I loved the one-shot about the hairdresser the most. The artwork was outstanding- it's rare to see any mangaka take the time to draw a realistic face of a character, not just pretty faces that all look alike. And Hidaka sensei draws the detail of the scissors and other tools in his back pocket with such detail. You gotta respect that, man.
The first two chapters were good but didn't find it particularly memorable.

As so few people said it, I'm here to increase the good reviews about the first story, 'cause it really deserves it ! It's one of the best love/hate relationship I've read about. And I completely agree with what qwkimmy and cookieslov3 said about this story. Hidaka Shoko really managed to turn a classical plot into something so unique, and with such a deep and subtle way to treat the character's feelings. I haven't been so taken in by a story like that since a long time.

The second story is just a cute oneshot like many others, with just the particularity of dealing about rather normal looking guy.

Ah, but the third story is really interesting. It's the first time I've read a s&m story that felt like a real one to me, and I have to say that I'm not sure if I liked it or not, but it really got me. In s&m, I usually don't feel like they're really in pain, but here ! god ! It looks like it hurts so much, while the dentist seem to really enjoy it. They must be both really twisted, but still it was nice seing them like that.

I love it when Hidaka Shouko takes the most non-original plots and turn them into something so powerful, intriguing and unforgettable: that's what the first story was for me. There's something so pure and unadulterated about their relationship, the chemistry, the connection is just perfect and Hidaka Shouko manages to convey that flawlessly: the long meaningful gazes, the careless remarks, the reckless actions, the running incomplete thoughts and sentences, the pregnant atmosphere... personally, it really is an amazing read.

the second story is without a doubt adorable, but then an adorable oneshot is not often memorable. As for the third story, I laughed a little at the attempt to rationalize that kind of fetish-story, but it was a good attempt though and again, stories with random situations don't appeal and struck me very strongly

As usual I really adore the hate to love/want someone but don't know it, type of story lines so it was pretty enjoyable. Not my favorite but I am a bit of a sucker for school boys.
Like lozzenator says, the hairdresser story was really cute. I love how the hairdresser looked in high school and that the uke was absolutely smitten with him.
Though I wasn't completely attached to the dentist story line. It isn't that I am opposed to that type of interaction I just would have liked a little more story set up before that whole "drill" bit.

... Last updated on February 1st, 2010, 10:34pm

I adored the story about the hairdresser! So good! It was so cute and sweet. I loved that the one guy had always thought the hairdresser was kind and attractive and had loved everything about him. Totally one of my favorite stories! <3 <3 <3

The main story about the ping pong was okay. Not my favorite, but not bad either.

The one about the dentist was... kind of really creepy. Okay, very creepy. Not the S&M, necessarily (because people can like what they like). It was creepy that his dentist hit on him like that at work! It was kinda cute how much they were into each other, though.

love this oneshot to bits. It's so cute that the uke falls for the seme when he was younger and not as good looking! =) I also really like the looks of the seme as an adult. attractive couple. The rest of the manga is just ok.

First Story:

One thing I genuinely love about Hidaka-sensei, at least from what I've read of the artist so far, is that peculiar way of hers to bring closure that is not quite closure. Yeah, how do I explain something like this. Her characters have a pretty realistic imprint to the way they perceive the world around them and react against each other, and so it becomes a lot easier for them to create a bond, to connect with the reader, who (at least in my case) can really relate to how these characters experiment "true", youthful, first love. Yet, the author doesn't it leave it at that.

I found it quite lovely, here (the first story) as well as in other works by Hidaka-sensei, the way the couple is brought together after years of pain and sorrow being repressed under the surface, so that the experiment of first love, painful as it is, more often than not, can give way and rekindle into something real. We have the first idea of closure here, when they met after such a long time, because, even though nothing was said or done, at least there's the idea of a new beginning while the characters are still given the chance to clear-up the past. Then, when all is well and we know the story to be coming to an end, there's yet this feeling of a restless peace: the romance remains on a very realistic accord, it's not like everything will be sweet and roses; the window is always open for a new, if mundane, life-like event to start and disturb the quiet. At least that's the idea I get, I don't if it's intended or not...

Personally, I found this first story really good. The plot is not that original but it's nonetheless delivered in the most unique way and speechless execution. Really, really liked it.

However, I can't speak likewise of the whole volume. The second story was really uninteresting to me and the third one... Indeed, I'm not even sure I like it. It was really underdeveloped, so much so I can't even tell the name of the characters anymore. The plot itself wasn't that interesting either; a sadistic dentist is not something I like to think of, not even while reading manga, ahah.

It's still worthy picking this up for the first three chapters though. Love <3

... Last updated on October 2nd, 2013, 8:05am

I'm talking about the first one. The story line, the art, the tense&complicated relationship... is so beautiful and made this a worthy reading. But I can't find myself enjoy re-reading it even once despite it's my habit when reading wonderful stories. I love bastard seme but this one had totally crossed the line. He repeated his foolness over and over again yet can't seem to understand just how much it hurted the uke. The story end so soon that I can't manage to call it a happy ending eventhough I want so badly...

All these stories are pure gold! The first one was definitely my personal favorite though. Rather than a love-hate relationship, I'd describe the first story as just as massive communication fail compounded by two different kinds of inferiority complexes and a rather unhealthy mutual obsession. So basically, it was perfect! The art is beautiful, and all the stories were memorable. The second one was quirky, and the third was a seriously rendered sadist and masochist pair that were perfect for each other, if lacking a bit of development due to length. Absolutely recommended, it's a great book!

... Last updated on January 21st, 2014, 11:24pm

i'll disagree with some people and say that i loved the first story the best. it's a rarity to see the borderline between passionate hate and love explored so expertly. often it just comes across as borderline rape. but this story and the motivations of the characters made it really work, not to mention the scenes in question were REALLY hot O/////O;; im a sucker for repressed feelings, desperation, and angst, though, so i'm probably biased <_<;;

second story was different...but cute. third story was weirdly kinky, lol. my mom works in a dental clinic, so it's a little awkward XD;;

god i love hidaka shouko <3