Only a few can do a slow paced story and do it this well. I was not hooked by this from the very first page to be honest, but i am glad i read through the first chapter cause after that it was a ride a could not get off of.
I am forever in love with the characters, the art, and everything else in it. Thank you Hidaka Shoko

I'm glad I read this after it was almost fully translated. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to appreciate how beautifully their relationship progressed, slowly (which makes sense, because of their situation), yet without dragging unnecessarily, which was a pleasant surprise for me, every chapter captured me for a different reason. I guess it's because this was a good kind of "slow" where still a lot of changes happen from chapter to chapter.
Oh and another thing, usually, I don't like a big age gap between the characters, but surprisingly I didn't even think about it here, it all just seemed so natural.

I definitely recommend it!

So far this has been the most captivating read. The plot develops surely slower than usual, yet without dragging along pointless lines. The love grows just a little bit at a time, yet the reader falls harder and harder each time. Everything about this manga is quite well executed, from character development to the beautifully clean panels. I love Hidaka-sensei's art style and the fact her men look like men, regardless sexual preference, is just more than welcome. Nonetheless, although I'm loving the "purity" of the relationship, the so called sincerity, I just can't wait to see Youichi and Sakurai-san's in a more mature level, so to speak (pardon my French, fufufu).

If you love Slice of Life and beautiful slow-paced romance, nothing overtly dramatic, plus a gorgeous art style, you can't miss out on this. Can't wait for more :3

All I can say is that it has been worth it so far. The story has a much slower pace than usual, but it makes the build up of their relationship genuine and beautiful. The characters all have uniqueness to them and come across as real. If you're looking for something to start small and grow a little more each time, then this is a story for you

This manga is probably my favorite shounen-ai of all time. It is so beautiful and wonderful. Some may view it as perhaps too simple or not exciting, however the slice of life feel builds up fantastically alongside the relationship between Youichi and Sakurai. I can sense such a pure love that Hidaka Shoko has crafted. I hope I don't sound too overboard with my descriptions, but this manga is just too much for me, in a good way.

Even though Sakurai is twice Youichi's age, THAT MEANS NOTHING. I actually like that factor. Age gaps are present in a lot of shounen-ai / yaoi, but I truly do like the age gap here, and the way Hidaka Shoko presents it. I also enjoy the contrast she has made between the two characters. Youichi is young and new to the concept of romantic love, yet Sakurai has already spent his years in and out of relationships, as he is nearing 40. He is a business worker, yet Youichi is an aspiring artist. Anyway, it's great.

If I could read Japanese, I would order all 3 volumes so far and read every inch, but unfortunately, I cannot. I wish the manga would be licensed in English, because it is already translated in French and German. So close yet still so excruciatingly far.

So, I love this manga.

A LOT. It fills me with joyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.



... Last updated on February 26th, 2013, 2:31pm

i agree that the atmosphere is everything in this series. the romance is slow to develop, but it's sweet and deliberate, unlike the rushed sexual tension in other stories (which isn't bad, just a nice change of pace, lol.).

i enjoy that the focus is not only on the atmosphere in this story, but also on the characters. there isn't a real plot to the story other than the characters discovering more about one another, especially sakurai and youichi. but it's really enjoyable to see these characters discover one another and slowly change the relationship between each other. plus shouta is freaking adorable. i'd love a little brother like him.

edit: just finished the series...LOVE IT. so glad everyone had their inner conflicts resolved and sakurai and youichi are still the same lovable dorks. youichi becomes less quiet and more outwardly sassy...YES. and shouta being his blunt self and getting into college like it's no biggie is the best. my love for this series will forever live on.

... Last updated on September 15th, 2015, 11:06pm

Well, let's just start off by saying that this is an exceptional piece of work. The art, in my opinion is beautiful! The characters are memorable, not to mention cute! The plot in itself is quite refreshing, There is an age gap in the love interests, but that is what makes this manga so beautiful. The juxtaposition of the two main characters is adorable, merely goes to show how two completely different people can come to become a whole...I still don't know how it will end but it is very promising and like the title of this little rant, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

well so far atleast- its nice and slow and for me, after reading alot of pwp lately it almost feels excruciatingly slow and i have to keep reminding myself that it's a Shounen Ai hahaha

and gosh! i really hate, really REALLY hate triangles where the new guy is... well, i guess.. a "man eater type" .. grrr but other than that its okay!

... Last updated on November 9th, 2011, 4:02am

God, this is so good. It's been a while since I've been so captivated by a shounen ai love story. It's quite the basic story, but it is well-executed, and you can feel all the small changes in the characters' emotions.

Seriously, I've just read chapter 8, what a cliffhanger. Pure evil to make me wait! *shaking*

... Last updated on August 5th, 2011, 3:59pm

Start just from the cover you can see the pureness of this manga.
A simple love between a working man and a confused teenager. The cover of Youichi face shows his averted eyesight displaying what is essentially his role in this manga - a clueless tsundere. This story does not need fancy art, exciting SFX, bubbles to spice up the panels. I feel as if I am living in the world of the manga, just as confused as the two main characters.
There are no drama (maybe just... a bit), no stupid gags and smut inserted in every chapter. A clean cut and direct manga for every shojo out there to read.