AinoKusabi's manga / #mature(64)

Some friggin' sweet eye candy.

The first time I read this I had mixed feelings, and got teary-eyed. I don't like rape at all, but in this story a foolish mistake/misunderstanding ruined their lives and caused one man to abuse the other later on when they become adults. It's so sad, but at least the ending makes up for it.

I'm giving this manga 5 stars for one reason, and one alone; it is one of the most twisted, upsetting love triangle yaoi I've ever read. Which means it got a serious emotional response from me. My chest felt like it was in a vice most of the time. I give the mangaka kudos that she drove me almost insane by the end. Not my favourite cast of characters, although Kou and especially his lover, Ao, grew on me. Mikuni was a douche; sorry, but how could anyone accidentally return after that long and expect to rekindle an old flame, when the flame obviously didn't exist anymore. As for Kou, I was thoroughly disappointed with his shitty attitude towards a man he supposed loved and had been with for years. It was his flighty attitude and adolescent stupidity that helped start the shit storm, even though I understand why he was acting out. I get it, he was emotionally confused. But come on...seriously. The character that I really felt sorry for, but he also pissed me off the most was Ao. He's the one that literally drove me crazy right up until he grew a set of balls and admitted his fault in the situation and affection for Kou. But I've got to also add, Ao was the most mature out of the three; yeah, he made a mistake when he lied, but he didn't cheat, and throughout their lengthy relationship he gave Kou everything he possibly could. Sorry, that was damn long-winded. But I had to get it out of my system.

Loved the art. Totally smutty. Not crazy about the outcome of the first story; Kitada lost in my opinion. But I really liked the pole dancer's story, his lover had fab facial expressions!

Gritty, dark, and realistic. Not my favourite, but everything--art, plot and character development--was well done.

I've read this many times; have the books. These men have an awesome relationship that just gets better and better as they age. One of the best yaoi ever!

I love this author, but hell the ending was a disappointment. I didn't like Shinkawa; Kenzaki deserved better.

This story makes me cry, has given me chest pains, and made me grit my teeth in anger, but I can't stop reading it!!!! OMG I love this emotional roller coaster ride! I just hope I survive to the end.

I can appreciate the twisted plot, but the over-the-top violence just isn't my thing.