Sleeps In Sunbeams's manga / #interesting(87)

Hmm, ok. I can understand the hype around this story now. I wasn’t sure at first if I would like it but as Jiwoon’s backstory was revealed and he showed signs of caring, I really connected with the characters. Really, really such a great story.

A short S&M story of a high school delinquent and the classmate who stumbles upon his secret.

These two related stories were an adorable peek into the lives of some neighbourhood cats told from their view in a human/cat form. With no female cats the 2 sets of MCs fell in love with male partners, some strays, some with owners. The dynamics were sweet, the cat glaring (collection/group of cats) was made up of idiotic but lovely cats and the whole thing was fluffy (no pun intended).

I loved Shun and Ryosuke’s story. It was very different because it included gay marriage and meeting at a dating party. Falling for each other involved getting to know each other and sharing similar dreams for the future. Very sweet with some beautiful art.

Okazaki (college student, flasher) x Hiyama (police officer, stressed). This story was centred around two interesting and complex characters. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the flasher Okazaki who had all the problems, but the older Hiyama who was struggling with mistakes from his past. The beautiful part of the manga was the dedicated pursuit and support from Okazaki (plus he was super sexy in those hotel scenes) and how he was able to see the positives in difficult situations. There was definitely some heartache in this story, but overwhelmingly it was full of hope and acceptance and how sweet this couple were together.

Trigger warning: Rape This manga was fantastic but it was a roller coaster for my emotions. At one moment it was sweet caring and growing feelings, then it was rape and trauma. We had MCs dealing with complex body issues that effect self esteem and confidence, bullying and all those more normal tricky school friendships. I did enjoy the story though, but there is a residual bit of sadness for the rape because no matter the reasoning or excuses made, it was a low thing to do.

Trigger warnings: Forced, S&M, sexual control 36yo Japanese teacher Aoki has never had a successful relationship. Mentally scarred by his mother, this unkempt and tired man goes through the motions in life and avoids difficult situations. Nothing is more difficult for Aoki than dealing with the 32yo nurse teacher at school, Tengoku. Unable to avoid him when a student is in trouble, Aoki is swept into the sphere of a keen predator looking for an Aoki sized toy to torment and pursue. What followed was a psychological game that had me feeling uncomfortable for Aoki. Tengoku was the kind of lover to obliterate boundaries. He was very sexually experienced and savoured the fun he got from Aoki’s helplessness as he uncovered Aoki’s masochist nature and his own sadism answered. Tengoku was difficult for me to like for many chapters. But as the story progressed his own intense need for Aoki started to reveal his vulnerabilities too. It’s probably safe to say he is some sort of sociopath based on his actions throughout the years, but the bond he unwittingly forms with Aoki is actually pretty intense and even sweet in its way. Turns out he was more naive than you would think, at least when it comes to love.

This story was lovely. Laid back science student Yul-kun has developed a conversation AI named DD. Programmed with his voice (modified) and many of his own traits, DD is now in need of new experiences. When Yul’s senpai suggests retired sensei Manaka Hiromasa, Yul is happy to agree after meeting the older (50yo) man. Under sensei’s gentle kindness, DD matures and Yul starts falling for the flirty banter that feels so personal as he documents their conversations. I love a good age gap story, and this one is considerable but there is so much common ground between sensei and Yul. Being such a devoted science geek, Yul has never made time for relationships, but he is endearingly determined in getting sensei to fall for him, and sensei is obviously charmed by the younger genius and the fun he brings into his life.

Hello adorably fluffy Omegaverse story! Hardworking omega Souichirou is determined to have a career focused life and to avoid romance. Focused on becoming a politician, this beautiful germophobe is happy with his structured life. Until an unexpected heat, an unexpected man, and a whole life changing series of events showed him just how wonderful his life could be. This manga was romantic, beautifully illustrated and full of fun moments. Just wonderful

This Omegaverse story started with a selfish alpha boss (Chief Utsumi) who wanted his untouchable omega secretary to fall for him and become his lover. Purchasing a secret potion designed to make an omega fall in love with an alpha, Utsumi spiked the drink (albeit with a twinge of conscience) and waited for the opportune moment. However, in a quirk of fate and right in front of his eyes, the spiked bottle was consumed by the plain and taciturn beta Suzuki. Disappointed, Utsumi was resigned to missing his opportunity (as the potion only worked on omegas), at least until he noticed an irresistible scent as he entered the showers.. From there, Utsumi is on the roller coaster of guilt and attraction as he starts to fall for the wary Suzuki; a man who has already been terribly mistreated by alphas in the past. I enjoyed watching Utsumi gain understanding for just how much of a scum he had been as he became twisted around Suzuki’s little finger. He needed to be a man of principal and protect his partner as well as being loving and reliable to have Suzuki even consider becoming mates. I loved the way Suzuki didn’t just roll over for Utsumi after sex and sorries and I thought their love was really sweet. It’s always great to see a selfish MC grow in character to be a better person. It made for believable romance.