What do you think?
Rate this book
Glass Syndrome
Nijou is the perfect student. He’s class president, great at sports, and beloved by all his classmates, especially the girls. But he hides his true feelings; deep down he’s terrified of letting everyone down with anything less than perfection and being rejected. As the most responsible and respected member of the class, he’s asked by their teacher to check in on Toomi, a student who hasn’t been to school in a while.
Toomi sees straight through Nijou’s insecurities and acts belligerent, but he has a secret of his own; in order to pay off his father’s gambling debts, he performs in drag on an adult cam site as “Haruka”. When Nijou accidentally discovers the truth, he struggles with whether he should tell Toomi, or continue to feign ignorance. But at the same time he finds himself developing feelings for Haruka… or is it really Toomi he’s falling in love with?
Toomi sees straight through Nijou’s insecurities and acts belligerent, but he has a secret of his own; in order to pay off his father’s gambling debts, he performs in drag on an adult cam site as “Haruka”. When Nijou accidentally discovers the truth, he struggles with whether he should tell Toomi, or continue to feign ignorance. But at the same time he finds himself developing feelings for Haruka… or is it really Toomi he’s falling in love with?
194 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2021
28 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
July 27, 2024
Thank you, author and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
I love, love, love the characters!
Both are broken in ways no one can help if not the other one for the other one.
Toomi's been abandoned by his father. Nijou has been selected as a class president and he's been told to check up on Toomi.
And then things turn out better for both. There's a story that's been waiting for them to meet. Imperfect ones perfect for each other.
I love their chemistry. I ship them so much.
Some parts might make some readers feel u comfortable.
However, I would still recommend this manga for the shounen ai lovers.
I love, love, love the characters!
Both are broken in ways no one can help if not the other one for the other one.
Toomi's been abandoned by his father. Nijou has been selected as a class president and he's been told to check up on Toomi.
And then things turn out better for both. There's a story that's been waiting for them to meet. Imperfect ones perfect for each other.
I love their chemistry. I ship them so much.
Some parts might make some readers feel u comfortable.
However, I would still recommend this manga for the shounen ai lovers.
July 22, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley & Tokyopop for sending me an e-arc.
Dealing with personal demons, It's a story of two polar opposite young men's finding comfort in each other. Nijou the perfect poster boy secretly hates the unnecessary attentions he receives. Abandoned by his dad, Toomi is a mess, both mentally & financially. It follows a comfort/healing troupe with a spice of cross dressing.
It was cute, fluffy and swoony. I loved the dynamics of the protagonists. The way their perspective changes and they come to realize they need each other is a spectacular sight to behold. But i strongly believe this story could use some moderation and modifications, especially, the cross-dressing portion desreved a bit more focus.
The second mini comic "similar figure of love" had a yaoi setup and in compare to the titular one It's less complex and do i dare say, plain! It's not necessarily a bad plot, just plain. .
The art style is also pretty dope. And yes, the protagonists were distinguishable without their hair color. lOl! It's a school based setting and the whole atmosphere was pictured sincerely. Overall a good, light read. Would Recommend.
Dealing with personal demons, It's a story of two polar opposite young men's finding comfort in each other. Nijou the perfect poster boy secretly hates the unnecessary attentions he receives. Abandoned by his dad, Toomi is a mess, both mentally & financially. It follows a comfort/healing troupe with a spice of cross dressing.
It was cute, fluffy and swoony. I loved the dynamics of the protagonists. The way their perspective changes and they come to realize they need each other is a spectacular sight to behold. But i strongly believe this story could use some moderation and modifications, especially, the cross-dressing portion desreved a bit more focus.
The second mini comic "similar figure of love" had a yaoi setup and in compare to the titular one It's less complex and do i dare say, plain! It's not necessarily a bad plot, just plain. .
The art style is also pretty dope. And yes, the protagonists were distinguishable without their hair color. lOl! It's a school based setting and the whole atmosphere was pictured sincerely. Overall a good, light read. Would Recommend.
July 20, 2021
3.5 rounded up for a touching story that could have used a little more development. Or, if you prefer, 4 rounded down to 3.5 for one of the absolute worst Debt Dads in manga - Toomi's father racked up gambling debts after the death of his wife, robbed the safe at work, and abandoned his high school age grieving son without a word, leaving the poor kid to resort to online peepshows (in drag) to support himself. While I liked both main characters, I just desperately wanted Toomi to be happy, and I got that - along with the nice detail that Nijou didn't save him, he gave him a reason to want to save himself.
January 13, 2022
Another one where the cover, title, and summary all don't indicate that the book actually contains two completely different storylines.
Both were pretty good - nice art, complex characters, interesting plots - but suffered from the shortened format. The structure of the title story, "Glass Syndrome," was particularly weird in places; especially near the end, it jumped between big events so abruptly that I flipped back through to see if some pages had gotten stuck together and I'd missed the lead up. How Toomi figured out that Nijou was the one messaging him was completely unexplained and seemed like it needed to be thrown in quickly so we could get to the conflict and final resolution.
I did like the bones of the story a lot, though, and the quiet sadness of all of Ariki's characters. Nijou is especially great; he's handsome, a talented athlete, an exceptional student, and the kind of guy who always says yes when people ask him to do things. But it wears on him, and he's starting to feel so burdened by other people's expectations that he genuinely can't seem to breathe sometimes. He's also developed a deep aversion to other people touching him, because they always want something from him, and he's unable to stop giving it.
His classmate, Toomi, has been struggling at school because his dad stole a bunch of money from his company (to try to pay off his gambling debts) and then abandoned him. Toomi's not able to get a part-time job without a parent's signature/approval, and if he mentions any of his difficulties, he's worried about what that'll mean for his status at school, and his living arrangements. So he figures out how he can get enough money on his own to keep paying rent and feeding himself. He becomes a camgirl, crossdressing and getting money from horny guys on the internet.
This was another confusing element, though, because the way it was structured, it looked like Toomi had already been doing this before he figured out a way to get money? So it was a hobby that he turned into a career? But that doesn't really fit with how he seems to really dislike what he's doing; like Nijou, he hates letting other people take pieces of himself away for their own satisfaction, but he's not able to find a way to stop it just yet.
Those kinds of really interesting, thoughtful parallels could've made this a great story, but the structure, like I said, was just too sloppily handled in places for it to quite work.
Still, I liked the development of the relationship between Nijou and Toomi, and their mutual attraction was based on a deeper understanding of each other - they were living in a world that was so entirely separate from their classmates'.
