pluckaduck's manga / #Student x Student(32)

couldn't really immerse myself in this story... it might bc of the art, it feels cluttered. the author should blur out the background or put less, or but put more emphasis on shading and atmosphere work so it's easier to focus on the characters and their emotions. also, not sure why this is worthy to be cried over. sure, the situation is one of the worst to be in for partners, but it's not like the ml becomes resentful and cold towards mc, so whats to cry about? also, i think the author should've made it clear if the girl was the ml's gf or not, cuz i thought it was implied, since mc didn't even bring it up for ml deny it, so i was annoyed that the translator was like "she daydreaming, she a bitch" like what, is she supposed to give them her blessings? isnt it natural to take revenge? other readers just naturally assumed the girl was not his gf so they can curse her out without hesitation, but what if she was? then the author's just villainizing her. i might have given this work another star if this included the girl's comeuppance and perhaps, guilt over the accident she indirectly caused, and then have them meet up again for her to properly express her remorse - like make her more than just a plot contrivance, make her a realistic character like the main leads too.

for a manhua, it's pretty good. the first couple is adorable, the second one's dynamic is good, but their progression is not as developed, lacks a foundation (like bran's interest in him feels random and superficial), and feels forced as a result. not to mention bran is at least in grade 11 and zayne is in grade 8... just overall not well-written thus half a star is knocked off

ending knocked off half a star. was cute story but needed more closure, esp for the childhood friend

their relationship is cute and sweet but that's about it. in terms of developments and relationship dynamics, it's kinda cliche. also, it's kinda unrealistic how everyone despises and disdains the girl bc she's unable to fly, but irl, she would be an extremely valuable specimen and treated as such. and why cant people swim? it's just moving your limbs/body in water? is it biological evolution to balance out the flying ability? or is it bc the flyers don't feel a need to practice/train? i think it needs to be touched upon.

entertaining, cute and funny, but the cover design gave me the wrong impression that it'll be a love triangel, but it's not. sehun's role and personality is pretty different from what i expected on the cover. and not really a viable love rival in the first place bc mc never even considered him an option and he got his own lover later on. he barely gave the ml trouble or inconvenience at all; if anything, he helped him a lot and was a good friend most of the time, so yeah, it's misleading.

a lovely and endearing story about an introverted and extroverted boy as they grow and navigate their deepening friendship and growing feelings, with a bit of coming of age drama. the progress feels so natural and realistic, with how they start as friends, then slowly develop first-ever romantic feelings for the same gender; it encapsulates all the awkwardness and tenderness of youth. ahhh, this is why i love bl!!! you cant get this good shit with straight stories!

nonexistent plot with dragged-out morsels of development of the relationship between the leads. constant sexualization of a teenager. constant downplaying of molestation/harassment as "comedy". and just when actual serious chara flaw is introduced (mc's homophobia), it doesn't get much growth

it's a shame the author passed away so young. based on this debut work, it was clear they were very talented. i was so surprised to learn a 23-yo (or younger) conceived this touching story.