The characters could not be more one-note if they tried: Chiaki is a jerk with a pretty face, who keeps quiet about his feelings for years Because Plot; and Mine is a naive guy who bumbles around so that Chiaki can pick on him. The manga is just a pile of clichés: withholding information that leads to misunderstandings; stewing in jealousy; hamfisted pseudo-love triangle; "everyone is secretly gay"; "forbidden love between stepbrothers" that barely has any relevance. And if you want to get wasted, too, take a shot anytime the word "cute" pops up.

The oneshots are just as boring: Rio and Etsu argue about something, and Rio refuses to make up even when he can't remember the reason for the argument in the first place; they decide it doesn't matter, and have sex. It's pretty much an excuse to sneak an explicit sex scene into the volume, since the main story does a fade-to-black.

The artwork is below average, in line with any of the average "pretty boy" yaoi of the time.

This story stands out only thanks to the "alcohol shop owner gets drunk easily" gimmick, but even that is done much better in Liquor & Cigarette, so I suggest you go read that one instead—it comes with the added bonus of beautiful art and adults who act and look like actual adults.

... Last updated on January 7th, 2024, 3:36pm

My morals are crumbling: It's the gentle setting and atmosphere. I enjoyed this series from the bottom of my heart. My love overfloweth.
This manga has one of characteristics that I highly prize: consistency. A good story told well is always better than an excellent story told badly. While there is no ground breaking, hot-smexy, scenes and dialogues, still the portrayal of slice of life is superb. The absolutely stunning art work just adds so much more to this. Honestly, this is just soooo cute, I am melting with my love for this.