Therapy Game Restart, vol. 3

Therapy Game #5

by Meguru Hinohara

Aunque se suponía que estaban a nada de vivir juntos, Minato comienza a evitar a Shizuma tras presenciar por casualidad el encuentro entre este y la directora de la clínica veterinaria. Confundido, Shizuma busca a Minato, que está huyendo de él, pero este... ¡¿se refugia en casa de su hermano?!

¡En este tercer volumen, Shizuma y Minato dan juntos un paso más en su vida amorosa, la cual se torna más seria a medida que el amor que se profesan va en aumento!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Yaoi, LGBT, Boys Love, Queer, Comics

178 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2023

About the author

HINOHARA Meguru
Name (in native language): 日ノ原 巡

Reviews

[rory (jess' version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/19/23: when will i get to read you, i wonder 😞

02/29/2024: y'all have no idea how this manga affects me. they pried open my inhibitions, thoughts, and feelings i bottled up and the things i wanted to hear from my previous partner. if only i had the courage of minato, i might be able to fix things and remedy the growing gap between us, but alas i'm me, so i messed up. and now i can't even stop crying like please i was initially here to read smutty yaoi manga but WHY DOES EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THIS MANGA HITS HOME i hate feelings, but this also made me love and appreciate the manga even more

01/05/25: what is 2024!me blabbering about? LMAO but in any case, this manga really has fleshed-out characters that tackle deeply their trauma. also, it's nice to see that even though they're perfect for each other and their relationship is so ideal it makes me cry myself to sleep, the author still conveys their flaws well and how it takes work for their relationship to be that strong. like we know they're deeply in love with each other, but circumstances will always happen to test it and push you to your end's wit. but alas! since shizuma (WHEN WILL IT BE ME) and minato are perfect for each other, they make ways for their relationship to work <3 please i love them so much

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S BEEN 84 YEARS.

Jk, but that's how long it felt before I finally got my hands on this glorious volume.

Minato is petty and jealous and I love him with my whole heart; I wouldn't change a hair on his head. I'M HERE TO VALIDATE YOUR FEELINGS BABY BOY. Shizuma is the absolute gold standard boyfriend and if ANYONE COMES BETWEEN THEM I WILL RIOT IN THE FUCKING STREETS, DO YOU HEAR ME!?!

Also, that plot twist? I FUCKING KNEW IT. AND I'M ANNOYED. Cause it just means more stress for me in future volumes. But as long as I get more of Minato/Shizuma being fucking adorable, I will take the bad with the good. This one made me messy-stressy-wessy so I'm hoping (read: begging on my hands and knees) that we get more fluff in the next volume.

[Ash&#x1f349; · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit stressful but everything worked out in the end. I’m glad the next vol is only 3 months away

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"*deep breaths* I trust Meguru Hinohara. I trust her writing. Everything will be okay. Okay. *deep breaths*"

This volume was stressful, I swear my stomach was clenched for most of it. So much angst, and the plot twist that is guaranteed to give us even more stress in the next volume. Oh but I love how vulnerable these characters are, I love how honestly messy and flawed especially Minato is because aren't we all? What matters is working through the emotions and trauma individually and with your partner, which is what makes me so hooked to this! If this does not end in marriage or some form of long term committed happy ending I think I will throw up.

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhhhh myyyyy gosh. It's series like this that remind me why I wait until there's more volumes out before I pick books up because I NEED the next volume now!

I just want Shizuma and Minato to be happy and all their problems to go AWAY.

Also very happy to see more Shohei and Mito.

[marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vol. 1 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 2 ★★☆☆☆

Same complaints as before. At this point, this is as much as a workplace manga as a BL. While I still enjoy this series, I'm frustrated by the monotony of the story. Each volume has the same format: something happens at Shizuma's workplace, Minato gets jealous and insecure, they have sex, and all of their problems are temporarily solved. Rinse and repeat. I hate to say it, but Meguru Hinohara is definitely better at oneshots than longer series.

[Nothing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meguru sensei I am literally on my knees begging u to still write about these two after the 4th volume. I'll never be ready to say goodbye to my boys😭😭
also Minato's "friends" are on thin fucking ice rn. They better not try anything🔪

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

…………. 4.5 stars………….

