So, where to begin? This really looked like it should have been a good (if predictable) story. But it was just dull.

The seme was so pointless I’m not even going to spend more than this sentence on him. The uke at least seems to have an interesting backstory. Unfortunately, when it comes time to learn about it, what do we get? In this visual medium, that’s right, folks! Exposition!

So rather then showing us the story in six chapters we get told most of it in one. It seemed like the mangaka wanted to make this a longer series and when she couldn’t she just tried to cram the whole story in. Bad job.

What we’re left with is worse than predicable. All of the actual development happens in text, making the good art a pointless waste. I literally stopped looking at it at a certain point. I felt like I was reading the outline of a story rather than the finished product.

... Last updated on July 13th, 2020, 5:40am

It's a good story, with a few fresh, good ideas and unexpected twist (that part about true orders of yakuza boss could have been more developed). I like main characters' mature behaviour and tendency to overcome problems with a poker face. Also the art is good and easy on the eyes. But I have to agree that this story as a whole feels stiff. And I think - in a way - it's because of the main character's attitude. He's too indifferent, too calm throughout the story. It's not convincing. If only he had a moment or two when he burns with fire... I mean there were moments mangaka could use to set fire but he failed.

It's still worth to read, esp. if you like drama.

This is probably due to the limitation of trying to fit it all in one volume. The author basically did a whole backstory dump in one chapter while the characters in the present did nothing. Not very effective storytelling. The backstory should have come in flashbacks in between scenes between the mains. In the end, there was so little plot going on in between the main characters because of all the backstory that their climax was melodramatic and unbelievable.

The backstory itself was well written, however. I just wish this author juggled two stories instead of just focusing on the one.

The story I thought is fine, but it's not necessarily the most moving thing I've read by far. I think it has something to do with the execution too; like, I feel the author tried really hard to make the vibe more mature and compelling but the end product just didn't quite move me like I had hoped because her ideals were a bit too 'bookworm-ish' that the presentation became rather stiff and had to suffer for it. I also didn't feel a lot of connection with the characters despite all the lengthy monologues and flashbacks - again, it all had to do with the mangaka's execution to evoke empathy out of the audience, and this is one aspect I think she could improve on for sure.

You can't help but get emotional while reading this manga. The main protagonist, Hotaru, went through many hardships and met all kinds of immoral, twisted and disgusting kinds of people in his life. That didn't break his spirit, though it almost did, and he was able to mend his wounds and try living a decent life in his thirties. And then he met his significant other, a young person with pure heart, raised in a sheltered environment. Even though he waited sooo long, he was accepted for who he is and achieved happiness. This really got to me. You need to read this story just for the feels alone.