Renai-rubi no Tadashii Furikata
The first isn't my thing since both of them are idiots and I felt like Ive been duped during Suzuki's introduction narrative. The second intrigued me so much, I retraced Hayashida's story and found my favorite redemption story.
Come to Hand
totally recommended for actual romantic reference and preference. the main couple has a candid and natural interaction. they have their doubts and insecurities. but they also have their desires and honest speeches. i love the slice of life feel to it. the one shot couple, which is actually a story for the main couple's bottom's ex, is more cinematic and poetic in a sense of atmosphere. it's a love poem-like feel that you could listen to while the rain pitter patter outside, slightly muffled by the warm atmosphere of your room.
Doushitemo Furetakunai
Shima is a new employee who is pestered by his stinky superior, Togawa. Not only does his quiet yet snarky personality match Togawa's shamelessness, his unraveled past makes it more difficult for Shima to completely shut off his feelings. An impulsive and simple sex relationship began to turn into a complicated web of surfacing feelings and insecurities. Togawa has always talked about children because of his past and Shima has always felt insufficient. Hence, the dissonance of their cores made it more difficult for Shima to simply accept Togawa when the latter confessed. The physical distance then becomes absolute with Togawa's transfer while Shima tries to properly entangle his fear, guilt, and regret. Meanwhile, Onoda, a bystander who've witnessed and had a role in their relationship, began feeling swayed by Shima. A realization of attraction which he does accepts to be in vain as Shima already had Togawa. Nonetheless, it didn't stop him from sharing his discreet love and heartbreak to his 3-years drinking buddy, Daguchi. Unknown to him is the window of opportunity he had just pretended to his secretly gay drinking buddy, and the cycle of restraint and high hopes it also caused Daguchi. Being 3 years older than Onoda, Daguchi tests the waters by teasing Onoda to go out with him. Being told that it was impossible made it difficult to treat it as a joke and decides to leave. But the dense yet also untimely quickwitted Onoda realizes the truth behind his joke and recognized a few signs of Daguchi's affections. But the man who was still going on about Shima was confused, yet also wished Daguchi wouldn't be too quick on severing ties. As a compromise, he asks Daguchi to let him think about while also retaining the relationship they already had. Problem is, loving someone can only tolerate enough tension and self-control.
Shounen No Kyoukai