Flip Flip Slowly

by Mame Ohtako

In a rural country town where nothing exciting ever happens, a new face suddenly appears at the a former city man who starts to show up every week without fail. With each visit, the librarian, Hagiwara, can't help but notice little things about this new regular, Yabumi-his punctuality, his demeanor, his strangely methodical approach to reading every single book by a single author… Slowly, without realizing it, that simple observation blooms into a deeper interest that draws Hagiwara in, until he can't help it! He wants to get to know Yabumi better. But how will he bridge the distance, when there's no talking in the library?

Genres: Manga, Romance, LGBT, Graphic Novels, Contemporary, Yaoi, Queer

176 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Peppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually so good and realistic, I appreciated it so much . The panel where hagiwara said “ THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH A 16-YEAR-OLD CHILD FINDING SEX SCARY.” I felt it in my heart ugh it was so beautiful!!

[cyd⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. just wow.
this manga.. a work of art. I NEED MORE!
i could go on and on about the story, it only took me an hour to read. i was so intrigued and fascinated by the topic and the art style. and just the plot in general, what was gonna happen?? i couldn’t ever guess it.

a main character that’s a librarian? love that.
a very.. VERY adorable MLM manga!

thanks so much Netgalley, Kodansha comics and Mame Ohtako for letting me read an early copy of this brilliant manga: Flip flip slowly!!

(5/5)⭐️📚

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m gonna start by saying that the art was beautiful and the story being was a journey in its whole. It’s a m/m romance between a teacher and a librarian. The manga is short but I could still say it’s a slow burn with a bit of an age gap.

Now even though the story wasn’t very long, it was very sweet indeed. It also talks about themes like homophobia, death and the healing process of said character going through it all.

The characters were lovable and I couldn’t ask for more. At the end there’s even a bit of spice. It truly has it all. Yet I still wish that it could have been longer because of how much I liked.

Thank you NetGalley and kodansha house press for the eARC of this stunning narrative with beautiful artwork!

[.•°•MonaLisa•°•. · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 100 stars🫶 ☆

This is an absolutely beautiful story (both the art and storytelling) about healing and coming to terms with unfortunate truths in life. The ML has a lot of deep reflections on his experiences growing up in an unwelcoming household, and he verbalizes so well how the emotions that accompany them have shaped him into the person he is now. When he meets the MC, there's also a lot of vulnerability shared between them and bc of that, he's forced to reconcile a lot of big emotions that have been weighing him down from the past. Their interactions end up healing each other's inner-child and bc of that, they're able to move forward together ❤️ "There's nothing wrong with a 16-year-old child finding sex scary," Well, now I'm sobbing. The art and delicate intricacies of this manga is insane, the writing and dialogue, the way it touches my soul and plays with the strings to form a heart-aching melody... this manga is stunningly beautiful.😭🫶❤️

[Maria Sidira · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Age gap
- Slow burn m/m romance
- TW: homophobia, death of a parent, trauma/grief

Flip Flip Slowly is a heartwarming one-shot story that masterfully blends elements of romance, introspection, and the gentle charm of rural life. Set in a quaint country town where the pace of life is measured and predictable, the story revolves around 23-year-old Hagiwara, a reserved librarian, and 34-year-old Yabumi, a mysterious newcomer who transforms the stillness of the town with his regular visits.

The narrative begins with the arrival of Yabumi, a former city dweller who finds solace and routine in the tranquil setting of the library. Hagiwara, the dedicated librarian, observes Yabumi's peculiar reading habits as he meticulously works his way through the works of a single author, week after week. This patient observation ignites a spark of curiosity within Hagiwara, leading to an unexpected emotional journey that beautifully explores the theme of connection in a place where silence overcomes them.

One of the standout features of "Flip Flip Slowly" is its ability to convey profound emotions without the crutch of dialogue. The library, a sanctuary for both characters, serves as a backdrop for their developing relationship, which unfolds quietly yet powerfully. The manga beautifully illustrates how intimacy can blossom in moments of shared silence, with Hagiwara’s internal musings providing a window into his burgeoning affection for Yabumi. Readers will feel Hagiwara’s hesitations and stirrings of yearning, making his journey toward connection all the more relatable.