There's a nice extra chapter, too, with them being together during university; I like when we get to see future happiness and relationship longevity.
The second story, "Similar Figures of Love," was shorter and had a similar lonely/sorrowful tone. Kasumi has been in love with his childhood best friend for years, but he's been trying to distance himself lately to keep himself from getting hurt too badly, since he can tell Chihiro is interested in a girl from school.
There's another love interest thrown into the mix - an upperclassman named Saiki who's teaching Kasumi piano, and also told him very early on that he was in love with him, but didn't expect his feelings to be returned, since he was aware of Kasumi's interest in Chihiro.
Again, we've got a bit of clumsy storytelling here, with some gaps in why this relationship formed and what's really behind Saiki's fascination with Kasumi, so the conclusion isn't quite as satisfying. It seems more like...the two gay guys at school find each other and fall in "love," or some version of it, because that's what's available to them.
I don't hate that idea, actually; there's something about finding kindred spirits, and people who understand you, and developing a deeper connection over time. There just wasn't space for that connection to actually develop, which would've made this a fuller story and one I could emotionally invest in more.
I do like the tone of Ariki's work, though; how it manages to give happy endings without removing gritty realities or the scars that people develop early on in life and carry with them. I'd definitely check out more of their work, and would especially like to see them really focus in on one storyline and tell that in a longer, more carefully plotted out format.
Both were pretty good - nice art, complex characters, interesting plots - but suffered from the shortened format. The structure of the title story, "Glass Syndrome," was particularly weird in places; especially near the end, it jumped between big events so abruptly that I flipped back through to see if some pages had gotten stuck together and I'd missed the lead up. How Toomi figured out that Nijou was the one messaging him was completely unexplained and seemed like it needed to be thrown in quickly so we could get to the conflict and final resolution.
I did like the bones of the story a lot, though, and the quiet sadness of all of Ariki's characters. Nijou is especially great; he's handsome, a talented athlete, an exceptional student, and the kind of guy who always says yes when people ask him to do things. But it wears on him, and he's starting to feel so burdened by other people's expectations that he genuinely can't seem to breathe sometimes. He's also developed a deep aversion to other people touching him, because they always want something from him, and he's unable to stop giving it.
His classmate, Toomi, has been struggling at school because his dad stole a bunch of money from his company (to try to pay off his gambling debts) and then abandoned him. Toomi's not able to get a part-time job without a parent's signature/approval, and if he mentions any of his difficulties, he's worried about what that'll mean for his status at school, and his living arrangements. So he figures out how he can get enough money on his own to keep paying rent and feeding himself. He becomes a camgirl, crossdressing and getting money from horny guys on the internet.
This was another confusing element, though, because the way it was structured, it looked like Toomi had already been doing this before he figured out a way to get money? So it was a hobby that he turned into a career? But that doesn't really fit with how he seems to really dislike what he's doing; like Nijou, he hates letting other people take pieces of himself away for their own satisfaction, but he's not able to find a way to stop it just yet.
Those kinds of really interesting, thoughtful parallels could've made this a great story, but the structure, like I said, was just too sloppily handled in places for it to quite work.
Still, I liked the development of the relationship between Nijou and Toomi, and their mutual attraction was based on a deeper understanding of each other - they were living in a world that was so entirely separate from their classmates'.
There's a nice extra chapter, too, with them being together during university; I like when we get to see future happiness and relationship longevity.
The second story, "Similar Figures of Love," was shorter and had a similar lonely/sorrowful tone. Kasumi has been in love with his childhood best friend for years, but he's been trying to distance himself lately to keep himself from getting hurt too badly, since he can tell Chihiro is interested in a girl from school.
There's another love interest thrown into the mix - an upperclassman named Saiki who's teaching Kasumi piano, and also told him very early on that he was in love with him, but didn't expect his feelings to be returned, since he was aware of Kasumi's interest in Chihiro.
Again, we've got a bit of clumsy storytelling here, with some gaps in why this relationship formed and what's really behind Saiki's fascination with Kasumi, so the conclusion isn't quite as satisfying. It seems more like...the two gay guys at school find each other and fall in "love," or some version of it, because that's what's available to them.
I don't hate that idea, actually; there's something about finding kindred spirits, and people who understand you, and developing a deeper connection over time. There just wasn't space for that connection to actually develop, which would've made this a fuller story and one I could emotionally invest in more.
I do like the tone of Ariki's work, though; how it manages to give happy endings without removing gritty realities or the scars that people develop early on in life and carry with them. I'd definitely check out more of their work, and would especially like to see them really focus in on one storyline and tell that in a longer, more carefully plotted out format.
July 18, 2021
In this manga we follow Toomi and Nijou. Toomi's father has left him which resulted with him starting to do drag as a way to make money for himself. Nijou is the class president who's told to check on Toomi.
A highlight of this was definitely a wonderful characters. They're both imperfect in their own ways which make them relatable and more likeable in general.
The relationship was really sweet and had me invested all throughout it.
There also was a side story at the ending which wasn't the favorite.I didn't really find that story needed but it wasn't a dealbreaker or anything.
Thank you to Tokyo Pop for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
A highlight of this was definitely a wonderful characters. They're both imperfect in their own ways which make them relatable and more likeable in general.
The relationship was really sweet and had me invested all throughout it.
There also was a side story at the ending which wasn't the favorite.I didn't really find that story needed but it wasn't a dealbreaker or anything.
Thank you to Tokyo Pop for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2024
This was a manga I was looking forward to and although I did enjoy it, I felt like it was missing a finality.
The story follows Nijou who is the perfect student on the outside but an insecure person on the inside. One day, he goes to check on Toomi who hasn’t been in school for a while. Learning a bit about Toomi, Nijou stumbles upon Toomi’s adult cam site. As Nijou starts developing feelings for Toomi he struggles with whether he should admit the truth.
The plot isn’t interesting but touches on heavy topics such as abandonment, insecurities and fear. However the focus of this story is on the relationship between Nijou and Toomi. The story simplifies and excludes many discussions and answers such as, what happened to Toomi’s dad. It is also quite hard to identify how much time has passed between scenes. Although executed quite choppily, it was heartwarming to see both Nijou and Toomi finding solace in each other.
The execution of this story could have been better. Writing a story is hard and describing it through images is even harder. That said, I felt like this story had a good premise; the emotions, the build up and the setting was there but it failed to connect them in a way that made sense. I felt like the story was incomplete and emotions developed too fast. I would have enjoyed the story more if the relationship was developed through more interactions between the two characters.
