Lauvil's manga / #Josei(169)

The ML is just my type. Big and brawny, with a scowling face that makes him look Intimidating, but in actuality he's just a big softy. I have a feeling, though, that I'm not going to like the plot. Or at least that I'll be indifferent to it. The fact that the author brought in the "The protagonists know each other from way back, though only one of them realizes it"-trope, killed my small hope that the plot would be original. But whatever. I'll read it for the smut, bc for once it's consensual.

Sumire Nakadou is a 27 yo office worker, who has never had a boyfriend, much less had sex. It's not out of disinterest, though. Barely being around men and boys during her formative years, she just doesn't now how to talk to them - not to say flirt with them. One day, after having a meal with a co-worker she suddenly blurts out: "Would you make love to me". Fortunately, he's not taken aback by the sudden request. In fact, he agrees to it - though on the condition that she becomes his (pretend) girlfriend. As per usual in the smut-genre of manga, there are some sexist tropes: - The man knowing a woman's body better than herself and her never having tried to masturbate - Jealous women with crushes on the ML try to meddle in their relationship/obstruct the FL - FL acts subservient to the ML, putting his needs/desires above her own - Doesn't pass the Bechdel test - so far any conversations between women are about a man (Tachibana) There's also a rather uncomfortable scene, where the ML begins touching the MC while she's asleep. And when she finally wakes up, he penetrates her without warning, consent or letting her catch her bearings. And he knew he was in the wrong - even expected her to get angry - but did it anyway. Even told her to "yell at him afterwards"... Yikes. The story itself is a bit cliché and a few moments made me cringe, but it's not too bad. Or at least I thought so until the chapter with the sleeping sex. I was gonna rate it 3/5, but that scene knocked its rating down. 2/5 stars.

Kana has a hard time with sex. She doesn't enjoy it, in fact it hurts most of the time, and because of it boyfriends keep dumping her (instead of learning how to please a woman). Every time this happens she'll go to the local bar to complain to her childhood friend and bartender, Mamoru. One evening after drinking and complaining over boys, Mamoru suddenly suggests to help her feel better during sex. At first she's surprised, and a little worried about the consequences it could have for their friendship, but she ultimately accepts. Together they will now explore each other's bodies with a healthy curiousity, that Kana had never allowed herself before... Both leads of the story are great. Kana is a straightforward young woman with a bubbly personality and endearing clumsiness. I just feel so bad for her that shitty, toxic boyfriends affected her self-esteem so much. Like, damn. I wanna beat them with a bat for how they treated her. Mamoru on the other hand, is just the best. He is so sweet, thoughtful and gentle. He takes initiative and pushes for what he wants but always makes sure not to cross any boundaries. Kana's comfort is still more important to him than his desires. *Chef's kiss* The smut is also really good. Safe and consensual, uncensored, detailed, and oh the facial expressions... Just, hot damn! So good! 10/10. The story itself is neither especially unique or exciting, but the characters are lively and the art is beautiful. 4.5/5 stars from me.