This manga is probably my favorite shounen-ai of all time. It is so beautiful and wonderful. Some may view it as perhaps too simple or not exciting, however the slice of life feel builds up fantastically alongside the relationship between Youichi and Sakurai. I can sense such a pure love that Hidaka Shoko has crafted. I hope I don't sound too overboard with my descriptions, but this manga is just too much for me, in a good way.
Even though Sakurai is twice Youichi's age, THAT MEANS NOTHING. I actually like that factor. Age gaps are present in a lot of shounen-ai / yaoi, but I truly do like the age gap here, and the way Hidaka Shoko presents it. I also enjoy the contrast she has made between the two characters. Youichi is young and new to the concept of romantic love, yet Sakurai has already spent his years in and out of relationships, as he is nearing 40. He is a business worker, yet Youichi is an aspiring artist. Anyway, it's great.
If I could read Japanese, I would order all 3 volumes so far and read every inch, but unfortunately, I cannot. I wish the manga would be licensed in English, because it is already translated in French and German. So close yet still so excruciatingly far.
So, I love this manga.
A LOT. It fills me with joyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
Later on (ch. 25, I believe), the story becomes more than shounen-ai. Just putting that out there.