Lauvil's manga / #Kind ML(13)

There are way too many details and plot points in this story that makes me uncomfortable. Mainly things that reek of interlised mysogyny. One is the trope of a beautiful, but weak girl, who needs a man so rescue her all the time. Another is the clear implication that rape is not about violating a woman's right to bodily autonomy and integrity, but about her and her family's honour, which is why the bad guys try to rape Mei to hurt Kou. It's bullshit though. The idea that raping a woman could somehow hurt her family or lover, more than it would hurt her, is archaic and misguided. In general the story feels like it was written by a man. The way the MC's body was posed and exposed to please the male gaze in ch.1, and the thoughts she had about herself and her body, just felt so charicaturized and cringy.

113

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.