Their High School Life:
Shimojou and Kuze meet in high school (HS). Both were well-known students, but they never crossed paths.
Shimojou is a genius from a rich family. His intelligence is admired by all. But, he’s bored with his life, everything is easy and predictable. Interestingly, Shimojou has a bad habit of finding out other people’s weaknesses and “blackmailing” them with this. And because he “blackmails” people, he always wins and gets what he wants. He likes feeling superior to others. He craves excitement and wants a challenge. [Blackmail is in quotation marks for a reason, it will be explained below].
Kuze is very popular at school. His looks and personality are admired by all, both men and women. He is always the center of attention. Women fight over him constantly. But, just like Shimojou, Kuze is bored too. Kuze realizes that everyone kisses his a$$ (and fear him) because of his father’s political status/power (his father is the mayor). But, he pretends not to know and he acts friendly to everyone. Kuze cannot stand fake people, but he continues to play the role of Mr. Popularity for everyone. Kuze’s real personality is completely different.
Shimojou and Kuze’s lives collide, in their second year of high school, when they both run for the same student government’s position, class president.
Kuze wins. Making him the president; while Shimojou is stuck with the vice president position.
Kuze is in first place, Shimojou is in second place.
But, as Kuze, the new president, greets Shimojou (this is their first time meeting and talking to each other). Kuze reveals his true nature to Shimojou.
Shimojou realizes that Kuze is not naïve (and instead Shimojou finds out that Kuze is also very clever and tough); plus Kuze can see through Shimojou’s fake “friendly nature.”
Usually, they both pretend to be friendly to others, but they reveal their true nature to each other.
Still, Shimojou is furious because he has never lost before, and he vows to get revenge on Kuze. Shimojou does not like being second to anyone.
This new and mentally stimulating battle with Kuze excites Shimojou. Basically, Kuze is the challenge Shimojou craves.
Kuze points out to Shimojou that he knows that Shimojou tried to find dirt on Kuze to blackmail him with, Kuze also knows that Shimojou couldn’t find any.
Yet, Kuze tempts Shimojou to take him, Kuze, down if he can. Kuze also sees Shimojou as a worthy rival/competitor.
Shimojou points out that this is the first time that someone has looked down on him and has not fear him—therefore Shimojou “dislikes” Kuze and is frustrated by Kuze.
Basically, this is two kindred souls who recognize the same likeness in each other and trying to see who can outlast the other.
Note: this is not David vs Goliath.
Instead, this is: Goliath vs Goliath!
Note: Kuze realizes and points out to Shimojou that although Shimojou has the information to blackmail people, Shimojou does not actually blackmail them. Shimojou just allows the corrupt person to recuse themselves due to shame and fear. Shimojou never actually threatens them.
And, Kuze knows that Shimojou only goes after bad/nasty dirty people.
Essentially, Shimojou is the “Dexter” of the criminally corrupt. He’s a criminal that only targets criminals.
This fact is why Kuze is interested in Shimojou!
(As someone else said in this comment section, I always give credit where credit is due) Kuze likes that Shimojou stands on the line (between good and bad), but does not actually cross it.
During their high school life. Kuze discovers many of Shimojou’s secrets and realizes that he, Kuze, has the same bad habits as Shimojou. Shimojou realizes that he is attracted to Kuze but he continues to reject his attraction and refuses to act on it. This could be because Kuze has the “power” in their relationship (Kuze is president and Kuze knows all of Shimojou secrets. Yet, both Shimojou and Kuze see themselves as dominant semes and if Shimojou gives in to Kuze he will have to admit defeat.)
In chapter 2, page 19. Kuze finds Shimojou’s new hideout, again. Shimojou keeps changing hideouts to avoid Kuze. But, Kuze easily finds all of Shimojou’s new hideouts.
Kuze often states that he can easily find Shimojou no matter what. Because according to Kuze: “[Kuze’s] nose reacts when [Shimojou] is up to no good” (Note: Kuze is great at tracking/finding Shimojou; even if Shimojou is trying to hide from Kuze).
Kuze is like a bloodhound…!
And Kuze’s nose is trained to track Shimojou!
(Same chapter and page, Chapter 2, page 19) Also, Kuze is the one who is always chasing after Shimojou. Kuze likes that Shimojou pushes him away and does not brown-nose him like everyone else does. (This is their last meeting in HS)
Chapter 2, page 27. Kuze tries to kiss Shimojou.
Shimojou rejects him. They both admit that they are gay and attracted to each other. They also admit that they are both semes. But Shimojou, won’t sexually give in to Kuze until he can bring Kuze down (kissing included).
