See you later, Mermaid

by Dentō Hayane, 早寝電灯

Zwei einsame Fremde begegnen sich zufällig in einem Hotel am Meer. Eine Unterhaltung am Strand, ein netter Drink im Hotelzimmer ... Nur einer der beiden Reisenden weiß, dass sie eine gemeinsame Vergangenheit haben. Welches Geheimnis verbirgt er?

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

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2021

About the author

Pixiv: http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=14...

Reviews

[Phu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trong chuyến du lịch, Kazushi đã gặp Tatsumi, chàng trai đang ngồi cô đơn gần bờ biển. Sau khi bắt chuyện với Tatsumi, Kazushi biết được Tatsumi có một khả năng đặc biệt - cậu ta có thể sai khiến người khác làm theo lời mình nói. Tatsumi lại lo sợ sẽ làm tổn thương người khác bằng khả năng đặc biệt kia, nhưng Kazushi thì lại không hề sợ hãi về điều đó.

Thật sự là quyển này nó có cách kể chuyện kì lạ hơn những quyển manga bl mà mình từng đọc. Mình đã đọc Quái Mèo Độc Tấu của Hayane Dento và quyển này cũng y như quyển đấy, See you later, Mermaid sử dụng yếu tố magical realism để kể một câu chuyện buồn của cuộc sống, những niềm vui và đẹp đẽ của tình bạn. Ẩn sâu trong những tiếng sóng biển là những lời nói đã ấp ủ từ lâu.

Thông qua ký ức của Tatsumi trở về khi cậu từng là một cậu bé sống ở một thị trấn ven biển và làm quen với một cậu bạn - người duy nhất biết được khả năng đặc biệt của Tatsumi, người đó lại chính là anh chàng Kazushi mà Higaki vừa gặp.

Vâng, nghe có vẻ cấn cấn nhưng cách tác giả diễn giải mọi chuyện rất hợp lí. Mình thích nhất những chap khi còn nhỏ của Tatsumi và Kazushi, nó vừa đáng yêu vừa lại buồn. Cả hai là nạn nhân của những lời nói, lời nói có thể chứa đựng những điều tốt đẹp, vừa có thể chứa đầy gai nhọn; không cần khả năng của Tatsumi thì cả hai người bạn cũng biết lời nói bình thường cũng có thể hủy hoại một điều gì đó, nên họ cũng chọn cách chôn giấu mọi thứ.

Mình thích cách tác giả nói về những điều liên quan tới "lời nói", một câu chuyện về tình bạn vừa đẹp vừa buồn. Mình rất thích nội dung của See you later, Mermaid, nhưng xét về mối quan hệ của hai nhân vật mình vẫn thấy cấn cấn. Cách xây dựng tình yêu giữa Tatsumi và Kazushi rất cảm động nhưng mình thấy nó khá gượng ép, chỉ thông qua mỗi duy nhất một đoạn về suy nghĩ của Kazushi cũng không khiến mình hiểu rõ hết về lý do cậu ta chọn hẹn hò với mấy cô gái kia - mình thấy nó không khớp với những chap đầu. Và ở cuối truyện khả năng của Tatsumi được lý giải khá sượng, mình không quan tâm tới tình yêu của cả hai ở cuối, cũng không quan tâm tới cảnh H.

[Sollenbum · Rating 3 out of 5]

“See You Later, Mermaid” by Dento Hayane is a sweet story about two childhood friends who bond over dysfunctional families. The narrative structure is slightly circular and they realize more about each other as adults. The twist is that one of them can speak with the voice of the ocean which is coercive and can force people to do his bidding, making it dangerous. He therefore pulls away from his best friend because he is afraid he will hurt him, ironically hurting him in the process.

There are no actual mermaids in the manga, but there is oceanic magic. It is a light and sweet read with a mild spice level.

[Magda Doniec · Rating 5 out of 5]

trochę dziwna ale zakończenie bardzo fajne 🤩

[Agnieszka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Peppa]

For some reason I absolutely didn’t felt this one? I couldn’t really get into the story and for me it also didn’t have any huge emotional impact … maybe it wasn’t the right time to read this, so I won’t rank this one.

[Alisa]

DNF @ 30%

I didn’t like the art style and the writing is meh.

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh, that was great. that plot twist and the uno reverse card ? absolutely amazing. i loved it.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange premise. Tatsumi has the sea in his voice? And when he uses his voice that sounds like waves he can tell people what to do and they'll listen. There's no explanation as to why this happens, but I don't entirely mind that. Tatsumi meets Kazushi on vacation. They're both traveling alone and they decide to hang out. As the story goes on more and more is revealed, mostly in flashbacks and it's basically repeating the same parts, but then adding more on. I think it was an interesting way of telling it. It worked for the story.