The artwork in "Flip Flip Slowly" plays a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling. The illustrations, even though minimal, are detailed and expressive, capturing the essence of the rustic setting and the subtle nuances of the characters’ emotions. The panels are thoughtfully composed, allowing the readers to linger on the beauty of each moment, the flicker of an expression, inviting them to breathe in the ambience of the library and the lives within it.

Moreover, the pacing of the story is intentional and reflective, mirroring the slow-burn nature of Hagiwara's attraction to Yabumi. The title itself, "Flip Flip Slowly", encapsulates this sentiment, suggesting both the act of reading and the gradual unfolding of a relationship that requires time and patience. As Hagiwara grapples with his feelings, readers are encouraged to ponder the subtleties of human connection and the courage it takes to reach out. The only thing I wish was different is the length, as the bonus ending left me wanting to know more about our character's future actions. I highly appreciated the extra spicy scene that still kept the story's tenderness.

Overall, "Flip Flip Slowly" is a beautifully crafted manga that captivates us with its serene storytelling and deep emotional currents. It invites readers on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and the joy found in the simple act of sharing space with another person. The story will resonate with fans of romance and introspective narratives alike, leaving them with a sense of warmth and the sweet ache of unexpressed feelings. Perfect for anyone seeking a tender story that blossoms in quiet moments, "Flip Flip Slowly" is a reminder that love can often be found in the most unexpected places.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me coming home from my shift at the library and picking this off my shelf to read to relax, only to immediately be dropped in a small-town library with a library assistant protagonist: I'M BACK IN THE BUILDING AGAIN

This was really lovely. Quiet and calm and introspective, with lots of thoughts and feelings that aren't spoken directly, but communicated between the lines. I thought it was really refreshing to just have two characters who really see each other down to the core without any need for words. It was a really satisfying friendship-turned-to-romance, with healing for the past and steps in the right direction for the future. Just really compelling and nice.

[alina; · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you so much to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with an advanced readers copy!

a perfect slice of life story that also deals with heavy topics very mindfully.
the overall atmosphere made me love it even more than the story. imagine this: two characters are driving to the beach and then pull out books after arriving to peacefully read in the car side by side while also watching a beautiful seaside scenery.
p.s. the scene with the father at the end made my heart warm.

[suvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The librarian can leave the library but ou can never take the library out of the librarian- or whatever the saying goes. I quite literally just finished my internship at the library, only to start a book that brings me to the most lovely seaside library.

Flip Flip Slowly is a beautiful and tender and as the name may suggest, a slow-burn, romance. The story takes place in this lovely small town that's located somewhat close to the sea. I say somewhat because they do drive there. And you know what, it was a bit difficult get into the mood of hot summer days when it's -20 degrees celsious outside and there is over one meter of snow in front of your door. So, most definitely a summer read!

Our characters are librarian and teacher and I found their dynamic very nice and interesting to read about. Even though there is a bit of an age-gap, which I am usually not a fan at all. In this case though, I didn't mind it too much.

The romance feels natural and it just feels nice and warm, brought a little sunshine into my winter days. I don't think I have seen the sun since 2025 if I am completely honest and we are already half way through January. There are some heavier topics mentioned as well; death of a parent, homopohobia, but I think these were brought up and discussed with grace and kindness.

So, technically this should have been an easy five-star read for me. Maybe it's just the wrong season for me but I was still left wanting something more. Though I did greatly enjoy this and would highly recommend it to anyone!


Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!

[⚡eli⚡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

imagine them going on a drive along the seaside

Flip Flip Slowly by Mame Ohtako, is a one-shot BL romance manga between an older city man (he's a teacher) and a curious young librarian (bit of an age gap here). Everything that happened here felt organic and subtle - the meeting, observations, quiet moments, conversations, connection and feelings. Despite their differences in life experiences, they find a common ground. The way Hagiwara and Yabumi slowly opened up to each other felt peaceful and soft. I don't know how else to explain this. The art looks great (especially eyes and scenery), and the story pace flowed well. Even for this length, it managed to cover/touch organically on such topics as homophobia, loss and self-acceptance. No drama, no big and explosive gestures - just a short, simple and lovely read for unhurried moment :)

p.s. the bonus scene with Hagiwara and his dad? awww

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Irrivarti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful story — slow, tender, and kind. I loved the art style: you can clearly see the emotions on the characters’ faces, and everything works together so seamlessly.

