I Hear the Sunspot, Vol. 7: Four Seasons Volume 2

ひだまりが聴こえる [Hidamari ga Kikoeru] #7

by Yuki Fumino, Stephen Kohler (Translator)

Kohei Sugihara, a college student with hearing loss, and Taichi Sagawa, his ever-optimistic former classmate, met in a chance encounter that ignited an undeniable spark that would eventually blossom into love.
Summer has at last arrived, but Kohei’s job search is sapping all his free time. Taichi, now a working professional, is struggling with his role as a mentor to the office’s new hire. And life only grows more complicated when Taichi receives a sudden phone call from his estranged father.

Genres: Manga, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2023

About the author

Yuki Fumino ( 文乃ゆき) is a Japanese manga artist.

She also writes under the name Yuki Akaneda (茜田 千).

Reviews

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

The funny thing about this series is that the romance is actually not that great. These are two grown-ass men with jobs who've been in an eatablished relationship for years now and still act like virginal teenagers around each other. Frankly, it's a little annoying and tiresome. What I truly love is everything beside the romance: the characters and side-characters and all the stories spun around them.

[Sarah (menace mode) · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand I really wish we’d forsake these side quest character development arcs and see more of the relationship, but on the other hand I fear this may be the last time we see the boys smile so I’ll take it I guess 😐

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cliffhanger from last volume pays off much differently than I imagined, but the rest of the book continues in the comfortable groove this series has found: a little relationship drama, a little workplace drama, a little family drama. It's just a pleasant visit with likable characters.

I was lukewarm on the series after reading the first volume back in 2017, but I always meant to read the next one, and somehow seven years passed before I finally returned to it this week. Now I'm now all caught up with the series, and while the next volume doesn't come out until June of next year, I'm much more eager to return to it.


FOR REFERENCE:

Originally serialized in Japanese magazine Canna beginning with issue #75.

Contents: Chapters 6-10 -- My Little Boy

[Sofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ay, que emoción llegar hasta aquí, me ha encantado, Taiichi por favor, cuídate maaaaaaas ❤️‍🩹

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a baffling volume, this one was a return to what I love so much about this series. Perhaps because the characters start in college, this is a BL series that really moves ahead story wise.

We continue Kohei’s job search as he go through rounds of interviews. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed seeing him work with other job applicants and there’s an unexpected introduction of the topic of homophobia. Before, we had Taichi deciding to keep up the girlfriend lie and here, Kohei meets a man who was doing the same. Granted, as a queer person in a red state, the last thing I plan to do is let my coworkers know that I’m queer and I certainly wouldn’t do so in an interview process. I understand why the guy Kohei met was so reluctant to correct the “girlfriend” story.

This series doesn’t have Kohei talk much about how being in love with a boy made him feel. The most we get about this topic is an acknowledgment that neither of them want other people to know the extent of their relationship. I think Maya was the only one sort of in the loop and that was mostly because she discerned it.

We get more of Taichi learning about how his feelings towards Kohei have grown. It’s amazing how I feel his personality has grown with him without him losing his heart. He’s still “full speed ahead” with everything and this volume did a great job making the reader fear how that’s going to end with the Sudo and father situation.

Taichi’s parents have been sort of a back burner aspect of his story with little hints here and there after the first volume explains how he came to live with his grandfather. It was unfortunately relatable seeing what happens in this volume and my heart broke for him.

The Sudo situation is a tough one. I think we’ve all worked with a Sudo and I’m not sure where this is going to go. The joke Tendou made of him thinking Chiba and Taichi were in a relationship + Ryu telling Chiba to watch Sudo around Taichi makes me think the confrontation will be with Sudo and Chiba. Shamefully, I like that Chiba and Kohei protect Taichi from things without always letting him know the sad parts.

However, I think there might be a situation to show that Chiba wouldn’t just hide what Sudo did (presumably trying to out him) where Kohei would and the conflict would be about deciding what Taichi is “allowed” to know. But that’s just speculation.

Pretty sure nothings going to change that Sudo’s an asshole.

Either way, I can’t wait for the next volume!

[Noe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ill be honest, this is my comfort manga but this volume was not as good as the others plot wise. The focus is all over the place.
A bit of a let down.
Maybe I need to binge read the entire thing

[jing | aperipateticbibliophile]

some storms brewing but they'll be fine :)

[LindSlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did this volume absolutely rip my heart out. There was a lot to unpack in this volume, and now the idea of waiting for the next one has me stressed out. The interview, the beef with the co-worker, the drama, the childhood trauma. So stressed out. Love the storytelling and the world happening around these character as much as with them as a couple.

