Through two characters that seem just like a pair of ordinary boys, we experience a whirlwind of emotions as their relationship grows and falters just like in any love story in real life. This is what really separates Seven Days from many other similar themed shounen-ai mangas. Unlike others, it’s simplistic and realistic, merely focusing on telling the story rather than getting carried away with fan-service and yaoi material. Having said that, the story would not have worked half as well had Shino’s character been a girl. There just wouldn’t have been the same awkwardness that gives tension to the manga that draws the audience in.
From an artistic point of view, Takarai Rihito’s unique drawing style is quite distinctive and has an unimaginably captivating quality to it that is easily likeable by most readers. In Seven Days the art has been drawn with much detail and depth, which is rare to see these today. Her drawing style is not the usual “bishie” or super masculine look that is commonly found in shounen-ai or yaoi titles. Nevertheless, the style does suit the story very well.
Overall, Seven Days is an honest and charming story that readers will find exceptionally gratifying. It’s well drawn, well written and has a decent plot that does not stray into fan-service territory. After personally reading Seven Days several times over now, there is no doubt that it is an easy all time favorite for devoted BL-fans as well as those simply looking for a good read.
