I have a special spot in my heart for Yume and her arc in Steller Witch Lips. She starts out very curious about fashion, and the world outside in general, but doesn't feel she can explore it due to her mother's old fashioned views. She also isn't sure if she wishes to continue her family's job as flower arrangers but doesn't feel she can speak up. Throughout her story she slowly finds her voice and break out of the expectations placed on her.
In her introduction chapter, chapter 3, with Yume being sent to the Tokyo Girl's Gathering (fashion show) where she is in charge of a large flower arrangement. As soon as she finished it, the bad guys attacked the guests for their mana using her flower arrangement and the other two girls are not able to fight it off with their magic. Despite her fear, Yume stays near the massive aggressive plant monster and tries to talk it into going back the way it was. Her bravery and strength impress the girls' guardian who gives her the ability to transform.
After some encouragement from Miku, the main character, Yume uses the lipstick to transform into Baby Mint, the witch of life. As her power is strongly connected to life she is quickly able to handle the plant monster and the girls once again save the day! The next day Miku goes up to her mom with her school uniform skirt shortened, showing that she is starting to find her own way.
For several chapters Yume stays in the background as we meet new characters and are introduced to "Mine", a special power the girls can access. Wanting to find her "Mine" but not sure how, on top of trying to find herself, Yume stumbles across a special flower with a spirit attached to it. This spirit offers to help her find her "Mine".
It should be noted this spirit is a bad guy and lying but Yume, not knowing this, agrees. Despite this, the sprit actually gives her good advice by explaining that if she wants to grow she must want it for herself as much as for those she loves. He also points out that her mom's earlier question about if she wants to continue flower arranging was genuine and that she needs to find her own dreams.
Before Yume finds the answers she seeks, the bad guys unleash their most powerful attack yet in the form of a large monstrous deer. During this Baby Mint throws herself in front of her friends to try to shield them from Grimm's attack. The spirit, however, shields her and after scolding her for being so willing to throw her life away and that she should value herself more, dies.
This is the catalyst Baby Mint needed and she finds her "Mine". She quickly finishes off the monster and saves everyone's mana. Afterwards she tells her mother that she isn't sure that she likes flower arranging but she does love flowers so until she figures it out she'd like to continue. And after that she goes back into the background but the bits we see of her is a much more open and self confidant person who is willing to seek out her path.
Overall I love Yume's arc. While it is nothing new for a coming of age story, it is still a beautiful arc and her chapters were the highlight of the manga.
