madd's manga / #Healthy Horensou Couple(87)

This was pretty cute. I like any stories involving people with disabilities. A bai teaching his sister how to help Zi Xi recognize her was so sweet. I was super confused by the senior finding his disability 'disgusting' like... what even... I assume there are people like this, but 'disgusting' seems like a weird word in this context. He can't control it. It was inflicted upon him in an accident; it's not like he wants this. There's nothing really to be... disgusted about. I don't know; maybe it was just a translation error. A bai yelling at the daycare teachers was a bit cringe because the first one didn't do anything wrong. However, I'm glad he called the second daycare teacher out. Even if you saw someone potentially about to kidnap a child, why would you not call the police after you drive him away? A possible predator could be on the loose and could go to a different daycare. You should at least let the police know so that they can be on the lookout or investigate. At least call the family to inform them what happened. The lady knew she lied, so why did they keep the child sitting alone in a room in the dark, especially if it was that late to the point where all the parents were gone? It's standard procedure to ensure the guardian(s) are at least on their way. I'm so glad she got fired because she caused a giant headache for everyone. Hopefully, Zi Xi will learn too. Please tell people about your disability, or it will cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Rant over. I didn't give over 8 out of 10 because it's a bit too short. Their relationship development is rushed; it could've done with a few extra chapters building up their dynamic before he confessed instead of just pushing it all into a montage because, in the end, it just feels like it ended abruptly. And some parts of the middle were a bit boring, but other than that it was good. 7 out of 10

This is definitely one of the greats. It's a lovely hidden gem that deserves more attention. The art is gorgeous, the story is fantastic, and the relationship dynamic is just *chef's kiss*. I have no complaints, just pure 10 out of 10 goodness. I love how they each ended up indirectly making each others' lives better. And in the end, Shiro is rewarded with his soul after going through so much. Perfect ending. (┳◡┳)

1. 10 out of 10 It is an excellent but heartbreaking story about how internalized homophobia can damage people and others. Sadly, we live in a world where queer people are still unaccepted and feel ashamed for something they can't control, which is entirely normal. There are so many people, not just LGBTQ+ people, who can't yet accept themselves because they are terrified of how they'll be treated and by the fact they are considered abnormal to everyone else, so they are forced to hide who they are so they won't be ostracized. Although the story establishes that Katsumi is cruel, it also makes a point to make you pity him because he seeks out penance for what he did by self-harming. I like that Maki was able to heal himself and relieve himself of any resentment before meeting Katsumi so that he could help him; it was more about Katsumi learning to forgive himself and allowing himself to be forgiven rather than Maki having to forgive him. And in the end, the reveal that Katsumi liked him too was awesome. It really drove the point home. I'm glad they were both able to heal and are still healing. 2. 8.5 out of 10 Although it was super short, I think it shone as well. I almost wish it was a separate story so we could see a more in-depth view of how their friendship developed and how Yusuke fell for Daiya and vice versa rather than the whole plot kickstarting because of drunken shenanigans. Also, I would have liked to see more time with Yusuke's reaction to Daiya leaving, but the author did the best they could with a one-shot. Those are my only gripes, but other than that, I loved it. Strangers to friends to lovers is my favorite trope. But still, props to the author for creating two excellent stories, and it goes without saying the art is absolutely gorgeous. So overall, it's a 9 out of 10. I would definitely reread this.