If you're looking for a quick romance to read, I would suggest avoiding this manga, because although there is romance in it, it isn't the main theme of the story. This story is about a young boy who is struggling to find his inner strength in life and in love. His necessity for hugs to calm his anxiety seems like an interesting quirk at the start to set off the romantic plot (and it kind of is), but it's also an example of how serious his particular struggle for self-reliance is compared to everyone else's. I was thrilled when I found out that the archery club would be the setting of the story because it matches perfectly with the theme of inner strength. Here, the author emphasizes how the bow reflects oneself, and our protagonist has more than a few problems because his bow is more honest than others. It's inspiring to see him fight to overcome his problems and shoot straight once and for all.

If it weren't for the story's extra, which (while entertaining) felt like the author's rushed attempt to inject more romance into the story, I would have given this manga an easy nine. Despite it however, this soft but serious manga was one of my very favorites and I wholly encourage others to read it.

... Last updated on July 30th, 2010, 7:07pm

i agree this is a cute manga and it makes me crave for more volumes or more chapter. i have read only the ring finger knows and it is such a cute manga no wonder Rin is quite a good read too. I really wanted something to happen between koichi and the older brother. I think the story would be cute too.

I don´t know why, but this manga didn´t appeal to me that much. The story was Ok, the art was Ok, the characters was OK... and that´s it. There was nothing special about the story and I even got bored while reading it. So I don´t really get why It got so high rates.

This Manga is good for yaoi-starters, if this Manga can even be considerd a yaoi

Either way, if you like a dense, plain, and I-can´t-do-anything-right-so-I-whine-about-it-instead uke, this Manga is definitly for you.

*INHALE*

*EXHALE*

After reading this all I could think of "kyaaa~ that was so nice". Let me tell you, I DISLIKE love triangles for MANY reasons! But this, this story was sort of a new breeze! it was different! It was lovely! Peaceful! Slow-paced yet quite right! You know that Sou is the right guy for Katsura and his character and the way the plot progressed backed it up. Also, you wouldn't feel that Kouchi, as the third wheel, was actually a nuisance. I SERIOUSLY love how he handles the situation! He kept himself reserved, not wanting to force Katsura, yet still be able to perform his role as the best friend perfectly. I love each and every character in this story! I love Katsura's brother the most! Kyaa-ness for brother complex! I actually thought "assuming from the summary" that it would be the totaly cliche "I love him but he loves my brother" WHICH IS NOT! There is NONE of that! So I'm really glad. This was practically one of the best plots I've ever read. Sou loves Katsura and Katsura only! I love how he's been there for Katsura since they were little. And shouldn't it really be that way? If you're best friend's with someone STAY best friends with that person.. don't go complicating it by writing the character as "surpressing his love" bla bla, like MOST cliche plots that I've read. So you'll be extremely pleased with the way things are! The characters' feelings are CLEAR and focused. You won't be seeing any of that undecisive, I can't choose, crap. I don't think I have anything more to say. This story was just brilliant! Ah! I love it <3 the way Katsura matured...how ALL of them are so skilled in archery having their "own" bow. I was smiling the whole time! And what's wrong with the art? Sure, it's not glorifyingly beautiful, but it's decent enough. It's pretty cute for my taste actually. It sort of reminded me of kare kano, just a bit more subtle.

... Last updated on April 17th, 2011, 8:51pm

sorry guys but i dont believe that katsura is horrible for not immediately saying that his boyfriend is more important than his best friend. i think that's a hard thing to choose, i mean, in reality, your best friend is the one that sticks with you all the time, the one that encourages you, the one that makes you laugh. nobody wants to lose their best friend, you came first before the boyfriend. however, nobody wants to lose the boyfriend either. your boyfriend is the person whom you dedicate yourself to, the one you love wholly and dearly.......katsura isnt a bad person for not being able to choose one over the other.
i loved this manga because the situations seemed pretty realistic, and the problems katsura faced seemed natural, and katsura wasn't 'perfect,' in a sense like other manga characters ive seen. the only thing that ticked me off was how everyone seemed to like katsura so much.....it seemed unnatural. other than that, i love how katsura grew stronger through the manga.

i really liked katsura and Sou, very much ^_^ specially Sou.
And Katsura's growth into adulthood wasnt stereotypical like some said... At least it didnt felt like that to me...
One thing though: at moments i felt like changing pages quickly so i could get to the "action" cz there were too much thinking or talking, not really too much but, u know XD .

it was nice to read it all and the extra was mostly my fav.
But theres a lovely/cute feeling in the whole story. Nice drawing ^_^

... Last updated on February 16th, 2011, 7:56pm

This is lovely. The story is so touching and understated and the main couple is incredibly gentle and real. I read this over and over, and even men I've shown it to have loved it. I rave about this to every new BL fan. ^_^

This series is really cute in story and character. The main character's struggles to get a grip on his anxiety is well done and realistic. The art is nice as well. The competition for his affections between the best friend and the boyfriend were interesting and cute. This is a nice light read to enjoy when you just want to kick back and relax. Even the archery aspects were reasonably done. Definitely worth reading.

what the heck? everyone falls in love with Katsura? boring.
and everyone always get what's going on just by looking at Katsura's face? boring.
The anxiety disorder cured by Sou's hugs? lame
Sou and Katsura falling in love was basically "passionless"... although the problems were real I found it dealt with them too calmly.
Katsura's growth into adulthoog is ridden with stereotypes...

Even the art... although the boys are handsome, there are no facial expressions at all! and what about shading?

all in all it's disappointing. it could have been a much better manga

As mentioned below this manga actually has a plot. Really sweet story and nice art, definitely something one will want to reread.