Lex's manga / #Beautiful Art(188)

Maki is a gay man gay who was told told by his former bestfriend Katsumi, that he was “disgusting” after he confessed to him. Coincidentally, the two reunited 10 years after the incident. Maki soon after discovers that his once thought-to-be straight friend now has sex with the type of men to hold a bad reputations around the area all as a means of self-harm. ---------- I enjoyed the first story, it was a short story, but it still managed to be quite the emotional roller-coaster. I liked how the re-encounter & getting together was handled, felt pretty natural. Also, the Artstyle was really pretty. Didn't care about the second story though. Neither did I like it.

Ever since high school, Sang Hwa has had a crush on his seemingly perfect best friend, Ryuh Han. Feeling both inferior and lonely, he delved into Lessa, an MMO slowly declining in popularity and an escape from Ryuh Han. In game, he stumbled across newbie “Mighty Mirae” – real name Gwon Lee Gum – and the two become fast friends as “Idealize”. Sang Hwa helps to train him and invite him to his guild. Yet, Mirae hyung still remains a distant, mysterious person until they decide to meet in real life. ---------- I really like the way that their relationship was built. The pacing feels very natural and i right away felt as if Sang Hwa and Lee Gum had a connection. I love how we get both characters' perspective on the relationship's evolution as well as many in-between scenes. It makes the pacing so much more flowing and enjoyable. Like they actually really know each other and fell in love so naturally over a period of time starting from a special friendship to something slowly more intimate and meaningful to each of them. Both Sang Hwa and Lee Gum's character growth are very interesting to read. Not to mention that the Art's top-notch! I feel like the writing got a little lousy towards the end, and that more chapters could have been added, but overall as a fluff read it was good as is.

Dropped twice. Maybe I'll give it another try but eh-- Doubt it for now.

When almost college dropout Jensen attempts to drink away his problems, unemployed Nathaniel suddenly pukes on him and ruins his night. As an apology, Nathaniel offers to help Jensen with his studies. Despite Jensen's difficulties in getting along with people, the two become friends and something deeper begins to grow between them. ---------- I absolutely adore this one! Niel and Jensen both have such loveable personalities. Actually interesting characters! I loved how everything came together, how nothing felt unnecessarily added to the plot. The Art's beautiful to look at, the characters are all so expressive. This made it to the top of my most liked BLs list right off the bat! Jensen & Niel's relationship is such a sweet, healthy and realistic one. They fall for each other slowly but surely. It show that the Author's put a lot of thoughts into working on both characters' perspectives and struggles. Also, the fact that the author went to the extent of mentioning bisexuality and pansexuality, of showing Jensen's character trying to figure out a label which suits how he's been feeling... Bringing Eugene's character back into the story in order to resolve past issues and wounds, all without attempting some cliche and boring drama! I love it! I didn't mind Rissa's character use either, she actually felt like an entertaining one (a tad bit annoying at times though, I do admit it). In all aspects, it's an amazing read! Special points for the extra-checking for consent too. Always love that!

On hold - Ch.15. The Art's really beautiful, but I dislike the characters. I'm also pretty bored with the plot for now. Haven't decided if I'll drop it or not yet.