☆

I hope this is what you're looking for. Even if it's not, it's still a great read. https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/goodbye_lilac/

unfortunately, it wasn’t that one :( but ty for the rec, i’ll def check it out!!

I read this years ago and didn't even finish it, but your description kind of reminded me of it, so is it this perhaps?:

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/mr_snail/

OMG YES TYSM!!!!

I hope you like it.

My most fav stories: https://www.mangago.zone/home/mangalist/2806894/

yay a whole list!! tysm i’ll def check them out :)

Honestly im not sure how high your standards are, but for me, a good story has well developed characters, an okay plot, (doesnt have to be incredible but in the very least- not recycled) good art, and the most important thing, when the story used literary techniques. Such as circullar structures, parralell narratives etc.
Now here are some of my recs where ive seen all the above being applied in some way:

First and for most, if you havent yet read Blue Lock GO READ IT!!! Ignore the fans, focus on the meaning of the plot and the lessons we can learn from it.

Now for more niche recs:

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/to_my_many_obnoxious_personalities/
This one is brilliant and truly underrated. The art is delicious, the characters are realistic. What makes this stand out is definitely the story and the real world historical application. Only problem is that no one is bothered to pick this up which truly is such a shame.

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/i_don_t_want_to_be_a_magpie_bridge/
Best thing about this story are the characters. Just everything about them is so well thought out. Their dynamics are cute and so are their interactions.

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/the_guidebook_for_villainesses/
I like this one. Sure its cliche but one thing i like is that there are no unnecessary chapters. It has a perfect balance of story progression and humour. The art is good and the author at least attempted to provide a reason to help cover some obvious plot holes, unlike some stories.
I feel like for this, you kinda have to analyse it a bit more to understand and appreciate the authors efforts.

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/oh_dear_nemesis/
Didnt have high hopes for this one but it turned out to be decent. I think i liked it because of the fl, who was written fantastically. Her growth was really good and the art is ok. I also liked how it was more political. This was definitely a story where it was more plot focused rather than romance. I would reccomend reading some of the chapters of webtoon with the ads bc the tl here is so ahh.

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/potion_witch/
This one is another underrated and overhated manhwa. One thing i like about manhwas like these are that it quickly eliminated the readers with zero braincells with how ‘boring’ it is. Another work where you kinda have to analyse to comprehend its brilliance. Also updates are pretty consistent.

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/muse_on_fame/
Pretty popular but imo not popular enough. Its best described as melancholic. It also uses all of the criterias i mentioned.

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/foam_of_the_sea/
Same with this but this has a more happier ending ^^

Here are some more mainstream recs:

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/secret_lady/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/a_stepmother_s_m_rchen/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/kill_the_villainess/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/i_think_i_have_transmigrated_somewhere/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/my_deepest_secret/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/free_in_dreams/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/the_world_s_best_engineer/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/a_sense_of_amusement/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/how_to_survive_as_a_maid_in_a_horror_game/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/pyramid_game/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/preference_for_the_possessor/

https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/i_raised_a_black_dragon/

I could go on but here are the ones that just came to mind. I hope you can at least find one that is to your taste!

this is so detailed and helpful and i already see a few that i love, so i know this will be great for me! thank u SOOO much!!!!!

Im glad you find it useful :)

AHHHHHHHH Sangyang:The Wanderer. I don’t even know where to start why I love it so much I want an ultimate masterpiece. art is gorgeous. It might not be for everyone, but that’s what drew me in even more to the story the Gothic art style really does go well with the storyline. I’ve never read anything like it before. All the characters are well written, including female characters like they are actually well written and complex, which is not very common in BL they’re usually one dimensional and simply there to snatch someone’s man but no in this story, even the female villain are interesting and even though we’re not supposed to like her, You generally enjoy, her character like she’s funny, manipulative well calculated and always one step ahead. The chemistry and tension between the two leads is also really good like they’re always so close to kissing or confessing, but something always ruins the moment or one of them always backs out which makes you root for them even more. The angst and yearning is also top-tier. Now let me get into the storyline. It’s about clans and each heir had a guardian. Lau the mc has a mysterious and complicated relationship with his master, one day, a huge tattoo started forming on his back which could possibly be a curse. So they embark on a journey to figure out what is truly going on. It’s a mystery and action BL with multiple plot twists and I mostly focuses on the plot than romance, it’s kind of like a shounen so if you’re more plot driven, I think you will really enjoy it. I hope you give it a shot pookie. Also, if you cannot find the link here it is.
https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/sangyang_the_wanderer/

i’ve heard people mention this before, but was unaware of any of the details and the way you explained it really raised my interest! it seems like the type of story i was looking for. tysm, i appreciate it sm!!