Overall I do quite like this series, but the victim blaming forces me to knock it down a few points as it really does NOT sit right with me. This couple though is very sweet. I am a fan of the art, even if it may be on the cutesy side. Yamamoto kotetsuko draws some of the most sensual kisses ever.

I agree with other reviews that the attitude towards domestic violence in this manga kind of ruined it for me. I did enjoy it a lot until the end and the things Kengo said to the woman who was abused. Strangely I could take Hidetoshi blaming himself for being beaten because he was the victim and a lot of victims do in fact blame themselves, but everyone knew it wasn't his fault. Kengo told him it wasn't his fault, but how the woman was treated was beyond horrible. I know it's not real life and I usually can completely separate RL from BL manga, but for some reason I just can't enjoy the manga or the characters as much after that chapter. Other than that it is a pretty nice story, a bit melodramatic but with nice characters and a good resolution.

... Last updated on June 29th, 2011, 2:40am

This is a really beautiful story. I was really surprised by how sweet and innocent it was at times, its a story i want to hug xD The art is pretty nice, its generally quite clean and the characters are all easy to pick out as individuals and its not drawn in an overly obvious fashion (shows more realism). As for the story, adorable. It's really very romantic, and it has realistic aspects. The characters were full of life and personality, they were deep and obviously given alot of thought. This is a nice light read, it'd go well with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket

it's a good story with some depth, it moves at the right pace, the characters are well defined, the art is nice and fits the story well. the reason why i am not rating it better is the story's attitude towards domestic violence -- there is too much blaming of the victim going on. that may be a japanese attitude, but it's not mine, and it detracts from my enjoyment of a manga. that might seem weird coming from somebody who generally takes the common domestic abuse in BL in stride, but the difference is that this manga purports to be realistic, and that's why i am treating it according to realistic criteria.

This made me think. The explanation of why the guy takes the hits from his abusive partner is quite right, the way I see it, and the story wouldn't have been complete without the factor of being in an abusive relationship. This is a rare great story that actually touches a sensitive issue common in a lot of gay relationships. I'm just glad the plot did not go into the issue of male dominance in a male-male partnership, which would have been interesting but did not fit the plot.

A ten for a great manga!

I like this manga, I really do. The emotions and tribulations of the two friends over a ten year period is realistic and kept me reading. The art is very nice, and the plot moves at a good pace. I also liked the flashbacks we see of Hidetoshi's and Kengo's past, leading up to the present where we see the two main leads still holding onto deep feelings for each other even after so long.

Unfortunately, my real issue with this manga is it's portrayal of domestic violence, which may be reflective of the mangaka's personal beliefs - or not. Nevertheless, throughout the plot it is implied and even mentioned- that the recipient of the beatings - namely hidetoshi, although also with a side female character, that it is - at least in part - their fault for the beatings they recieve. To even imply that a person beaten by their partner is in someway responsible quite rubbed me the wrong way - to the point I had to go away and come back to finish this. It is this fact alone which has prevented me from giving it a higher score.

hmmm... perhaps I am looking at this manga to critically, as I tend to do when such topics are raised. Overall I would definately recommend it, as the plot kept me going and I am a sucker for a decent story.

... Last updated on August 23rd, 2010, 12:43am

It's been a very long time since I've been waiting for releases of a manga, and this one was a very welcomed breathe of fresh air.

I've read a couple of Yamamoto's other works; she's got a very unique and pretty art style-- her uke's are all very attractive and cute, while her seme are just as cute, but manage a sense of masculinity about them. Unfortunately, she's not top-notch when it comes to storytelling

However, with Sakiya, it gives her art a whole new twist-- the collaboration between the two is amazingly good with its great, developed plot and wonderful images full of emotion and feeling.

The characters are extremely well-thought out, and all very likable, even Hidetoshi's abusive lover. You're able to see all sides of emotions from all the characters, and can understand why they do the things they do, and why they feel they way they feel.

What really shined for me about this was the drama and angst-- there's so much of it! On every page, I felt like my heart was wrenching for what Hidetoshi was going through, and how Kengo was feeling about it, even after his resolve. If you're a fan, you'll absolutely love this.

The story is no where near shallow, and it's full of depth and meaning. If you want a worthy story that's more than just uke-in-distress-seme-to-the-rescue, you'll absolutely find that here.

This one is really good!

The art is good, but it is the story telling that's especially good. The complex feelings of trying to figure out your sexuality, and what love IS is greatly described. This gives the story depth, and makes it realistic, compared to many of the yaoi stories out there.

A sweet and heart-rending story!