It’s not often i give a 10/10 to a manga, but this one completely deserves it!
In fact, I’ll go on a limb and say that this is the second-best romance manga I’ve ever red (first being Itoshi no Kana).
And like Itoshi no Kana, it’s one of those rare romance manga showing an ADULT adult relationship. That is, relationship filled not with immature drama, lust and misunderstandings, but rather based on mutual respect, trust, acceptance, and love - and lust.
This manga aces just about every category that makes a good manga, from art, to characters, to plot itself, from what it shows and how it shows it, up to the ending. Yes, the ending is as well done as rest of manga!
ART
Art style is amazing, intricate, gentle and detailed. You see the author poured in the time to draw each and every feature in every panel properly, with love and dedication that shows he really poured his soul in this work. And it shows.
PLOT
At 12 chapters long, this story (and it’s truly a story, not merely a plotline) is long enough to tell everything properly (chapters are large), without either cutting corners or dragging the plot out. There is a clear beginning, progression, and conclusion. There is also no endless drama or filler, which again, shows respect of mangaka for his readers as well as his own work.
Story follows Koharu, a young woman working in a advertisment production company. Although this company employs many models, she keeps her distance from men in general as she was traumatized in her past.
Nagisa, her coworker who works as both a model and a hair stylist, saves her twice from (to her) stressful situations. He notices she is afraid of men and acts really girly to calm her down. She things he’s gay and they become good work buddies. But not soon after, things progress and the story follows their progression as people and as a couple.
Yes, there is an obligatory love rival, but that adds to the story instead of just creating drama for sake of drama.
I also have to commend the use of smut in this story. Although there is smut, it’s never overboard nor it’s own purpose. Instead, it’s seamlessly integrated into the plot, and indeed, part of the plot.
Not to spoil too much, but the ending is done well.
CHARACTERS
Female lead Koharu isn’t a self-insert Brigit-Jones type. You know, the confused-empty-stare type heroine surrounded by handsome muscular guys. No.
She has a distinct design and character, that’s earnest, compassionate, caring, and understanding, not least because of her own trauma. She is a sincere and unpretentious person (and has nice body to boot although she hides it).
She is attracted to his gentleness and patience, which fosters trust between them.
Male lead Nagisa is one interesting and multilayered character.
Because he is very very beautiful, it’s easy to slot him into the “wish fulfilment” category. However, that’s not the case. First, he ISN’T a CEO, prince or duke! He’s a hair stylist and model (so, not on top of hierarchy).
He’s intelligent, socially savvy, and surprisingly dedicated to his profession(s). Part of his social savviness is acting very feminine, as girls think he’s gay so they let him be. He basically understood that his beauty gives him life on easy mode (women included), but somewhere deep down he can’t help but resent himself for it. This is quite deep for a supposed wish fulfilment character. Perhaps because he never had a genuine connection, he is attracted to Koharu’s honesty and trustworthiness.
A character with his level of patience and support for his love overcoming her traumas is remarkable and rare to see in manga. Although he is very attracted to her, he always makes sure she’s comfortable and never forced into anything she doesn’t want.
So what makes this manga so special?
Because it combines many elements that are very, very rare in manga.
Romance manga in general seem to thrive on trauma and drama, i presume writing trauma and drama is easy to write and engage with. but well written depictions of quality relationships are very rare, and that’s special in itself.
It’s not often you see two characters treat each other with such care and respect, regardless of their personal insecurities. And it’s even rarer when you notice that one of them isn’t wish fulfilment. Yes, unlike how both shojo and shonen romance works, and indeed a lot of smut, here both characters are depicted as real people with their own traits, qualities but also doubts and weaknesses. However, these doubts and weaknesses are never used to jeopardize their relationship (hence, both people are emotionally mature).
Perhaps the most beautiful thing is seeing the bond of trust grow between two of them, and how that bond shapes them and makes them overcome their traumas. That, and their little everyday moments of care and understanding.
This is perhaps the best depiction of a relationship i came across in a very long time. Since Itoshi no Kana, and that was in 2009 or 2010.
Overall, a 10/10 and a kind of work that should be taught in school and to demonstrate how a healthy relationship looks like.
This is a manga one should be proud to buy, put on a shelf and periodically revisit.
My deepest respects to the author Nakaharu-sensei!
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