If you read this mangaka's other works you'd realize that "romance" isn't they key genre here.
It's a psychological thing more than a "omg I love this guy" scenario. Itou-san was the same way though ultimately they did fall in love in their own twisted way.
This wasn't meant to be a sexy, vampire romance series; it was meant to be graphic and painful and dubious at best.
Romance was never the mean thing. It's more like the prey vs the predator
i don’t agree with these takes. even if it’s not the authors intention, yaoi implies a romantic genre with explicit content. plus this manga does focus on it as a genre! it’s the core of their started connection and azures motivations… azure believes the truth in life is related to love and that’s why he seeks a true partner who not only thrills him, but will be his killer
and im all for psychological stories! that’s not the issue. my only gripe is the storytelling, and that it lacks to me. i don’t understand azures reason for choosing shuuya, because the lust being the main thing is shallow in comparison to his multi-century dilemma. he’s a deeply unsatisfied, sadistic person who is uncaring for simple human emotions. so i just don’t find his protectiveness + possessiveness convincing
and… this is a sexy vampire romance? it can be both things. i expected graphic/painful/dubious content from the tags, this wasn’t even the issue to me
it can be both. and yes i know, the vampire and human power dynamic automatically makes it prey vs predator, that’s not the issue to me. my problem with the story is what the basis of their relationship is, i can’t pin it on a reason that matches their characterization
plus romance is the main thing!! azure is on a hunt for a partner who suits his needs, it’s the whole entire purpose of his charade with shuuya. think of his museum of failed brides, and why he’s so intent on finding “the one”
their romance is not… interesting :( there’s a dissonance between azure troubles and why he’s keeping shuuya alive. azure specified he wanted someone to kill him, if they made him understand the meaning of life. which are deep and painful realizations! but his reasons for wanting shuuya by his side feel really lackluster and half hearted. i didn’t feel sparks or romantic chemistry between them- is the only reason he wanted shuuya by his side due to his dick getting happy with him?? is there any actual reason why shuuya was chosen, what actually makes him different from the rest of azures brides/prey?
trust me i was excited for a erotic vampire bl!! i want to like this but the characters don’t feel well rounded