When Shiuko Kano sets her mind to writing something serious, she does a fairly good job of it. Otonage is one of her better efforts. It’s also worth noting that this story begins in Kawaige - specifically chapters two and three, so it’s best to start there to get their back story.
I guess I’m such a huge fan because the story and characters hit all my favorite weak spots. Nakano and Yasushi are an opposites attract type couple, which to me, makes the relationship all that more interesting because it sets up an interesting dynamic. How do two people with seemingly different personalities and backgrounds learn to overcome their differences to make things work? While Yasushi (the seme) is your typical good-looking, all-around popular guy; Nakano, on the other hand, is close-mouthed, rough, and at times very vulnerable. Much of the misunderstandings and problems that arises in their relationship stems from Nakano, but with good reason.
Like many other characters in countless different mangas, Nakano has had your typical tragic childhood, but at least in his case, it’s easy to see how his trauma has affected him. He’s untrusting and incapable of fully expressing his feelings without resorting to childish or immature displays of emotions, which he often takes out on Yasushi. Yasushi, the poor guy. He loves Nakano, but he struggles to understand him. Unoriginal he may be, but only someone of his temperament could have been able to finally break down Nakano’s walls. I know there were parts in the story where I got annoyed with Yasushi and wondered why he put up with Nakano’s crap, but Nakano’s actions in the last chapter gave a lot of clarity and to his personality. At that moment, I was glad Yasushi was a bit of a pushover.
Sprinkle in a healthy dose of smut and you have yourself a pretty good story on your hands. 8/10 and definitely worth a read or two.
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