I love books, so reading about people who meet because of them feels like wrapping myself in a warm blanket on a frosty day.

I really appreciated how gradually the characters come to understand their feelings, and how openly they talk about love and fear. I don’t think it was easy for either of them to make those confessions, but the way the author depicts trust slowly being built is truly fascinating.
This story is definitely a comfort read. The length is just right for this kind of cozy, relaxing evening book. I want more stories like this — warm, kind, and focused on healthy relationships.

As an experienced manga reader, the translation notes at the end felt quite obvious to me, but I do wonder whether some additional references throughout the book might make the reading experience easier for newcomers to the genre. That said, I genuinely enjoyed everything else about this story.

[Fraaa]

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this advanced copy.

One thing that Made me interested was the title, Flip Flip Slowly. And just like the title, the story developed slowly and beautifully.

Both characters had their own flaws. And we could see the character development from the start to finish. The creator gave us a time to understand them, to crave them to be together. And when they did, that was one of the most satisfication in the book.

What a good slow burn romance manga!

[Maia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really sweet MM manga and I thought the characters were adorable 🥰

Appreciate that it is a standalone, but it did move a little bit quickly for my taste.

I thought the librarian/researcher part was also fun and I just enjoy anything centred around reading and books.

3.5 ⭐️

Reviewed as part of an ARC from NetGalley

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This BL was so sweet. As a massive book lover I adored the romance which forms in a library. The book recommendations, casual drives together, and meaningful talks really made Hagiwara and Yabumi's romance feel real. Yabumi's past traumas with not being accepted for his sexuality was really well written, as well as his hesitancy with being eleven years older than Hagiwara. The whole book felt positive even during the darker, sadder parts, shining a light on being true to yourself and finding the right time to bloom. The art was very pretty, especially the scenery at the beach and the soft ways the characters are drawn. As always, there is a spicy scene at the end but it was soft and really meaningful with the reminders and affirmations!

Overall, another BL recommendation I'd give to anyone who's a fan of the genre!

[Lou Nova]

Thank you to Netgalley Read Now!
A sweet story about finding connection with some real nice art <3 the actual explicit scene happens as a after story bonus and there is some sweet dialogue. There’s another bonus scene after that where Hagiwara comes out to his dad which is really sweet and simple too.
There is a homophobia storyline with Yabumi’s dad though so be aware of that!

[Bin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ it’s so refreshing to see characters who are actually direct with each other, and about as slow burn as you can get in a manga.

[Mella aka Maron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Kodansha and Netgalley for the eARC.

Like a 3.5/4.

This was a very sweet and touching one shot of two gentlemen falling in love. I enjoyed the small details about their pasts and how they came together in the end.

Short and sweet!

[Ayxan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it was said that Yabumi is “an old man”, I expected him to be around 50, not 34. They only have an 11 years difference, too.
Not that important anyways, but I kinda hoped to see a gay older (40+) man, as those are rare in BLs (especially as a main character).

Still, I was quite surprised. I went in with the expectation of yet another countryside BL, perhaps similar to “Umibe no Étranger (Seaside stranger)”, where it’s basically just porn without or with minimal plot.
Yes, it does play in a countryside and it is BL, however, it has actual consent. And romance. It doesn’t start with sex between them, they also take a while until they kiss. Going on dates first, getting to know one another and communicating. Communicating that they’re both gay (yes, they actually said “gay” and “homosexual”, not just “swing that way” and “into men”), for example. Albeit closeted from the rest of the world.
The sex scene too wasn’t the typical penetration type; more like mutual masturbation and fingering. Haven’t seen that before in a BL! At least not as their first time. And there was consent throughout the whole time!!

It had funny bits, too.
And I could relate to him having no driver’s license cause of living in a big city! X’D

Reminded me a lot more of GL romance Mangas, which is a good thing. I’d love to see more of that slow-pace, consensual and dating-first romance in BLs!

In that regards, i find the book cover a little misleading. They totally look like gangsters, sort of, on the cover; perhaps also the reason why I expected what I expected. They’re neither gangsters nor any of that personality type; actually sweet guys and rather introverted, too. Although driving is part of the plot and they spend quite some time in the car, i feel like them in the library or so would’ve been a better location/background for the cover.

