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.

... Last updated on October 5th, 2016, 10:27pm

I don't know exactly what it was about this manga, but I always find myself coming back and re-reading it. The story is great- I really liked the characters; they weren't one-dimensional at all. They were unique and had little quirks and details about them that made them seem just that much better. I also really liked Sakaki's character design- glasses all the way, haha. Anyway, the slice-of-life was done really well, and I love Hidaka Shoko's art, since it's just so clean and beautiful. The plot was great, but my one gripe was that maybe it was little too realistic, since in the end, I didn't have that content happily-ever-after feeling. But hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion. Definitely read this, and Hidaka Shoko's other works! They're some of my favorites

... Last updated on October 22nd, 2013, 8:10am

I really liked it. It was sharp and very clean, which I loved. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters (except maybe Nakamori the designer - she was cool!), but I really, really liked them all.

I thought it was unique (and awesome) for this kind of book to have the lead have all his coworkers know that he's gay and no one cares. Usually it's a bigger deal in this kind of thing.

All in all, not my favorite story of the author's. However, it is better than a lot of them out there.

... Last updated on September 14th, 2016, 9:32am

i usually like slice-of-life, slowly developing, character-driven plots. and this is good, don't get me wrong; hidaka shouko is always good. it's realistic (within its given premise) and has three-dimensional characters. but it left me feeling melancholy and unsure that their relationship has a chance to survive much longer. i think much of that is due to the reaction sakaki has after they've moved in together and okada asks him why he is so angry; that seemed very... sharp to me, and it's not what i would ever say to a partner with whom i actually want to stay. i don't think that i ever understood exactly what the problem was, even after reading it repeatedly. maybe it's the translation? alas this is at a level where my japanese doesn't suffice to compare the raw.

so while it's a good manga, it didn't leave me feeling good.

... Last updated on March 16th, 2011, 10:14am

for me, Hidaka Shouko is truly one of the A-classed yaoi artists and this is no doubt one of her best works. It's just one of those mangas that you gotta sit back for at least half an hour to read through and carefully absorb every detail (which is what I did at my 2nd read).
The characters are unique, not cuz they have quirky or strange personalities, but cuz they are 3 dimensional, which in turns make them likable. Although the story is highly realistic, I don't think it makes the story boring at all (and don't get me wrong, I normally prefer yaois with a faster pace n good smut, but this one just works for me). Even though it started off with quite a standard idea, the development just caught me off guard since it's just never been done like that before...
I won't say this is the perfect true love story since it isn't, by the end I'm not even convinced that they're completely in love with each other (more like enjoying each other's company n the sex doesn't even play a big part - it could work well being just shounen-ai), but I like that simplicity a lot... which in turn makes it really interesting for me
oh n the art... well, it's not exactly gorgeous (based on manga-standard), but more like very well-detailed, characters are good-looking (n can be easily differentiated from each other), proportions are drawn correctly (which is rare), the framework and backdrops suit the pace well
to sum it up, it's an absolutely fine read

This story completely surprised me. I didn't have much expectations since I was unfamiliar with the mangaka, but wow!

The story sounds cliche: gay man falling for a straightie, a plot we've seen several times before. And it's not entirely original here, either. The beginning is somewhat predictable, and we have a good idea of where things are going before it ends, but the greatness of this work lies in its details, story and character-wise.

Story-wise, there are subtle twists and turns along the way to keep things interesting. Despite the cliche nature of the initial plot, things don't magically go 'according to plan' like in a less-developed work. There are arguments and disagreements with substance, and conflicts that feel genuine and realistic. The gay main character isn't a walking caricature, and his doubts and worries seem valid enough to keep us engaged in what's going to happen. The ultimate ending may not be a surprise (since the story is slightly predictable, even to that point), but getting there is quite a journey.

The characters are dynamic, and well-constructed. There aren't any 'flat' cutout stereotypes here. The MCs all have unique quirks and less-positive aspects of their character or personality, and minor characters aren't just there to fill space. There's a female character who actually *contributes* to the plot without just being a distraction to pass time or annoy us, and...

All in all, I have to say I really enjoyed this one. The love story isn't the most shocking thing in the world, but it's endearing, and sweet. I found myself really liking the characters (main and minor supporting), and I can easily see myself reading this again. A great work. (Also check out the oneshot "Double Line" if you want a short sequel.)

... Last updated on January 13th, 2010, 10:27pm

... Last updated on July 15th, 2009, 8:13am

It's pretty, I'll give it that, but I kept wanting more plot! There wasn't enough there. It didn't go anywhere. They made a huge deal out of who was gay and who was straight and really... no substance. Signal was much better.

This WAS realistic, but they could ahev gotten inside the characters heads more to make it interesting.

I thought I was pretty used to the whole, "slice of life/realistic" yaoi but this was a little bit much for me...Like it was so realistic that there was really no plot to it and it left you with a hole at the end cause nothing seemed to be resolved..or maybe just cause there was really no love given even towards the end. Whatever, maybe its just me and I don't understand, "adulthood" and such, if any of this made sense. Nice artwork though.

God, this is amazing. The person who rated this 1 must be mental. seriously, this got to be one of the better (if not the best) yaoi manga you can find. The story is nicely done, with realistic setting, characters and scenarios. The artwork is amazing, modern-looking and stylish, very pleasing to look at. And the characters totally won me me over, with the realistic portrayal of their personalities. It's seldom to find yaoi manga with so much realism as this one. The emotions of the characters felt so genuine it's just hits you right in the heart. Highly recommended!