[Roonies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE WHY DID THIS ONE FEEL SO SHORT?

[Minnie Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

Not enough love/relationship focus.
Disappointing as I love these characters

[Miss Akacia . · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 estrellas.
Creo que ha sido el más flojito de todos hasta ahora, pero igualmente me hace muy feliz leer a estos niños, aunque sea una vez cada 1-2 años xD

[jimena; · Rating 5 out of 5]

qué domésticos les amo

[Clau MZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ugly crying*

[Shakira · Rating 4 out of 5]

always happy to see my comfort series back, but the plot got lost a little bit exploring new characters. we left off on a cliffhanger about taichi’s dad in the previous volume and it happened again. still scratching the surface of all the main points. however, the characters are written well and they are so wholesome compared to the tense topics of disabilities, sexuality, etc.

[sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Rydeen7907 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Hear The Sunspot is more tense than much of the BL I tend to read, but the tension and angst seems to be what keeps me hooked on this series. This is the 7th book so far, it picks up from the last volume's cliffhanger ending.

We get to see into Taichi Sugawa's past and explore his relationship with his absent father. I find Taichi's struggles a lot more relatable than Kohei Sugihara's, so I can appreciate a volume where he gets more focus. The situation with the coworker that Taichi has been mentoring went in a more interesting way than I had anticipated, and it seems like conflict is on the horizon. There also seems to be some problems brewing for Kohei, who is trying to land a position with a major company.

I want to see upcoming volumes really move the romance between Taichi and Kohei forward, in my opinion it's way overdue by now. I imagine Four Seasons Volume 3 will bring many of the series plot threads together, and how the couple handles things will be a crucial to the health of their relationship.

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume expands the scope of the series by exploring side characters and how they affect Kohei and Taichi, which is cool but the plot is all over the place as a result. I am also getting impatient as our already committed, devoted main couple continue to struggle to be fully open and affectionate with each other, especially considering they are both working adults now. The time taken away from their relationship, which is the only thing I am truly invested in, to explore other characters does not help.

Alas I will always have a soft spot for this series because not only is it a comfort series but I adore how much it delves into trauma, living with disabilities and how fallible humans are. So I am trapped and will be continuing to follow this journey.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this manga more than I love anything it’s my comfort series

[Milenrrama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es posible que este sea el mejor tomo hasta ahora. Que sí, que pasa de puntillas por el romance, pero es que a Fumino el romance se le da regular (y aún así, creo que aquí afina bastante sobre la relación de estos dos de forma sutil), pero esto ha pasado de ser un chico conoce chico a dos señores jóvenes que trabajan tienen problemas vitales y 10/10

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I'm deeply unhappy about the fact that I'll have to wait a year for the next volume in this series...although I do still have one more to go. That's how attached I am to it! I'm already dreading when I'll run out. Thus far it's been kind of astonishingly good, so I'm hoping that continues.

Speaking of continuing, this feels like a series that could go on for a really long time. I'm not sure if "Four Seasons" is planned to be its conclusion. There's just so much depth to this world and so many characters to explore, it's hard to see what a natural "ending" would actually be.

This time around, there are a few major plot points. One is the continuation of Kohei's job search, with a pretty in-depth look at the actual hiring process, and some glimpses of people who might become his coworkers. The hiring manager who'd seemed most interested in Kohei after his first interview round gave him a D- in the second - with no explanation yet, so that will clearly be an ongoing story.

Then there's another background character who suddenly got bumped up to a lot of page time: Sudo, the guy Ryu had punched in the face for insulting Taichi.

Since Kohei had yanked Taichi out of the game launch party, he'd missed all the hubbub, and has no idea that his new coworker already hates his guts and is kind of a gigantic jerk. I assume this is somehow tied to his hearing loss limiting his ability to make music, which doesn't excuse his behavior but will probably lead to Taichi sympathizing with him, or maybe even winning him over. Eventually. After a lot of struggling on Sudo's part.

In the meantime, Sudo accidentally captured a video of Taichi and Kohei kissing - while trying to blackmail him with what he'd thought was an altercation. So far, he hasn't been able to identify the tall guy from the video (which he watches way too often to be "disgusted" by), but through a series of awkward miscommunications, he's gotten mixed up and thinks Taichi is dating Chiba. (Tendou is aware of that part of it and finds it hilarious.)

