Too jewel-like

I like that the story is narrated by a character who isn't the protagonist - it provides a different perspective and adds more depth to an otherwise typical coming-of-age BL romance story whose fundamentals have been explored in multiple forms countless times before. I have to say, though, that I wasn't too fond of how the characters' facial expressions were drawn, because they don't suit the situations they're in half the time (especially the constant frowns and gasps) and it feels like they're having the 'wrong' emotion on their face, if you know what I mean lol. But that's a problem I've had with Ike Reibun since forever anyway.

it's short and sweet. i like the art and plot, but i found the storytelling itself kind of awkward...unsure if that's down to the original or the translation.

to describe such a masterpiece. I love it.
the art style and the plot was great.

The story was really short but that doesn't mean is bad cause is really worth it. it was deep like true life is.. but add being gay, there's a lot of pressure I don't know.. but this story makes you understand about it and feel sympathy with the characters.

Oh god I truly love this.

... Last updated on December 24th, 2017, 8:46pm

A rather creative manga. Like most Shounen Ai manga, the premise of the manga is comprise of the idea of homosexuality with two male characters as they struggling to love each other through relationship drama and/or reject of society. But unlike other manga, this story is told from the perspective of someone who is outside of that relationship. A third party that has no romantic feelings for the two in question. But rather, a person who bear witness to their love. It creates a narrative sort of story that gives sympathy to the gay couple through the empathy of the main character.

Putting aside the art, which is also fabulous, this story focuses on integrating homosexuals into society rather than romanticizing them as this exceptional, run-down, oppressed group of people who need to be saved, and put on a pedestal.
Moreover, to choose to show the story from the little brother's perspective makes a long stride in underscoring this point, because then the story isn't about a homosexual, but rather how a heterosexual came to know how homosexuality and deal with it. I am happy that it ended on a positive note, but even if it hadn't I think the author would still have done a fantastic job so showing exactly why it didn't end on a happy note.

Short and sweet, the perfect medium to express how a family member might view their homosexual relative. A lot was glossed over, especially due to large time skips, but it doesn't get confusing. Instead, it showed all the important points of their relationship without a lot of filler. I really enjoyed reading this one and will definitely reread it in the future.

It was a clever choice to see the story from the eyes of the younger brother. That is what gave this story its charm I’m sure. I always go into Ike sensei’s stories with enthusiasm and this story did not disappoint me at all. The progress of time was handled nicely and the men grew up to be quite handsome in my opinion. I could believe the characters, which is something quite missed in the bl world. Honestly, this is a top-notch shounen ai. I recommend this to veterans and beginners of the bl world alike.

This is a rare gem of a manga. I loved how the story was from the little brother's perspective and how even at a young age he has understood a lot of things. The story paired with the art, it's just one of those mangas that you just want to keep and read again and again later on. Wonderful, simply wonderful. Very recommended.

A heartwarming story about an insightful little boy and his own inner struggles growing up to find his perfect older brother is, after all, a flesh-and-blood individual of his own.

This is one of those rare moments in the history of BL when a story doesn't try to bite off more than it can chew. On a subtextual level it deals with important LGBT themes (coming out to parents, dealing with their rejection, marriage) as well as other interpersonal-relationship issues more broadly. However, because we're given the (straight) little brother's point of view, these subjects are dealt with in a very tender, innocent way that doesn't weary out.

Of course it would be nice to see a more consistent development of these characters, less condensed and more fruitful. For that reason alone I don't feel quite as satisfied as other readers appear to be and thus can't give this manga a proper 10. However, the story does remain warm to the core and it is a nice reading overall, backed up by some serious beautiful examples of Ike Reibun's gorgeous artistic style and straightforward storytelling.

I'll be returning to it soon enough.