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Introduction:
The manga opens with Kobayashi, the light-haired character, and Takagi, the black-haired one, playing video games together, establishing a lighthearted and friendly atmosphere.
Physical Appearance:
Both characters have visible bandages: Kobayashi on his face and Takagi on his hand. These injuries are later revealed to be significant to the story.
Location Setting:
The setting appears to be Takagi's apartment, evidenced by a taped door and plastic-covered floors, possibly to conceal a crime scene. Kobayashi's living area lacks these coverings. The bathroom seems to be where a crime took place, with scattered sharp objects and garbage bags in the bathtub, suggesting a cleanup of evidence and a crime has been committed.
Time, TV News, and Smell:
The calendar is prominently shown twice, and Kobayashi mentions practicing the game "a thousand couple of hours," hinting that the crime occurred some time ago—possibly a month, based on the calendar. A TV news report shows a missing 23-year-old woman, with friends identifying Takagi as the suspect. This might suggests Kobayashi may have turned Takagi in to the police. Kobayashi's comment that his hand stinks may indicate he helped with the cleanup of the crime scene.
Takagi's Message:
Takagi's facial expressions and urgent pleas for Kobayashi's help suggest he has committed a crime. Also Kobayashi's reply that Takagi's gf were staying over at the time reference to the TV scene where a girl was missing.
Takagi's Outburst:
Takagi's violent outburst towards Kobayashi reveals his potential history of domestic violence, possibly stemming from his upbringing, trust issues, and psychological problems. Kobayashi's tolerance of Takagi's outbursts indicates that he would be accepting of this behaviour also another psychological issues between them.
Ending:
The story concludes with police surrounding the apartment. Kobayashi's statement to Takagi, "I managed to win against you in the end," implies that Kobayashi may have turned against Takagi. The ending panel suggests the police arriving at the apartment and the sound of doorbell, symbolizing the end of their "game."
Overall Analysis:
The manga is an open-ended narrative that allows readers to draw their own conclusions. Kobayashi's tolerance of Takagi's violent tendencies may stem from his background in a neglectful family, where he seeks love and acceptance, even if it leads to a toxic relationship and participation in crimes. Takagi's initial dream of a happy household contrasts with the final scenes. It might be where he and Kobayashi play video games as if nothing has happened, reflecting his desire for a happy household despite the crime committed.