Sayonara, Itoshi No My Friend
Chapter 11 (13 August 2014) Summary: Tatsuo is a makeup artist for a fashion photographer and is sick and tired of the models fawning over the new hairstylist, Haga. One morning, he comes across one of the models running out of Haga's room with tears in her eyes and has a long talk with him about how rude and antisocial he is. That's when Tatsuo realizes, Haga doesn't really know how to treat others and doesn't even have a single friend - until now? It's really amazing. I love how the author engaged human's emotions really well and realistically. Hajime was an expressionless, friendless man who claimed not needing anyone. He was a priority child so he didn't understand his own need. So Tatsuo made effort to be his first friend and helped him to get more friends or at least get more socialized. While doing so, Tatsuo had to struggle with his own growing feelings for Hajime. He loved him, but since it would only be burden to Hajime, he pipped it off, concealing it between his concern as a friend. But Hajime, finally feeling he got a friend, didn't understand his own feeling. When they kissed for the first time, he didn't understand and chose to stay away. Later in the main conflict, when he was caught by camera that he was kissing a woman, he didn't care anything but Tatsuo. He was only afraid of Tatsuo's rejection on him. So ... with face unexpectedly wet from tears, he confessed. I really liked it. The second story was alright too, it was about Hajime's older brother who seemingly hated him for being the top priority of their parents. Just like inferiority complex. No one had high expectation for him. Until one day, his coworker confessed to him. Then he accepted him. In their relationship, Makoto, (the older brother), started to feel loved. Finally there was someone who could accept his imperfection. But when they met Hajime somewhere and the seme talked to him freely, Makoto felt anxious again. So he asked to break up, before the wound went even deeper. But it didn't last long. He saw his little brother happy, he wanted to be to. When it was time to reconcile, it was done beautifully. It touched my heart. Really lovely. But still, I think the first story was way better. 3.5 (unique, esp the facial expression, but not good enough) 4 4 4
Iki o Hisomete, Koi o
Chapter 4 Kazushi and Keishi are brothers that used to have a great relationship. But everything changed when Kazushi failed an important exam. Not being able to fulfill his family expectations, Kazushi, ashamed and discouraged, begins to avoid his family, resorting to sarcasm every time he faces his brother. Even though the theme is ordinary, I like it quite a bit. The art is decent and the characters, despite not exposed much, are likable. Perhaps. Looking forward for more! EDIT: Aaaaa they made up at least! Although the pacing is a bit too fast imo, but I still like it. Many people seem disappointed with this chapter, but not me. I like it even more than before. Now end that cliffhanger and give me a proper chapter! EDIT: Finally they made up and can communicate all the problems they have. Oh god, told you it's gonna be awesome. I raised the stars to 5. 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5
Usotsuki Boyfriend