The artwork is quite simple yet exudes a gentle feel. I liked its simplicity in relaying the story through facial expressions, words and iconography.
This volume has a main story and a sequel set in the near future but also a side story with a sequel set in the future. The sequel is quite similar because the growth of the emotions is told not developed, although it’s quite a cute premise.
Overall, I enjoyed this story but I wanted more. The romance is short and the development is missing. I wanted to live this story but I liked it instead. I also wasn’t able to connect the title with the story, so if anyone knows please let me know.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
The story follows Nijou who is the perfect student on the outside but an insecure person on the inside. One day, he goes to check on Toomi who hasn’t been in school for a while. Learning a bit about Toomi, Nijou stumbles upon Toomi’s adult cam site. As Nijou starts developing feelings for Toomi he struggles with whether he should admit the truth.
The plot isn’t interesting but touches on heavy topics such as abandonment, insecurities and fear. However the focus of this story is on the relationship between Nijou and Toomi. The story simplifies and excludes many discussions and answers such as, what happened to Toomi’s dad. It is also quite hard to identify how much time has passed between scenes. Although executed quite choppily, it was heartwarming to see both Nijou and Toomi finding solace in each other.
The execution of this story could have been better. Writing a story is hard and describing it through images is even harder. That said, I felt like this story had a good premise; the emotions, the build up and the setting was there but it failed to connect them in a way that made sense. I felt like the story was incomplete and emotions developed too fast. I would have enjoyed the story more if the relationship was developed through more interactions between the two characters.
The artwork is quite simple yet exudes a gentle feel. I liked its simplicity in relaying the story through facial expressions, words and iconography.
This volume has a main story and a sequel set in the near future but also a side story with a sequel set in the future. The sequel is quite similar because the growth of the emotions is told not developed, although it’s quite a cute premise.
Overall, I enjoyed this story but I wanted more. The romance is short and the development is missing. I wanted to live this story but I liked it instead. I also wasn’t able to connect the title with the story, so if anyone knows please let me know.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
June 23, 2021
Two young men who find themselves attracted to each other even if their personalities are nothing alike: one of them is the class president and the other seems like an outcast. But, as you can imagine, as soon as they’re alone, they can be their true selves around each other.
Both of them are grieving something and found kinship in their own abandonment –so it was easy for them to end up together, so “they wouldn’t be alone anymore”.
Overall it was a nice story with a little bit of cross-dressing which I didn’t mind at all. It lacked some depth for my taste but it wasn’t that bad either.
I love megane boys, so there's that too, lol.
Both of them are grieving something and found kinship in their own abandonment –so it was easy for them to end up together, so “they wouldn’t be alone anymore”.
Overall it was a nice story with a little bit of cross-dressing which I didn’t mind at all. It lacked some depth for my taste but it wasn’t that bad either.
I love megane boys, so there's that too, lol.
April 10, 2023
3.5☆ Review:
“𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏…𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰’𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒊…𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒘…𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.”
Considering how sad both the main characters were, this story was surprisingly wholesome.
Nijou is a people-pleaser and is becoming increasingly overwhelmed with his inability to “let others down.”
Toomi is struggling with his fear of abandonment along with trying to make ends meet.
I enjoyed their story!
There is also a small side story that wasn’t necessary, but I liked it more than I thought I would.
“𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏…𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰’𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒊…𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒘…𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.”
Considering how sad both the main characters were, this story was surprisingly wholesome.
Nijou is a people-pleaser and is becoming increasingly overwhelmed with his inability to “let others down.”
Toomi is struggling with his fear of abandonment along with trying to make ends meet.
I enjoyed their story!
There is also a small side story that wasn’t necessary, but I liked it more than I thought I would.
June 13, 2022
An enjoyable manga that features relatable characters and circumstances. ~ I’ll admit, I related a bit too heavily to Nijou. The weight of feeling like you have to be perfect in the eyes of everyone you meet out of fear can be incredibly heavy and suffocating. The only reason why I knocked off a star was because the plot felt a bit choppy at times.
July 5, 2023
3.25~3.5 stars??
August 6, 2021
I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I got this manga the night before (writing this one 8/7) and when I woke up this was the first thing I read while waiting for my breakfast. I just started and I just couldn’t stop. It was too good. Too beautifully written.
We have two guys. Nijou who is the perfect guy. Class president, loved by girls and boys, good at sports… but we soon see that he doesn’t want all this. But he cannot be honest and so we see he crops it up. That is until he meets Toomi. A guy who has a harsh life and sells himself as a girl on the net to get money. As you see, two guys, two very broken and lonely guys (though I guess for Nijou he doesn’t mind being that lonely?? Though on the other hand I could see he was looking for something/someone). They connect. And I could definitely see the connection between them. And could see it grow as these two study together (Toomi barely comes to school so um, he is not too good at things), meet up, and more. I loved that these two had found each other and connected. Sure, at times Toomi makes some toxic comments, but I could see that they were done out of hurt, out of fear that Nijou would also abandon him. I could understand that.
As I said, Toomi sells himself as a girl on the net… and Nijou finds out. I have to say that at times I was confused at these parts given that after a while Toomi starts appearing instead of his girl persona. So I flipped back to make sure that this was just all in Nijou’s head. His fantasy.
The ending and the sequel to this story made me smile. I am so happy for both of them! I would like to go deeper, but also not spoil things, so here we are.
The side story, well, it was good, but I was still so much with my head in the main story that I found that I couldn’t fully invest/enjoy this story. But in the end I can say it was pretty cute and the couple is nice.
I would have liked to see the side story AFTER the sequel to the main story. Now it was quite confusing as we went from one couple to another and then got the sequel for the first story. In case it isn’t clear, it was MAIN story, SIDE story, sequel to MAIN story, sequel to SIDE story. Very confusing.
But all in all, this was a good volume and I flew through. The main story was definitely my favourite, but I also had fun reading the side story. The art was really good. I would definitely recommend this one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I got this manga the night before (writing this one 8/7) and when I woke up this was the first thing I read while waiting for my breakfast. I just started and I just couldn’t stop. It was too good. Too beautifully written.
We have two guys. Nijou who is the perfect guy. Class president, loved by girls and boys, good at sports… but we soon see that he doesn’t want all this. But he cannot be honest and so we see he crops it up. That is until he meets Toomi. A guy who has a harsh life and sells himself as a girl on the net to get money. As you see, two guys, two very broken and lonely guys (though I guess for Nijou he doesn’t mind being that lonely?? Though on the other hand I could see he was looking for something/someone). They connect. And I could definitely see the connection between them. And could see it grow as these two study together (Toomi barely comes to school so um, he is not too good at things), meet up, and more. I loved that these two had found each other and connected. Sure, at times Toomi makes some toxic comments, but I could see that they were done out of hurt, out of fear that Nijou would also abandon him. I could understand that.
