Whoever directed this, needs a raise! I'm not sure why but something's different about the tone of this drama compared to all jdramas I've watched. It's somehow beautifully shot but I can't really point out how because I'm not an expert regarding cinematography. They do use a variety camera cuts and positioning that sets this a level higher than your usual romantic jdrama.
The main lead actors were so convincing too! Their characters were carefully made and nothing the characters did felt too far from who they are. The supporting actors were not too far in terms of performance. My least favorite being the young coffee guy but even he brought charm to his character. The supporting actors playing the immediate family members of the leads were pretty good too.
For the story, I think it comes with a person's personal taste but I mean no story is in danger when the characters are well-aligned.
This jdrama is at a high place in my list of jdramas I would recommend first timers and just anyone else.
Edit: just found out that the screenplay writer for this is the same as the one for Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo aka Itazura no Kiss which is really well-paced too for an adaptation of a messy-paced manga