SharkVice's manga / #Denying Yourself(35)

Love this one. It's realistic but not in a heavy depressing way. There are no real villains or Trashtas (aside from Pauliana's family in the beginning). It's all just about Lucius trying to deal with his unrequited love for Paul and how that clashes with his responsibilities as emperor, while Paul deals with a world that discriminates women and her own prejudice towards women. Lucius is the most unselfish ML. His focus is always on how to make sure Paul is happy even if that means throwing away his feelings for her. The story spawns multiple years and it's great to see how things unfold and where characters end up. The ending is so very satisfying.

Not really a dead love interest since she doesn't even exist, but you know what I mean Sequel https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/hotaru_wa_ashita_shinu_dj_enough/