I just got distracted trying to figure out how many volumes there are, since this one ends before the anime does - so I wanted to see how much post-anime-content is already written, and whether the story has gone significantly past that. I adore the anime and would love to see so much more of Momose's and Shirosaki's story.
But I'm a bit confused because I'm only seeing two Japanese volumes everywhere I look?? How's that possible, when a lot of really great and important stuff happened after Momose moved in with Shirosaki? It sounds like the anime might've done some original content, which...is a bit distressing, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I have already preordered Volume 3, but with a release date of June 2026, that may mean it's not actually even been written yet...?
But back to the story that does exist on the page, because it is lovely. This is really such an incredibly healing, feel-good story for me.
It continues the same format of brief "joke" comic chapters, but with real weight and heart to them. I wonder if, with Ichikawa pausing work due to health issues, writing this had been its own form of therapy. Both Momose and Kinjo are recovering from abusive ex-bosses, although Momose has far more trauma still lingering. This is partly due to the fact that unlike Kinjo's boss, who pretty much left him alone after he quit, Momose had to actively block his boss and then eventually move out of his apartment to keep from being harassed.
It's pretty extreme. And it's why being around Shirosaki is so healing for him.
I particularly loved the scene where Shirosaki explains that his broken phone screen reminds him of Momose - cracked but still good, and important to cherish just as he is. I love the taxi driver crying alongside Momose, about how amazing his new boss is. I just adore Shirosaki, in general.
Of course, there's also the romantic undercurrent that I was hoping the manga would carry further...particularly since Ichikawa actively presents Kinjo as a bisexual man who's open and matter-of-fact about it. But even without romantic elements in either of the two main pairings, the dynamics are fantastic.
A favorite story, for sure. I very much hope there will be more, but as long as I can get my hands on a physical copy of the anime at some point (I don't trust the longevity of streaming sites), I can be happy enough with it and these two wonderful manga volumes.
I really like the team dynamics and work culture in their office, very flat structure with open communication. Be mindful of everyone’s feelings and give praises to build their confidence. The guys are all hardworking yet they can enjoy life, chat about personal interests and hobbies. Generously share past knowledge and experiences, help each other out so no one has to work overtime.
There are many casual team building activities, such as having coffee break after lunch, eat ice lollies together and take selfies. When the four guys went to izakaya for dinner, they’d let loose after drinking alcohol and speak their true thoughts, whereas the two boys would keep their guards up in front of ex-bosses and dare not to get drunk.
The two pairs also go on fun business trips, 青山and 金城 went to 討拍熊 amusement park, 白崎 and 桃瀬 went to hot spring hotel. Of course they’d get to know each other better when working closely.
I appreciate the really cute moments from 白崎’s childhood memories with his grandma. Also the kitten 白桃’s inner thoughts about 白崎 are funny and sweet.
金城’s found closure with his old boss, who clicked like on the new team photo posted on 金城’s social media account. 桃瀬‘s changed phone and forgot to block his old boss, then got hunted by the calls and 白崎 invited him to move in to keep him safe.
I definitely look forward to reading volume 3 when it comes out!
Ahhh, the Kumatteland arc is my absolute favorite ;-; I think Aoyama might genuinely be one of my favorite manga characters ever, he is so so precious!! I'd move in with him idc idc! This whole thing is so healing to read, especially after work. It's just so precious and good to watch someone heal from their past traumas with gentle treatment, genuine care, and light-hearted friendship. This is truly a special manga.
Sweet and charming slice-of-life workplace manga continues as Momose and his coworkers navigate their daily lives, while often fluffy and fun, it does sometimes touch very lightly on workplace harassment, animal neglect and the lonely feelings that can come after things like divorce, but these issues get wrapped up in kind ways that make the series feel like a warm hug.