just_m3h's manga / #neighbours(4)

Jin is not only a unique uke, he's a unique yaoi lead. With his lack of need for drama and his quiet acceptance and strength, he truly is a redeemed character I can get behind. It certainly helps that his past is not a part of the current time line. And that he was a high school kid. But what helps the most is obviously how he tries to take responsibility and the gravity with which he tackles matters Wujin suffered so much and I am so glad he gets to be happy now. Wujin's such an honest character, I really enjoyed how kind he was, as well. They deserve each other so much. I love how honest they are about their love and desire for each other. Jin, in his steady loyalty and quiet reassurance, and Wujin, in his over-excited puppy kinda affection. 5 I do hate that Wujin is being blamed at all, the kid's parents are crazy. But I love Wujin's family, his Mum was A+

1: Satoru who gets left behind at the alter is comforted by his long time friend Daichi. But does Daichi, who happily feeds him and looks after him, only have friendship in his heart? I like that Satoru was hard working. And that he cared so much for Daichi. I don't like that mangaka gave him a general air of incompetence for no apparent reason. Daichi is obviously wonderful, between his unwavering feelings and gentle nature. 4.6 3: Kanata's nextdoor neighbour Hayato is a carefree person who spends his money at the slot machines and brothels. Useless as he is, he doesn't seem to realise Hayato's feelings at all. But one day, he asks Hayato to help him scratch a certain itch. Kinda have to agree with Chika here. I don't get why Hayato is into him. And even though he does try to improve himself, not only do we not see the final results, Hayato actually dissuades him from trying!! Also, asking a high schooler to help you masturbate because you're too broke to go to the brothel? Ewww. And then still not realising Hayato's feelings after everything! Next! 3.4 4: Ryo runs into Min having sex with his sex friend at school, only to learn afterwards how badly Min is being treated. Ryo resolves to become Min's friend and keep him from getting hurt, only to find himself developing more than friendly feelings for Min Mins was sweet and all, but I think Ryo is such a wonderful character. I love how he had no ulterior motives, not even curiosity. He genuinely just wanted to be Min's friend and protect him from assholes like Min's old sex friend. I also really like that Min didn't comment on certain aspects of Ryo's physiology negatively, instead telling him he's beautiful. It was very heartwarming. Would have liked to read more. Much more. 4.8 5: The new hire Shiba is just Nagaoka's type. But he's unfortunately straight. Nagaoka resolves himself to dealing with his feelings quietly but and unexpected situation presents itself during the company hot spring inn trip. 4.4 They're obviously great together and both very likable too. But the sex was too vanilla and disappointing. Even with that shaving scene, which should have been smoking hot, by all counts. Overall: one miss and several mildly good to extremely good ones. 4.3

Akari, who is a corporate slave, finally meets his neighbours of 2 years during a blackout. As he develops relationships with them, he finds himself increasingly entabgled with the hot yet unreadable Hajime whose intentions he can't seem to get straight. Firstly, I love apartment complex stories. And secondly, this is so interesting! Hajime was a right dick, but I'm willing to see how he makes up for it. His asshole schoolmate, though, screw him. Love Akari, of course. He's so precious. The remaining flatmates are also fun to read. 4.8

Two neighbours and their budding love story, their struggles with gender norms and society's expectations. There's something so bittersweet (heh heh) about this storytelling, and that's certainly not by design. Mangaka did well, infusing such depth and conflicting emotion into so short a story. My only complaint is that she somehow made the uke a bit wishy-washy. I don't know why, sometimes gis reactions confused and frustrated me. But overall, I liked him and liked the story. 4.6