As I said, Toomi sells himself as a girl on the net… and Nijou finds out. I have to say that at times I was confused at these parts given that after a while Toomi starts appearing instead of his girl persona. So I flipped back to make sure that this was just all in Nijou’s head. His fantasy.
The ending and the sequel to this story made me smile. I am so happy for both of them! I would like to go deeper, but also not spoil things, so here we are.
The side story, well, it was good, but I was still so much with my head in the main story that I found that I couldn’t fully invest/enjoy this story. But in the end I can say it was pretty cute and the couple is nice.
I would have liked to see the side story AFTER the sequel to the main story. Now it was quite confusing as we went from one couple to another and then got the sequel for the first story. In case it isn’t clear, it was MAIN story, SIDE story, sequel to MAIN story, sequel to SIDE story. Very confusing.
But all in all, this was a good volume and I flew through. The main story was definitely my favourite, but I also had fun reading the side story. The art was really good. I would definitely recommend this one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 22, 2021
The artwork was pretty cute, but ultimately the story lacked depth. Although the narrative did touch on some serious topics, these did feel somewhat glossed over at times. My other main complaint is that it felt too insta-lovey for my tastes, but that might just be due to the shorter length of this manga.
I do think the characters and story could have been done better justice if Glass Syndrome was longer. I could totally see myself reading this if it turned into a further developed series. Interestingly enough, the accompanying and much shorter story, Similar Figures of Love struck deeper chords in me and was able to do more with less to create an effective and heartwarming narrative.
I’d definitely be interested in checking out other works by this artist and would recommend Glass Syndrome if you’re looking for a quick and sweet manga read. Thanks so much to TokyoPop and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for review. Glass Syndrome is out August 10th!
I do think the characters and story could have been done better justice if Glass Syndrome was longer. I could totally see myself reading this if it turned into a further developed series. Interestingly enough, the accompanying and much shorter story, Similar Figures of Love struck deeper chords in me and was able to do more with less to create an effective and heartwarming narrative.
I’d definitely be interested in checking out other works by this artist and would recommend Glass Syndrome if you’re looking for a quick and sweet manga read. Thanks so much to TokyoPop and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for review. Glass Syndrome is out August 10th!
August 30, 2021
Honestly it didn't make much sense, the art wad good but very vague. The characters were abundant and the storyline could have been so much better cultivated.
I liked the base plot but I expected more in terms of story building and the flow was a bit off that led me astray from the main plot many times.
On the whole it could have been better.
I liked the base plot but I expected more in terms of story building and the flow was a bit off that led me astray from the main plot many times.
On the whole it could have been better.
August 24, 2021
Yeah, that was... something. And I read it. But no. I have no idea why those two characters even liked each other. It was just... blegh.
July 22, 2021
ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Glass Syndrome is a complicated romance manga that follows two different relationships. In the much longer chapter one, 'Glass Syndrome,' Nijou is a chronic people pleaser who is asked to check up on an absent student he used to go to school with, Toomi, only to discover that his father skipped town and abandoned him He later uncovers exactly how Toomi has been making enough money to get by, and this inspires a lot of complicated feelings about himself and what he wants. In the shorter chapter two, 'Similar Figures of Love,' Kasumi has an unrequited crush on his friend and roommate, Chihiro, while Kasumi's upperclassman in the music department, Saiki, has an unrequited crush on him.
I walked away from this manga with very conflicted feelings. Overall, I loved the art style and I liked how complicated and broken the relationships were. (As Marie Kondo would say, I love mess.) Nijou and Toomi both have struggles and refuse to communicate at times, but I ultimately enjoyed how their story ended. On the other hand, I felt as if their story could have had more development, as their bigger conflict felt like it came to a breaking point too early. For one thing, Toomi used to go to school with Nijou and often mentions how he was 'back then,' alluding to some kind of history with him, and I thought that would be explored more and factor into their relationship. In the end, though I was rooting for them, it seemed like their story was missing some pieces.
When the second story began, I actually mistook Kasumi for Nijou for a moment and thought we'd be getting a bit of backstory for Nijou and Toomi's younger days. I didn't mind having a second story in the manga, and I love a good chain of unrequited love, but wanting more development from the first relationship left me wondering why a second had been added. (And this is totally on me, but their size difference had me worried that Kasumi was a lot younger than Saiki. It took me way too many rereads to figure out they were going to university and not a boarding middle/high school.)
One thing I enjoyed about both stories was the elements of consent added in. For Glass Syndrome, Nijou adorably asks for consent for everything until Toomi tells him it isn't necessary, and in Similiar Figures of Love, Saiki is reprimanded for stealing a kiss from Kasumi and the only way they kiss again is if Kasumi asks for it. I loved the potential of both dynamics and would have preferred to see Similar Figures of Love expanded into a full manga, with a little bit of padding added to Glass Syndrome to have two well-fleshed-out stories. I would still reread this and overall did like it!
❧ 3 ★
Glass Syndrome is a complicated romance manga that follows two different relationships. In the much longer chapter one, 'Glass Syndrome,' Nijou is a chronic people pleaser who is asked to check up on an absent student he used to go to school with, Toomi, only to discover that his father skipped town and abandoned him He later uncovers exactly how Toomi has been making enough money to get by, and this inspires a lot of complicated feelings about himself and what he wants. In the shorter chapter two, 'Similar Figures of Love,' Kasumi has an unrequited crush on his friend and roommate, Chihiro, while Kasumi's upperclassman in the music department, Saiki, has an unrequited crush on him.
I walked away from this manga with very conflicted feelings. Overall, I loved the art style and I liked how complicated and broken the relationships were. (As Marie Kondo would say, I love mess.) Nijou and Toomi both have struggles and refuse to communicate at times, but I ultimately enjoyed how their story ended. On the other hand, I felt as if their story could have had more development, as their bigger conflict felt like it came to a breaking point too early. For one thing, Toomi used to go to school with Nijou and often mentions how he was 'back then,' alluding to some kind of history with him, and I thought that would be explored more and factor into their relationship. In the end, though I was rooting for them, it seemed like their story was missing some pieces.
