Is it worth being nice if no one gives you the benefit of the doubt?

I enjoy seeing a different female lead from the spineless ones often in shoujo. SO REFRESHING! Maria is super blunt and perceptive, which tends to rub people the wrong way. Except for the male leads in the love triangle we got brewing. 

It’s refreshing that Maria already exhibits growth. You can tell the truth and have tact at the same time. A message many people could learn!

The artwork works well, and there are some shots of Maria that look especially pretty. The fish lips and deadpan looks are also comical when things go cartoony.

I know this series spanned multiple volumes, so I’m interested in seeing where it goes. I’m not sure if there’s enough hook here to keep me reading, but I’m here for volume two, at least. I think this was a very strong opening, and, as much as I make fun of them, I see the appeal of both the leads with Maria. But usually the black-haired ones always win (this only gets negated if the black-haired one is a childhood best friend lol).