I thought it would follow a pretty predictable pattern- vaguely homophobic guy falls in love with promiscuous neighbour... Apparently not.

The story is quite unique... surprising. Unpredictable.

The black haired boy is such a misogynist and and all round misanthrope- and it's very interesting in that he hates so much and can be cold, cruel and yet so kind. I haven't quite encountered any character like him. I find him so disturbingly... Um I wouldn't quite call him likeable- maybe relatable- as his slut-shaming and coldness is evidently a product of his upbringing and such prejudices are actually quite inherent in society. Realistic, in a sense. So yes, a very engaging character. The light haired boy is interesting, too.

I recommend; the simple beginning belies a darkness which I find very strange and very intriguing.

I confess: I stopped reading this awhile ago after chapter 3 because the main character was just too much of a jerk. I thought the author had done a complete 180 after Umibe no Etranger. The earlier comment made me read it again.

And boy, am I glad.



Akio undergoes stunning character development and actually comes to care for this boy that he used to hold such disdain for. After getting to know him, Akio comes to face his own biases and preconceived judgements about the world. Their friendship that actually starts pretty horribly (at least from Akio's side of things) blossoms into a beautiful relationship that changes them both for the better.

The art is also fantastic. I feel like Kii Kanna's environments and background art contributes to the atmosphere of their stories. Whereas they used the seaside for Umibe, here they use snowy townscapes, warm interiors, and comfy jackets and scarves. In so much other manga these details would have just jumbled together in my mind under the header of "setting," but here their artwork just makes everything so detailed and lush that I find myself staring at pages to take it all in.

Give my anything from Kii Kanna and I will eat it right up. These types of sweet, innocent romances with beautiful art are just my type.
The characters are actually very likable and progression of the story is nicely done. The pacing is just right for this kind of slow romance. My favorite part of this story was the dialogues and characterization tho. It really moves me to see characters having real conversations about their life, beliefs, aspirations and insecurities instead of the usual lip-service which is provided. Moreover the seme is quite tactful, which is definitely a plus.
On a side note; the cats are just too adorable.

I have a confession to make: I'm not too fond of any characters in this story, aside from perhaps the professor, so it's out of my control to feel a little underwhelmed with the development of the main couple's relationship. The mangaka's story-telling did not do too much to sell it either; the delivery is not only flat but also very confusing at times, for which is held accountable by clumsy scene-transitions and messy manga panels. The artwork and characters designs are quite pretty, though, but a little more finesse and improvement in the characters' facial expressions would not hurt.

This is still above average, don't get me wrong, and I'm sure loads of readers will eat it right up. I am intrigued by the mangaka and would like to read more from her in the future, at least for progression's sake.