Aiko's manga / #Manhwa(206)

4.9, I liked that for the most part there was consent (except the kisses which mostly were non consensual) but ngl the dialogue or series of events were hard to grasp. The Seme always seems to be unable to express his words which (to be fair) is true to his character (based on the older brother), but I was hoping for a bit more at the very least for the confession scene. But an attempt was indeed made. Overall though it’s cute that he always simply wanted to protect the Uke. I have some annoyance with the Uke for simply saying sorry repetitively and for never explaining what explicitly his predisposition does until he’s consoled by the older brother, could’ve been explained previously rather than being simply mentioned repeatedly. The side couple was an interesting back story. I could reread.

4.5, I’m conflicted. Technically speaking, all kisses were consensual, all coitus was consensual. Additionally, the art is beautiful and very clean. I just feel some sorta way about the recovery, I feel like there could be more robust dialogue between the two where they have a heart to heart before confessing. That discussion felt a bit like unfired clay. It’s not terrible, I just think it’s missing something I can put my finger on, and ofc something that involves the stalker trait of the Seme being addressed as NOT okay rather than overlooked. I will say I could reread this though because he’s more of a stalker like friendly observer, he never mentioned hurting the Uke which is better than most BL Semes overall.

4.2, non consensual kiss to start a BL story off is kind of telling ngl. No foreplay that leads to asking for consent, just random ass kiss. Very disappointing for the Seme since he also was the one to start a misunderstanding from reacting rudely, a close minded trait. But due to his looks, he was rewarded for this behavior with love <3

10, for main couple! I love them, they’re adorable and both have so much character in them. This story did a wonderful job at outlining the characters thought processes, their motivations, how they think of their loved one, etc. Ofc with a couple this cute and interesting, I’d love to see side stories with them like a spa day trip. There was no SA or r*pe or dubious consent for them either. The side stories are a little touch and go, a couple of them were a little dubious consent wise. And although I think one or two side couples lasted longer than one chapter- the single chapter side couples felt too quick and rushed (being that it needed to fit in one chapter I assume). I’ve reread this all for the main.

5.0, great basically the prototype to a boys love story from the 2000s. A youthful love that blossoms into something more, discovery of one’s self and their love along the way. I’d love to have a few more chapters on each couple because I think there’s more that can be explored and dynamics that can be tested in order to add a little spice to the plot. By this I mean showing how they face life together as adults, how they support one another through hardships as a partner, and etc. But no r*pe or SA or dubious consent which is unfortunately not common in this genre so perfect score for that !

3.8, lacking depth but I suppose it would be skill to make a manga with such depth in a short span of 6 chapters. I think if the following were expanded upon: Rae’s (Ukes) backstory with poverty or how/why he’s alone, what’s caused him to find a unique job like the one he had at the bar, how the Seme is rich and why, their college lives (like what they do, how they first met, how they’ve become somewhat close if they are w/ internal dialogue), and a smoother transition into them becoming partners. Rae didn’t even apologize or at the very least discuss the pride issue when it came to finances before they resolved and confessed. Although thrre was no r*pe or SA between the main characters, the uke was sexually harassed due to the nature of the job which lowers my rating. The main characters first semi sexual night together, I wouldn’t explicitly say was SA or anything simply because that’s kind of an accurate drunken night together irl and both parties were privy canonically so it can be overlooked. The art is most certainly pretty, very enticing even. Also appreciation for the upload for self-translating as best as possible for the last chapter. Idk if I’d reread this tho.

10 fkin stars this one KYOOT. I fkin love this one, no critiques. Perfecto. There was NO r*pe, SA, sexual misconduct or violence by any means. And though there was violence, it was NOT one that caused amnesia or an extension of any misunderstandings. This is could be the prototype, a BL that has a climax and plot that does NOT stem from trauma of a sexual nature yet still has depth, character development, backstory, and shows a progression from them in school to them out of school a little more mature but growing together. They learn from having misunderstandings and becoming isolated to having misunderstandings and discussing them as soon as they can to resolve it in a civil manner. I will read again ofc.

5, wonderful actually all in all the art is beautifully done, the plot is meaningful despite this being a short one as it definitely was a tear jerky by the end, and their love was truly very sweet. Poetic even. And of course the shinigami Seme is a total +++++. I would read again!

4.7-4.8, it was great fr. I think they’re quite cute, also the art is quite like the anime series Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun. Not a perfect score because I think the consent is questionable. (Uke felt swept away by the mood and intensity at some point so it seems somewhat lucky in that if he didn’t already have a tad crush on the Seme then it’d likely be a definite overstep/assault but anywho). Overall I think their misunderstandings were resolved without feeling rushed but concisely still. And although the whole ‘confession-not-heard’ plot is a little silly feeling, it’s fine. One could say it matched since it’s a youthful bliss type story so it could be seen as canonically accurate (aka accurate to the actuality that most of us reminisce on first loves but def remember cringeworthy moments tacked onto it). I could read this again for sure.

5, it’s perfectly wholesome, no uncomfortable or triggering plot lines and the art is prime. The string of fate is a really cute concept that’s also totally unique, it’s a well known concept but the way it’s portrayed was again perfect. Just something that didn’t take this over the top is the cliffhanger- it seems there’s more chapters just not here or not available online for free. But really great! I’d reread again.