I love this series so much! Shizuma and Minato are such a hot mess sometimes, but they also work really well together. I loved that they actually sat down and had a heart to heart conversation about their relationship and some of the emotional baggage that they’ve each carrying. I really appreciated the fact that they were both on the same page about wanting each other to be a bigger presence in their daily lives. It was really sweet! And I can’t wait for them to actually move in together. I also really liked that we got more of the vet clinic director in this one! I have a feeling she’s going to have an interesting storyline sometime soon. This was a really fun read and it’s getting four and a half stars!

[dasfraeuleinliest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auch der dritte Band des „Therapy Game“ Spin-Off‘s - „Therapy Game: Re“ - hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen. Die Reihe hat großes Potenzial, zu meiner liebsten Manga-Reihe zu werden. Abgesehen von den wunderschönen Illustrationen, die mich immer wieder begeistern können, wird auch die Geschichte rund um Minato & Shizuma absolut nicht langweilig. Sie erleben in ihrer noch recht frischen Beziehung so einige Höhen & Tiefen und ich liebe alles daran, vor allem aber ihre Dynamik und wie sie am Ende immer wieder zueinander finden. Möchte einerseits am liebsten sofort alle verfügbaren Bände verschlingen, andererseits aber auch noch lange etwas von der Reihe haben. Gott sei Dank ist sie aktuell noch nicht abgeschlossen.

[Kye · Rating 5 out of 5]

My babies are back!! I love watching the two of them learning to communicate and navigating their relationship. I do will the author would tone Minato down as sometimes it makes it seem like a stereotypical hetero relationship as opposed to a BL. But I do think the author does a great job of always tying those idiosyncrasies back to Minato's trauma. Shizuma is as loveable as ever but I appreciate how he's is working on becoming more self aware and how is actions affect others. All in all they are absolutely adorable together and remain my favorite couple of all time. And that "reveal" cannot wait for volume 4!!

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art keeps being stunning and there were uncensored spicy times that I wasn't expecting (I'm glad I read this one in a safe place), but Minato was being very annoying in here, I wish they TALK more with Shizuma and both explain their feelings and try to grow as a couple. Because, I don't know if it's due to how the translation is phrased or that was the author intention, but I find Minato's attitude childish. Still, I enjoyed this and I'm intrigued about the director, I think my suspicions will be confirmed soon enough.

[Jack Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Warning, there will be spoilers*

This volume is brought to you by meaningful character regression. Shizuma's developing banter with Dr. Onodera has Minato feeling antsy for much of the volume. Given that their relationship is still relatively new, with both are still trying to work out a balance between the former's new work schedule and their growing desires to live together (which is juxtaposed well with Shohei and Itsuki moving in together. Hinohara is building on that bonus chapter from Secret XXX), the latter becomes more emotionally volatile. It makes sense Minato would read this developing banter as being romantic because of his dormant fear of Shizuma leaving him to lead a life with less stigma. The internalized biphobia is still in his consciousness, and it comes to a head when he brings Shizuma to a love hotel and attempts to switch up their set dynamic. It's something that Shizuma isn't opposed to, but not in that situation. There's a moment when the sexy times happen where he pops the question if Minato would prefer leaning into his seme side (where I scream Vers Rights) or he would rather take it (I don't need to clarify what I mean). Minato's response would have annoyed me a few years ago given where Beck's translation leans, but I also read more into the fact that he understand he shouldn't force it out of his own insecurity and fear of being left alone. Another part of queer media that's healing for me. I live to see it!

Hinohara tackles consent when it comes to this volume's climax in a particularly meaningful way. A common trope in BL sexual assault/rape scenes is the seme remarking that the uke may be outwardly denying their advances, but their body is responding in a way that signifies they actually "want" said advances. They intend to justify their actions by stating this, and it, of course, does the opposite. Here, as Minato attempts to get Shizuma in the mood, he realizes his partner's body isn't responding to his actions. The "de-censoring team" (which I still think exists for this) make the decision to keep the shadowing present, which I think added a layer of symbolism to the scene. Will Minato's concern get the best of him again? It's tough to say, but I hope our two leads continue to make progress in more effectively communicating with each other.