When the second story began, I actually mistook Kasumi for Nijou for a moment and thought we'd be getting a bit of backstory for Nijou and Toomi's younger days. I didn't mind having a second story in the manga, and I love a good chain of unrequited love, but wanting more development from the first relationship left me wondering why a second had been added. (And this is totally on me, but their size difference had me worried that Kasumi was a lot younger than Saiki. It took me way too many rereads to figure out they were going to university and not a boarding middle/high school.)
One thing I enjoyed about both stories was the elements of consent added in. For Glass Syndrome, Nijou adorably asks for consent for everything until Toomi tells him it isn't necessary, and in Similiar Figures of Love, Saiki is reprimanded for stealing a kiss from Kasumi and the only way they kiss again is if Kasumi asks for it. I loved the potential of both dynamics and would have preferred to see Similar Figures of Love expanded into a full manga, with a little bit of padding added to Glass Syndrome to have two well-fleshed-out stories. I would still reread this and overall did like it!
❧ 3 ★
January 9, 2023
Nijou is class president who is beloved by all of his classmates. Yet despite them looking up to him all the time, he is terrified he will let them down if he is anything but perfect. When his homeroom teacher asks him to check in on another student, Toomi, who has been absent for a while.
Toomi is able to see through Nijou's insecurities, but he has a secret of his own. His father has been gone for months, having run off to escape his gambling debts, leaving Toomi to try to make do on his own. Unable to tell anyone what's actually happened, Toomi began performing in drag on a cam site as "Haruka" to earn money.
When Nijou accidentally finds out, he's unsure whether he should tell Toomi or not. But the longer he holds on to the secret, the more time he spends watching Haruka, Nijou begins having feelings for her. Or is it Toomi he has feelings for? And what will happen with Toomi finds out he knows?
This manga starts out with this story of Nijou and Toomi, but there were several places where I would get confused or lost with what was happening. Part of that was the lack of clarity on which dialog bubbles belonged to which person, part was the interspersing of spoken dialog and thought that was mixed so much it was hard to tell not only which was which, but who was thinking and who was speaking, and in part because there was a sparseness to the story that seemed to have it skipping parts. I don't know if it actually did or if I was just missing something, but the result made the development of their relationship seem like an "insta-love" when I don't think it was supposed to be.
Then, right about the time I was actually getting a handle on the story, the manga switches to an entirely different story with entirely new characters. While the theme was similar, with one boy in love with another boy, who is - in turn - in love with a third boy, the abrupt switch to the new story that had characters that looked a lot like Toomi and Nijou but weren't them only added to the confusion.
While we did get a bit of a resolution to the Toomi/Nijou story in the next chapter, there was - yet again - a sense of missing parts of the story. There was obviously a time skip, but how much and why? I have no idea.
Though this is listed as the first volume in an apparent series, I don't think I'll be reading more. It's not that this was a bad manga story, it just wasn't for me. If you like stories that provide more space for you to fill in what's happening, then maybe you'll enjoy this one. If, on the other hand, you prefer stories with more detail and character development, then you should probably skip this one as it's definitely lacking in those two aspects.
Toomi is able to see through Nijou's insecurities, but he has a secret of his own. His father has been gone for months, having run off to escape his gambling debts, leaving Toomi to try to make do on his own. Unable to tell anyone what's actually happened, Toomi began performing in drag on a cam site as "Haruka" to earn money.
When Nijou accidentally finds out, he's unsure whether he should tell Toomi or not. But the longer he holds on to the secret, the more time he spends watching Haruka, Nijou begins having feelings for her. Or is it Toomi he has feelings for? And what will happen with Toomi finds out he knows?
This manga starts out with this story of Nijou and Toomi, but there were several places where I would get confused or lost with what was happening. Part of that was the lack of clarity on which dialog bubbles belonged to which person, part was the interspersing of spoken dialog and thought that was mixed so much it was hard to tell not only which was which, but who was thinking and who was speaking, and in part because there was a sparseness to the story that seemed to have it skipping parts. I don't know if it actually did or if I was just missing something, but the result made the development of their relationship seem like an "insta-love" when I don't think it was supposed to be.
Then, right about the time I was actually getting a handle on the story, the manga switches to an entirely different story with entirely new characters. While the theme was similar, with one boy in love with another boy, who is - in turn - in love with a third boy, the abrupt switch to the new story that had characters that looked a lot like Toomi and Nijou but weren't them only added to the confusion.
While we did get a bit of a resolution to the Toomi/Nijou story in the next chapter, there was - yet again - a sense of missing parts of the story. There was obviously a time skip, but how much and why? I have no idea.
Though this is listed as the first volume in an apparent series, I don't think I'll be reading more. It's not that this was a bad manga story, it just wasn't for me. If you like stories that provide more space for you to fill in what's happening, then maybe you'll enjoy this one. If, on the other hand, you prefer stories with more detail and character development, then you should probably skip this one as it's definitely lacking in those two aspects.
August 22, 2021
I really liked this book and the characters were interesting. I find that the story wasn’t given enough space to breathe though, but this can be chalked up to the medium of one shots.
Nijou is a goody two shoes who is popular and liked by all his classmates and teachers. He puts on an easygoing mask but in reality all these expectations people have placed on him fill him with a lot of anxiety, to the point where he can hardly say no to anything people ask of him. He gets along with everyone but to avoid any further headache keeps everyone at an arm’s distance. One day a teacher asks him to check on an absente classmate, Toomi. Nijou not wanting to disappoint the teacher begrudgingly agrees. When he gets to talk to Toomi it turns out they were classmates in their previous school too, though never really talked. However, Toomi is not touched by being checked up on, see he knows about Nijou’s people pleaser tendencies and he sees through Nijou within minutes, which leaves the other boy in shambles. He also “accidentally” finds an online camgirl’s site who might or might not be Toomi. After this encounter Nijou suddenly finds himself wanting to get closer to Toomi which is further motivated by the fact that he thinks Toomi is kinda hot.
I loved the art for this one. The intense feelings the characters have been dealing with are portrayed really well and that is when the manga truly shines. You get caught up easily in wanting to know more about these characters. I really liked the message that when Nijou was around Toomi he didn’t feel like he had to pretend to be anyone else but himself.
The characters were really interesting and had depth and I would have loved to explore them further and see them develop and grow in a longer story format. It would have made an even more touching story.
Unfortunately, this is just a oneshot so the pacing is faster than what the story deserved and has no time really linger on the details, to let the characters breathe. Things happened a bit too quickly at the beginning with little build up for me.
