beta
-sort of rivals to lovers! the mc has a crush on his straight best friend and confuses the other mc for being the same way.
-they really bonded as friends before even considering each other’s as romantic partners!
-this story is so good and cute and realistic it has a healing effect fr
arai niboshiko is the one to trust when it comes to portraying diverse and believable dynamics between characters.
the protagonists share a precious bond, they are nerdy, snarky and socially awkward together, often stay in their own bubble that nobody else can access. truly a work that honours the trope and makes you wanna go back to school solely to experience this sort of first love.
where do i even begin.
conor and simon are soulmates all the way, through numerous flashbacks we get to see them grow up together, share hardships and passions and eventually mutual growing affection. you’re gonna cry and laugh with them, it’s that one couple that’s truly meant to be.
if you haven’t already, please give this work a chance and support the author if possible.
beware this is a very dark story, most of the major trigger warnings apply here
rare example of a bl work skilfully depicting adult male friendship. mc’s are real buddies, busy with work they still make time for each other, one can unwillingly fall asleep while the other comes over, they drink the night away too scared to become vulnerable sober.
i was impressed with author’s ability to show the process of questioning one’s sexuality. no ‘i’m still straight but gay for you’ bs. romance seeps in gradually until they can‘t ignore it
ah yes the pain you feel when your best friend starts dating someone. what a normal and platonic thing to feel!
i really like that we saw kazu and moto hang out in silence just enjoying each other’s company, which is rarely portrayed in fiction. that along with different stages in life when protagonists grow apart and realise how they are not the same people anymore.
at times painfully realistic, this manga captured well the transition and whole process of becoming more than friends
protagonists are each other’s support systems, they cherish their relationship, it feels natural to see them slowly fall in love while being scared and unsure of those feelings. it takes them some time to be able to overcome their environment’s pressure and prejudice but eventually they give romance a chance and it’s well earned and satisfying in its conclusion.
Bad Contact