I didn't read this but I liked your comment hahaha your analysis is very good
Yes, if you are going to read these student x teacher manga, you have to detach from reality first or else it's impossible.
There seems to be more tolerance in Japan for the idea of a relationship between an adult and someone 16 years and up compared to the English-speaking West (e.g. the legal marriage age is 16 with parental consent?), but I think mainly it's just the typical manga industry's love of romanticising forbidden relationships. Added to that is, as you mentioned, the teen appeal of romance with an attractive older person, and you've got a sub-genre of stories where a lot of people can indulge in the romance without having to think about the reality of it.
I personally like this story and read it a lot, especially as it's one where they mostly wait until they no longer have the teacher x student/adult x minor relationship, but I do, definitely, read it not as reality. It's one that I can do this for, but yeah, not every age gap story is one where I can stop my thoughts of how it would be in reality from constantly interrupting and going no no no.
I think, also, it bothers me more in shoujo manga than in BL. Japanese BL is primarily targeted at women, so we're reading romances that are already unrealistic romanticisations that we aren't supposed to personally relate to. Whereas teen girls are a the main part of the shoujo demographic, so it is more uncomfortable to me personally to have these idealised underage x adult relationships portrayed to underage girls who more closely relate to the MC.
Anyway, that's just me writing as I reflect. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I can sort of understand why someone would have a crush on their teacher but, as someone who has previously worked as one, I can't for the life of me understand how someone would end up liking one of their students?? Like what??? Mind you, my students were mostly 18 or older, but to me they will always look like children???????? Besides, what do you have in common besides school????? What would you even talk about?????? What??????????
I do understand what someone who wants to take advantage of their position as a teacher might get from "dating" a student (gross), but when the story tries to say they simply "fell in love"? Nah, man, I don't get it.
Also, what's up with the friend???? Aren't you supposed to be a responsible adult?????? I could even understand if some of Kaname's friends cheered him on (because they are children) but how come an adult sees that his friend might commit a crime for all he knows (which luckily didn't happen but it could have) and is like yeah you go bro follow your dreams lol
Aw man, I really shouldn't have read this because now I'm uncomfortable lol
(I'm not saying you shouldn't read or like this manga. Do whatever you want I don't care lmao)