I fell head of heels in love with this mangaka. Truly, I was a little reticent in the beginning because every one was so bulky like - the height, the broad shoulders, the large clothes - and I was never really into it. On the other hand, the facial expressions did capture my attention right away and, though I staggered a little figuring who was who, from the very start there's this feeling to the characters, like you want to know more about them. I loved how Iriya and Kizu's relationship began and developed. Every moment between them was beast-like, two lions fighting for the herd (something, I believe, Kizu shared later on with Ryouta). Also, they were honest to each other and true to themselves, which is something I find somewhat rare in BL manga. Without being a couple of goody two-shoes, they are two extremely lovable characters, I think (but I don't need to rant much on that...).
I agree, however, that the story diverges a little towards the middle, especially with all the spotlight Ryouta is given (so much so even his cousin gets to star in two chapters). I liked Ryouta in the beginning and I didn't hate that he got hold of some of the attention, but then again, one or two chapters would be enough. We don't need almost a volume of it. That part bothered me a little, especially because I started to dislike him, which was something I really didn't want to happen. Even in the end, when all was said and done, I just couldn't stand to look at his face anymore.
Hikone, on the other hand, was perfectly developed, exactly to the point we wanted him to. And now we may even wish for a spin-off out of his story, which would be more than welcomed. Unlike Ryouta, of whom we've seen enough. Or too much (in my humble opinion, of course). This is not to say Iriya and Kizu's story doesn't get back on track. It does, thankfully, and it only gets better.
The storytelling was magnificent. Such beautiful inner-monologue, subtle to the very end. Throughout the whole manga I couldn't help but hear Kizu's ex-girlfriend's voice: "if you think that's love you better run away". It was the perfect line. Kizu has Iriya on a leash stronger, so much stronger, I think, than love itself. It's like an obsession, for both of them. I don't think their relationship is that healthy either, for instance, if we remember that crucial moment (somewhere in volume 4) when Kizu forces Iriya in front of Ryouta. But then again, no one makes much fuss about it and they slowly but surely overcome their struggles. I think this speaks for itself in the way it is presented: it's a positive message despite all the angst, the possessiveness, the obsession, the broken hearts.
Finally, of course, there's no describing these words:
"When another morning came, I was still a man"
Lovely. All of it.