This is so satisfying. I remember seeing a lot of misogynistic posts/tweets(??) about Maki when the whole issue of Zenin clan leader happened (and justifying the Zenin clan when it's been already established how patriarchal they are -_-), there was even a tweet from a malesh*t urging Gege to kill off the female characters since for him they're "unnecessary" to the story and that would also "make the feminists leave" well... HA! Whoever that person was and other misogynistic sh*ts, enjoy reading this (づ  ̄ ヮ ̄)づ *:・゚
This was a nice read and based on the interview at the end, the couple seems to have a sweet relationship with each other (◕‿◕)♡ Although, I still find the "straight x gay" storyline in mangas somewhat uncomfortable since that can lead to beliefs of being able to change someone who's gay and the erasure of bisexuality/pansexuality. I think Nanjou(seme) is under the pansexual spectrum but as he grew up in a conservative society and with heterosexuality as the norm, LGBTQ+ knowledge/awareness is lacking (and this goes for all of the straight x gay storylines in mangas but I felt like I have to particularly type this one out since the manga is based on a real story).
I think people need to accept sexuality is a spectrum and is different for everyone. I’m a lesbian. And I have been with a woman that’s identified as straight and still does. I wouldn’t forget the label bisexual or pansexual onto her. It’s her sexuality - and she feels straight suits her best. But she still was interested in a woman once (me). I don’t understand why people get so worked up about straight x gay in storylines, as if it’s sooo unrealistic and NEVER happens. When it does. Because everyone is different in their sexualities and their experiences in it. There’s been a lot of people who identity as straight jt have experimented or been interested in one person of the same sex. If it happens in real life, then no surprise it’ll be in stories too
I don’t know why people are usually frowning upon the idea and common BL trope of a straight man falling in love with another man, and still thinking of himself as a straight guy.
I’m a straight woman, I don’t even consider myself as bi, but several years ago, once in my whole life, I was in love and going out with a girl. Never happened before and since that one time, and I’m not even turned on by girls, but she was an exception, I loved her for being her, I fell in love with her personality, and I was turned on by her, but by her only.
Love and sexuality is so much more divergent than the majority of people thinks. You simply can’t label it.
I do understand that sexuality is a spectrum and that there are different and wide arrays of experiences in each being but there is still a need to acknowledge and represent those within the LGBTQ+ and the integral part of identities within it which many mangas lack and whereas "straight" seems like a default setting. But, I agree with you, it's my mistake and fault for assuming someone's sexuality, I shouldn't have done that, it is up to the person themselves to know what they identify as, I'm really sorry about that. I reiterate that the two key points in my previous comment are the issues that arise in the abundance of 'just' portraying "straight x gay" in stories such as (1) the thought of being able to 'easily' change/turn one's sexuality, and (2) the erasure of bisexuality/pansexuality and many other LGBTQ+ identities. I just can't help but feel comfort or a sense of belonging when identities under the LGBTQ+ is actually acknowledged.
It's because straight literally means being attracted to the opposite gender. If you think I can fall in love with a women even if I'm straight would be wrong. That's why we have labels to help people. It's like saying I truly believe a gay guy can fall in love with the opposite gender. That kinda invalidates their sexuality. Exploring your sexuality is one thing. I also don't like the straight x gay tropes. It feels like their invalidating bi or Pan people who exist.
I just love this so much, it's one of those stories that you can only encounter once in a while. Before this, I was unsatisfied while reading and searching nonstop but when I read this I felt calm, that this was the story I was looking for. It is definitely a simple story, but maybe because I found it now when I needed it most that it felt so genuine and comforting, so excuse my emotional self as I impulsively write this comment ... and maybe regret it later. (⁄ ⁄•⁄◡⁄•⁄ ⁄)
That Bill Hader meme at the end is the cherry on top of this early update indeed, thank you very much! (▰˘◡˘▰)