When I read this story as a webcomic 10 years ago, I absolutely loved it. It's perfect for that kind of story that gradually comes out every week/month. These characters' daily life are part of your daily life and you grow with them.
As a published graphic novel that you probably read in one sitting, it doesn't quite work. It misses plot to keep it interesting. The boys story is sweet but you really get to see the cuteness of it as they grow and in this first volume we don't quite get there.
I hope we'll still get to see the next volumes being published though!