In regards to the uniqueness of the characters, I have to question the implication that Shio is the clear uke. It's a really interesting inversion of the usual dynamic in BL stories. The taller, larger man is the one with the gentle, comforting nature. He's the one secretly pining after the affection of his more assertive, intellectual and cool love interest. Shio is a very assertive character; even despite his uncertainty, he actively pursues Miya, arranging for more time with him, even setting the pace of their romantic relationship. Miya may take the upper hand in the bedroom, but he leaves other important decisions in Shio's hands. If anything, their power hierarchy is very balanced. There's a healthy sense of give and take between both of them. Both of them have emotional vulnerability and hope and trust in each other to guide the other. That's really what drew me into this story; it's so refreshing to read a story that shakes off the usual assumptions of how the characters should behave.

Plus I'm a sucker for semes that are obsessed with their ukes even though they don't look like it, so I really liked this character.