Hoshi wo Kazoeru Koto is a good read. The journey of Makishima Atsushi & Emori Kunihiko from friends to lovers is really sweet and heartwarming. I also liked their character designs because "manly gay couple" in bl manga is always my favourite.

... Last updated on October 21st, 2023, 1:30am

This was so good. It's the first Uchida Kaoru work I'd read and I had it sitting in my to read list for a while after I had added it because I wanted a "manly gay couple" manga. I can't believe this gem sat for months. Firstly, I must commend the translation -- it was impeccable and thank heavens for that since it's unlikely this will ever get licensed. It's so quiet and beautiful and mature. I loved the character designs: Emori and Makishima are so yummy and tall and handsome and manly! Emori and Makishima are both real guys, and their relationship seems so...normal. They hang out, fish, exercise together, play video games together...real "bro" stuff. It's such a lovely camaraderie; Sensei made me feel like I was eavesdropping on two longtime friends. I loved the casual humor. It was through this type of bonding that made the progression to more than friends seem like a forgone conclusion. Makishima is so sweet to Emori but at the same time there was no "Prince Charming/Damsel" dynamic; it was just pure empathy for Emori's broken heart caused by his fiancee dumping him. The slow build up towards love was unique, too, because they're both straight guys who become lovers and their friendship is what brought them to that point -- too often straight guys in BL do it under duress/Stockholm syndrome, which is so ridiculous. So this was extremely satisfying, and the sex scenes were more erotic and meaningful because it took so much time. My heart was so happy the entire time I read this watching their journey, it was so sweet.

Also there's a really smutty two-shot in Volume 1 involving a buff oyaji and the twin guys who live in his apartment complex. If you like cuddly manly ukes (I do!), this was a bit of extra icing on the already well-dressed manga cake. Highly recommended.

... Last updated on May 15th, 2021, 5:04am

I got sold by this manga the moment Makishima first appeared on screen (the visual framing device used to introduce him to the audience was brilliant), and it went on to prove to meet my expectations in almost every way. Both main characters are very earnest and endearing, and the mangaka did great at establishing their distinct personalities that compliment one another so well. Love their dynamics and all the back and forth exchanges haha; they make such a sweet and cute couple and I absolutely adore how sickeningly precious they dote on each other after they officially become an item.

I haven't had the chance to revisit Uchida Kaoru in years so I'm really glad this work got picked up and received such high quality translation for us English-speaking fans to be able to enjoy. It's a solid comeback to the BL scene after her long hiatus.