I don't know if that's really a fair assessment. This isn't a story that's trying to be some great epic, it's a fluffy little sequel to an equally fluffy yaoi. It's relatively lighthearted and easy to enjoy and you don't have to take it too seriously. They may not go through serious turmoil or grow deeply as people, but the focus is on the fact that their love and desire for each other grows and expands. Of course a six year long-distance relationship isn't realistic, but the idea is certainly romantic. A lot of people like the idea of an enduring, everlasting love despite all the odds and all that jazz. It's a silly fantasy, like a lot of yaoi is. If you're looking for raw realism and great literature, then let's be honest, you're in the wrong genre.
You're absolutely correct, you won't find a Cohelo, Steinbeck or King in yaoi. I have, however, read plenty in this genre that didn't seem to be written by a 12 year old. Even the light, fluffy, bunny cuddle, shounen ai stories that I've read (and enjoyed immensely) showed a writing depth that this story (and it's predecessor) lacks IMHO. Considering the fact that yaoi is, technically, written for those OVER 18 - shouldn't the mangaka write with that in mind? Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy Rowling and Meyers as much as the next 'tween, but their writing ABILITY is on par with Rice and Harris. Even though they all share a genre, their target audiences are different and each author writes with that audience in mind. This is what I meant when I said "the story is remedial, at best".
P.S. Your comment was very eloquent and intelligent. Though my opinion may not agree with yours, I still appreciate that you took the time to reply to my comment and offered me an opportunity to have a civil and thought provoking debate. Thank you.
BUNNY CUDDLE!!!!!!!
...the story is remedial, at best. At first I thought, maybe, it was a "lost in translation" type of thing, but upon further reading I realized that was not the case. I believe that a good story with characters who learn and grow throughout it, can make up for the most atrocious artwork. (perfect example is Happy Yarou Wedding Series) This does not work in reverse - artwork making up for a poorly written story.
The characters show little to no evolution in six chapters. As a matter of fact, the premise of the story is that the characters WILL NOT change over the course of a SIX YEAR separation. A ludicrous premise.
If admiring the artwork is your reason to read, this one is a great choice. If you read for a good story, you may want to skip this one.