I started reading this because the description sounded interesting but I didn't go in expecting much. I mean, how is this story suppose to work where you have your husband's lover living in the same house with you?
But the author actually made it work IMHO. I was surprised, but she did. It didn't seem too ridiculous probably because Touko, the wife, was the one who ultimately decided to allow the lover to stay with her family plus there's the younger guy who said he loves her too. The seemingly carefree attitude of both the lover and the young man also plays a big part in this situation being a bearable one.
Anyway, the story started with the family of four solemnly moving into their newly built house. The grandparents (husband's parents) had just died in an accident not too long before they were supposed to move. The mood in the house was really dark not only because of the grandparents' absence but also because the husband was barely home (and the wife had always known that he was cheating).
One day she met a bright young man who would somehow later get mixed into the situation that would decide the future of Touko's family.
The husband, the lover and Touko were in the middle of deciding on what to do with their relationship when the children appeared with the young man who was made to bring them there.
In a desperate attempt to keep his family together, the son asked the mistress to stay in their house so their dad won't leave. Touko wanted to reject the whole thing that is until the young man, Nagai, stepped in and suggested that he lives with them too.
When asked what was his motivation to live with them, he just said that he's in love with Touko and Touko probably alllowed this stranger to stay as a distraction because she wouldn't be able to live in the same house as her husband's lover otherwise.
Later on, we get hints on the possibility that Nagai has other intentions for approaching Touko's family.
The story will also later hint on a possible family secret and the way the author is laying it out has been interesting.
I really like how Nagai's character is being dished out too. He's my favourite in this story. Honestly, none of the characters felt too cliché for me and I'm glad that the author took the time to show each member's POV.
This series is definitely worth being translated into English. It's something that can be enjoyed especially by those who love a mystery suspense.
Edit:
I have just finished the final chapter and I have to say that this was a very satisfactory read. There's still a few loose ends at the end but I'm okay with the author leaving it up to our imagination. I strangely couldn't bring myself to hate the mistress but I still find the husband terrible.
It makes you question if someone who has only been living selfishly and at the expense of others should ever be allowed to be happy while the ones left behind suffer. Touko's not perfect but she makes me wish I was as open-minded as her. Anyway, great read. Highly recommend!
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