Yagiza no Yuujin
Wow. This was really beautiful and sad, and I loved it. I really love a focus on male/male friendship, too. It's so rare to see. Even with the lingering hints of feelings one of them had for the girl, that was never the focus, so it didn't take away from the power of the story. The cat stuff--NO. Fucking hell. I hated it so much. I wish I could erase that from my mind. I know it's only pretend, but it was so drawn out and awful, and one of my cats looks like that cat, so even worse. But other than that, this was a really good manga. I wish that scene would exit my brain, but I'm glad I read the story. I do wish that there'd been more emphasis on the healing of the survivors, especially someone who's been so brutally bullied and mistreated for so long, but at least he said that sweet thing at the end about how he feels hopeful being with the other boy. Very sad but a very good story.
His Lake
Eh? So was he the evil magician or whatever the whole time? What was with the horns? Or was it implying that he'd turned evil in his grief? Very short and rushed, like everyone is saying, but at least it was too brief and shallow to make me cry, so hey!
The Perfect Relationship
Pretty sad, fucked up story. Definitely depressing with no real relief. I feel so bad for that high school student, though I'm glad he was given comfort and held and such, allowed to cry. I hope that after this, he and the other guy, the main dude's boyfriend, both have happier lives. Maybe he'll help the high schooler get out of his situation. Maybe when he's older, they'll date, and they can both feel like they accomplished things they thought they wouldn't. Either way, definitely a downer, but most of the characters weren't likable enough for it to really sting. His son, though. Ugh, it was so cruel. Right into the end, just how kind and trusting he was. Not something I'd reread, but not awful. Just a bummer.
The Man Will Survive For 1 More Hour Per 1 Like
Mobu Oji-san Demo Koi ga Shitai!
Only one chapter translated, unfortunately. I want to know what the rest says, but it's all so sad anyway. The meta, dark humor of it has me intrigued. I already know how it ends, but I'd like to know more about what's happening in the meantime. That final shot is so damn abrupt though, and... I kind of like that the bully top gets to lose something in such an awful way. Maybe you shouldn't have treated him so badly.
The Servant / Employer
Everyone in this story sucks. The end. I initially thought Yeonho was just really stupid, but it turns out he's nosy, hypocritical, and really stupid. Like, mind your own business, bitch. I don't know why I'm still reading this. Maybe because the twisted nature of a father and son fighting over the same powerless pretty boy is appealing to me in a masochistic sort of way. I wish I could get something like this more often only, you know, written well.
Ore no Kirai na Tsugaisama