PLAYING CUPID FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE

The concept of two bisexual guys with an ex in common getting together after her death will never stop intriguing me—especially when she, whether intentionally or not, ends up playing Cupid from beyond the grave.

By the end of the story, it’s heavily implied that Shouji is Meguru’s biological father, but Ririko knew that Sentarou—steadfast, emotionally aware, deeply loyal—was a better choice for Meguru’s emotional well-being than her actual father.
Ririko was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and her naive facade hid a truly cunning nature. Much of her character is filtered through the memories and assumptions of others, but small moments—like the will—reveal a strategic mind. She paired Sentarou with Touma, a man who evolved over the course of the manga, moving from a reluctant guardian into someone genuinely committed. The pairing feels very intentional. It’s likely she knew about Sentarou’s feelings for Touma, who could challenge him emotionally, while Touma needed someone emotionally open like Sentarou to break down his walls.

In other words, Ririko didn’t just want Meguru to be raised by good people—she wanted to give these two men she cared for and trusted a chance to become better versions of themselves, together. She had a vision, and she was the catalyst, haunting the narrative from beginning to end.

If only there had been a couple more chapters exploring Sentarou’s music career and Touma’s life after the fall of the yakuza group he worked for it would’ve been perfect.