Aiko's manga / #Manhwa(206)

4.25 or 3.8, I have issue with a few things such as the weak misunderstandings that are blown out of proportion, the common misconception of somehow labeling yourself as straight when you’re clearly not (yk cus.. you’re dating a male), and the ambiguous consent in repeated instances but these are common among all bl making it unavoidable. The art is nice, the characters are well designed visually, and there is resolve but I’d honestly say about 85% of this one is sex scenes. To each their own if you like it that way, I don’t think I’d go through the trouble of rereading lol but not bad

I like this for a few reasons. It’s a more wholesome story than most other BL mangas, the art is cute to me and well drawn in it’s own special way (it’s nice art too, not like 1980s manga with small heads, huge bodies, and pokey chins) so idk why ppl are critical of the art, and though the plot is out there it’s a comical and genuine stretch. Yes it’s crazy he became prime minister to marry his childhood friend but that’s literally every LGBT activist in American history- they stand up to discriminatory laws so they can marry their love. I like that about it. Also there’s nothing too psychological, it’s pretty well rounded though I agree it could use more chapters but hey it’s good.

3.9, this isn’t as bad as I thought it’d be within the first couple chapters but personally think it’s mid. It’s not terrible, it’s not great. There’s a sort of sweetness in how their love involves healing eachother from break ups that impacted their psyche. This acted as a foundation for them to try to be more communicative and find compromise (IE, the Seme teaching the Uke to be quieter or the Uke teaching ig the Seme to match his freak?). It still felt like the Seme had some reservations about their sex life by the last chapter and oddly the Seme acknowledges his r@ping of the Uke properly unlike the Uke. It’s just odd. Wouldn’t reread again tbh.

3.5, mid to me. The side couples were better than the main couples in my eyes. I think the first couple either evokes a love or hate response from readers depending on if you’re more like the Uke or the Seme. In other words, are you the teaser or more commonly the one being teased? I can only associate with being tease, in other words with the Uke, which is why their dynamic doesn’t really resonate with me. Even while they had coitus the Seme doesn’t relent in the teasing statements that I suppose were meant to be his versions of endearment, but he’s teetering on the line of a degradation kink (if you feel called out by this? … if the shoe fits, wear it :P). And that’s defo not me lol. On the other hand, the second side couple with a fan-idolized celebrity dynamic was pretty cute and relatable for someone who’s a bit awkward and avoidant at the same time. This Ukes expressionlessness was actually interesting as an addition for their relationship. The third couple (Calligraphy instructor x ex-student), I’ve seen criticism about the age gap implying the instructors still essentially a pedo. Pretty sure their story is meant to be the total opposite, the Seme was portrayed to feel reserved and strict with drawing a boundary until the Uke persisted. The Ukes an adult, new adult, but an adult nonetheless who made a decision to be with the guy he loves, they’re healthier than the main couple (the Seme in the main couple literally forces himself on the Uke constantly). I’d date an older guy ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ but everyone has a right to their own opinion. Last couple was a little unnecessary, what’s with the self isolation defensive response into immediate resolve? Idk feels rushed. Wouldn’t reread again tho.

3.0, as cute as they are at times, there was multiple scenes of SA and r*pe throughout the entire manga. Even if the Seme is portrayed as this naive guy who misinterpreted a *drunk individual*s actions and just because the Uke idolizes the Seme in admiration, doesn’t mean their nonconsensual activities are suddenly consensual. I like that they communicate at times, IE the Seme confronting the Uke to communicate what’s wrong and the Uke saying it outwardly so the Seme could correct actions? Great. Fantastic. But I wouldn’t reread because of the blatant SA n grape.

3.8, honestly this isn’t the worst but rating this based off how I feel after reading it and it’s likelihood of being read by me again, this is how I have to rate it. First of all, the Seme SAed and damn near r@ped the Uke, no doubt about it. Then the dejected side character SAed the Uke. WTH is up with this dynamic- why does the Uke have to be SAed at all for this plot to have any sort of substance, it really doesn’t need to be this way. Non-consensual kisses are NOT it, they are NOT romantic therefore should NOTT be romanticized. I think everyone needs to ask themselves, if someone who looked like Michael Cera (no offense) came up to them and grabbed their face and kissed them repeatedly without asking, would you actually pull a face like the Uke does? Or would you sock that man in the face? Next, it’s a beautiful art style and I do adore how the side characters are integral parts of the story despite this being a fairly short manga in a way that makes you sort of love the side characters. The part timer stands his ground by drawing firm boundaries but still is comforting and helpful as well as supportive for those he gets along with, the dejected other side character goes through a grieving process but is shown to come out the other side sort of (and him lashing out at the Seme was understandable). Additionally, I know the story covers how the Seme truly started to get “intrigued” about the Uke in a way that’s supposed to be heart throbbing but .. it’s undermined by the apparently various side street hook ups he had along the way all while being intrigued?. It just loses its romantic value. Finally, I would’ve rated this perhaps a bit higher if there were chapters that followed the dejected side character as he finds love. Because if his love story as a side couple turned out better than the main/initial couple, I would’ve rated it based on their contribution to the story overall. Prob won’t reread.

Idek what this is

4.9, it’s actually a very wholesome manga in the big scheme. They’re a pure dynamic with some funny quirky moments, no red flags in sight, and it’s cute how they each of their own opposite personalities that somehow complement one another. Although a little taken off despite being a green flag because it feels like an unfinished story. I think all was well until the concept of the Seme telling his current crush (the Uke) he was dating his ex crush, I don’t think the reasoning for this action was explained well enough, because the Seme despite being very obtuse with most social interactions, in order to really understand why he should feel sorry I felt there could’ve been a scene included where the ex crush explained to him why that was just a silly drunken confession and how it might’ve made the Uke feel before telling him to apologize and come clean. I’d like to add though that I did like how the Uke approached it at first, with a proposal to mend things without granting total forgiveness because I think it’s fair to feel at least a little reserved about these events especially since the Seme didn’t quite explain himself well (again him knowing why he messed up exactly would help nail this point), but I don’t feel like that was the time to formally become a couple. I would’ve liked instead of asking him out, the Uke instead suggest they go on a few dates (another movie, eating at a restaurant or new cafe, amusement park, art gallery, etc.) Also, the conflict regarding the gossipy schoolmates, I like how they were dealt with partially but I wish there were more. Like reporting their toxic behavior to a staff to be dealt with but I understand why this wasn’t the avenue they chose to go with because involving a staff isn’t rl realistic. Last but not least, my least favorite part about this manhwa is that it has so much potential but its ending and its rushed pace of them finally kissing/smooching right in the end was lacking. I feel like certain parts could be dragged out a little more to add seasoning to the plot, and that it could’ve continued for a few more episodes or season before finishing off cleanly. Could reread again though.

It’s Lol, also last chapter is lmao