more appealing, at least for me, by the fact this piece manages to pull it off, while having quite a large age gap. Andou is 16, while Machi is a full adult through and through. Her marriage lasted for 17 years, and considering the minimal age required to marry in Japan is 16, she is 33,at minimum, and it stands to reason she did not get married immediately after turning 16, probably waiting until after high school, at the very least. So, she could be anywhere above 34, 35, and bellow 50 (because even with manga looks, I doubt she could be older than that, or even that old, to be honest; if I had to guess, I would go for the 35-45 window).
Also, I liked how Machi gave some early signs she could swing that way, so to speak, when she admired Andou's looks, in particular, her legs, after their meeting, concluding that the day was miserable, but she at least got to see something nice. Granted, it was a minor detail, that Machi in all probability did not think more seriously than as a passing comment, but still, it was neat. Added to that is the fact she did not angst in the slightest over Andou being a girl, but her main points of concern were the stability and longevity of a possible relationship between them, due to their difference in age, not the fact they are of the same gender.
I also wonder how much time passed between the entrance ceremony and Shou taking Andou home to see his mother. I first thought it was that same day, which made me slightly roll my eyes at the "love at first sight", but then I realised it could have been weeks, or even months later, which would be more believable. Initial infatuation that got to grow in the meantime, by Andou thinking and fantasizing about Machi.
I liked the son as well. That must be one of the most easy-going and supportive family members I ever saw in a yuri manga.
last edited at Jun 7, 2016 5:06AM