Kuze confesses his love for Shimojou. (Chapter 2, page 28 and )
Chapter 2, page 28. Kuze asks Shimojou what he thinks of Kuze. Shimojou answers honestly. He talks about Kuze and not Kuze’s family, Kuze’s reputation, just Kuze. The real Kuze (the good and the bad).
Shimojou just sees Kuze and only Kuze.
Chapter 2, page 29. Kuze leaves school. And his father’s criminal activity is published in a newspaper.
And allegedly Kuze’s “mayor dad’s” political career and personal life was being financed by the Yamamoto group, a gangster organization.
Kuze’s father commits suicide. Kuze’s family is now shamed (and badmouthed).
Kuze’s family is now bankrupted and broke. Kuze leaves his HS and never returns.
Chapter 2, page 30. Everyone reacts to the news of Kuze’s father’s activities.
Even Kuze’s classmates and Shimojou’s classmates. Those students, teachers, and even the principal who used to kiss Kuze’s a$$ now are talking bad about him and looking down on Kuze.
In other words, they were all fake. They pretended to be Kuze’s friend, but they did not really know him. They only brown-nosed him, while, thinking/believing that Kuze was a spoiled and rich brat.
And now, because of Kuze’s father, they want to knock Kuze down and belittle/backstab Kuze.
Well, everyone except Shimojou!
Shimojou did not care about the scandal.
And Shimojou hated how everyone was now treating Kuze!
(Same chapter and page, Chapter 2, page 30): Shimojou is disappointed that Kuze allowed his father’s actions to bring Kuze down, make him drop out of school, and give in to the gossip and the fake friends/students.
Shimojou is mad that their rivalry has ended, and how it ended.
Their epic battle ended poorly and Shimojou wanted to be the one to take Kuze down (and not Kuze’s father disgrace and social downfall). Shimojou tried to find Kuze, but he never could.
Chapter 3, page 10: Shimojou promises to never run away from Kuze and challenges Kuze to take him down if Kuze can (this is the second to last meeting).
Shimojou promises Kuze that he, Shimojou, will take Kuze away from this “boring” world of dull/ordinary people and mundane lives.
*****Note: So, after reading other people comments, it seems that some people believe that Shimojou is the one who blackmailed Kuze’s father. Now without getting into other people’s drama, I, DMV, personally do not believe that Shimojou blackmailed Kuze’s father. I think I was a news reporter or even Yamamoto themselves (or another third party). But, not Shimojou. I don’t think Shimojou would do that, and it does not fit Shimojou’s personality. But, if you disagree, then so be it! *****
Quick Summary/Clarifying: They were both 17 years old, in their second year of HS, and only knew each other for 2 months before Kuze disappeared.
Their adult life, this is before Kuze and Shimojou reconnected:
Chapter 1, page (): Shimojou works for the Yamamoto crime organization and he blackmails people for a living. Shimojou is still bored with life.
Chapter 2, page 17. Kuze is a well-seasoned and well-accomplished renegade cop. He often does what he wants, goes off the grid, but he always gets his guy.
Chapter 2, page 18: Kuze is investigating the Yamamoto crime organization. During his investigation, Kuze notices someone familiar in a picture.
Shimojou is in one of the pictures, which means that he is working with the Yamamoto crime family.
Kuze states finally, “I found you” after seeing Shimojou in the picture. And Kuze tells his police partner that “his nose reacted.”
Meaning, after Kuze left HS, Kuze was looking for Shimojou this whole time. Also, when Shimojou is doing something naughty Kuze states that he can tell because his “nose reacted.” So, Kuze can sense (smell) Shimojou’s bad behavior.
Just like Kuze did in HS.
Adult Kuze’s bloodhound nose can still track Shimojou!
Their Adult life, when they reconnect:
Shimojou recognizes Kuze in chapter 1, 15. Shimojou recalls the statement that Kuze often said to him, “what a lowlife.”
Shimojou asks a “homeless” Kuze to come home with him.
Note: Kuze often calls Shimojou a lowlife. While, Shimojou often calls Kuze bastard, scum, and trash.
Shimojou is disappointed in adult Kuze because Shimojou wanted to be the one to knock Kuze off his pedestal.
But, standing before Shimojou is a poor, dirty, and smell homeless/bum adult Kuze.
Shimojou assumes that Kuze’s father’s scandal hurt Kuze pretty badly. And that Kuze never recovered from it.
And that because of what happened in HS, Kuze wasted his potential.
Shimojou is 100% sure it’s the adult Kuze in chapter 1, page 21. After Kuze showers and shaves.
Chapter 1, page 24. Kuze performs fellatio on Shimojou. And then Kuze tries to penetrate Shimojou’s anus. Shimojou refuses and instead wants to penetrate Kuze. Both men refuse to be penetrated.
The rivalry/battle for dominance has officially rekindled (but now they are both adults).
