(Fyi, haven't read the main series but after this I think I must)
I'm so invested! I didn't expect this amount of thoughtfulness, the story is raising up relatable and realistic points and it's just so damn interesting to see the development of this man who has been struggling with some generational gaps and old fashioned views. I love how you can see how beautifully he has grown as a person and how he's still learning. (Oh how smoothly he shut up that guy jabbering on about how a bar having a single placate stating 'we are gay friendly' is the LGBT "shoving their views down our throats".)
The art style took a moment to get used to (the blond guy looked like a serial killer to me lol), but I very quickly grew to like it. I'll take unique styles over generic ones any day anyways.
The one thing I'm a little torn with is how the story is progressing. Because on one hand I have zero objections seeing this DILF get freaky but on the other hand I'm loving his journey of understanding so much that it'd be kinda disappointing if it all boiled down to: "Ok, I can now understand my son because, surprise, I'M GAY TOO!" It's too soon to judge though because it all depends on how the topic actually gets handled from here. There's nothing wrong with the act itself anyhow, no wonder he'd be bi-curious.
I just started reading this... and gave my cat a heart attack cuz I burst out laughing when Windows update did its' thing in the middle of the MC's presentation. I mean, that like NEVER happens in movies/shows/etc but here... lmaooo, that was just so damn relatable.
Maybe the author is a hidden genius who makes fun of the genre and its’ fans because in some universe this could actually be an amazing satire of stupid yaoi tropes. It basically has ALL the things I detest the most in yaoi, the obvious ones being the: “I express my 'love' for you by repeatedly raping you, uwu!” and the dumb doormat uke who never stands up for himself, easily forgives all the shit that has been done to him, AND looks like a 10 year old girl with a dick. Then there’s also the stupid “don't u dare suggest I'm gay, I just like fucking this one speshul boy” crap, absolutely ridiculous proportions (I mean, size difference is kinda my jam but here… pffft no), almost non-existing plot with smut for the sake of smut and so on.
The seme is such a huge asshole that while skimming through the manga I was just head-canoning the uke ran away with the henchman and the boss spontaneously combusted, never to be seen again. You know, since Homare seemed to be the only one with goddamn self-control and actual respect for the uke’s own wishes, even acknowledging him as the victim who should not be excusing those using him (like the dumb doormat he is). Every other guy who had the hots for the twink apparently saw him as this giant “RAPE ME!” sign. It was actually kind of amusing how the manga itself is aware of this and poked fun at the fact that Homare could have something the dickwad seme never will: a consensual first time with the uke.
In fact, these glimpses of self-awareness and humor is one of the only reasons why I gave this 2 stars instead of 1. Granted, I’d hope them to actually DO something about it instead of just acknowledging the fucked up stuff but it's better than nothing and has some satire-like comedy value. I also actually liked some of the side characters -Homare, his twin and the okama specifically- so some tiny little enjoyment was received instead of it being a complete waste of time. Oh, the okama's dad was rather fun too because anyone who slaps the asshole seme gets +10 points to their charisma stat.
Re-read this. Fucking impeccable. An actual gem. I want to buy the books once it's finished though I might die of old age before that.
The substitute/unrequited love angle actually managed to make the first story somewhat interesting... but before it really goes any deeper with the theme, here's a second story hitting you in the face with some twincest. Yeah, not my cup of tea thanks bye.
Such a comfortable read. Interesting premise and the main couple was gleefully waving their green flags which is always a huge plus for me (really, the only thing I didn't like was ML lying about the antagonist though I understand why he'd do it). Really liked how their relationship actually took some time to develop. Not too many sex scenes either. Smut for the sake of smut bores the fuck out of me so I was glad that the focus was more on the story and character dynamics. Managed to also avoid some of the most obvious cliches. Like, when the couple had their little spat I was like "Oh jesus, so now the MC will refuse to tell what's actually going on and then we're going to have this really dragged on annoying af misunderstanding and-" Nope actually! Got resolved in the very next chapter! Omg THANK YOU! So glad to have characters who actually speak their mind. Also surprised me how an antagonist who was pretty much set up as an irredeemable dickhead actually managed to gain some of my sympathy in the end, leaving me wondering how he could have changed if given the MC treatment. For there actually was development, not enough to be absolved from the consequences, but I didn't expect that development is what I am saying.
Still, while there was a lot to love it wasn't perfect. I didn't really buy the sudden 180 turn of the MC and was disappointed how there wasn't truly any organic character growth. Naturally, some things would be very easy to change. Like dumping his "ex" or not taking a contract because he now had the knowledge of future grievances. BUT taking certain actions is different from basically changing your personality. You might realize you were stupid to chase away people and so you'd try to be nicer but it's not so easy in practise, old habits die hard since that behavior is FAR more familiar to you than this "new you". But here it's like the MC's whole personality changed overnight to a goddamn saint. He didn't need to struggle to become a better person, he just was. The story needed some more buildup to make this change feel organic and "earned" but, if you don't think about it too hard, it's still quite the enjoyable read. I just think it had potential for more.
Had a really promising start with its fun atmosphere but I quickly grew bored and a bit annoyed. I just don’t feel the main couple. Whether it’s because of the pacing or the characters themselves, I don’t really know, but I just don’t feel it.
To be perfectly honest I found the henchmen to be the best part. I just love how expressive they are and how many little endearing moments they have. Often the greatest joy was just to observe them and their fun little interactions/reactions. Might someday skim over the rest of the story just to see whether they’ll get more screen time.
Also, to give some more credit… the MLs stupid ass lolwut tattoo made me snort so hard I nearly spurted my drink outta my nose. That’s an achievement alright so kudos to that lmao.
I meant to like :(
Lol, appreciated.
Such a beautiful slow burn! I really appreciate how the story is taking its' time to develop the dynamics between the two, building a relationship that goes far deeper than the usual surface level drivel I see. It got me truly immersed in these characters and relating to their journey. Even small gestures feel intimate. Both leads are extremely enjoyable. I swear, the real world needs an army of Sasaki-sans omg. I mean, he's so adorkable and sweet and respectful and and and... just SAFE you know. I also absolutely love the art. It's pretty but not generic, it has tons of personality. What a rare gem this is!
There's just something extremely comforting about this. It's so calm, has this mature subtle tone, and the characters are so gentle and understanding with each other. No forced drama. I also really enjoy the unique style of this artist. Such a breath of fresh air.
i meant to like, sorry;;
Dropped. Might re-visit later. Too much smut, too little plot for me. Had lots of potential to have really interesting character development but instead it went like: "Hey, lemme suck ur blood and I'll help you." "K. Lets kill the dickwad and then fuck 10 times in a row." Yeah yeah, I know they said that being fed on has an aphrodisiac effect which is really damn convenient for the smut but it doesn't change the fact that I seek more from a story. This one was ripe to e.g. explore MC's trauma and recovery. Oh well, maybe I'm not the target audience.