4/5 stars. Ok, well, this got dark really, really, quick. This volume was a little fast paced but I think it managed to stay pretty coherent. The main conflict was obviously, the vile man that is Yuki’s stepfather. I’m going to be honest and say that this was difficult to read, it was just a heavy volume. And it sucks that Yuki went through all of that and he was just a kid. Things definitely took a turn near the end, and I don’t mean a good turn. I mean a really shitty turn to a really shitty situation.
This volume (and all volumes now on) mention and discuss heavy themes like rape and abuse so please be mindful of this, and be cautious if any if those things see tw’s. There isn’t anything explicitly shown but do know it’s discussed. The things happening in this manga is definitely not a thing to take lightheartedly, nor is it a thing to see as positive. The things these characters deal with are very real, but they are handled in a way that rightfully shows how vile the themes above are, not glorifying or making it seem like a good thing (which it obviously is not) just keep in mind to be cautious.
Ooookkkaaayyyy, I’m already sad.
Yuki and Jun are so bruised please help them.
Tetsu literally bless your heart for helping Yuki. He took him to a hospital and gave him a home.
Jun’s face when he saw the sunset... maybe it was a bad idea to decide to read this at 1 a.m because they’re coming for my heart
“The need to protect someone other than myself. I realized there was such a feeling, when I met you. What I want to protect is your smile, your peace.”
Jun is precious and I hope only good things happen to him forever.
“It’s because my body is no good. I want to be smart and help my brother. I want to be able to take care of him and make him feel safe. I don’t want to see him cry or be in pain.”
Nope.
Nope.
Nope.
No. I don’t want the Yuki backstory. I don’t want it. No. Never mind. Abort mission.
Yuki tried to kill his dad, that’s why he’d run away with Jun after.
Tetsu go off and beat his ass.
Tetsu wanted to understand Yuki, but sometimes the weight another person is carrying is too much. That’s the case for Yuki, he went through a lot at such a young age. Trying to uncover all of it will take a lot of effort and patience, from both parties. It’s understandable that Yuki doesn’t want to talk about what he went though, as it was awful. He preferred to keep it a secret, perhaps he would’ve opened up in his own time. Regardless, it was a choice Yuki should’ve had the right to have. Not something that should’ve been talked about or exposed without his permission as it is deeply personal and traumatic for him. Also, Tetsu, I must say there’s a time and place for confessing your feelings, and doing it in the moment he did, was neither the time nor the place. Like, read the room, sir. I think he should’ve let Yuki decide when to open up about his past, instead of confronting him about it. It wasn’t up to Tetsu, so that’s strike 1 for you sir.
Yuki’s subconscious is his younger self... I’ll just see myself out, thanks.
Okayyy... I don’t know that I liked Tetsu’s monologue about his jealousy? It’s really not a thing to be jealous about. I get he likes Yuki and all, but I didn’t think it wasn’t the right phrasing? I don’t know if that makes sense, I just thought it was a little insensitive of his part. Strike 2, Tetsu.
Goddamnit the badder bad guy got Yuki.
Can we just skip ahead to the part when Yuki is happy and can be at peace and Jun can recover? I don’t want to see either of them sad.