Side note: I always read the translation notes at the end, and learned something new here! Didn’t know that about business cards or handing things over with two hands in Japan.

~

Thank you to Kodansha on Netgalley for a digital review copy. The book was first published in 2022 with the English translation released on 16th December 2025. Written and illustrated by Mame Ohtako.
-Ayxan Solongo, 24.01.26

[Lucsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need everyone to know I found a unicorn.

"Flip Flip Slowly" is a slow-burn, small-town romance between a 23-year-old librarian and a 34-year-old university professor, and it's one of the best things I have ever read. They go on a car trip to read together!

Initially, I wasn't that impressed with the synopsis and got it simply because I was in the mood for something light and romantic. The art style and characters' distinctive faces immediately got my attention and raised my expectations.

The title made me hesitant, but like everything else in this manga, it grew on me, and now I think it's perfect.

I fell in love with this book thanks to the characters' interactions. The author never resorted to tropes or stereotypes: these were simply two people who met at the library, started talking and made a conscientious effort to get closer.

As they get to know each other, their conversations become more personal and touch on uncomfortable subjects, opening space for misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Rather than make up a dramatic fight, the author has their characters talk, with consideration for the other person's feelings as well as their own.

Their age difference and different stages in life are a big theme in the book. I liked that their unequal power dynamic in society was both examined and turned on its head, with the younger character doing the courting and the older character hesitating to pursue it.

Their relationship was also really interesting, because the younger guy acts his age, and is open about being less experienced, but he is also the one who takes a more active role.

The entire book is such a lovely journey, where all they do is talk and examine their feelings, that when they finally kissed, I silently screamed in my room. And then we get the filthiest of epilogues.

Not only are their identity and experiences as gay men discussed with care, but the approach to consent that this book had was unlike every other manga I had ever read, long before they did anything physical. This was the first manga I read, where no one was drunk or coerced in any way. These people had had bad experiences in the past, talked about them, and when they got together, kept checking on each other.

The only thing I thought might not be up to par was the translation, which felt a bit clunky at times, but I might be wrong. I loved that there were translation notes explaining a few cultural symbols and costumes, and the extras at the end felt like a gift, tying up secondary storylines.

Five stars isn't enough. I need to read everything by this author, now. They set the standard for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this DRC.

[InfiniteLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Mame Ohtako, Kodansha Comics, and Netgalley for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

For a one shot manga, this short volume manages to pack in quite a lot of depth and emotion, and it's nice to see a BL manga that focuses more on the slow burn of the two characters working out their individual emotions, and is more mature in it's execution than many others I've read before. We follow librarian, Hagiwara who meets an older man called Yabumi, who comes regularly to his library and borrows the same books over and over. Through time, the two start to form a genuine bond and connection, which centres on Yabumi's reluctance to commit to anything in his life. The two's conversations are quiet and thoughtful, and Hagiwara helps challenge Yabumi's way of living and make him realise how half assed he's been doing everything.
As with many older queer characters, Yabumi has his own trauma related to his sexuality and how his family rejected him, and him working through these thoughts through Hagiwara forcing him to confront them is done well. I definitely could have read more about these two as this volume is really about Yabumi choosing to accept a relationship, rather than their relationship itself but I thought this was a thoughtful examination of their lives.
We did get a lil smutty scene towards the end, presumably taking place once the couple are fully established but i appreciate how much this manga chooses not to focus on the physical attraction elements and more on their dialogue, dynamic. Consent is also well presented here which again, is nice to see in an Adult BL manga.
I'd definitely check out more from this author in the future, and would love to see them do longer works as this one just wasn't quite long enough to fully flesh out the characters and their story.

[Kei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an advanced e-copy for an honest review.

This minimal and quiet one-shot tells the story of Yabumi, a 34-year-old College professor who moves back home after the death of his father, and Hagiwara, the 23-year-old librarian.

Although not my favorite art style, I have to say that this minimalistic approach to the drawing of the panels in this manga helped with this storytelling and ambiance the mangaka wanted to convey, the gentle and quietness of life in rural Japan. This last motive is presented a lot through the metaphor of having a driver's license, one thing Yabumi Never needed while living in the city, but we'll need if he decides to stay back home.

I really enjoyed this romance, and how slowly it developed, you could feel from the beginning that these characters had great chemistry, banter and understanding, specifically from Hagiwara’s side who felt much more mature than Yabumi.

