How could I describe this masterpiece. First of all, I would categorize this as yaoi because even though the amount (and spiciness) of sex scenes were minimal they gave a lot of impact that you'll remember it for a long time. The story pace was slow; sensei really took time to develop the main characters and the supporting characters around them so that their relationship could grow organically. And I really love how realistic it feels of the main characters relationship; most of yaoi that I've read either a pwp or if not, happened in a some universe where being gay is all flowers and rainbows.
We could see how sensei beautifully nurtured youichi's character each chapter; seeing him grow through each hardships and finally realizing that the man who helped him along the way is the one he love.
If you're looking for yaoi with an incredibly amazingly superbly fantastically wonderful storyline, this is the manga that you want. The years of waiting for each chapter are worth it.
Hana wa Saku ka