I'm also happy that Shizuma and Dr. Onodera are bonding as colleagues and friends even if the characters around them wonder if something more romantic is going on (news flash: It isn't, and I don't read it as such. Part of past Hallmark movies I've watched and being ace?). As I've mentioned in the past, I'm interested to see where Onodera's arc goes given the reveal at the end of the volume (such a good way to close before the double date bonus chapter). Making the decision to come back to Hinohara's world isn't souring on me yet. Her art continues to excel and she depicts emotion in a way that still makes me emphasize with her characters.

P.S. Seeing the phrase "good graces" after Short 'n' Sweet dropped hits different NGL.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5*

Lol I knew it!! Now I wonder how this is going to change the dynamic.

I feel like Minato just keeps going in circles with his jealousy and it's a little frustrating. I know it has everything to do with his trauma and he's self aware, but he can be so controlling and childish. It can be a little tired. Like he gets mad, they talk about it, he feels better then repeat. I'm hoping he copes better with it in the next volume and the stuff from this volume actually sticks. I feel really bad for Shizuma since it truly feels like he has to walk on eggshells around him while also dealing with his own trauma. I also hate that Minato's friends are going to do some shit. Like Minato is already super upset and jealous and they don't need to add to it. I hope the next volume doesn't annoy me too much.

[chess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genuinamente disappointed dalla trama, a questo punto mi sento di dirlo.
Siamo in un loop infinito di Shizuma che promette cose in nome di ciò che prova per Minato, Minato che lotta con se stesso per fidarsi, Shizuma tradisce la sua fiducia, Minato si arrabbia e Shizuma gli promette cose ecc ecc così all’infinito;
Capisco sia una long ma i due volumi dell’arc precedente avevano una costruzione nettamente migliore da qualsiasi cosa sia… questa. I get it, hai più spazio per diluire le dinamiche, ma qui non avviene mai NIENTE. L’autrice deve letteralmente aggiungere dei capitoli “extra” dove fanno robe R-18 perché altrimenti è già tanto se in ogni volume hanno una scena dove sono insieme anche solo nello stesso panel…
Un’intera serie su di loro per non vederli mai insieme, ma che senso HA?? In ogni volume invece di superare le cose e metterle da parte compaiono solo nuovi problemi; e la cosa che mi fa più rabbia è che sin dalla saga precedente, come storia, ha la palese intenzione di voler essere realistica (la bisessualità, le tematiche lgb, l’omofobia sistemica ecc) che non in tutti i BL si trova; e dico, ci sta! Ma allora perché non riesce ad essere realistico IN ALTRI ambiti?? Perché la rappresentazione dell’approccio al lavoro di Shizuma fin dal primo giorno non lo è per niente; il manga stesso sembra si dimentichi infatti che la problematica “lavoro” tecnicamente parlando non è unilaterale, visto che Minato di lavori ne svolge TRE, però siccome non fa trama, ovviamente, è più importante il lavoro di Shizuma ⚰️
Voglio certamente arrivare al quinto volume perché loro come coppia mi son sempre piaciuti ma la delusione è tanta e dubito che si risolleverà come saga.

[Michelle Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Therapy Game will always have a special place in my heart because it was one of the very first BL that I ever read/collected. And now, after an entire year, I finally get volume three of restart. The characters feel so real with all of their problems. But they love each other more than anything. The twist with the head of the vet clinic makes me think they are gonna try and mess with my boys. At least with this volume I didn’t get a cliffhanger like with volume 2.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immer noch gut, auch wenn ich knapp vor 3 Sternen stehe, weil wir diesmal den allseits bekannten Trope "Omg, er guckt eine andere Frau an und lächelt sie an und ich hab hardcore Verlustängste" haben, der diesmal wirklich arg übertrieben wurde hier ... in Band 4 wird vermutlich noch MEHR drama kommen, mal sehen. Bis jetzt gefällt es mir aber immer noch, weil es trotz des ausgelutschten Tropes ein wenig erwachsener wirkt als andere BL-Mangas.

[maru (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 STELLE VI AMO VI AMO VI AMOOOOOO NON MI AFGEZZIONAVO AD UNA COPPIA COSI TANTO DA QUANDO AVEVO 15 ANNIIIIIIIIIIII MENOMALW CHE MI SONO LASCIATA COAI LA MIA PROSSIMA RELAZIONE PUO ESSERE COSI O NIENTE

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the depth to the conversations being had and the fights feel so real. “I wouldn’t have anybody else”… I love that scene.


