I started this a long time ago, but only got to finish it now (hence why I changed my rating and comment). Well, it's a complicated one! At first I wasn't paying much attention to just how deep it went, but after a while it messes up with your head so bad you just can't ignore its complexion. I had to really stop and think about things, or I'd get confused. Even so I liked that it had a somewhat light feeling in comparison to what I could've been, considering the complex theme.
The characters were very deep, too.
Atsushi is the only one who isn't as intense as the others. He’s not underdeveloped in the slightest, he's more like the one who's there to save everything. It’s part of his personality that he isn’t disturbed as all the other characters, he’s just plain and simple. Then again, as he realizes his feelings for Riya, he starts to reveal a different side and even him, the perfectly nice guy, loses control at times and wonders – only wonders – about getting his way. I think he did realize his love for Riya right when they met, but didn't admit to himself. I’m not saying he’s perfect – at least not for me. For starters, he’s not my type of seme, which of course doesn’t make me like the manga any less or rate it any lower. He’s just right for his role. But some things pissed me off a little. Like how he considers Riya one person. He shouldn’t treat him as one, because the way he spreads his love to both of them almost seems like he loves two people at the same time. That makes it annoying, since White Riya doesn’t even love him. In the end it got pretty clear that he loved [i]only[/] Black Riya, so he didn’t need to pretend to love them both, since it only hurt Black Riya and made no difference to White Riya.
My favorite character is Kousaka. I adore him. I didn't like him at all at first because he came out of nowhere and I thought he was too cruel. Indeed, I absolutely love cruel semes, but there was just something about him that got on my nerves. But as I understood him more and more, and how he picked on Riya like a little kid just because he couldn't be straightforward, he made his way into my heart. Also, it shows that really loves Riya, if you look closely enough. And oh, boy, what's attitude, if not that?! He's pushy, even forceful - in the sexy way! He doesn't leave any room for Riya to run or escape! I love how he teases him and gets into his mind! The way he expresses his feelings for Riya is utterly beautiful. It's got something so wrong about it that just makes it more interesting, the kind of sick love I'm obsessed with! Even when he hurt him. It was a mistake, of course, but every human being makes mistakes, and manga usually ignores that like people are perfect. The fact that Kousaka had to hurt Riya to realize just how twisted his love was just makes it even more appealing to me.
Riya himself is as complicated as he's supposed to be, though he's quite a common uke (either personality). I'm totally divided regarding his two personalities. White Riya, I dislike. I can't stand ukes that cry all the time and are so weak. But as his relationship with Kousaka progresses, it gets better, since I actually enjoyed their parts more than the Black one’s with Atsushi. Then again, I love Black Riya. He's such a troublemaker! He's spoiled and pretends to have his mind all made up, but still can't resist Atsushi. Cute!
Oh, oh! And then there's Saki! He's not a major characters, but he's sooo adorable! I love him! Wish he'd have his own manga. He's either be that gentle seme who turns out to be a little rough (probable option) or overpowered by a stronger seme (which'd be surprising!). Also, I make my words @MightyMaeve.
As for the couples, I actually wanted White Riya to end up with Kousaka and Black Riya to be with Atsushi. Unfortunately, that's not possible, so I'd have to stick with one. And with that comes a problem: I can't see Riya as one person at all. I would rather he divided himself in two, really. So, the ending...
The only thing that dissatisfied me a little was how the two personalities merged. Though I do think he seems like the Black one, anyways. After all, the White one loved Kousaka. It's like he expressed his feelings, took over the body to study abroad and then disappeared to let the Black one be with the person he loved and come to terms with his situation, now that the White one’s was done already.
That's what happened to me, but I guess everyone's got different opinions on that.
Also, I really liked the art. It's been some time since I've read something with such a beautiful art. It's delicate and suits the story. It reminded me a little of “Only the Ring Finger Knows”’s art.
I recommend this manga. It's painfully sweet and it's got something sad about it that makes it that much more beautiful. It's a little frustrating (in a good way) that you can't tell what you prefer. Oh, and it's really unpredictable, even being full of clichés! I guess what I really liked about this manga is that it gave a feeling no other has ever made me feel before. Like a manga from Key, but yaoi.. It's like I was conscious of both the personalities, but made them clearly apart and rooted for different endings for them.
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