Ambrosia's manga / #hidden gem(241)

list - hidden gem, opposites, masterlist Wow fascinating read! Same author as A Declaration of Revenge. Wonderfully well written work with a very realistic tone exploring the tumultuousness of youth and love. Finding your path at a young age is difficult (something I currently even struggle with) and Gilsung's struggles with the crushing pressure of not living up to his parent's well meaning expectations, the reality of averageness as you grow up when you were gifted at a younger age, and a parent living vicariously through their child. All sensitively and realistically handled and depicted, with an initial introduction of a rebellious youth wanting to drop out of school and run away from it all. Jungwon's story takes on a bit of a darker and less relatable take, but with the same refreshing realness that carries this story and sets it apart. His relationship with the homeroom teacher is always depicted as what it truly is - a predatory and pedophilic relationship where an adult preys on a vulnerable child. It even addresses the fact that while Jungwon was the initial pursuer (and top), it is still the adult's responsibility not to engage with a minor. We clearly see that the teacher took advantage of Jungwon's vulnerability and loneliness, as a child that was a victim of domestic abuse and living alone away from any family. The entire situation was handled brilliantly, from Jungwon's initial yearning, to Gilsung's horror and frank denunciation of their relationship, to the school's handling of the situation and his mother's support. Even as a cancer patient, they never gave the teacher any excuse for his actions, and though Jungwon blamed himself he had wonderful support from his mother, teachers and friends that made it clear he was the victim. He was allowed space and time to heal and overcome it, even if it was in the form of running away from Gilsung. While I understand how upsetting and frustrating that would be, and the time lost between them, I truly think it was needed and they both grew more mature and feelings grew stronger with the time apart. An example of distance makes the heart grow fonder. The relationship itself was wonderfully developed. From apathetic classmates almost enemies, to a bickering support and friendship, to blossoming feelings, to deep love. It's unfortunate that they were ripped apart so soon after they got together (they had literally just gotten together), but the establishing friendship and how deeply they touched each other was enough to last through the years until their reunion. I would have liked more of them together, a few more extras to show their relationship and lovey-dovey moments, but even without that you can see the depth of their feelings and understand their relationship. Model student Jungwon and athlete brained Gilsung.

Interesting and different with a more realistic story style but maaaan was it frustrating. Both Soma and Wataru are kind of getting over their feelings for their ex-boyfriends and strike up a friendship that turns into a kind of friends with benefits situation. All the frustrating vagueness of a situation ship with a heavy dose of selfish nonchalance from the top Soma, and a painful semi-unrequited love insecurity from the bottom Wataru. Being in love with someone who is still in love with their ex while being intimate with them?? Sounds like hell. They were fairly honest about their unresolved feelings for their exes and kind of refreshingly talked about them quite openly. But that refreshing realism turned dour at the end with the continued vagueness and halfhearted resolution. Soma didn’t do nearly enough to reassure Wataru of his feelings, even I could hardly gauge his true feelings so I’m sure Wataru would be lost. And the last chapter was a dick move inviting his ex to the celebratory dinner, even if they did get along and it ended on happy note. They are very affectionate and touchy and clingy, and had potential to be so cute if they just resolved things properly and showed Soma being a good boyfriend!! Pissed me off and this is one where I’d have loved to see some groveling to at least Soma acknowledging Wataru’s insecurity and his own faults in creating that insecurity and doing his best to reassure him. I’m not fully convinced of his sincerity.