Usually like Minta’s work but this was a real slog to get through. Not really the type to leave comments about disappointing works but this was quite unexpected from Minta. Some comments have pointed out how unlikable Akihito is or that the pair lacked any chemistry, but I think it’s also attributed to the poor writing quality. There was very little tension or drama once Akihito reconciled with the fact that he could now rely on Sumeragi, which made the story lose steam despite efforts to sustain it with manufactured tension (Akihito’s overreaction toward Sumeragi’s marriage interview or the jest in receiving Jun’s approval). Actually those latter chapters were really brutal to get through, since we get the realization that Sumeragi is much older than Akihito. I’m generally tepid on age gap romances but it recontextualises their relationship in quite a negative light, since Akihito’s immaturity and brattiness is overshadowed by the years Sumeragi has on him. It also makes their sex scene much more repulsive since Akihito is so … prudish and reticent while Sumeragi comes off insistent and gross in making Akihito experience “the pleasure” again. Akihito was really not a good character.
It’s even stranger that I had the passing thought that a story between Sumeragi and the uncle would’ve been a better story, playing of the black cat/tsundere and puppy seme tropes. You would assume that he and Akihito are the same type but somehow it’s just really poorly executed and utterly boring. It must be an early work of Minta’s.
Usually like Minta’s work but this was a real slog to get through. Not really the type to leave comments about disappointing works but this was quite unexpected from Minta. Some comments have pointed out how unlikable Akihito is or that the pair lacked any chemistry, but I think it’s also attributed to the poor writing quality. There was very little tension or drama once Akihito reconciled with the fact that he could now rely on Sumeragi, which made the story lose steam despite efforts to sustain it with manufactured tension (Akihito’s overreaction toward Sumeragi’s marriage interview or the jest in receiving Jun’s approval). Actually those latter chapters were really brutal to get through, since we get the realization that Sumeragi is much older than Akihito. I’m generally tepid on age gap romances but it recontextualises their relationship in quite a negative light, since Akihito’s immaturity and brattiness is overshadowed by the years Sumeragi has on him. It also makes their sex scene much more repulsive since Akihito is so … prudish and reticent while Sumeragi comes off insistent and gross in making Akihito experience “the pleasure” again. Akihito was really not a good character.
It’s even stranger that I had the passing thought that a story between Sumeragi and the uncle would’ve been a better story, playing of the black cat/tsundere and puppy seme tropes. You would assume that he and Akihito are the same type but somehow it’s just really poorly executed and utterly boring. It must be an early work of Minta’s.