Sleeps In Sunbeams's manga / #Summer(5)

A feel good story that brings summer and the ocean and beautiful guys into a sweet blend.

Brothers Minoru (26yo) and Yutaka (16yo) have been apart for the 10 years it took for Minoru to graduate from university and get settled in a job. In that time the siblings shared letters and fond memories of a close bond. When Minoru returns home with his new job the brothers notice the changes in each other but their affection is heartwarming. Over the summer break they each become aware that their love is more than just brothers and both struggle with how to deal with that. Their story is really beautiful, set over the lazy heat of summer where you can almost hear the cicadas and smell sun warmed hair. I loved how the mangaka managed to infuse innocence and a pure love into what is essentially a taboo theme.

That was very sweet with a touch of the supernatural to lend an element of mystery and mystique.

Youngest of four brothers who are all the smart nerdy type, 18yo Michiharu only receives disdain for his failing grades. Determined to have him improve, his parents send him to be tutored by his cousin Natsuki in Hiroshima during summer break. Their story was surprisingly romantic, given Natsuki’s reputation (according to his little sister) and first impressions. Little moments of hand holding and fingers linking, sweet words of support and encouragement. I loved the confession scene and really thought that the story had a fluffy, feel good vibe overall.

A sultry summer setting for a taboo love. Cousins Chihiro and Shuto live next door to each other. For years now, Shuto has hidden that his love for Chihiro is deeper and more intense than acceptable. When his mother discovers his secret one summer night, Shuto is faced with traumatic feelings of shame and self loathing, especially as his mother cried. Yet even that isn’t enough to stem his love for Chihiro though he tries to become the son his mom could accept. The deep emotions and intensity of the changing relationship between MCs is lovely and the artwork is beautiful. I would have liked to see more resolution between mother and son, and a glimpse of the pairs future, but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable story.