EDIT:
After writing this review, I clicked on the "sequel" and realized it was attached to the version of Arashi no Ato I read. That's why there was closure for me. So if you didn't read that yet, go read it!
There are two ways to categorize manga: by whether it's your style or not and by whether it's good or not. This manga is not my style. However, I cannot deny something good when I see it. This is amazing. Everything about it has been thought out very carefully. The pace is marvelous, every step they take further into the relationship makes sense and has been planned. The division between gay and straight, even though it's clear, is also realistic. And Okada's actions are exactly what is to be expected, in a good way. I also liked the characters' train of thought (especially Sakaki's) and the dialogues.
The reason this is not my style is because neither Okada nor Sakaki are the type of character I like, and it's not a very angsty story - in fact, it's quite the opposite. Things happen slowly, but they flow naturally. Though there are uncertainties, there is no bickering love. With that being said, Okada and Sakaki are both very well constructed characters. Sakaki even more, due to him appearing on the prequels as well. This was perfect to close the cycle. Simply putting, Sakaki is openly gay. But what he is not is open with himself. He holds in his desires and is scared of facing the world. The past hurt him because of that, so he carries all that into the future. But while Okada might just be experimenting after all, at least in the beginning, he soon finds himself more seriously involved than ever before. While he's not the type to truly care, it's not because he's indifferent, but rather because he's an open person.
The art is stunning. The expressions Shoko-sensei chooses to portrait are amazing, and so are the ones she chooses not to. The extra after all the chapters is about Okada's expression, which isn't shown even once, making it all the more interesting. There's also a remarkable scene whey they are having sex and it's reflected in the mirror, and she bothered to draw every little detail.
The last chapter also complements the story perfectly, because two things were left missing, which were Okada's POV and the "I love you". Both happened at the end. Okada's point of view is essential to the story. You can't understand it completely until you get to see his side. But then...like a puzzle falling into place, it fits even more harmoniously. And you get to understand that his feelings really are as real as it gets. Upon reading other reviews, I don't think a lot of people read this part - because that leaves no doubt about their relationship. In fact, I'd say without it, I'd get a bad feeling to. But after reading this, it made me understand the things that were missing and see a future and happy ending for them. So if you didn't read this, I'd really recommend going back for it.
The only things I would point out is, first, we don't get a lot of sex scenes.I don't want a smutty manga all along, but even their first time is very censored. As a "hetero"'s first time, I'd be interesting to see how that would be developed. Also, the events that happen are so realistic that it gets kind of boring for me. I'm not interested in their jobs, and while I understand it's used to move the story along, I think it's overdone.
The reason I'm not rating this manga 10 because, like I said before, it's not my type, so 10 is reserved for those that are. Even though the characters, pace, execution, plot and art are all perfect, it just didn't touch me. I didn't cry at all. But it's really good, one of the best I've read recently.
(-19)
(+90)
