yinyangberry's manga / #Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ(446)

when Go Shinjae said, "I was planning to die today" in a matter-of-fact tone as if he's just talking about the weather or something, that's when i knew this manhwa is going to be special. to preface, i know that the plot isn't something you could call revolutionary, and the storyline is typical and predictable. but if a cliché is done well, it can still elicit a sense of novelty and satisfaction. this manhwa was able to do just that (for me, at least). i'd like to highlight how Shinjae, our MC, contributed a lot to that "freshness" factor because he's not your typical Top. he's a weird mix breed of the Cold Seme, Puppy Seme, and Obsessive Seme, exacerbated by his autism (only my theory!) and trauma he experienced as a child. this, to me, is very interesting, and became even more so as we watch his character develop (read: fall absolutely head over heels for hanbin) throughout the story. his character development was super enjoyable to read. it's like i'm watching my lab rat grow up, and i say this with 100% affection in my heart. furthermore, he reminds me of ivan alien stage (backstory, some parts of his personality, overall mentality and attitude towards life) which might be why i'm drawn to him more than usual. oof tangent. anyway, what i'm saying is, Shinjae is very charming as a character because of his growth as a person. as for the ML, Hanbin, personally I think he let Shinjae worm into his life way too easily (sorry shinjae). i was hoping he'd resist a bit more but that's just because i love drama LMFAO. but i get him. if i see a semblance of the person who was my light for 5 years in another person, i'd let my guard down, too. (read: i am also a voice con). but wow, to think that he managed to figure out Shinjae and AB's shared identity with so little clues, that was so impressive. we love ukes with a functional brain <3 anyway GAH i've said a lot. regarding other points, they were above average. the art is easy on the eyes (i quite like it actually. unpopular opinion?). the side characters aren't cardboad cutouts either. i think the author skimped out on the conflicts (omg stop asking for more drama) and it was a little rushed towards the end but for the most part everything had good pacing and good flow. lastly the couple has good chemistry (surprisingly???) and the side stories were even cuter! I REALLY LIKED IT i wish we had more chaps.. Q_Q

THIS ROLLERCOASTER OF A STORY OH MY GOD i really... wow.... i have no words..... i'm overwhelmed... in a span of 58 chapters i was able to feel every single emotion imaginable to mankind. can't say my heart is taking it very well right now. i am physically in pain. there is a dull ache in my chest but also like my heart is bursting at the seams. i was stabbed where it hurt the most then got comforted with ice cream afterwards. i am experiencing sorrow, elation, relief, bitterness, joy, satisfaction, shock, and butterflies SIMULTANEOUSLY. i don't know how to digest all of these!!!! this story is just so... so..!! poignant and realistic and LAYERED in the sense that it depicts the harsh and agonizing reality of living your life as a queer all the while not dismissing the fact that you can still be happy and find love and support from the people around you!! it is very grounded in reality but i also reminds you that realistic does not mean you can't be optimistic, because YES you can hope that things will turn out for the better and you WILL pull yourself out of the quagmire because you deserve the happiness as much as everybody else!!! i'm so glad to see that message be conveyed through our MC's story of letting himself love and be loved once again after so many hears, as well as ML's tenacity, stubbornness, and character development. MC is a strong individual and he is just so amazing as a person overall, but ML is his very much needed sun after the rain. he may be content with his previous way of life, but the current him with the ML is so much happier, no? guys you can desire for more, be selfish once in a while, you deserve that extra kindness to yourself TT they're not even real people but the emotions that they made me feel was real and i hope that the love that they found in each other becomes a reality for all the LGBTQ+ folks out there TT this isn't even a review anymore i'm practically preaching and i even said i was speechless??? omg anyway i love ya guys so much, i love this story so much, HAPPY PRIDE --- that aside (oh god i need to shut up), the manhwa is high quality. in terms of art and storytelling, i'd say it's about in the 85% percentile, definitely a gem amongst manhwas which i'm confident to recommend. the pacing was just right, and the scenes flowed smoothly. although we jump back and forth between fluff and angst, it wasn't jarring to read. the romance is also something else. since the main couple aren't derived from any character trope or archetype (as far as i'm aware), it really felt like watching two real people fall in love. it's beautiful. i'm so normal about them. (i'm not. i fell in love with their "love"). 100/10 story, would remember it for the rest of my life.

100% fluff. quite boring, it's like eye candy. 3.5 stars

so silly

the plot is simple but so full of warmth. it's very cozy to read. makes you feel like you yourself are in some countryside taking a breather and not having to worry about the world. it's a really nice feeling to wrap yourself with. 4.3 stars!

not the most solid manhwa plot-wise but i'm so weak for the main couple's dynamic that i just can't bring myself to put this down. they're so adorable it's crazy

OH MY GOD THEY'RE CUTE

PROS: cute, really pretty art, and a light hearted atmosphere. CONS: way too fast pacing, not enough time for characters to be developed, abrupt ending