Toomi seemed to know way too much about Nijou for a first time talk. It made me wonder why he paid so much attention to him at school. While I loved Toomi’s internal reaction and panic to being seen through so easily the vomiting seemed be such an over the top reaction. Toomi also seemed a bit agressive with how he snapped at Nijou at the beginning and how his flirting manifested as “pushing Nijou to the brink of tears while I drop truth bombs on him”. I would have loved to see a more natural build up and better communication between the two.
Nijou is a goody two shoes who is popular and liked by all his classmates and teachers. He puts on an easygoing mask but in reality all these expectations people have placed on him fill him with a lot of anxiety, to the point where he can hardly say no to anything people ask of him. He gets along with everyone but to avoid any further headache keeps everyone at an arm’s distance. One day a teacher asks him to check on an absente classmate, Toomi. Nijou not wanting to disappoint the teacher begrudgingly agrees. When he gets to talk to Toomi it turns out they were classmates in their previous school too, though never really talked. However, Toomi is not touched by being checked up on, see he knows about Nijou’s people pleaser tendencies and he sees through Nijou within minutes, which leaves the other boy in shambles. He also “accidentally” finds an online camgirl’s site who might or might not be Toomi. After this encounter Nijou suddenly finds himself wanting to get closer to Toomi which is further motivated by the fact that he thinks Toomi is kinda hot.
I loved the art for this one. The intense feelings the characters have been dealing with are portrayed really well and that is when the manga truly shines. You get caught up easily in wanting to know more about these characters. I really liked the message that when Nijou was around Toomi he didn’t feel like he had to pretend to be anyone else but himself.
The characters were really interesting and had depth and I would have loved to explore them further and see them develop and grow in a longer story format. It would have made an even more touching story.
Unfortunately, this is just a oneshot so the pacing is faster than what the story deserved and has no time really linger on the details, to let the characters breathe. Things happened a bit too quickly at the beginning with little build up for me.
Toomi seemed to know way too much about Nijou for a first time talk. It made me wonder why he paid so much attention to him at school. While I loved Toomi’s internal reaction and panic to being seen through so easily the vomiting seemed be such an over the top reaction. Toomi also seemed a bit agressive with how he snapped at Nijou at the beginning and how his flirting manifested as “pushing Nijou to the brink of tears while I drop truth bombs on him”. I would have loved to see a more natural build up and better communication between the two.
August 7, 2021
This was a cute manga that I read in one sitting! I wasn't expecting too much from it and it lived up to that expectation. We follow two couples here, but the first couple is the one that we follow the most. It's a romance between two high schoolers who are the opposite, but they are lonely in a way. The main character, Nijou, is known to be the popular kid at school, and being the class president, he has to take care of all of the students. He gets asked to do a lot of things by teachers and students, and that starts to pressure him. The story starts when a teacher asks him to check up on a student that has been absent from the start of the semester and that's how the two MCs meet. It's not love at first sight and I liked it for that. The love interest has been staying home after finding out that his dad has been in debt with loaners and he doesn't go to school anymore since then. The two start talking and caring for each other. That is how the story goes and it's interesting to see how their relationship grows from there. They go from acquaintances to friends and eventually something more by the end. This was a cute story to follow and I would love to read on with a second volume if there is one in the future!
July 12, 2021
Glass Syndrome is actually a collection of two short mangas and their sequels/epilogues: the titular story being about Nijou, a chronic people pleaser (to the point where it’s at his own detriment) and Toomi, the delinquent he’s sent to check up on when Toomi doesn’t show up at school.
The other story ‘Similar Figures of Love’ is about Kasumi, a young musician in love with his friend Chihiro, who doesn’t return his affections. Instead, Kasumi finds understanding and affection in the arms of his upperclassman, Saiki.
The first story is definitely worth being the titular one. It addresses much more complex themes and goes into the flaws of both Nijou and Toomi. Both are imperfect and aching for love and protection. Seeing them finally come together and support one another made my heart so very happy.
Similar Figures of Love was less gripping and fairly standard for a Yaoi plot. It wasn’t a bad plot, just quite light and plain, especially when compared to Glass Syndrome. Though perhaps that’s why this gentler story was paired with a heavy themed one.
Finally, the art is very well done, but the settings are general school settings and nothing really makes the story stand out. Still, because of how they tackled the heavier themes in the first story, I would definitely check out more from this artist.
Content warnings for off page sexual content, stalking, and suicidal thoughts.
*Thank you TOKYOPOP (LOVE x LOVE) and NetGalley for the ARC*
The other story ‘Similar Figures of Love’ is about Kasumi, a young musician in love with his friend Chihiro, who doesn’t return his affections. Instead, Kasumi finds understanding and affection in the arms of his upperclassman, Saiki.
The first story is definitely worth being the titular one. It addresses much more complex themes and goes into the flaws of both Nijou and Toomi. Both are imperfect and aching for love and protection. Seeing them finally come together and support one another made my heart so very happy.
Similar Figures of Love was less gripping and fairly standard for a Yaoi plot. It wasn’t a bad plot, just quite light and plain, especially when compared to Glass Syndrome. Though perhaps that’s why this gentler story was paired with a heavy themed one.
Finally, the art is very well done, but the settings are general school settings and nothing really makes the story stand out. Still, because of how they tackled the heavier themes in the first story, I would definitely check out more from this artist.
Content warnings for off page sexual content, stalking, and suicidal thoughts.
*Thank you TOKYOPOP (LOVE x LOVE) and NetGalley for the ARC*
July 14, 2021
Nijou and Toomi are polar opposites.
One is an athlete, class president, and the popular boy everyone wants something from. The other sticks to himself, is quiet, and slowly starts to fade into the background. Both are broken in their own ways and start to hope for more after first meeting.
Although I do feel as if the story itself lacked some depth, it did what it set out to do in making you want both of these characters to be happy together. This was a very quick read and the art style made everything flow well together.
There is a second short story following two different characters that felt a little more surface level than Glass Syndrome. Boy pines after boy that is in love with his best friend.
The added bonus chapters at the end were a great addition as it showed you a glimpse into what their futures looked like.
Overall both were enjoyable reads and I would definitely look into more from this artist.
Thank you to NetGalley and TOKYOPOP for a copy of this eARC.
One is an athlete, class president, and the popular boy everyone wants something from. The other sticks to himself, is quiet, and slowly starts to fade into the background. Both are broken in their own ways and start to hope for more after first meeting.
Although I do feel as if the story itself lacked some depth, it did what it set out to do in making you want both of these characters to be happy together. This was a very quick read and the art style made everything flow well together.
There is a second short story following two different characters that felt a little more surface level than Glass Syndrome. Boy pines after boy that is in love with his best friend.
