Wow. Cool that it's historical fiction. Doesn't romanticize - the character interactions, effects of trauma, and characters themselves feel realistic. Not sure how I feel about the ending, but this manga is so well-written and drawn. If you read *anything* on this website let it be this. I love how all of the character arcs and plotlines concluded. It's best for both of the main characters to never see each other again. It's an emotional roller coaster and definitely worth the read. I feel like if I read it again (which I just did), I'll notice a lot of small plot details that I missed the first time. There's a lot of attention to detail. Great characters and story, definitely gives you something to think about... in therapy
Regarding the ending: I agree/understand that forgiveness was necessary for Masataka to move forward, even if he might've done it to allow SOUMA to move forward. I don't think he ever really fell in love with him - just acknowledged that, no matter how fucked the way he showed it was, oh god he’s such an asshole but nature and nurture yknow?, Souma did care for him (or... the idea of him?). Another thread here says that Masataka will become a great teacher and not allow his past to justify hurting others... and that idea gives me joy.
Sakura Gari