Mangonificent's manga / #non-BL(10)

I have no idea how I ended up reading this since the genre definitely isn't my usual cup of tea. I'm really glad I did though because I never expected something this wholesome. While it might have the usual ecchi elements of "woman with ridiculous proportions and a whole bunch of cringy sexual situations to oogle at her assets", the characters and their dynamic is actually so darn charming that it doesn't feel like just cheap fanservice. The ML is absolute top notch. So kind, considerate and patient. Someone you’d be fully safe to let your guard down with for he has absolute respect for consent. We need more men like him in… everywhere, both in manga (screw all the rapey shit) and real life.

Charming little story about a ballerina breaking free of her constraints and basically saying "Fuck it, I do what I want now!" Has this really subtle and mature feel which I enjoyed. However, the ending left me a bit empty and I think they could have gone further with the story. Since the MC made a pretty big deal about her virginity and the old guy admitted feeling self-conscious about showing his naked body to someone young like her, I was actually very curious how a more intimate moment between the two would go. They could have kept it subtle, no smut needed (nor would it fit with the atmosphere I think), but I just wanted SOMETHING more. Funny, this is like the first time I read a story which did not have a sex scene but I WANTED one. Usually I don't care.

A very predictable but cute little story. I liked it how innocent it was. Although I occasionally found the MC a little bit creepy thanks to how she treated her teddy bears like alive beings. Yeah, she has a reason to really treasure them but still, if I saw someone living by themselves talking to their plushies AND acting totally clueless about so many things in life I'd probably slowly back away (lol). Her quirks is one of the major reasons why I liked the story was kept so innocent. If the ML was aggressively reciprocating her puppy love type of crush, it'd have made me highly uncomfortable.

Pretty to look at but the pace of the story felt too fast, especially since this is an ongoing series and not a one-shot (right?). Now in the very first chapter it basically went: "I've always loved u!" "Ditto. Let's have sex to celebrate." I know it lists smut as a genre so perhaps I'm just expecting too much but I'd have liked to get a better grasp on the characters and their feelings. Now the MC is kind of all over the (admittedly very hot) ML and has been so ever since she was 15 but it's not touched upon why that is. Their dynamic isn't really explored beyond the "well, he's her bodyguard and she's got a crush on him".

Not to be dramatic but... I would die for this precious sir!

There's just something extremely comforting about this. It's so calm, has this mature subtle tone, and the characters are so gentle and understanding with each other. No forced drama. I also really enjoy the unique style of this artist. Such a breath of fresh air.

Such a beautiful slow burn. I really appreciate how the story is taking its' time to develop the dynamics between the two, building a relationship that goes far deeper than the usual surface level drivel I see. It got me truly immersed in these characters and relating to their journey. Even small gestures feel intimate. Both leads are extremely enjoyable. I swear, the real world needs an army of Sasaki-sans omg. I mean, he's so adorkable and sweet and respectful and and and... just SAFE you know. I also absolutely love the art. It's pretty but not generic, it has tons of personality. What a rare gem this is! I'm in love.