muse ✨'s manga / #romance(83)

College student Ryuuta returns to a restaurant summer job with the intent of finally saying goodbye to Nao, the owner he's loved one-sidedly for years. But he finds Nao newly single and heartbroken, having been suddenly left by Hana, his long-time girlfriend. Seeing his chance, Ryuuta confesses to him, but Nao isn't ready for a relationship and is stunned that someone he considers a brother is in love with him. They take things in stride, giving Nao time to heal and grow closer to Ryuuta, which he does in a gradual and believable way. The feelings for his ex linger, as feelings do, but this is mature and satisfying.

Two boys fall in love as the end result of a punishment game. I didn't think I'd like this, but it was super satisfying.

Desperate to escape his twin's shadow, Haruhi turns to clubs and one-night stands, using his twin's name as an alias and letting himself be hurt in an attempt to hurt Katsuki by extension. When he meets a kind man named Masahiro, his self worth is so low that he's shocked to be offered friendship, but with Masa's constancy and love, he learns to like himself. The first time I can remember seeing an HIV test come up in manga.