This sure was.. an unusual concept for a BL-oriented story. For such a brief 10 pages, it felt incredible real to me, for some reason. I could literally feel a lifeless arm hanging around my shoulders the whole time I was reading this, before the same thing was, you know,


Not sure what to make of the plot, though. It neither leads to anywhere nor provides us with much material to imagine what could happen afterwards. Deliberately so, I dare say. The characters are seemingly stuck in this helpless circle with no way out until the end of their journey, which should tell us plenty about how their lives would unfold from now on. Not very optimistic, but very real to me, even in spite of the supernatural element.

im always amazed at how nojiko-sensei can come up with these stories and a corresponding visual theme so well. this story was creative, mysterious and heartfelt with only a few pages. sensei clearly has a gift for making stories, my love is justified <3

i didn't think about a metaphor until 801crazed mentioned it, and it's interesting to think about. it's possible that it could be a metaphor and the possibilities for what could be endless. in the end the theme is the same that the friend wants to save the other's life from something life threatening. the supernatural element just gives the story an extra edge.

This oneshot is obviously a metaphor, but for what exactly? I can only speculate, and a few things that come to mind are: the pressures involved with closeted homosexuality, living with crippling mental illness, an unhealthy relationship, and suicidal tendencies. There are definitely more and it is up to the reader to decide on what they gleaned from this ("author is dead" etc etc).

But overall this is a well drawn and creative story.