This was such a refreshing read. Unlike most Omegaverse stories, it didn’t revolve around abuse or trauma; instead, it focused on a healthy, well-balanced dynamic between two characters who were genuinely perfect for each other.
The MC was pretty and shorter than his love interest, but not in the stereotypically feminine way. His easily-irritated, independent, and competitive nature brought so much life and humor to the story. The chemistry between him and the LI was spot-on, and their interactions felt natural and fun.
I especially loved how the MC was the one actively flirting and fighting for their relationship to happen, even though it was actually the ML who had been nursing a long-time crush on him. It flipped the usual dynamic in such a satisfying way.
Tbh I was never really a fan of the whole ex-lovers/ second chance trope, but Driver’s High completely changed my mind. The story is executed with such emotional depth and nuance that it had me hooked from start to finish.
Both are flawed in their own way, with Leo’s selfishness and JJ’s tendency to shut down instead of communicating, but despite their obvious differences they perfectly fit like two pieces of the same puzzle. The fact that the mere existence of the other was the reason behind their success in their respective careers says it all: their bond is stronger than any obstacle life may throw their way. Opposites attract, fail, and try again. Soulmates fr.
The concept of two bisexual guys with an ex in common getting together after her death will never stop intriguing me—especially when she, whether intentionally or not, ends up playing Cupid from beyond the grave.
By the end of the story, it’s heavily implied that Shouji is Meguru’s biological father, but Ririko knew that Sentarou—steadfast, emotionally aware, deeply loyal—was a better choice for Meguru’s emotional well-being than her actual father.
Ririko was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and her naive facade hid a truly cunning nature. Much of her character is filtered through the memories and assumptions of others, but small moments—like the will—reveal a strategic mind. She paired Sentarou with Touma, a man who evolved over the course of the manga, moving from a reluctant guardian into someone genuinely committed. The pairing feels very intentional. It’s likely she knew about Sentarou’s feelings for Touma, who could challenge him emotionally, while Touma needed someone emotionally open like Sentarou to break down his walls.
In other words, Ririko didn’t just want Meguru to be raised by good people—she wanted to give these two men she cared for and trusted a chance to become better versions of themselves, together. She had a vision, and she was the catalyst, haunting the narrative from beginning to end.
If only there had been a couple more chapters exploring Sentarou’s music career and Touma’s life after the fall of the yakuza group he worked for it would’ve been perfect.
Settling down after a life of wandering — the chaotic love story of a bounty hunter and a grifter
I loved the unique setting in the Far West, which is quite uncommon for Asian BLs, as well as the cat and mouse dynamic between the characters.
It’s great that the ambiguity around Johnny’s nature as a scammer or con-artist remains unresolved until the very end.
On the other hand, I think some aspects could have been explored more deeply, including Johnny’s actual past beyond what he tells, since we know it’s partly true and partly embellished or made up.
Similarly, the character of Bill could have been developed further. He’s the man from the gang who chases Calahan throughout the story, seeking revenge for a moment when Callahan showed him mercy in the past, which ended up humiliating him.
Also, it’s a bit hard to believe that these two fell in love in just ten days. However, it does make sense that they built a strong connection based on a powerful chemistry, considering they saved each other multiple times during that time span.
Even though they began their journey as a bounty hunter and his prisoner, they ended it as lovers who, after a lifetime of wandering for different reasons, finally settled down together and found peace. But the story ends on a cliffhanger, because we know that Bill has escaped from prison, and this peace they’ve found could, at any moment, come crashing down.
A sequel or some side stories would certainly be very much appreciated.
P.S. (1) I live for Calahan muscular hairy chest
P.S. (2) The chimps chapters were crazy
Without Matthew there’s no redemption, no healing, no hope. Matthew was the one who waited. Matthew’s persistence and unwavering hope are what saved Jin in the end. He was the one who held onto that tiny thread of connection, even when it seemed hopeless. Matthew didn’t just bring Jin back into his life—he reminded him of the person he used to be, what his original purpose used to be. It made him realise how sidetracked he had been for so many years after Brandon took him in, that he had lost sight of his original purpose, consumed by the apparent need for survival and power. But above all, it reminded him that the reason why he entered the mob never was to climb the ranks, but to afford a dignified life for him and that little kid he wanted to protect at all costs. “I always choose him”: it’s not just love—it’s devotion, guilt, hope, and this desperate need for redemption all rolled into one. If Matthew hadn’t chased him, Jin would’ve stayed lost in that cycle of violence and power, forgetting what it was to feel again. And Jin, despite everything, chose him in the end. Not power, not ambition—just Matthew.
