recommended

A selfish boss and his subordinate end up in a hotel because the trains have stopped running. The boss, too drunk to recognize his coworker, comes onto him and asks his subordinate to film the encounter, giving him the perfect weapon for revenge. But the more they get to properly know one another, little by little, their relationship evolves.

One of the best confessions I've ever read.

A candy store owner and a doctor enter into a relationship with little drama (and what there is is understandable), lots of mutual affection, a slow and realistic emotional build, passable communication (they try), FABULOUS sex, frank discussions *about* sex, a refreshing and honest attitude about their future, and they even have friendly relationships with their exes. Also features the cutest little girl ever. Have I died? Is this Heaven?

A quiet love story. Shima is healing from a past relationship with a former co-worker who outed him at work, forcing his resignation from a promising career. Togawa, his new boss, is a capable but flighty man who is intrigued by Shima to the point of pursuing him - and later falling in love. An absolute favorite. The movie is wonderful too.

A charming and sweet story of first love between classmates. This mangaka has a unique, simplistic art style I adore for this series. The sequels continue Sajou and Kasakube's story through college. Also an anime!

Law student Kouhei is hearing impaired and isolated as a result. People mistake his silence as elitism and he feels he's bothering people if he asks them to repeat what they've said. But one day, a loud, carefree boy named Taichi falls onto the roof where Kouhei is eating his lunch and befriends him. This is a really gentle and lovely romance.

Arikawa, a law student with poor eyesight, has a literal run-in with someone and is left with a delicate flower necklace. It belongs to a botany student, Misaki, who doesn't seem to have interests outside of the laboratory. Although he's busy, Arikawa volunteers to help in the lab, and over time, he and Misaki grow close. However, Misaki is dealing with the pain of an unrequited love that won't leave him alone. (Everyone is really beautiful.)

Two boys meet walking along a while line.

You will cry, probably twice. The author included a final chapter that calms your heart so you won't be miserable. These characters share a beautiful love, but this is a life-long journey we take with them, and life hurts sometimes. But mostly, their life is happy. (Warning: Character illness and death later in life)

This was one of the most refreshing stories I've come across. It deals with a real love story, people who are openly gay, no self hate, figuring out a relationship while one partner is underage, and dealing with a parent who tries to understand but is misguided. Loved it. (Warning: this is technically underage and stuff happens.)

A man running away from debt left to him by a lover finds sanctuary in a tea shop owned by Ren, who is hiding from his former life in a yakuza family. Striking art. There's a great side character as well. (Head's up: Ren and his half brother had something gong on, and the brother shows up)

A man wakes up to find a hole in his chest.