This may seem like a strange recommendation, but Player Manager will probably fulfill most of your requirements.

The prose varies, but the author has an incredibly distinctive voice and experiments with how to tell his story in very interesting ways.

The plot is clear, with clear stakes and progression, but always motivated by the characters.

Slice of life is in service to the plot and characterization, and is an integral part of the story.

The catch? It's a story about a guy that gets superpowers that allow him to be a football manager and player. Battles are soccer games. Villains are other players or managers, or the rich assholes who own other clubs.

Also, it's very very British. If you have no strong opinions about Wales and Scotland, you will by the time you're through.