I may not ironically have cried unstoppably from chapter 74 onwards. I’m so moved!
What I love most about this manga is that the characters are genuinely flawed in a human way.
Futaba is a sincere, self-aware, caring, and honest character who embraces her imperfections, strives for personal growth, and remains true to herself.
Kou, on the other hand, was a bit of a red flag early on. When they reconnect in high school, he constantly belittles and bullies her. The joke made me so uncomfortable and I think it was 100% avoidable.
I dislike how the fandom tends to blame Kou’s decisions solely on Narumi. He was so consumed by his own pain that he became obsessed with a twisted sense of responsibility. He felt guilty for having a family and friends who cared for him when Narumi had none, so he thought he had to be her support. Yet, he never truly had romantic feelings for her. He felt compelled to reject Futaba, but regretted it almost immediately. In fact, right after turning her down, when Narumi called, he was so frustrated that he threw and broke his phone.
Narumi, unable to move on, projected her unresolved feelings onto Kou, manipulating and guilt-tripping him into staying by her side. That kind of relationship was doomed to fail because it was built on pity and obligation, not genuine affection. In trying so desperately to keep him close, she only pushed him further away. At the same time, Narumi became an anchor for Kou, but in the worst possible way. She allowed him to remain stuck in his pain, giving him an excuse to avoid moving on.
It was inevitable that Kou would eventually realize he needed to break free and look toward a brighter future. As Futaba pointed out, Narumi was “stopping time for him”, she was holding him back, trapping him in the darkness of his past for her own selfish reasons. Seeing Futaba move on with someone else gave him the push he needed to become the person she deserved — but, more importantly, the person he needed to become for himself. Cutting ties with Narumi was painful but essential for that change.
Futaba wanted to witness Kou’s transformation, and once he did, she could no longer deny her feelings for him. This led her to end things with Touma, even though he was exactly what she needed at that time, offering her the unconditional kindness and stability Kou couldn’t.
I also think the panel where Kou hugs Narumi while Futaba watches is a brilliant metaphor. Kou was chasing after Narumi, Futaba was chasing after Kou, and Kikuchi was chasing after Futaba. This chase perfectly summarises the dynamics between the characters at that point. Futaba was about to recklessly cross the street at a red light, symbolizing her impulsive, passionate love — the very kind of love Kou was running away from as he reached out for his comfort zone: his shared pain with Narumi. Meanwhile, Kikuchi was there to protect Futaba, stopping her from rushing into danger, but in doing so, he also held her back from Kou.
In the end, Kou cutting ties with Narumi not only made him realize how his poor choices had hurt both girls, but also helped Narumi understand that she needed to move on too. They shared the same pain and understood each other, but they couldn't grow together. They needed to walk different paths for their own good. Just as Futaba and Kou had to be separated multiple times before finally coming together. "That’s how it is with us," he said at first, acknowledging the timing wasn’t right. But later, he said, "We can start something now. Choose me," when the time was finally right.
Kou had to fight to regain her trust because, no matter what, his path always led back to her — she was the only one he could truly love. Personally, I loved how Kou changed over time and became a better version of himself. His growth was impressive, and his smile became so warm… it was moving, really.
Oh, and the side couples? Absolute perfection! Yuuri and Uchimiya are the cutest, and Kominato is the ultimate green flag!
THEY CRACK ME UP, their dynamic is SO funny they’re perfect for each other and hyun-woo is the hottest greenest flag ever!!!
don’t get me wrong, I loved the angst, the game of cat and mouse, how jae-hyuk gradually developed his feelings, realised them, and started chasing after him, how yeon-oh played hard to get in the end. I’m also a sucker for fantasy historical romances, so it was predictable I would love the special chapters too.
but… WHAT’S WITH THAT HALF-AS*-RUSHED ENDING?! so unsatisfactory ;-;
Just wow. The author was able to describe — with incredible delicacy and bittersweetness — the facets of a reality that can be both cruel and a blessing, filled with abuse, violence and solitude, fears and missed opportunities, agonising waits and lingering feelings and memories, strokes of luck, and undying hope...
Fate placed obstacles on their way and, at the same time, paved the way towards the resolution of their life story. Fate pulled them apart just to make them develop as individuals and grow into each other’s “perfect” persons.
The MCs grow and evolve in tandem with the stages of their lives, but there's a part of them that never leaves or fades with time, and it's the love they feel for each other and the hope they hold for a future in which they are together.