madd's manga / #on the reread list(12)

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.

I love this so much, I thought I wouldn't get into the side couple but they won me over and they didn't overstay their welcome either so we could still have time with Heesu and Seungwon. I love the main couple’s dynamic, super healthy and communicative although there were some times when Heesu was a being a little sh*t but it's fine. I also like that they showed the aftermath of both relationships, I love seeing journeys throughout a whole relationship, not just the beginning. Seeing them both work through their messes as both teens and adults was very wholesome and relatable. Also loved seeing them just be queer without that being the main focus, but still touching on some problems with homophobia especially in Chanyoung’s family this is one of the first times I'm seeing a character just casually have same-sex parents, and it's not a giant spectacle, so that's always a plus. This was fun to binge read I can't wait to reread this one. I wouldn't mind this becoming a drama or something, definitely would be good adaptation material. 9.5 out of 10 :3

I want to give this a 10/10, but I hate how Jin and Momo's relationship developed. Raping someone in their sleep is a no-no, and kissing without consent. I skipped their whole arc because I was like, aww, I thought they were hiding it, not that they weren't together, and Momo wasn't into it, and Jin was pushing it. But other than that, everything else is excellent. I got attached to all the characters; I can fricking remember their names. The girls are so sweet, especially Ayano, and I love how Hazuki threatened Ichimaru not to fall in love with Ayano lmao. I low-key ship the girls together. I like how it was a good balance of all the characters' appearances and relationships. Izumi and Haruto's relationship is hands down one of the best I have seen in a long time. Izumi is so understanding of Haruto's shortcomings and most definitely autism-coded quirks, and he is just so patient with him and accepts him for who he is. I was worried about the age gap tag, but it fell under my ok age limit (0-5 and 6-10), and they're both adults, so it's just right. THIS IS HOW YOU DO AGE GAP PEOPLE. I love how they're both just such airheads for each other, and the way Izumi acted during the Ichimaru arc puts him in my book as one of the best "seme" characters I have seen in a long time. Reading this makes me want to live where my neighbors would just become my friends lmao. I definitely will reread this.

9.5 out of 10 MY GOD IT IS RIDICULOUSLY HARD TO FIND WHOLESOME POLY RELATIONSHIPS IN BLs. All their dynamics were so sweet and I like that the conflict of Yuusuke liking Kei. I didn't expect that at all. And i like how it closed off their arc in the end. Most threesome or poly relationship mangas always start with a love triangle and the two tops* don't ever like fall in love, they just tolerate each other. All the focus is on the bottom, but FINALLY they all just love each other equally in this one. No character feels like an outlier. Only tiny gripe, that would have propelled this manga into unforgettable mastapeece territory is if Yuusuke and Kei had a chance to do it together, or interact romantically. Cuz all we got was the kiss in the last chapter and their talk at the beach. I need like another side-story or something so they can more time together but other than that it was all good. NO RAPE. NO SEXUAL HARASSMENT. NO NON-CON. JUST PURE FLUFF FOR ONCE. All the characters are so fun to get attached to. This is definitely one I hope to forget quickly so I can read it again.