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(The current L29 rating seems a bit high to me, and I'd say this is closer to L27)
This turned out to be pretty good - a lot more mature, moderate and tasteful than I was expecting, despite the age gap (the characters are 16 & 22 at the start, 17 & 23 at the end). The book switches between the two character's perspectives, each chapter, really effectively. I was expecting a lot more cheap romantic humor, accidental ecchi situations, etc. There were parts where it got more descriptive about food or shopping than I cared for (I skimmed those).
The systemic consequences of being a teenage runaway are never really brought up… but the emotional/psychological side of that is definitely reflected. A lot of the story is really kind of a coming of age story, and about these 2 characters living together. The romantic development is pretty subtle until towards the end (I think one of the characters may be on the asexual spectrum). It was nice seeing the younger character mature and become more settled, and watching the older character help her build a home for herself.
The few other age gap stories and side characters I’ve read have generally had some sort of a weird, creepy, or “this is really off” vibe to them… While I won’t say I was never uncomfortable, overall the book had a wholesome vibe to it. Definitely going to keep reading the series!!