And the ending?! The cliffhanger?! The director?! What what whattttttt!!???

[Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing volume. It pulled at my heart strings.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love watching the two of them learning to communicate and navigating their relationship.

I really did enjoy this volume. The cart waits to see where the relationship goes .

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

spotify, play Drama by Aespa.
dramaaaaaaaaaaaa

[bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

『 ★★★★,3 』

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love them, sir. I feel like I’ve said this before but I love that this series delves into some real relationship issues and the hangups people can have and how that affects their behaviour in said relationship. I love how much they love each other and work to make it work.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hinohara simply has the most beautiful art and writing.

It's kind of interesting that I read this right after Love Nest 2 , which I was expecting to adore and ended up deeply frustrated by. I've realized, while reading Shizuma and Minato's story, that it's because I apparently don't trust Minaduki the way I do Hinhoara. And trust is actually a really important topic for this volume - and the Therapy Game series as a whole.

I know that I'd wanted their story to close out neatly after the first two Restart volumes, and part of that is because the longer a story goes on, the more opportunities there are for injections of unnecessary drama and the potential for personal squicks. It happens with tv shows, too; they get popular, then they plug on and on, losing the original magic and pulling apart and weaving over old story threads until the whole thing's a shapeless mess.

But Hinohara's not writing just to drag things out. Am I all that interested in Shizuma's boss? No. But her scenes are always there for a reason, and Shizuma's interactions with her lead directly into important relationship-building conversations between Shizuma and Minato.

Because the two of them still have a lot of trauma and insecurities that they need to work out - internally, and together. I loved how balanced it ended up being in this volume; it wasn't just about Minato's jealousy, which he knows is irrational and unreasonable, and he hates himself for. He trusts Shizuma. He knows Shizuma would never do anything to hurt him. The problem is, a lot of relationships don't last forever: feelings do change, and circumstances get in the way, and someone who genuinely loved you at one point might eventually leave you.

Minato is mature enough to understand all of this, and to know it doesn't even necessarily mean that he'd be at fault, or that it'd mean he wasn't enough for someone. But he's a sensitive, emotions-driven person who watched his family fall apart because of his parents' failed relationship, so of course it terrifies him that he might lose Shizuma. What makes it worse is that the tighter he holds onto Shizuma to keep him from leaving, the more awful and twisted up everything gets.

I understand that so well. And Hinohara writes it so well.

That date scene was devastating because it went so off the rails from what both Shizuma and Minato had wanted. Minato put in a huge amount of effort to get a new haircut, to style himself up perfectly and figure out ways to make himself more like his confident, relaxed, cool older brother who has no fears at all about his boyfriend ever getting tired of him and leaving him. (That's why that couple only needed one volume; they didn't have nearly as much of a mess to sort out.)

And then he ruined it all by getting jealous over Shizuma, again, and not knowing how to regulate or communicate his own emotions.

It was a kind of awful scene but it was so realistic. And it was followed up by the thing I have loved about these two from the start: they talk. They work things out. They're very often bad at it, but they care so much and they try so hard.

And it's not all just Minato being difficult. Shizuma is one of my all-time favorite manga characters. I was about to write that he's an ideal boyfriend...except that's actually completely untrue, and kind of the point. Shizuma's ex-girlfriend cheated on him not because he did anything "wrong" or because he was a bad guy, or even because she didn't love him. He was just so busy with school - the way he is with work now, with Minato - and oblivious to how she was feeling and how much she was holding inside until it was too late.

And that's Shizuma's trauma. His boss is right in a lot of ways - just because she's blunt to the point of rudeness doesn't mean she isn't reading people properly. Shizuma loves Minato, but he loves his job, too, and it's important work he'll never, ever slack off on. If it comes down to a decision between a date with his upset boyfriend or saving an animal's life, it's not even a choice. One of those is clearly much more important.

If that's something that Minato, like Shizuma's ex, can't understand or deal with, they really won't last. From his boss's perspective, it's better then that they cut it off right now instead of wasting a lot of time over an inevitable outcome.

But it doesn't have to turn out that way. Shizuma has to do better at trying to read Minato and anticipate scenarios that will hurt and upset him, and Minato has to do better at communicating what he's actually feeling instead of expecting Shizuma to read his mind. Because he won't! He can't! They're pretty different types of people, which means communication is so crucial.