It's a huge mess that will probably cause some drama, although I can't see how Sudo's plan to show the video to the boss, even when he'd thought it was just a street fight, would do anything in his favor. Their boss is probably the most chill and accepting person either of them could work for...

The final, biggest thread is going all in on Taichi's childhood and his strained relationship with his parents - primarily his father. In some ways, I don't fully understand why his dad is getting the brunt of the angsty backstory here, when Taichi's mother also abandoned him during the divorce. She was resentful about having to keep carrying the Mother role through two children - her own child and her two new stepchildren - whereas Taichi's dad was afraid his hot new girlfriend (wife?) wouldn't stay with him if he had a kid.

Not sure what's making him rethink things at this point, or what the conversation with his boss was about, but he's trying to reach out and reconnect with Taichi, while letting him down again.

Loved the ferris wheel scene with Taichi "comforting Kohei" for his fear of heights while Kohei was really just overwhelmed by how much Taichi buries his own hurt feelings to empathize with others.

It's just another brilliantly written volume, and I continue to be incredibly impressed by the love and careful thought that's going into developing this world.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was chalk full of plot in various ways, and we love to see it. There seem to be three major threads at work in the series right now. One, being Taichi looking for a new job, and while he finally gets an offer, and the majority of his superiors in the interview liked him a lot, who I'm assuming will be his new boss, gave him a failing grade. So, there will be some problems with that going forward.

Second, is the new hire, Sudo, at Kohei's workplace. I honestly don't remember what he did before he was hired, but this kid has a chip on his shoulder you can see from a mile away. He's judgmental, is unable to admit his mistakes and is constantly trying to one up other people, to say nothing for how little he thinks of Kohei. In an attempt to get dirt on Kohei for any future problems he manages to get a picture of Kohei and Taichi kissing. He hasn't done anything with the photo yet, but I bet that will be one hell of a bomb when it goes off.

Third, and the most heartbreaking, is that Kohei's father has decided to finally get back in touch with him after around a decade of neither seeing or speaking to his son. So far we've only had hints as to why Kohei went to live with his grandparents in the first place. His grandfather is the only one still alive, but they do not speak about Kohei's parents at all. While it seems as if his father wants to get back in touch, Kohei is once again let down by his dad, much to Taichi's horror, when he figures out why this is the reason why Kohei is the way he is. Always being aware of everyone else's feelings, but has little regard for his own. Based upon a flashback we get at the end of this volume from before Kohei went to live with his grandparents, it looks like his father has always worked far too much, which gave him little time for his family. Somewhere between that point, and Kohei living with his grandparents, Kohei's mother either takes off, or dies, and his father, unable to take care of him on his own, leaves him with his parents, effectively abandoning him. It's a rough backstory to have, and all of these threads will likely made the next volumes gut wrenching at some points, but I am definitely looking forward to where this story goes from here.

[Roaming_library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy this series is continuing. This is somewhere in my top 5 romance manga, and every time I worry it's ending, we get another cliffhanger or unresolved thread.

I love Kohei and Sagawa. It is cool to see where their careers are headed, and the ways they are developing after college. Their relationship continues to be cute, but this volume did not have as many moments with them together as the last volume did--it was more focused on their independent development in their jobs, as well as figuring out their relationship individually. But I do like the moments we get. This is a slow burn for sure, but I like seeing their relationship deepen as they learn more about each other.

We get a continuation for some of the new arcs introduced in the last volume: Kohei's job search, Sagawa's dad, that new jerk employee. It still feels like the beginning stages for a lot of these, but I have a feeling what is set-up is going to pay off so well And for the record, I so predicted Sudo (the new employee) seeing Kohei and Sagawa together. I cannot prove this, but I just new when he was introduced that he would catch them. And man that will be interesting to see resolved.

It does feel like this new arc is introducing a lot of new side stories, and that this volume is a little more unfocused than the previous volumes. But I am hoping that as these storylines start picking up, they'll become more cohesive. And, even if it is a little unfocused, I do love the storylines being set up.

Another great volume with beautiful art, adorable characters, and great representation. I need the next volume now.

