I did not think I'd be excited to read a slice of life manga featuring an ex-actor, art students, a real estate agent, new parents, and an author, but here we are. I finished volume 3 of Hirayasumi much faster than I thought I would and am already looking forward to the fourth volume. We learn a bit more about the author, who seems to be a weird addition to the cast, and I appreciate how there's a perfectly good depiction of what would drive one to live a minimalist lifestyle. Once again it's a perfectly good example of storytelling in manga that's wholesome enough to be read by multiple demographics.

In this third volume, Keigo Shizo continues to show many of the strengths of the series, such as his deft touch with both art (especially messy, crowded environments) and emotional subtlety in story structure, but this volume has introduced some new directions, including elements that I feel are weakening the series.

Two new subplots are introduced involving secondary characters and moving the plot away from the core of Hiroto and Natsumi. To avoid spoilers, I will only say that I thought both new subplots seemed more conventional and less in keeping with the spirit of the series so far. Relatedly, this volume seems to be concentrating on introducing new characters rather than deepening the established ones, with the possible exception of Yomogi, who we get to see an all new side of in her working environment.

Nothing has unmade this story yet, and it’s still quite good, but it is yet to be seen if it remains true to itself.

I can say with a lot of confidence that this series is definitely a comfort series for me.

In this current volume, colder months are creeping in as Natsumi navigates being a first time manga artist in a small publication, Hideki adjusts to being a new father, Yomogi helps a shy writer find a new apartment.

I absolutely love the slower pace of this manga and the fact that I'm reading this volume as my own season begrudgingly heads into fall. I cannot wait for the next volume!

I enjoyed this third volume, but it does feel like the story has slowed down a bit, which it wasn't particularly quick paced to begin with. I'm interested by the introduction of a possible love rival for one of our main characters, and in seeing our other main character trying to figure out what exacting liking someone is for her. I'm hoping for a possible queer storyline, whether it be sapphic or ace. I do love every time we get a flashback of Granny and hope to keep seeing memories of her in future volumes.