The added bonus chapters at the end were a great addition as it showed you a glimpse into what their futures looked like.
Overall both were enjoyable reads and I would definitely look into more from this artist.
Thank you to NetGalley and TOKYOPOP for a copy of this eARC.
July 22, 2021
Thank you to TokyoPop and NetGalley for an eARC of this manga. All opinions are my own.
This manga follows Toomi, who's father left him, and Nijou, the poster child who was told to check up on Toomi.
The story itself was alright. I enjoyed the plot, but the real standout is the two main characters, who are both very dynamic. This manga pretty much focuses on the faults and insecurities of the two MCs as they fall in love, and that aspect was well done.
On the other hand, I thought the pacing wasn't the best, and some aspects of the story didn't make sense. There is an entire side story that had no bearing on the original plot, and it was both confusing and kind of pointless.
I thought the main romance was cute, but it wasn't my favorite story overall.
This manga follows Toomi, who's father left him, and Nijou, the poster child who was told to check up on Toomi.
The story itself was alright. I enjoyed the plot, but the real standout is the two main characters, who are both very dynamic. This manga pretty much focuses on the faults and insecurities of the two MCs as they fall in love, and that aspect was well done.
On the other hand, I thought the pacing wasn't the best, and some aspects of the story didn't make sense. There is an entire side story that had no bearing on the original plot, and it was both confusing and kind of pointless.
I thought the main romance was cute, but it wasn't my favorite story overall.
July 12, 2021
Glass Syndrome was a really sweet, slow-burn MM manga. I enjoyed the interactions between Nijou and Toomi and I thought the development of their relationship moved along at a good and believable pace. The illustration style was also appealing, each panel clear and well thought-out. The additional little bonus stories at the end were also fun. Recommended if you like the sweeter end of the BL manga spectrum. It gets 4.5 stars from me.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2021
3 stars *may change
I think romance mangas can be really light and fun reads, and this was definitely easy to get through. An LGBT story formed by reluctant partnership blooms into more as the two boys spend more time together and discover the others' secrets.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader's copy
I think romance mangas can be really light and fun reads, and this was definitely easy to get through. An LGBT story formed by reluctant partnership blooms into more as the two boys spend more time together and discover the others' secrets.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader's copy
January 2, 2024
3.3 stars
I feel like there could've been more in both of the stories. It was cute and I loved the chemistry the couples had but the endings were missing things. I always love bls tho so ofc I loved them.
I feel like there could've been more in both of the stories. It was cute and I loved the chemistry the couples had but the endings were missing things. I always love bls tho so ofc I loved them.
June 18, 2024
Pretty good..
September 28, 2021
CW: Absent parents/Abandonment, Self Loathing, Stalkers, Online Crossdressing for Money (Sort of like only fans, this is hard to describe), Masturbation (16+)
This story was really well done! It's about a young boy named Nijou, the class president, who gets assigned to check out a struggling classmate. Toomi is a boy with a lot of problems relating to his family and living expenses. These two strike up a friendship that becomes more.
I really enjoyed this manga. The art is gorgeous, and I love how the characters are developed in such a short amount of time. I felt so bad for Toomi and his situation. It was hard not to fall in love with these two and want them to be happy.
I really just wanted this story to be longer and more fleshed out.
There's a bonus story in this volume with a boy who has an unrequited love. I could relate to that, so I enjoyed that one, as well.
Overall, I would recommend this one if you're looking for a teen BL to read.
This story was really well done! It's about a young boy named Nijou, the class president, who gets assigned to check out a struggling classmate. Toomi is a boy with a lot of problems relating to his family and living expenses. These two strike up a friendship that becomes more.
I really enjoyed this manga. The art is gorgeous, and I love how the characters are developed in such a short amount of time. I felt so bad for Toomi and his situation. It was hard not to fall in love with these two and want them to be happy.
I really just wanted this story to be longer and more fleshed out.
There's a bonus story in this volume with a boy who has an unrequited love. I could relate to that, so I enjoyed that one, as well.
Overall, I would recommend this one if you're looking for a teen BL to read.
March 15, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley, ToykoPop and LOVExLOVE for the PDF form of this manga to read in exchange for a honest review.
A people pleaser that wears a mask. A man that fears abandonment. These two are the main characters within Glass Syndrome. Nijou is a highschooler that fears letting people down and is constantly stressed of not being what everyone wants. This means he’s the Class President, he’s constantly being pulled to help out in events, and within the first few pages, he’s asked by the teacher to go check on a wayward student -- Toomi.
Recently abandoned by his own father, Toomi is trying to find his way once more. Weirdly enough, this path means not going back to school?
Joking aside, no. Toomi is depressed and trying to figure out things after his father skips town to hide away from debt collectors. Granted, it would’ve been nice for Toomi’s father to, I don’t know, leave a letter? Give a return date? Anything more than just up and leave.
Toomi is lonely and is afraid to reattach himself to anyone in fear of abandonment. This fear is very overwhelming for him and is the main focus of the manga for both Toomi and Nijou.
The story obviously starts when Nijou goes to Toomi’s apartment.
Toomi is very blunt about Nijou. He calls out his people pleasing tendencies and how it makes him look like he’s about to cry at times. Nijou is obviously touch-starved as he reacts whenever someone touches him early on in the manga. While there, Toomi lets Nijou borrow his coat and when Nijou gets home, he finds an URL, where he finds out how Toomi’s been supporting himself since his father left.
I can’t really say anymore without giving away major plot lines as this is a very short manga. Actually, this manga has 4 stories in the one volume. 2 stories follow Nijou and Toomi, and the other 2 shorter ones follow two other high schoolers and it weaves a tale of unrequited love.
I’ll leave the other 2 stories a complete surprise as they were for me. I will admit that compared to Toomi’s and Nijou’s, the second story was very lackluster for me. But it was nice to get an additional story along with Toomi’s and Nijou’s.
Overall, I give this manga a 3 out 5. It was a good read but it was nothing grand for me. Toomi’s and Nijou’s relationship moved very, very quickly and I wish it was a bit more slow burn. What really knocked the rating down was the two additional short stories about unrequited love. The last one specifically was very unnecessary in my opinion.
The publish date is Aug 10, 2021! Be sure to pre-order it or go grab it then if you want to give this manga a read!
A people pleaser that wears a mask. A man that fears abandonment. These two are the main characters within Glass Syndrome. Nijou is a highschooler that fears letting people down and is constantly stressed of not being what everyone wants. This means he’s the Class President, he’s constantly being pulled to help out in events, and within the first few pages, he’s asked by the teacher to go check on a wayward student -- Toomi.