Some things I like a lot where the subtle moments this manga had, like when Hagiwara thought Yabumi was cool, for then us to see that that's the same reason that Hagiwara’s dad married his wife. I thought this was too cute. Also, that moment of realization for Hagiwara that “My feelings are mine and mine alone.”, I loved this because it made me feel so seen.

Overall, I really enjoy this and I look forward to more by this mangaka.

[emilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I entered this world with low expectations since I knew nothing about it, only that it had a very beautiful cover. Well, those are the best ones because I was surprised with a new favourite.

I'm not an expert in drawing, manga or even anime! So for me the drawings were perfect and beautifully drawn. I loved the landscapes, I loved the design of the bookshop. I only had a little difficulty with the speech bubbles, as I couldn't tell who was speaking in the beginning after the first chapter I guess I could tell pretty easily.

I quickly felt connected to the story. I'm reading it in winter, so it gave me a warm feeling in my heart to see the beginning of the relationship between Hagiwara and Yabumi.

I highly recommend it to anyone who liked "Call Me by Your Name." It's not the same story, obviously, but it gave me the same vibe while reading, especially with all the beautiful landscapes and that coming-of-age tone.

As for some things to keep in mind, homophobia theres a slight message about but it and there is a short smut scene that i wouldn’t describe as just sex but a moment that adds to the story and its important for our characters.

my two favorite quotes/moments:

“my feelings are mine and mine alone”
“It makes me think you’re deliberately trying not to give this place meaning”

Thank you Net Galley, Mame Ohtako and Kodansha Comics for this Arc! Lots of success

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet, beautifully drawn story of tentative love, working through trauma and slow-building trust. I loved the dynamic of library assistant with regularly visiting professor, the natural-feeling progression of curiosity, to watching, to chatting, to taking a leap. I enjoyed slowly finding out the professor's backstory, the lingering affects of being publicly outed by someone he trusted and being rejected by his family. The hesitancy to trust, the distance he tries to place between them. The librarian's optimism, his determination, constantly saying exactly what he thinks without filtering, but also his quiet wisdom, the fact he addresses issues, confronts the professors fears and doubts.

Their relationship being built around driving was unique and sweet, from small adventures to routine movements, spending time together outside of the brief library interactions where it all began. The librarian's enjoyment of driving and the freedom it brings, the professor's slow acceptance of it, reading about it from the librarian's recommendations, then the commitment to stay and learn. The slow healing of his relationship with his mother, as he grows from his past. It was sweet and hopeful, and impactful. Were the smutty bonus chapters necessary? No. Were they still actually pretty sweet? Yes. The story speaks for itself without those editions, it's complete and lovely and hopeful, and the bonus chapters bring a spicy element.

Really enjoyable, easy to read and feel the emotions through, beautifully drawn and woven!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this would have really improved if there were two volumes. I can see how deeply the heart of this story goes and it is good. We have our older guy who is just half assing life cause he has been hurt by the people he was closest to in life and builds a wall up around him to make sure he is never too committed to anything in life. We have our sweet librarian who grows a lot through his relationship with his family and being honest about what he wants in his life. I like how their friendship grows and seeing how they get to know one another. The art is nice too, I thought the part with him being scared of the driving of our professor was a really cute moment. The art is nice as well. I wanted to see more of the HEA for this couple I wanted to see them bring their family introductions and cute move in moments maybe. But I do recommend this, if your library has this it would make the perfect cozy read.

[Keiko, the manga enthusiast ♒︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of the year! Thought I’d clear out my netgalley shelves and start doing my supposed responsibilities haha! Anyway, my gratitude to Kodansha comics and Netgalley for entrusting me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Although, this review should have been properly dished out last december but I wasn’t feeling any boy’s love energy that moment so I hold off reading it. So…

I didn’t expect it to be wholesomely cute, sentimental, and intimate. It definitely gives off spring funeral vibes. And I liked it very much. Especially, the most impactful line that I read of late, from this series:

As imposing a man as he’d been in life… it was sad to see how tiny his urn was. And when did mom get this small?

I teared up and choked when I read the words. This is just so visceral, like a punch in the gut. It was a rather slow burn creeping up your spine, with cute extras after the curtains finally closed.

[Bibliothecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kodansha for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Countryside librarian Hagiwara finds himself interested in a new regular Yabumi who seems to have come from the city. Through a shared interest in books and drives along the country side, the two get to know each other better and find companionship in shared life experiences.

This is probably the most slice of life like standalone manga I have read - it feels quite slow but in a good way as it doesn't fall so much into the rushed pitfall many standalones suffer from. While the art in terms of character design isn't necessarily my personal favourite, I really did like the art in general - the nice beach sceneries and how atmospheric some pages were laid out.

While this is also a love story, I'd argue that it is almost secondary. Yabumi has a strained relationship with his family and former life on the countryside which is one thing that gets unpacked here. Hagiwara on the other hand seems quite happy with his life although he hasn't had the chance to tell his family that he is gay. It feels more like a self discovery than a romance book and I think it's done well. It's definitely one of the more mature - in terms of plot and themes - BL out there and I found that refreshing.

[kallixto (heartstopper’s version) ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not used to reading manga as much as I used to, but lately I’ve been wanting to get back into them–especially BL, one of my favorite genres.

Flip Flip Slowly immediately caught my eye: a small-town librarian, two adorable main characters, and that soft, cozy BL atmosphere I can never resist.

I’ll admit I still struggle with reviewing manga, because it’s such a different medium from what I usually read. So I’ll focus on what stood out the most to me: the artwork and the relationship between the characters.

And honestly? This BL manga was more than just a cute read–it felt like a little piece of art. Ohtaka’s drawing style is stunning, expressive, and full of tenderness. Every panel felt carefully crafted, and the emotions between the characters came through beautifully. Their relationship wasn’t just sweet; it had a quiet poetry to it that made me slow down and appreciate each moment.

If anything, my only complaint is that it was too short!
I wanted more time with these two, more little scenes, more softness. But as a quick break from my usual reading, it was exactly what I needed.

Adorable, heartfelt, and visually gorgeous–the perfect short BL to melt your heart.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆–𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗼–𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖!

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Cute, stand-alone BL manga about past traumas around coming out to family and future goals for a queer relationship. A romance between the local librarian and a professor at the local university was a cute premise. I appreciate the attention to detail in the artwork, and the epilogue chapter at the end was a nice bonus! I do have to take some points off due to constant mentions of an age gap/the older character repeatedly calling himself an old man - there really isn't an enormous age gap and, in my opinion, the older character is not that old (the professor is in his early 30's and the librarian is in his mid 20's). It gets to be a tad repetitive.

[Anh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, short, minimal read. I like the realistic approach of two ordinary men falling in love with one another. However, I wasn't entirely convinced by their love story at all. The art is nice, understated, and very fluid. It really captures the quiet, demure vibe of the story.

If you want a low-angst, comforting read, this is it. It's not steamy or smutty at all, but there is a small sex scene between the two. It's more focused on the emotional development of their relationship and touches on the societal challenges of coming out and grappling with sexuality with some low stakes. I wish it was longer to develop the love between the two, because although it's a slow pace, I didn't feel entirely convinced by their romance and feel like it missed its mark in moving me as a reader.

However, the art is very nice and I do feel the emotions coming through in a lot of panels. I am looking forward to the artist's next work!

[пташатко · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5)

what a delightful little gem this was! a quiet, introspective story about a librarian and a professor set in the countryside, where they meet, spend time together, and eventually fall in love. despite its rather simple plot, it tugged at all the right heartstrings. i adored their quiet, easy moments together — trips to the beach, mundane interactions, and the deeper conversations that slowly brought them closer. the story unfolded at a wonderfully reflective and unhurried pace. the atmosphere was absolutely gorgeous, and the art style was simply breathtaking! i also REALLY loved all the themes explored here (and the care with which they were handled).

ця манґа не на шутку resonated with me ✋😔

i accessed a digital copy through netgalley, courtesy of kodansha

[livblovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read. The art style was gorgeous and fit the story very well.

The story itself was good but not my absolute favorite. The relationship between our main characters was very “normal” but lacked depth. I felt like their relationship was not as deep as I would want and feel like it needed to be longer to get to know them together more than we were able to in this. Overall, if you’re looking for a quick, sweet read, I do recommend picking it up and giving it a try for yourself.

Thank you NetGalley, Mame Ohtako and Kodansha Comics for the ARC.