Responses
Traumas are used as simplistic plot devices I think is what you're getting at when they're way more complex
More like that. It's a very common thing in yaoi, right? It attempts to gain sympathy from the readers, of course, but It becomes gold if portrayed/written properly.
Here's 2cents from an old lady:
Let's start w the second story. Short, sweet and cute. Enough to contrast the 1st one. But, since it's a one shot, i didn't really expect more. It's already fine for a one shot. I am not complaining.
First story could've been stretched more. You see, we have a complicated character here, so there are loose ends untied. I get why he's behaving that way, years of trauma (and probably trust issues) won't go away like poof. Like everyone is saying, this kid needs therapy, but i have never seen that in a yaoi manga, rather...this trauma(s) were used as nuisances. Can't think of a proper word, hmm..hurdles? You get it, right?
Anyhoo...it could've been good if its longer because it has the potential to become better.