Recently abandoned by his own father, Toomi is trying to find his way once more. Weirdly enough, this path means not going back to school?
Joking aside, no. Toomi is depressed and trying to figure out things after his father skips town to hide away from debt collectors. Granted, it would’ve been nice for Toomi’s father to, I don’t know, leave a letter? Give a return date? Anything more than just up and leave.
Toomi is lonely and is afraid to reattach himself to anyone in fear of abandonment. This fear is very overwhelming for him and is the main focus of the manga for both Toomi and Nijou.
The story obviously starts when Nijou goes to Toomi’s apartment.
Toomi is very blunt about Nijou. He calls out his people pleasing tendencies and how it makes him look like he’s about to cry at times. Nijou is obviously touch-starved as he reacts whenever someone touches him early on in the manga. While there, Toomi lets Nijou borrow his coat and when Nijou gets home, he finds an URL, where he finds out how Toomi’s been supporting himself since his father left.
I can’t really say anymore without giving away major plot lines as this is a very short manga. Actually, this manga has 4 stories in the one volume. 2 stories follow Nijou and Toomi, and the other 2 shorter ones follow two other high schoolers and it weaves a tale of unrequited love.
I’ll leave the other 2 stories a complete surprise as they were for me. I will admit that compared to Toomi’s and Nijou’s, the second story was very lackluster for me. But it was nice to get an additional story along with Toomi’s and Nijou’s.
Overall, I give this manga a 3 out 5. It was a good read but it was nothing grand for me. Toomi’s and Nijou’s relationship moved very, very quickly and I wish it was a bit more slow burn. What really knocked the rating down was the two additional short stories about unrequited love. The last one specifically was very unnecessary in my opinion.
The publish date is Aug 10, 2021! Be sure to pre-order it or go grab it then if you want to give this manga a read!
August 26, 2024
*Original Review 8/24/2021*
Rating: 2*
I feel like I need to reread this because I read a huge chunk one day and then finished it another day and it felt weirdly too short. I kept forgetting that I had read so much? Like it felt I had more left to read so when I finished it it was like… that was it?
I think the concept is interesting and would’ve worked better for a longer story, so there could be a little bit more time to soak in the conflict. It was resolved a little to quickly and I would’ve preferred the romance to be a bit more of a slow burn. I don’t mind that they liked each other quickly, but for this it would’ve been a little more satisfying if there was more buildup.
Hm not my favorite, but not bad.
*Reread 8/25/2024*
It's kind of crazy that this is my third time reading this yet I had no recollection of anything that happened in this book at all. I decided to reread because I was debating unhauling my copy of this book. It was a pretty quick read and despite this book being extremely unmemorable for me it's not a bad book. I think my previous two star rating was a bit too harsh, because I did like what I read so I'm bumping it up to a 3. I think I've gotten a lot more used to reading one shots so I don't think the story went by as fast as I did when I first read it. The first story is about two different sides of loneliness and the second is about unrequited love and moving on. I liked a lot of what both did. I just don't understand why this book has like no impact on me lol. Anyway I liked this read of it so I'll probably keep the book on my shelves for now.
Rating: 2*
I feel like I need to reread this because I read a huge chunk one day and then finished it another day and it felt weirdly too short. I kept forgetting that I had read so much? Like it felt I had more left to read so when I finished it it was like… that was it?
I think the concept is interesting and would’ve worked better for a longer story, so there could be a little bit more time to soak in the conflict. It was resolved a little to quickly and I would’ve preferred the romance to be a bit more of a slow burn. I don’t mind that they liked each other quickly, but for this it would’ve been a little more satisfying if there was more buildup.
Hm not my favorite, but not bad.
*Reread 8/25/2024*
It's kind of crazy that this is my third time reading this yet I had no recollection of anything that happened in this book at all. I decided to reread because I was debating unhauling my copy of this book. It was a pretty quick read and despite this book being extremely unmemorable for me it's not a bad book. I think my previous two star rating was a bit too harsh, because I did like what I read so I'm bumping it up to a 3. I think I've gotten a lot more used to reading one shots so I don't think the story went by as fast as I did when I first read it. The first story is about two different sides of loneliness and the second is about unrequited love and moving on. I liked a lot of what both did. I just don't understand why this book has like no impact on me lol. Anyway I liked this read of it so I'll probably keep the book on my shelves for now.
July 17, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Tokyopop, and Eiko Ariki for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are two stories in this manga, though the main story, Glass Syndrome, is the main larger work. Nijou is a popular student who tends to go out of his way to please others, rather than doing something for his own love of it. When asked to go to a classmate's house, someone who hasn't been to school in a while, Nijou finds he remembers a little bit about Toomi from their middle school days. What he doesn't expect is the life Toomi leads and the attracting he begins to feel.
Toomi dresses as a girl and posts videos and chats with men online for money, as his dad has a huge debt and disappeared without a trace. Now Toomi must do what he can to make ends meet. Toomi helps Nijou find a meaning to life that puts his own feelings before others.
The second story is much shorter and features a character who lives with a roommate he is in love with, but his roommate ends up getting a girlfriend. The unrequited love has an upper-class student aiming for a chance.
Both of these stories are well-written and well-drawn. They take a different look at boy love, focusing on the tougher aspects of a relationship's origin and the complications people tend to come with in their package deal. I thoroughly enjoyed both stories and would recommend this manga for a BL fan looking for something slightly more serious, as well as someone looking for a slice-of-life piece.
There are two stories in this manga, though the main story, Glass Syndrome, is the main larger work. Nijou is a popular student who tends to go out of his way to please others, rather than doing something for his own love of it. When asked to go to a classmate's house, someone who hasn't been to school in a while, Nijou finds he remembers a little bit about Toomi from their middle school days. What he doesn't expect is the life Toomi leads and the attracting he begins to feel.
Toomi dresses as a girl and posts videos and chats with men online for money, as his dad has a huge debt and disappeared without a trace. Now Toomi must do what he can to make ends meet. Toomi helps Nijou find a meaning to life that puts his own feelings before others.
The second story is much shorter and features a character who lives with a roommate he is in love with, but his roommate ends up getting a girlfriend. The unrequited love has an upper-class student aiming for a chance.
Both of these stories are well-written and well-drawn. They take a different look at boy love, focusing on the tougher aspects of a relationship's origin and the complications people tend to come with in their package deal. I thoroughly enjoyed both stories and would recommend this manga for a BL fan looking for something slightly more serious, as well as someone looking for a slice-of-life piece.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews