Hollow Lovers
First 25 chapters. I am so captivated by this story. The first chapters was off to a rough start cuz it was a one-night stand that was close to harassment, but this strayed all upcoming expectations. It had labels , the dude was openly gay and never hid it. Then , within the first 5 chapters, we see this huge characterization of morals and principles of these characters. Ziming , aka June, doesn't sleep with anyone, requires consent , and doesn't want ultierior motives. He is a dedicated, blood-workijg fashion designer. Then we have Chu Lin, this dumbass dude who becomes Ziming's assitant and ultimately gets bumped up to a permanent job. I love seeing how Chu Lin went from someone unreliable to growing , while the story focused on fashion industry/work field. The dialogue is incredibly realistic, moments of passion and determination are as true as they come in this story. This story is incredibly unique and well-written without the the cringey cliches. Also, I love how Ziming is incredibly confident in his sexuality and knows what he wants , but also while denying a blossoming connection we readers can only sense. We can see how discreet his lies are. He's also super humorous and slick. The characters are so well developed. The progression of this story is so nice. You can see how the progress of the company, June, correlates to their relationship growth. Gahh, chapter 27. Why is Chu Lin in denial!!!?? Bruh wtf. They incorporated a whole sex trafficking scandal?! I'm not sure how realistic that is , but it seemed so well played out. There was logic behind, reasoning, and justification behind it. Chapter 36. Bruh. They actually got together. I was confused on the emotions that were at play. Did Chu Lin not believe Ziming had feelings? Is that why he had always been hesitant of all of Ziming's jokes? Or was it just cuz he was homophobic and didn't want to labeled as gay? Probably both. Regardless, those worries just shattered cuz they just got together. Also, Ziming is so fucking sweet to Chu Lin. He asked if Chu Lin was "okay" and for his consent. Such a sweetheart. Also , when Ziming professed his love, godddddddd. The love, the tension. Chapter 45. Bruh wtf. Jiminy professed his love again??? Damn, and they were silent for a whole 8 chapters, and this dude went abroad. God, I dont know where this is taking me , but my heart is in pieces. But Chu Lin moved out?!! Chapter 53. God. The fucking tension after Ziming found out Chu Lin rejected him by moving out. God, I hate Chu Lin for leading Ziming on. Ziming wasn't clear with his emotions prior, which is partly his fault and resulted in Chu Lin's denial of feelings, but everything was so clear after Ziming confessed. This is all Chu Lin's fault. But the guilt tripping by Ziming after he found out, and that aggression, is uncalled for. I cant really take sides, but I love Ziming. He has been so upfront and mature about his feelings. He is apologizing, so that makes it more acceptable. Chapter 54: "You [Jiming] didn't rape me." I didn't contexualize this enough. The guilt and pain Jiming talked about very less emotional , but more physical. FUCKKKKKKK. CHU LIN. He just confessed, im tearing the fuck up. He even said he didn't know how to come out to his mom. God , I'm so in love with this manga. Chapter 57. My heart is exalted. This dedication, this love, this emotion. I can't. I need this in real life. Chapter 62. Fuck the father. My blood is literally building. "ZIMING. You're no son of mine! Go play with sewing dresses. Go fuck a man. I don't need a girl for a son." -- his father. *kisses* "Thats pretty gay." "I [Chu] am gay. Chapter 63. Chapter 64. I cant get enough of this man Ziming. He's so gentle and sweet, love is always slipping off his lips. Chapter 73. God, after that nice sweet period , entered in that creepy sex trafficking dude. And he was a CEO? I'm so filled with immense relief that Chu didn't give up his pride and body cuz of the quid pro quo stuff going on. Fuck rich people. Chapter 78. Wilddd bruh. I was so worried about everything and if Chu was gonna be okay regarding all scandal he got caught up in. Gahh, im so glad Ziming didn't care about June in the end and wanted Chu. Hopefully , I would've done something that like in a position such as that. Chapter 79 - Ummm.. the really possessive Ziming was frightening for a second. I was really scared of him turning emotional abusive. Glad he didn't. Chapter 81. Pure fucking bliss. Aw, my heart is whole again, I was worried. That chapter was essential in addressing sexuality. Chapter 91. Fin. I was so shocked when the mom was in disbelief of them being gay, she seemed so sweet and she passed the initial gay test about legalization of gay marriage. She said "experimental" and "temporary phase" -- bitch. Anyway, she still seemed very sweet, and im glad she got over it with the help of a therapist. Final Chapter - "I love you." "Like me a little less, so you can like for longer." God. This story is a 12/10. This story has a great ass storyline , great ass plots , great ass characters , great ass dialogue , great ass panel flow, great ass representation, and great ass art. The emotions, the tension, the passionate -- gahhh. This story is phenomenal. love every aspect of this series , from telling me all the worries of a having to come out, being out, the guilt of being gay. It has jam-packed everything while remaining the still somewhat innocent love. I aspire for this. Only thing which wasn't realistic or extreme is their lack of conflicts. We did see some , but it wasn't volatile. Maybe this is what a proper relationship is like then. Can I get there? This story stands as one of the greatest I have ever read. Amazing. Can't praise this story enough.
Don't Pick Up the Soap