[Note Kuze’s face on the picture located on bottom/last panel left-hand corner: look at Kuze’s eyes when he thinks “oh!” (Kuze’s eyes are stating that he likes that Shimojou still refuses to give in to Kuze. Kuze likes that Shimojou has not changed. And that Shimojou is still strong will and ready to battle Kuze.)
Ultimately, they still are both trying to dominate each other from this point.
So this is: Goliath vs Goliath! (Round 2)
Chapter 1, page 39-40. Shimojou finds out that Kuze is a cop. And from this, Shimojou realizes that Kuze is undercover and is trying to capture Shimojou and the yakuza organization, Yamamoto, Shimojou works for.
Shimojou thinks this is predictable and is bored. He at least wanted a challenge from Kuze, but this is too easy.
Remember, Shimojou hates predictability.
Chapter 2, page 15-16. Shimojou office door is not locked and is cracked open. Kuze discovers and has proof of Shimojou’s and the yakuza organizations, Yamamoto’s, criminal activity.
Chapter 2, page 24. Kuze and Shimojou are having some S&M fun, both still refuses to be the uke, but they still want to get off with each other. Kuze’s wrist is tied together with a necktie, but an SD card/USB drive is positioned in the knots.
Chapter 2, 24. Kuze takes the SD card, with incriminating evidence and hands it over to his undercover meet-up, another police officer. But, he continues to stay with Shimojou. Their life does not change.
And Shimojou, who is aware of Kuze’s actions [1. that Kuze is a cop, and 2. that Kuze took the SD card] and is also aware of the consequences of giving Kuze the SD card continues to let Kuze stay with him.
Kuze and Shimojou live together like nothing is wrong and nothing is going to happen/like everything is normal between them.
Still no sex. They still have not had penetration sex.
You probably realized this by now, but they are not having sex with each other until an official winner in their rivalry is declared. But they flirt and turn each other on as much as possible. #Temptation #Lust #IWantYouLikeYouWantMeButIWon’tGiveInToYou (<-- that is a long hashtag…)
Putting Everything Together/Conclusion:
-Shimojou did not find out that Kuze was a cop until he found Kuze’s badge.
-Kuze purposely let Shimojou find his wallet. Kuze wanted Shimojou to know that he was a cop.
-Shimojou purposely left his door open so that Kuze can find the incriminating info on both him, Shimojou and Yamamoto.
-Kuze found Shimojou whereabouts, and Kuze knew what Shimojou was up to because of the picture of Shimojou in the police investigation file.
-Kuze positioned himself/he arranged it so that he would run into Shimojou on the street in the alley—their “random” encounter was a set-up on Kuze’s part.
-***I think the street thugs on the street just happened to be there and tried to take advantage of the “homeless” Kuze because that what street thugs do.***
-But, Kuze purposely found Shimojou and pretended not to know/recognize Shimojou.
-Remember, they never introduced themselves to each other or asked the other person for their name.
-But, they both purposely and indirectly let the other person know they were aware of the other’s presence and what they were up to. (Kuze indirectly lets Shimojou know that he was “Kuze” and a cop. Shimojou indirectly lets Kuze know he was “Shimojou” and a criminal.)
-They indirectly let the person know what they were up to, but they still pretended/acted like they did not know/recognize the other person. Kuze still pretended to be a bum/pet. Shimojou still pretended to not know that Kuze was a cop that was investigating him.
-Okay, now think of these games: “checkers” and “playing dare”, you make a move and then wait to see what move your opponent makes, and then you react to their move. And then you repeat! Shimojou and Kuze are both seeing and, at the same time, daring the other person to make the next move.
-This is a game of mental ability, strength, and strong will!
-Because of Kuze’s father’s public downfall and social disgrace, Shimojou honestly believes that Kuze was a bum and homeless. Which is why Shimojou kept noting (mentally thinking about) Kuze’s physical health, mental health, and general well-being.
-Therefore, this whole time, Shimojou was worried about Kuze after Kuze disappeared.
-Shimojou purposely worked for the Yamamoto family. He did it because of Kuze’s family connection to them, Shimojou wanted to make it easy for Kuze to find him. (Chapter 2, pages 30-32)
-So, Shimojou was also still looking for Kuze after HS. Aww, he missed Kuze!
-Kuze is aware of his parent’s criminal activity and terrible deeds. (Chapter 3, Page 10).
-And Kuze knows that his family’s downfall is going take place soon and will be made public. (Chapter 3, page 10).
-Kuze says goodbye to Shimojou before disappearing, but Shimojou is not aware that Kuze is saying goodbye to him (this is their second to last meeting before Kuze disappears) (Chapter 3, page 10).
-This is why Kuze asks Shimojou what his honest opinion of Kuze is.
