EXACTLY! OMG, I was reminiscing about this masthapiece and excited that someone thinks like me. YEAH. It is quite shocking how a work from such long ago was able to ESTABLISH AND REITERATE what preparations are required for gay sex unlike just sticking it in and hoping for the best with no shit coming along or severe injury. GOD! How many works are with that bs? OMFG. Shunpei is so emotionally mature and brave to let go of his insecurities little by little to give his lover reassurance on their bond. He was not the usual weak crybaby waiting to be saved by his seme. He alone thought about his feelings and took action to not let a breakup happen, even petrified but strong willed to talk it out with his lover.
I'm re-reading after a very long time... MAN, THAT IS MY ROMAN EMPIRE. I'm surprised how many things I remember! And I love the uke so much, damn, boy knew what boundaries were before everyone else! And he forces his high-drama boyfriend to talk. LIKE MAN, YOU GO! I really can't believe how many things I remember from it! Literal pages and lines are saved somewhere in my brain! No wonder I once saved it as one of my top faves! I love how they each have distinct character. Of course there are some tropes that were popular (and sometimes still popular in yaoi), but heck this one really paved the way and tried to introduce some things that aren't present in even many of today's mangas!