3.5/5 -- not me liking the spin-off more than the main again.... -- hozumi was a bit of an antagonist in the main story, but (from what i remember) his pov here sheds light on his actions and his developing relationship is quite sweet
3.5/5 -- florist stories are always adorable, but damn some of the "dirty talk" took me outttt HAHA
3/5 -- asocial office worker x gay neighbor -- i love cute pet stories, esp ones where they show the pet's pov in the extras
3.5/5 -- secret otaku ikemen x gay coworker -- so cliche, so cringe, but so goddamn cute
4.5/5 -- tw: internalized homophobia -- i keep coming back to this one because takase's GROWTH is just so beautiful -- every seme needs to take notes from him i swear -- a story of two gay men growing more secure in themselves, their self-worth, and sense of relationships
3.5/5 -- totally ridiculous every time i read it but somehow couple goals at the same time?? i mean, communication and uplifting each other are great foundations to a relationship xD
2/5 -- tw: domestic abuse, gaslighting, manipulation -- the atmosphere makes you want to believe its a typical cute story, but it's soooooooo problematic. just because the uke is headstrong and a "positive idiot" like masa says doesnt mean the relationship isnt toxic af what the heck. it'd be different if the seme was encouraged to change his behavior but it looks like the uke's just gonna tolerate it/fight back without really teaching the seme better habits cus he babies him so much
3.5/5 -- multiple stories -- the creative and unique execution of each of them are so cute, the only crime is that they're too short
3.5/5 -- bumped this up a star just for nagato!!! those last two chapters!!!!!! THIS IS WHY COMMUNICATION IS KEY. LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP IS
Series Order:
1 Rouge [Prequel]
2 La Vie en Rose [Sequel]
3 Aka To Kuro/Le Rouge et le Noir [Spin Off]
4 Le Rouge et le Noir: Extra
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