madd's manga / #great chemistry(76)

8 out of 10 Kinda wanted to know more about the uke's background in acting but other than that it was pretty fine. It was hilarious seeing him actually try to teach him even though he knew it was just a joke lmao. Also it's so refreshing to see a strangers to lovers couple actually get to know each other over a course of time rather than just falling love after 2 days or weeks. (honestly that's why I prefer strangers to best friends to lovers cuz strangers to lovers story will skip the "Get to know" step) only thing is Now that someone pointed it out I can't unsee it now and I gotta take a point off for a light haired seme TT TT I just hate seeing it so often LIKE WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS BLONDE OR SOMETHING.

The art is immaculate, the characters are immaculate, the fashion is immaculate, the storyline is immaculate. It's all just *chef's kiss* I can't wait to see where this goes.

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.