An excellent portrait of a man who cares too much and a man who cares too little because he was handed all the good things in life, and how love changes them. Chock full of pining and angst that almost--ALMOST--put me off.
Before y'all come at me with pitchforks, hear me out:
I love what become of this in the end. I love epic, sweeping, pining romances and grand professions of undying love as much as your wine mom next door. I was just frustrated with how long Tatsuo persevered when his feelings were met with stonewalled indifference. Tatsuo is an excellent character; he's admirable and lovable and dependable and frankly adorable when he's at his wits end with unrequited feelings. So midway through I couldn't help thinking that he deserved better; that he should salvage his pride and walk away. He deserved better. There's only so long you can keep a good man like that down before I either lose interest or my frustration boils over. Thankfully turnabout comes swiftly and Tatsuo DOES break through Haga's defenses, and the bitter taste in my mouth is remedied by the (really really passionate) counter-confession Haga finally lets slip. BUT. If it had dragged on a little longer, the angst would have curdled.
Sayonara, Itoshi No My Friend