just_m3h's manga / #orphan(12)

It's heartbreaking, is what it is. Left to shoulder such a huge debt, and not a day's luxury his whole life, poor Emu. It's so great he's met the class pres again. And better yet that Fukutomi is both happy to take him on and capable of it too

Why? Why did I not want to to read this?! It was heavy and long and had a shit tonne of details but beautiful is beautiful. I loved the seme, such a kind soul. I don't think Yuki understands how much he hurts sensei every time he leaves. They grow old together! Of course they do! Was there ever any doubt? He breathes life into him. He creates him. God. Just, stunning

Leaving aside the rape, which was incredibly horrifying and nearly impossible to read through, there are so many other things that are wrong with this manga. From the multiple misunderstandings and lack of communication, to the shady as fuck secretary, to the lack of accountability for causing hurt and overall bad vibes. What did Makoto fall in love over, anyway? Touma had nothing to offer, at least in the beginning. Also, the rape was one of the most brutual depictions in a BL manga I have ever come across, without going into the downright macabre genre. It's a NO from me 2.5

I think this will be pretty interesting... Edit: 1: It was nice. Fairly lighthearted for such a heavy subject matter. Atsushi, a mixed race child who was abandoned in an orphanage by his abusive mother, grew up attached to Masa, an orphan a few years older than him, never knowing his white father. After moving to Tokyo, he went through life with no other real attachments until Yuuya, a well meaning and kind hearted idiot, walks into his tattoo parlour and life. I enjoyed it, but Atsushi's actions also do raise some red flags. His trauma had a really deep rooted effect. I think they'll be okay, though. Yuuya is really good for him and Masa also continues to look over them. I'm really happy Yuuya found something that makes him happy. Not everyone needs to walk a corporate 9-5 job to live a good life, you know. Glad his mom came around. 4.6 5: Simple workplace romance about a capable senpai who captures the heart of a smitten kohai without meaning to. The uke being older and widowed lends a slightly different tone to this one than others woth a similar theme. I didn't have any particularly strong feelings for this one, though. It was okay, but the drunk sexual activity just is always a no from me. 4

Famous idol and down in the dumps but absolutely sweet little hardworking uke. Gunna be good Edit: I'm 100% sure I did not read a bit of the manhwa before making the above review. Not only does it not make a lick of sense in the context of the story, I also have no recollection of having read this Edit: Okay, no, it makes sense, I must have only read the very first introductory chapter, when I reviewed this. Anyway. What a ride! Leeseo, one of the most famous and talented singers in the country (and to some extent, world) gets dumped on Hosoo's doorstep by his old friend, Dohyun. That's it, at the surface. But in reality, their lives are etwined in ways they aren't even fully aware of. If there was ever a fated pair, this is it. They met and comforted and gave strength to each other throughout their lives in different shapes and forms. They were both unwanted and thrown away and lived incredibly difficult, traumatic childhoods. Their tormentors continued to use and abuse them through extortion late into their 20s. They both had estranged but loving half siblings and friends who would go to great lengths for them. I love that they get married. People always act like you can't just go somewhere and do that. Like it's not an option. Later in the story, Leeseo's estranged and traumatised brother (Woojoo) who doesn't know how to show affection (and causes them a lot of trouble) is abandoned, and finds his solace in Dohyun's arms. Dohyun uses his own dark past and less than savoury connections to tie up all loose ends. I don't like how their first time happened, though. But I know Dohyun will keep him safe and loved forever. What was so satisfying about this is that a lot of their tormentors got exactly what they deserved. From death, to a life of forced menial labour. They deserved it. Shitty rapist pedo abusive extortionists. Rot. I also loved that Hosoo stopped sending money to his adopted family and started to finally live for himself. It took a lot of strength and I wish hos sister had pushed him in that direction from the start, instead of Hosoo being so trumatised as to decide to finally do that. Please let them be happy now. 5*

Interesting. But I'm also worried. Seme thinks he's found his fated mate. But uke's someone who sells his body and thinks nothing of alphas. Plus, he says he didn't feel a damn thing...

Ew, gross. No.

Nishina offers his body to the rival gang's kumichou, Touji, in exchange for forgiving a rebel gang member's indiscretions. But Nishina does not seem to realise how much Touji is protecting him and why. On one hand, I loved their devotion and dedication. How can a yakuza story be so heartwarming? Also really liked how brave Nishina was, and how smart. He had his priorities exactly right. So did Touji. But I can't forgive that Touji would have raped him or had him raped if he hadn't known who he was. And yet, how he loved and cared for Nishina was so tender. Ahhh. It's the nature of Yakuza stories. I don't like how high I am rating this, and yet 4.5

Toki has to take care of his 4 year old nephew, who was orphaned an year ago, for 2 months. Becoming overwhelmed with juggling childcare with work, he accepts help from Chihiro, a friend's younger brother who is in love with him. I think Toki's resolve is a force to be reckoned with. From taking on so much to keep Api happy and his work at bay, to deciding to wait until things were in order before he gave Chihiro an answer, he's so honest and sincere. It's quite endearing. Chihiro is clearly patient as fuck, definitely knows the big picture is where it's at. I also really liked that Toki wasn't incompetent and incapable of learning to cook and take care of Appi, yet smart enough to know when to accept help. The way Chihiro came to their defense and helped them out throughout was also great; that principal was way out of line. Appi is so adorable and precious. I'm so glad he is surrounded by such loving people. 4.8

Shun is an aspiring writer, estranged from his family who couldn't accept his sexuality. He becomes curious about and eventually enamoured with Mio, a lonely orphan, who soon leaves the sleepy island behind for a facility in the mainland (Okinawa). Is there any future for the love budding between them? Gentle, heartfelt, and lovely. And just a little bit lonely. Loved that he was the uke. Because. Well. I wanted Shun to be cherished and taken care of as if he were something precious- because he is. 5