madd's manga / #fluffy goodness(86)

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.

8 out of 10 I just wish the seme blushed a bit more, and we got to see him yk actually like Kaoru. That's just a pet peeve of mine. But I love that they're both just weird levels of unhinged.

GAWDAMN, THIS IS HEAVY. IT TOOK WAY TOO LONG FOR THAT MISOGYNISTIC MURDEROUS INCESTUOUS BASTARD TO DIE. AND BONGCHUN BETTER LIVE, OR SO HELP ME GOD, I WILL DESTROY EVERYONE ON THIS PLANET. Edit 3/27/23: This was such a great story. I loved the build-up of their relationship and how kind Bongchun was. The fact that this dude went into debt to save MC's life says a lot. Usually, I wouldn't say I like Korean period piece stories, but this one was handled very well, and I was able to get into it very quickly. I still wished that the brother had died, but in a sense, he did since he doesn't remember anything from his previous life. It was honestly perfect—the right amount of drama, romance, and action. I honestly have nothing against the webtoon except that he called him "Master" throughout the comic. I would have liked to see him at least try and refer to him by his name since, you know, they're married...? But other than that, if I got the time again, I would happily reread this. The art is gorgeous. No words could express how much I love Son Gaepi's sketchy style. It's so fluid and beautiful it almost looks like ancient Asian ink art. I love that everyone looks different and has something significant about them. Sometimes people in manhwas blend, or I forget who they are, but everyone had something that made them stand out, and they were all great characters. I'm glad everyone got their happy ending :D. Yet another Son Gaepi masterwork.