I am only at Vol 7 right now. I buy them 2 at a time and really enjoy them! However, as I have gone along, I've noticed that Kenji's love is obvious for Shiro. Shiro keeps "his cards close to his chest". Now, that may be because that is just the way he is...OR, it is because it is because he is not "in love" with Kenji but has him around for convenience or someone to grow old with. I found it very distressing that Shiro admitted (to himself only) that he 'felt something' for Mr. Kohinata when they first met. He has never, never mentioned feeling anything, any-thing for Kenji. Yes, he comes up with the very odd romantic throwback (remembering a dish that Kenji particularly enjoys or the rings - but the rings were really for Shiro's selfish reasons) once in a great while, but nothing more. I hope I am pleasantly surprised as this progresses. Of course, I enjoy the recipes and how-to-cook items otherwise, I wouldn't bother...and this combination of the relationship along with the cooking is what makes this manga so very different and appealing. Still willing to keep reading it.