[Zian B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star rating;
Overall I have mixed emotions about this volume because while not much was put focus on Taichi and Kohei’s relationship, a lot of other things happened to that could impact their relationship. Kohei may or may not get a job at a company that he’s aiming for, although things are still uncertain. Taichi has a new coworker who seems very shady to me and it very much seems like a case of “hurt people, hurt people”, I feel like the guy is going to cause more drama than he will be feeling remorse for whatever he ends up doing.
Lastly, something that I have very complex emotions about is Taichi’s father making an appearance after all of these years. A part of me feels happy that he’s at least making an attempt to come back into Taichi’s life since Taichi’s mother is still very much missing and continuing to disregard her son. But then on the other hand, even though Taichi’s father is trying to come back into his life, if he’s going to be inconsistent again and disappointing Taichi then I feel like it’ll be very sad to see the father continue his bad behavior. Overall, this volume made me feel very nervous for Taichi and Kohei in different ways and I hope that they both have good support systems for the upcoming drama.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do love all the main & sub characters and Im enjoying watching their world expand. I relate a lot to the brewing conflict with the dad. It hurts a lot and I think it was visualized and written really well. Im very anxious about all the work dramas possibly brewing. Im hoping there will be a atleast two more books in this arch to flesh out all the new story lines created this volume and also to give time to deepen the relationship between kohei and taichi. This volume theyre leaning and relying on each other more and communicating a bit better now. Im happy about that. But I wish we’d get some development where taichi is physically and emotionally more relaxed with kohei. Why was he so stressed/embarrassed to call it a date thats his boyfriend of so many years :(? Also Its well established that taichi isnt much for physical affection it really rattles him. If thats still the direction the author is going i wish moving forward the couple get to discuss that part of their relationship more.

[tortie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was good, but I dunno. Setting up the homophobic hate crime subplot and then not doing anything with it for the rest of the volume was kinda crazy to me. How was I supposed to focus on anything besides the fact that Taichi’s mean-spirited, disillusioned coworker who has a grudge for him secretly recorded him and his boyfriend kissing? Before that happened, it really felt like they were building up his character to give him some depth, but then that happens and he disappears for the rest of the volume. Which honestly, is reflective of this entire volume in my opinion. Just set-up for future things, a cute date, and some filler. Feels a bit like the author was resting on their laurels for this one. Not bad though. I loved the ferris wheel scene

Favorite thing about this volume was that it was printed with a soft matte cover, so it was so nice and comfy to hold. I love a soft matte cover they always feel so nice and smooth and satisfying.

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taichi is learning first hand just what jealousy feels like while working to support Kohei and be sure they have time together. He still has a tendency to lead with his fists, though surprisingly that isn't the trait most likely to get him in trouble given Sendo's actions. Hopefully Ryu's warning won't come too late, though it's still surprising Kohei doesn't seem to have any idea Sendo is the same person from Ryu's gathering that set him off in the first place. While the job hunt continues for Kohei, and this company that his top pick is sending mixed signals as far as what sort working environment it would end up being, a lot of this volume focuses on Taichi's childhood and his relationship with his father. Kohei is making some surprising connections as he watches Taichi in this volume, though it's unlikely to change the way things are no matter how much they may wish they could protect each other from everything.

[Mavis Noëz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit this volume started slow-ish with much building on the previous volume, not unusual in manga of course but the previous volume ended pretty much mid scene and it's been a while since I read it when it came out, so I had to reorient myself in the beginning there. However the ending of this volume was especially heartbreaking, we finally got a good look into Taichi Sagawa's backstory and it was much sadder than I was emotionally prepared for on this random Thursday evening. I'm very excited for the next volume and hope it will delve more into that sweet, sweet angst.

[Teena Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series. The romance is almost non existent… but the plot around that has always been so good. And I like all the characters from the main to the supporting cast.

Did this series need another set of books past the first 5? Probably not. This new series doesn’t seem to be adding much to the overall plot. But it is more time to spend with characters that I’m attached to, so I’m not complaining.

[Hannah MacLeod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't dislike this as much as the previous volume, but it still feels like an in between story. The Sudo plotline doesn't go anywhere, and the fact that it takes up so much of this volume really confused me when Taichi's story with his father is so much more impactful. I don't understand what this series chooses to focus on most of the time, though. I think, even if this story continues, I'm done with this series. It was fun to start, but now it's meandered a lot.

[Gretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best volume and chapters were kinda all over the place. Baby Taichi is so precious and must be protected. Thought the new hire might have a redemption arc but this volume made it seem like he's gonna stay shitty for a long time at least. Ryuu and Chiba are my favorites and Maya is so adorable in the random chapter with her and the film club. Honestly Taichi and Kohei's relationship is not that interesting to me compared to other stuff in this series, but they're still cute.