From the very first chapter I was quite invested in this manga, however I had never thought that I would end up loving this so much. It’s such a spectacularly heartwarming tale of working through, and for, your love. What captivated me the most was Yori’s characterization, though. If there’s something like a perfect shoujo, meaning manga with emphasis on the portrayal of fluffy love (kissing without consent seems to fall under the category of fluff across all genres as far I have read, except for a few individual manga), art that is light and soft without any harsh lines, and a resilient heroine, then this is it for me – though, I do find the fact that my way of comprehending yaoi manga is through the schemata erected by shoujo quite deplorable. There are, of course, histories of exchange and continuation between the two as mangaka who make yaoi also have a strong background, if not a direct hand in, producing shoujo and josei manga. But, I stray further away from my main point: I wish to know if love can be spoken in terms that are not heterosexual? Can love be performed in queer/lesbian ways? What are these ways? And, referring back to my first question, is there really that much of a difference? (Also, why this insistence of mine on realism?)
I ask these questions for I feel, quite strongly, that this would be the perfect shoujo, and shoujo, by definition, is straight (of course, shoujo can be, and is, many more things). Is my love for this manga then rooted in the success of yaoi approximating the signs of straightness? That is to say, is my happiness rooted in the manga’s success at emulating the ways, which if followed, promise happiness within a heterosexual socio-cultural and political matrix?
Anyways, this manga just makes me melt into a puddle. The paneling and artwork, oh dear god, akla4#sdja$3skl4#skdjajd$5kl, I just can’t calm down. I love this way too much. This is so wonderful. Both, Mikura-san and Yori, are unbearably cute. And, I just love the fact that Mikura’s appearances and role in the manga does not take away from Yori’s. The sex scenes are also superbly done. The way they are drawn suits the fluffy-fluffy air of the manga quiet well and I am glad for the way it was done (though, I am sure a more extended and explicit/voyeuristic portray would not be amiss either. After all the kissing scenes are anything but tame).
Second to Yori’s characterization, what fascinated me was the excellent use of clichés without appearing redundant by adding a unique spin to most of them. Apologies, but I am a sap for the clichés used within this manga. Even the fever one.
Lastly, a few words on Mikura-san. Given how successful Mikura-san is in work-related matters it comes as no surprise to me that he is an extremely useless person when it comes to matters concerning Yori, except for near the end, due to the gap between what he promises and what he is actually capable of doing. Interestingly enough, he himself is aware of this gap, but it does nothing to dampen his “prince charming” aura and choice of words. That is why, when his mastery over work related matters is setup in contrast to his utter spinelessness when it comes to the matters of the heart (despite, or rather exactly because of, all of his sweet talk) we can’t help but cheer for him because we know he can do better (besides we all know from the way he acts towards Yori that Mikura-san actually loves Yori to bits and just can’t be honest with himself). Thus, augmenting the sympathy/empathy we feel for Mikura-san, and the joy we feel for Yori as he pushes on with his honesty and love. Also, I repeat this because it is important, GENTLE SEME ARE THE BEST! It does my heart so good to see Mikura-san caring for Yori’s health.
Okay, this is all. I am prepared to die now, preferably from cuteness. OH GAWD these two are just so lovable.
(-21)
