fr disappointed me too I hate when officials do that.... thank you for your valuable informative input more ppl should know (read the unofficial for this one, but support the author by buying the official!)
I bought the official physical manga yrs ago and it was still sad but it didn't hit as hard as the unofficial
Glad that I'm not the only one who noticed! Yeah, it's really sad that it didn't deliver the same emotional impact. The afterword of Toui’s book is supposed to be an emotional peak, showing us how much he loves Tsukushi, even when he gets lost in his novel writing. That’s why I was confused when I reread it, because I remembered feeling like I wanted to cry during that part, but the official translation didn’t make me feel that way.
Most official translations tend to Americanize the text, which doesn't evoke the same emotions. While most fan translators do it out of love for the manga, and they genuinely want to share it with others so most of them keep the Japanese nuance intact. “Please take care of me” feels so much warmer and more heartfelt than “Best regards.”
But of course, we still need to buy the official releases to support the author. Kudos to you OP for that!
I was reading the official translation, and the afterword in Toui’s book made me check the unofficial translation, because I don't remember it sounding so impersonal and a bit cold–referring to his boyfriend as “roommate.” The unofficial version feels much warmer and more personal.
Unofficial:
To the person living with me, of whom I borrowed his name from, thank you. Please take care of me.
Official:
To my roommate whom I got the name of the protagonist from. Thank you always, and best regards.
Chapter 5
Unofficial:
"I love you. I'm sorry. I really do... love you."
Official:
"I love you. I'm sorry. I really do think... I love you."
This was supposed to be the last time they would make love, so Toui was really clinging to Tsukushi, wanting him to "Come home". That’s why the unofficial translation feels more natural.
I know it might sound nitpicky, but the difference really changes the meaning and vibe of the scene. In the official version, Toui comes across as more uncertain and distant, while in the unofficial version he feels more desperate and sincere.
Still, this is a really good story. Quite realistic. I just wish the author had shown more of how Toui changed and wrote more extra chapters. I've rated this 5/5 a long time ago.