grumpyface:]'s manga / #shounen ai(73)

Giving it 3 stars for the art

I don’t know how many times I’ve read this manga already, but I still love it and plan to reread it again. Something about the characters, the dialogue, the writing style, the scenarios, the art overall, touched me deeply. It’s hard to pinpoint the most charming point, but I would say its authenticity, psychological aspects (and portrayal), and the character dynamic have to have been a part of the irresistible draw. There’s just something raw and alive about the story. Will never forget this manga.

I read this again (for I don’t know which of the many times) and somewhere got a completely better understanding of it. So I absolutely had to change the rating and the tag for the better correspondingly. I love the storyline of the main pair. “Pitiful, sentimental and oppressive” is about right (quote from the artists of this WEBTOON). I relate to both characters in some way, and that’s an important part of the decision to change my opinion of this WEBTOON, for sure, but I would say there are three largely consequential factors than this one. (1) Firstly, the surprising masterful weaving of Ryan and Christoph’s story. Wholesome, tragic, and poignant. Not to mention, surprisingly pure. I just can’t explain it, but their story was just angsty and really caught me by surprise. (2) Secondly, Karis. I would say he is my favorite character of all in this webtoon. If I had to pick between Kyon and Karis, I would still pick Kyon because he has a special place in my heart, it’s completely emotional bias. However, Karis is a much better character than Kyon. Karis was just so… steadfast and good. Something to protect and cheer on. Trustworthy, unbending, honest and true to himself. I get attracted to these kinds of characters because I wish I was more like that personally. Unfortunately, I’ve long accepted that’s impossible lol. I was born with a different set of strengths and weaknesses; and I can’t change that. That doesn’t mean I can’t respect and admire Karis and hold him close to my heart. (3) The WEBTOON felt really realistic in some areas (not all the time and not in every aspect, of course). The finale, in my opinion, summed it all up as nicely as it could.