muse ✨'s manga / #feels like starlight(159)

Sequel to "Sayonara Game" that follows their relationship across the ocean and two-and-a-half years into the future. A beautifully drawn love story that overcomes distance, insecurity, jealousy, and ego.

The first story is the best: a high school boy becomes intoxicated by the scent of his classmate. Their story makes up the first few chapters. The second story is about two men who reunite at a wedding and begin their relationship again. The second-to-last story is about communication issues between two members of a sports team and how apparently it's cool to beat up your kouhai, but if they defend themselves, that's mean? That relationship won't last long. The final story is about a man who takes in a freeloading sempai he's loved for ages, who actually has the nerve to bring a girl back to the guy's apartment. He doesn't pay rent; he doesn't have his own room. He's just inconsiderate. Really hoping our MC finds someone more worthy.

Suburu frequently engages in casual sex but yearns for a real love connection. His wish comes true when he sees a painting by fellow student Nagayama, a withdrawn member of the art club, and falls instantly in love. Major kudos for honesty and good communication between partners. I thought we were headed to misunderstanding/breakup territory in the later chapters and was delighted to see them support each other and constantly, explicitly reaffirm their affection. Super cute. Will reread.

Endou left middle school when his crush on a classmate made him a target of bullies. A year later, he begins work in his uncle's convenience store, where he meets Kouhei, a fellow 16-year-old who quickly goes from intimidating co-worker to close friend after they rescue a kitten. Rather than risk his only remaining friendship, Endou remains closeted about his past and sexuality, but his newfound stability seems on the verge of collapse when his former schoolmates discover where he works, and Endou comes face to face with the boy he had once loved. This story largely deals with bullying and its long-term emotional fallout; the romance is secondary to Endou's own healing and self acceptance. Above all, it is their friendship and Kouhei's insistence that there's nothing wrong with Endou or his past feelings that are the heart of this story.

Two stories: As a child, Natsuki saw a gay couple on the beach, and it was his sole notice of them that made him realize he was different. Years later, he returns to the beach with his boyfriend. (There are more chapters about their love, how they met, and a beautiful rainy day at home.) Their story continues in the book Kare No Barairo No Jinsei. The second story is about a man who, fearing the end of the world, reconnects with a classmate he has admired for ten years. Their story is ambiguous, but I believe they will end up together. Some speculated they were the couple Natsuki had seen on the beach, but since their story takes place in 2012, I don't think it's possible given the timeframe and Natsuki's age.

A happy, gentle story about two college students who fall in love. The one with curry club. This is the sequel to Ringo ni Hachimitsu.

A fluffy, g-rated relationship between a boy who always sees the bright side and the person he loves: a serious, brilliant, bespectacled darling.

A sensitive, well-paced, beautifully drawn story of Katou, a boy inspired by his teacher, who grows up to become a teacher as well. Five years after graduating, they reunite as coworkers, and Katou is still in love.

After enduring relentless bullying by the same person throughout highschool, a literature professor is horrified to find the man is his new neighbor - and co-worker. But things aren't quite how they'd seemed. Note: While there is bullying in this, it's not done out of cruelty per se. The two had actually known each other when they were younger, and only one recognized the other when they met again. He fell in love and was aggressively affectionate.

As children facing separation because of a move, Makoto promised to marry Mizuki when he eventually returned. But when he comes back as a teenager, he says nothing of the promise, and Mizuki - who has waited for him - worries he's forgotten.