Jul 22, 2024
Do we choose who we love? I'll leave the answer up to you, but feelings are a complex part of our being, and love is one of the most complex things to understand. This manga, though short, does a good job showcasing the complexity of love and the burden it can bring when it's beyond our control.
Koba and Oshiro are childhood friends, now in their late 20s, navigating life in their own ways. One thing hasn't changed despite the time: Oshiro's feelings for Koba. He has spent a lot of time trying to understand these feelings and even longer trying to let go of them.
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It hurts to love someone who you believe will never feel the same way. No matter how much you may want it, keeping things as they are seems best because it means you still have your friend. That's what Oshiro decides to do, but it isn't easy because each interaction with Koba is a harsh reminder that those feelings are still there, alive and as strong as ever.
When Oshiro meets the outgoing and older Satoru, he's initially unnerved by his presence but slowly finds solace in the man who seems to notice something in him. Maybe it's fleeting or not, but it provides an escape from the pain of loving someone you can never have. We see how love can hurt and how it can end, and it's not always two-sided, as in this case.
I think there was room to explore more of the themes presented, but in a sense, those aspects fell short. It would have been more interesting to have that depth. The expressions are drawn wonderfully, capturing the sadness, solace, and even the happiness that radiates in the story. Many may find it relatable due to its exploration of the complexity of unrequited love and the slight questioning of one's own sexuality. Though not explored in depth, it's a moving story and a simple capture of love's complexity.
The art is decent, but my critique is that the mangaka may have struggled with "same face syndrome," as some characters are hard to tell apart due to their similar features.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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