This was so sweet. What a good start to the day. I'm glad their story ended (was that the end?) on such a happy note because Kami's chapter in Sofura Buka broke my heart. Kami's mom is lovely! This manga was really refreshing.
I think I would’ve hated this story in my twenties, so maybe it’s my age, but I appreciate its quietness. I was so, so moved by this. Two people who broke up because of a stupid lie come back together gradually seven years later. There’s no groveling or dramatics. After a period of time, they speak once about what happened and choose to move on together. The characters are reflections of their surroundings - Ishizaki the ever-moving ocean, Mishima the lighthouse. They both make a foolish decision that harms the other: Ishizaki with his lie, Mishima when he doesn’t illuminate the lighthouse. And together, they patch up the house they will live in as adults. This really touched my heart - plus it's beautifully drawn.
(Ishizaki really should apologize, though. I'm marking it down to cultural differences.)
Love your insight
I'm sure they'll get back together after Sajou comes to terms with his insecurities and they have a good, long talk about what they both want from each other and from life, but seeing them break up & seeing the aftermath of the breakup is anguish. (But I love Sajou's friend!)
Same! At first i thought girl not todayy but.. she’s the friend we could always ask for. can’t wait for them to get back together. seeing them like this is so heartbreaking
It is! Doukyussei is one of my happy re-reads and I can't even listen to the song from it right now without feeling sad. :-(
Reading this one chapter at a time is stressful. I'm worried about Taichi's grandfather and what it would mean for Taichi's future if he were to pass away. I hope his relationship with Kohei is honest and strong enough to weather what's thrown at them. I miss the time when they were closer. I love the first two books in this series and will probably stick with it until it ends, but right now it feels like watching someone throw rocks at something I love. :-(
NAH NAH IKR I FEEL THE SAME （/TДT)/
I'm really glad I'm not alone! I know stories need conflict, but I just want them to be happy.
Im worried too. Apparently this was the final vol and we are heading no where, oh actually maybe a big misunderstanding and temporary break up...im sad :(
And Their progressing is so slow, it looks like their relationship so weak :'( just talk to each other, say it out clearly but why just more drama comes out, it's frustrating （/TДT)/ i want them smile , no doubt each other and to be happy :'(
Yea u're right the story need conflict but if its too much, its depressing af （/TДT)/ ah i miss when the story just begin
I didn't realize this was the final volume! :-( I'll be devastated if they break up. The first book was sooooo sweet.
I love that they've been married for years and have probably had sex in every room of that house, but it's the use of Iwaki's first name that makes them both blush. :-D
Thank you so much to the scanlation team! Reading this cheered me up.
I'm so happy I read this in spite of the slightly lower rating. This was such a thoughtful, powerful story - it made me cry many times. (Spoilers follow.)
What struck me most was how much Nakamichi changed after he transferred to the country hospital; I wonder how happy he truly was before? I feel he'd resigned himself to scraps of stolen happiness - like the cup - but never imagined a lifetime of it. The hospitals themselves seem like metaphors for Nakamichi's mental state: the city hospital is sophisticated but large and confusing. It's so large, the staff doesn't even realize Nakamichi was the one who cared for sensei before he died, just as no one recognized his grief or went to his home to check on him when he was sick.
But the country hospital is simple, friendly, and surrounded by nature. Now that I think about it, Nakamichi and the younger Tsutsumi's relationship is associated with nature and the outdoors, beginning with their moment in the hospital garden when Tsutsumi falls out of a window and then holds Nakamichi as he cries.
In contrast to his father, the younger Tsutsumi is open about his affection for Nakamichi, even crawling into his hospital bed toward the end of the story. And while Nakamichi's relationship with sensei had been utterly secret, in the wonderful final scene, just as Nakamichi has decided to accept the younger Tsutsumi's feelings, someone slides open the door to reveal both of them in the bath. (Nothing malicious; there's a hospital emergency.)
I so appreciate the subtlety of the writing in this story and its exploration of complicated feelings. I look forward to reading more by this mangaka!
I totally agree with you. You're sharp to point out the metaphor of rural and urban hospitals. For sure, it's in the countryside where Nakamichi lives his life to the fullest.
I loved this - the art, the dialogue, the dreams, the bittersweet tone - but it left me feeling so sad.
me: I'm not feeling well today
Iwaki and Katou: please accept this new chapter
me: I am healed
Me at this very moment. 100%.
I was so happy to get another chapter about these two. They're my favorite. Something about them gets me in my heart. They should really move in together. It would make things easier (you'll get used to it, Kisa). Also, I'd LOVE to see Yukina's painting.
I agree 100% they should move in together. Kisa can always get something to put on his sore butt :P...
YES! Agree!