First things first, it was a very bad idea to read this at work. I had to hide my tears and rub some paper towels on my eyes quickly, it was stressful. After the first chapter of the first story, I was very disappointed because it seemed to me like the issues were "solved" and the rest was just going to drag on from there. However, that was not the case at all! The following chapters were all really good. There is still some conflicts, their feelings are not completely out there, especially because they are not really open characters. And because they are this way, there are some complications that are angsty and lovely.
Tadashi is exactly my type of uke! He has some really complicated emotions, but he's too proud to admit. At the same time, he's though and loving.
Aki is nice, too! He's not at all a cruel seme like I thought he was going to be at first, but he's more like the type who's quiet and admires his uke from afar, but then is a big puppy once they get close enough.
They both look really hot and I also like that they are very manly.
I have to say, however, that the pace is very different and takes some getting used to. The first chapter is the climax, the second and third are both about their relationship when they're actually together, the fourth is about how they got together for the first time, and then the last chapter of the manga is about how they met. I got really confused at first. On the other hand, that's actually a very interesting way to tell the story, which makes it quite unusual and unique. If it was "seme and uke meet, seme and uke sleep together, seme and uke have conflicts, relationship works out", it'd be the same old.
Then comes "For You", the second story. While neither the uke nor the seme are quite my style (Shunsuke is the whiny type and Tomomi's appearance is not to my liking), the story is cute enough, and has its peak moments. There is also that atmosphere with Shunsuke's poses and moments that leaves us with the impression there is more to the story, something deep.
The last chapter is quite absurd, but lovely, too. The way things happen - all of them! - is just crazy unbelievable. Following someone one doesn't know, kissing them out of the blue, having sex with them! Also, it was resolved a little too quickly for my taste. However, out of all the stories, the basis for this one was my favorite - just not the development. Ryo is not my style of seme either, but I like how he's got a strong personality and an attitude. Tatsumi is very similar to the first uke, Tadashi, in my opinion. Strong-willed, spontaneous, energetic...and yet so in love.
For both of the short-stories, I just wished they were a little bit longer. The last one could be a whole volume of its own. How awesome would it be if Shinozaki actually was NOT dead, and he came back and Tatsumi would have to decide who he actually was in love with? And then Shinozaki himself would get absurdly pissed and jealous that Tatsumi was with his brother!? And Ryo would feel really guilty and think he should give Tatsumi up, but at the same time, he'd love him too much for it?? Even the author herself speculated that, and yet didn't follow through with it... Well, she should.
The art for the whole thing might not be everyone's favorite, but it certainly is the kind I like. The characters look hot, but there's something wild and unruly about the drawings. Also, they're not perfect, but they're unique. I really like it.
Furthermore, this was only my second manga by Hidaka Shoko-sensei. I had to double check it because this manga was quite good. Not the best I've ever read, but I feel like it opens up precedents for other good stories to come in. And just as expected, I discovered that a bunch of her manga are in my "wish list". Well, now I'm going to go and read all of them, excuse me!
(-18)
