regarding the age difference. it's hard to get it right, and most manga fail miserably. i think this author handled it very delicately and respectfully. it also helped that ryou was very mature for his age (which is a rarity). seijiro was also a responsible adult (imagine that!!) and showed true care for ryou. a fine find, and i give two, big, fat thumbs up!! XD
i'm okay with that...