I remember years ago I definintely did NOT want to read this series. For the same reason as hot gimmick. I just didn't want to read a series about abuse. In the last couple of years, though, i've kinda craved these darker stories.
This is a pretty solid series but it has a smattering of cliches. I was kind of surprised when one of the tragic developments that I was thinking 'it would be good for the story if this happened' actually happened. 😛
It's classified as Seinen here, probably as it was published in a seinen mag, but at times it frequently flirts with shoujo which is at times annoying.
I'm pretty amazed by the ending, where 4 of the characters, including the main 2 are certain
that the two won't stay together forever but will break up eventually and spend the rest of their lives with others
. Due to the underlying shoujo-ness of the series it's a fantastic little spin on the story. I mean, it's really freaking realistic, but perhaps a touch cynical and definitely a little sad.
Still, for the few cliches perhaps, it felt like it could've been better. Still, read it, if you have a few hours and not much else or want some escapism. I think it took me 4-5.
edit: a little over 10 years later I've re-read it on a whim. And yeah, it holds up.
My review also holds up and is accurate.
I mentioned in my review the cliches (mostly Kazuki's character (the blonde), who'd be a better fit for a different series where she could be explored in a different way). I actually cried a little in one chapter, I do find I cry a little easier now than back then.
I'm actually going to bump my rating up a little. originally in Dec 2013 I gave it a 7.3, I'll make it a 7.5 in Jan 2024
With my more knowledgeable world-view, I know interpret the ending a little more differently, too.
Originally I accepted that
the characters were right in thinking they'd break-up, because they themselves said it. Now I'm thinking, they're kids, they don't realise what people in a relationship can work through, if they genuinely try. They probably will break up, if they continue to hold that view, but very much may not. Because in the end, they each want to break up for the other's sake, and that can be overcome with communication.
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