pinkstarred's manga / #Stepbrothers(4)

Seeing the struggles of Yuuta was so heartbreaking, the crushing feeling of staying silent and pretending to be okay for all those years. Desperately wanting to keep his family happy and struggling with his feelings and hating himself for them. I really love this type of story. The only thing to send this manga over the top would be the stepbrothers point of view. In the end, you hear how he really felt, but it's so disconnected and expected. *I wish we could of gotton a chapter from his point view at pinnacle moments during the story and you see his real thoughts and feelings. Also it must be said that these guys are gorgeous! The art is so polished and on point, it's almost too perfect. But, Damn son those bishi's are fine. ( *｀ω´) Best Oniicchan award definately goes to Ryuu, he actually acts like a responsible caring big bro. Although at the end that sorta fell apart, but excluding that one scene it was completely platonic. This a really good telling of this often seen trope. Props to sensei for making it consensual and waiting untill college. Could of easily gone the hook up in highschool route. * I was thinking on this, but I wonder if we had seen Ryuu's perspective if it would of changed the narrative? Seeing Ryuu's initial attraction for Yuuto, would that have turned the story into something darker and creepier? I think it can be done, just not sure how. Maybe showing why he fell for him keeping it more innocent and pure.

Holy shit, that was fucked up. It breaks you in pieces and spits you out. This is a dark heavy psychological drama about a man repeatedly raped by his new stepbrother until it breaks him and there's almost nothing left. He almost had a chance to make it out but that was destroyed. The continual assault results in consuming hate, anger, self loathing and disgust that has turned him numb and self destructive. A tale of an abuse victims psyche. Like this was not what I was expecting and it's so fucking sad and upsetting but it is a good story. That art is good and the drama is unfolding in a very scary way. Please save Haruki, anyone.

No thanks, he’s really forcing his feelings on him.

It ended quite sweetly, good for them. Love the art. The brothers of it all was a bit to my dislike, but beyond that it was a nice angsty read.