I loved so many things about the fight and its aftermath. There were distressing parts - like Minato bruising Shizuma's wrists by squeezing way too hard without realizing it, or Shizuma panicking over what information he should withhold from Minato to avoid situations where Minato might get upset with him. (Which, of course, would just lead to Minato getting angrier.) But again, each of those elements was thoughtfully included as a way of really giving these characters realistic depth. They're messing up in their relationship a lot and figuring out how to work through it all together.

And I just love how they interact. Minato whacking Shizuma with the pillow, and then backing off the instant he realizes Shizuma has stopped moving and isn't actually engaging with him in the same way. He double-checks that he didn't hurt Shizuma and recalibrates to talk to him on the same, less physically frenetic wavelength. When he finds out that a phrase he said - "I'm tired of this" - is potentially a trigger for Shizuma (accurate; it's how his ex broke up with him), he immediately says he won't use it again, without needing an explanation or trying to excuse how he'd intended it.

When Shizuma tells Minato he can rage and hit him if he wants, Minato immediately and repeatedly tells him to stop saying that, that it's not okay for him to just be a battering ram for someone else's emotions.

They're working so, so hard at balancing themselves out so they can understand each other better, and I am very much here for that.

There's just so much packed into what's actually a fairly slim volume. I assume there will be more drama on the way - Minato's friends saw Shizuma in the shopping district with his boss, and they probably recorded it or something to show to Minato. But it's interesting to me that I just don't feel worried about it, the way I have in other authors' works. Stuff's going to happen, but they're going to figure it out together. And it's nice to be able to accompany them on all that.

Also loved the two sets of brothers hanging out together. They're all so wonderful with such distinct personalities. Love the reappearance of the servals, too. I'd like to see more of the Ikushima brothers' parents at some point, as their families continue to fold together. It'd be nice for Minato to have some caring parental figures in his life.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I’m so obsessed with Minato. I love all the characters and the series in general but I am extra attached to Minato. He and Shizuma went through a lot this volume but they are both trying their best, poor babies. Hopefully next volume is a little bit smoother sailing because they deserve it.

I’m glad that there wasn’t sex immediately upon arriving at the hotel because I think Minato and Shizuma weren’t in the best headspace for it right then. The sex scene that follows it was really great (I always forget there’s no lightsabers in this series and it catches me off guard every time lmao) don’t get me wrong but also, let Minato devour Shizuma just once, I’m begging you sensei haha.

Anyway, it felt like we waited ten thousand years for this volume but it was so worth the wait and I’m beyond excited for the next one. So glad it’s only a couple months wait this time. Thank you Meguru Hinohara for another gorgeous volume!

[Ray Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ Read in March 2024 and January 2025. ]

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟

My queen does it again! Meguru Hinohara absolutely wrecks my life and feelings once again 💖😭💖

This volume was so good! I read it with such speed because I had to wait SO LONG for it to finally be translated to English 😭 It was well worth the wait.

In this volume, we really see Minato’s and Shizuma’s past really increasing the tension in their relationship.

Minato is very jealous in this volume because of different interactions he witnesses between Shizuma and the Director, and it does negatively impact their relationship. He first tries to go for distance and then for desperate force before he accepts he needs to talk things out with Shizuma. Minato is aware his feelings are overboard and he needs to manage them better, but he struggles with how.

Meanwhile, Shizuma is on the other end hoping that this relationship won’t crash and burn for similar reasons as his last one. He’s worried that Minato will grow tired of “waiting” for him because of his busy schedule as a vet. He’s concerned that, even if Minato does grow tired, he won’t notice until it’s too late to salvage the relationship.

As I said…the mangaka was out to ruin my life 😭 All the angst in this volume had me STRESSED, and I loved it!

These two continue to be my faves. I adore them so much. I just want them to be happy 🥺 I want them to figure out their shit, so they can be totally happy and in love.