-Kuze wanted to know that Shimojou actually saw Kuze for who Kuze is. That Kuze can be Kuze with Shimojou and not have to pretend to be someone Kuze is not.
-Basically, Kuze wanted to know that his connection with Shimojou was real and honest.
-Shimojou wanted to take down the Yamamoto family. This is why Shimojou worked for them and gathered information on them this whole time.
-Shimojou didn't like the Yamamoto group because of their role in separating him from Kuze.
- Shimojou blamed Yamamoto for beating him to the punch and breaking Kuze and for forcing Kuze to disappear.
-Shimojou wanted to be the one to take Yamamoto down. Proving he, Shimojou, is better than Kuze!
-Kuze also wanted to take down the Yamamoto family due to their role in his life in HS.
-Shimojou and Kuze were both targeting the Yamamoto family-they both wanted revenge.
-Remember: the Yamamoto organization (and Kuze’s father) is why they had to separate in HS. (Chapter 3, page 14).
-Chapter 3, page 14. Shimojou still has the article of Kuze’s father suicide from their HS days. He kept it this whole time.
-Both men, Shimojou and Kuze, never forgave the Yamamoto family/organization. The Yamamoto family was on the two Goliaths’ (Kuze and Shimojou’s) sh!t list. Stupid unaware Yamamoto…
-Basically, the Yamamoto organization was screwed since Kuze and Shimojou’s second year in HS and Yamamoto never stood a chance.
-Shimojou was only there, with the Yamamoto crime organization, for Kuze. He wanted to make it easy for Kuze to find him.
-There game/match is finally done, a winner has been declared, sex can now be had.
-P.S. their reconnection was also a set-up on Shimojou’s part. ***Remember, he purposely joined the Yamamoto group and wanted Kuze to find him.
-Shimojou planned to take down Yamamoto and find Kuze since he graduated from HS.
-Remember, Shimojou handed over the information that was harmful/incriminating him too. So, taking down Yamamoto was more important to Shimojou then not going to prison.
- And as was stated below by someone else: this is the longest session of foreplay ever!
Note, I’m going to cover all my bases right here (I’ve lived and learned):
-Yes, this is long. I’m very aware it is long.
-But, no. This is not an essay, it’s more of a character summary with very little (and basic) character analysis.
-Lastly, read as little or as much as you want. I’m not forcing you to read it.
-No. Actually, this did not take as much work and time as you think. I have always been very good at summarizing, critical thinking, and character analysis. This comes to me naturally, it always has, since I was a kid. This is just how my brain works.
***[Sometimes, I write post explaining the plot of a manga, but I only do this if some people find the plot confusing. (I have done this for all sort of mangas: heterosexual story mangas, gay story mangas, and action story mangas! And people often ask or comment in similar ways, so I wanted to answer the comment ahead of time]
That was quick! Thanks so much! DMV!
well done. Very well done. Thank you
that was really good I used to do that to my friends, and normally they say something like, "it not that deep" and it use to drive me crazy, i'm glad i'm not the only one who analyse stories like this. Thank u and nice work (づ￣ ³￣)づ
Thanks! I got most of it already, but didn't realize Shimojou joined the group so he could take it down from the inside and so Kuze could find him. That's interesting!
I'm happy it helped some people.
(As with anything in life, some people might agree and some people might not agree with my summary-Such is life)!
Reya, that's why I believe that you should just always be yourself. Life is better when you stop caring what over people think!. Reya, summarize and analyze to your heart's content!
Ginger baby, Abumie, Rena (and anyone else) thanks for your kind words!!!!
THANK YOU.
I meant a thumbs up Σ( ￣□￣||) I got the gist of it but your explanation made it more organized thank you!!!!!!!!!!! it was supposed to be a thousand thumbs up it turned into a thumbs down instead ╥﹏╥
Thank you so much for this wonderful analysis on this yaoi manga. It helped me a lot to clarify some points of the reading and to discover others I have not noted before... you're a genius in this kind of themes!
I miss people like you in section comments of another mangas.
wow just wow
if it comes natural to you that's so cool xD i love to read comments and reactions to manga but this one is like putting all books onto shelves (๑•ㅂ•)و✧
it actually helped me to understand few moments so thank you ;D
thank you so much i was so confused after finishing chapter 3 but this explanation made it so easy to process
No problem!
Again, this comment definitely contains spoilers!
Note: This is a repost, as requested by someone (this is already posted below). I reorganized it, proofread it, and clarified some parts. It’s longer then before!!!
If you are confused, hopefully, this will help!
Note: this is long, really long. Read this only if you want. You have the right to stop at any time, I’m not forcing anyone to read it!
I’m breaking this summary up into 4 sections (again this is long).