P.S. WHAT is going on with the Director? SOUND THE ALARM. That confusing ass bomb that was dropped at the end of the volume had me literally screaming. I need ANSWERS 😭 but they are nowhere to be seen…

[Yeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shizuma luôn là green flag ngay từ đầu, nhưng đôi khi cái sự "green" này lại khiến người ta phát điên, nhất là với một người đã trải qua tổn thương tâm lý khi chứng kiến tình yêu lệch lạc của mẹ mình từ bé như Minato. Shizuma quá dịu dàng, quá tốt bụng, quá đơn thuần, chính những điều này đã chữa lành tổn thương của Minato, nhưng đồng thời của trở thành liều thuốc độc khi Minato chứng kiến Shizuma dành nó cho người khác (kể cả khi đó chỉ là xã giao đi nữa). Du biết tình cảm giữa hai người sẽ ko rạn nứt và đây chỉ là chút drama để tác giả vắt sữa bộ này, nhưng mình vẫn thấy khó chịu khi đọc.

Có thật sự cần thiết ko khi cố tạo ra một nhân vật thứ ba (và mình chắc chắn 100% sau này tác giả sẽ tẩy trắng bằng cách ghép thằng này với một người nào đó) nhằm củng cố tình cảm giữa cp chính, trong khi hoàn toàn có thể viết về những bất đồng trg cách sống giữa họ để tạo drama mà ko khiến người đọc ức chế? Mình đã ghét nhân vật viện trưởng này ngay từ tập 1 p2 rồi, đến tập 3 thì càng khẳng định cái sự bitchy và dzô diên thúi của thằng này khi biết Shizuma xin off buổi chiều mà vẫn kéo đi làm overtime và bắt phải dẫn nó đi ăn bánh uống trà (alo rảnh loz vậy?). Xong còn nhận xét Minato là tuýp bạn trai hay ghen nữa chứ, rồi ai mượn má biết ngta có bồ rồi vẫn sán vô bồ ngta vậy? Dòng hl🙄

Đọc xong tập này ức chế quá phải lên xả bớt, tác giả à truyện vẫn bán chạy mà làm ơn tập sau cho thằng này biến dùm cá đi ko có nhu cầu tìm hiểu quá khứ đáng thương của nó đâu, nhìn là thấy chướng mắt rồi.

[malu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“you don’t need to worry over it so much. other people don’t think my smile’s a big deal.”
“i do. ever since that first night you smiled at me, i haven’t been able to forget it.”
“it’s that amazing. your smile. to me, it’s special. and i don’t want anyone else seeing it. is that weird?”

they’re my precious baby and i saw a lot of bad comments about this volume and i totally disagree. i don’t get why ppl are acting like shizuma is some kind of villain 😐 i mean, he literally did what he could. he asked minato to talk to him, to demand his time, to let him know everything… they are both discovering things about each other and about their relationship, minato is very, very sensitive even tho he acts like he’s not. but he’s such a teddy bear who just wants love from his loved one. and i love how petty he can be sometimes, he’s so funny and it’s even funnier because he always regret what he says and how he overreact. i LOVE both of them and i just missed them so much!

“i wouldn’t have anybody else.”
🤞🏻 they’re going to be together forever. and I AM their beloved child! <3

i hope to see them again really soon ):

[tortie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have conflicted feelings about this volume. I do enjoy the turmoil, but it does teeter that line of domestic violence/ physical assault/ sexual assault here, and that doesn’t sit right with me. I think the mangaka is really good at depicting relationships in a grounded and realistic way, so even when the characters have been morally dubious in the past it felt forgivable and like there are lessons for us and the characters to learned. I’m not exactly sure we can get the same takeaway from the situation that happens in this volume though. Minato grabs and drags Shizuma up to their hotel room so forcefully that it leaves a deep, dark, and immediate bruise, and then goes down on Shizuma when he’s clearly uncomfortable with the situation and is not in a state of arousal. Minato pretty quickly realizes what he’s doing is wrong, he then reflects and apologizes, and Shizuma is quick to take blame and forgive him. Topping that off with an immediate sex scene afterwards too… yeah I just think the vibe is off y’all! What happened isn’t Shizuma’s fault, Minato rightfully apologizes, but then why are we immediately having sex again. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and honestly makes me like both of their characters less. I do love flawed and complex characters, it’s just in this moment it’s hard to root for them to stay together if their relationship is ultimately going to remain toxic.

And honestly that’s kinda all that happens in this volume LOL. You get that story from both perspectives, so it’s just a bit of a low moment in the series for me. We’re also starting to really get repetitive here, with the apartment hunting not really happening, the same insecure relationship beats happening some more, and the job being exhausting and demanding as well. I’m feeling a bit bummed with this series now ngl, hopefully things bounce back.