I liked this and I thought the ending was pretty good/emotional, but there's just something about Dentou Hayane's work that I can't completely love. Maybe it's the writing? They're not bad at all, but perhaps just not exactly for me. I still like them for the most part though so I want to try more.

[Angi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story beginns with Tatsumi who is on a short vacation meeting Kazushi, who is also traveling on his own. Soon Tatsumi reveals that he has the power to make people do what he says but still Kazushi wants to get to know him better.
3 1/2 stars for this manga. I am not much of a fan of the art style but the story was very heart warming and cute.

[Curious Madra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty odd at the beginning but has some very sad parts(especially a hamster dying) that made me near to tears and of course the boys in this were absolutely adorable together . Definitely recommend this shounen ai /Yaoi manga ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sound of the waves here can drown out the sound of your crying.

I thought I was the only one who realized.

I don't know how such a short piece of work got me deep in my emotions like this but I loved this so much. The sense of melancholy running through the five short chapters was so strong and the way the story was presented made it so effective emotionally. A great little read to make you cry into your ramen, sniff a little, and feel your heart ache in the nicest way.

[ReadingMuffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diese „Superkraft“ von Tatsumi fand ich etwas zu unglaubwürdig/suspekt und entsprechend schweer nachvollziehbar. Dass die nicht gut gewählt und/oder dargestellt wird, obwohl sie so wichtig zu sein scheint, hätte man wirklich im Vorhinein merken müssen😅

Ansonsten aber ein sehr angenehmer Read :) Die Art und Weise, wie die Story geschildert wurde, hat mir, abgesehen von dem Spezielle-Fähigkeit-Manko super gut gefallen.

[lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

lágrimas en mis ojos, el mp3 is something so dear to me no tienen idea

[James_Silver_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I has bigger meaning that it looks like
Totally worth it

[kono · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.8☆ out of 5]
(BL's friends-to-lovers with recouncile and miscommunication trope)

Crying so much over this back in my first time reading it. Now, it felt like an okay-ish emotional trip. Yet for me it was still beautifully written with some bittersweet moments here and there. And the extra though, *chef's kiss*

I know this one's labeled as shounen-ai, but I'm currently dYING FOR THE EXTRA-

[Thu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm reading wayy too many self-indulgent works this year....

This series is cute and soft. The way it introduces the present first, then the past, then explains the present is quite interesting. Their affection for each other is passionate and it's evident that they're not only each other's friend, but also family and sollace. The mermaid voice power is a small touch of fantasy that serves as an enhancer to their bond, so no need to dig deep to the logistic. In all, it's a nice series to read in one sitting without thinking too much.

[James Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

This was quite a strange one to be honest. It starts off with a young man, Tatsumi, sitting by the ocean when someone comes up to him but sand gets into his eyes. They go back to the inn they’re both staying in (but didn’t know this) and later talk over drinks. Here Tatsumi tells the other man he has a mysterious power where he can make wave sounds and in doing so encourages people to act in a certain way - quite confusing I know but stick with me - but they seem to be fine with it. The following day, they go for a walk but the sea and one confesses love to the other. Okay, okay, okay so this seems to be moving way too quickly and, like others, I considered giving it a miss but do continue.

This is a really great story where we are taken back to Tatsumi’s childhood and friendship with Kazushi and how their bond grew and strengthened over the years. He finds out about his power, trying it out and agreed to keep it a secret. As their friendship blossomed, Tatsumi felt it was something more and was scared if he used the power on Kazushi so tries to repress it. I won’t say any more because the unfolding of the story is a very rewarding part of the reading experience and whilst things do get a bit complicated and unbelievable, the piecing together is done very well.

The writing and art style wasn’t my favourite but is readable and enjoyable to see the drawings. The characters are quite complex but I did like them a lot. There’s a lot of fluff and cutesyness in this manga but also deals with topics like domestic abuse and bullying but little development. The extra (chapter six) also contains some sexual content but once again limited and is not the focus.

I would definitely recommend reading this and if you’re not feeling it after the first two chapters to stick with it as it does gets better.

[Sparkling Lemonade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chinese title: 晚點見，美人魚

This one has 神率 of 59.9% on Chil-Chil!
5⭐️

A highly recommended manga from Hayane Dentou sensei, about childhood friends to lovers, with suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements.

The story unfolds through extension of time, piecing up fragments from the past and present, revealing the emotional development of the two main characters.

The seme fell for the uke first but dated girls as a way to hide his feelings. The uke also realized his feelings for seme and started to distant himself. Can they really let go of all their memories and move on? Or will they finally break the walls and take their relationship to the next level?

I especially liked the seaside as the main setting, where the two first met as little kids, had long talks during their teenage years, and reunited after separation as adults. I can hear the sound of waves and feel the fresh breeze just by looking at the drawings.

Uke’s power of speech can be confusing to some readers, ultimately people control their own thoughts and feelings, they listen to what they want to hear and ignore what they don’t.

[Bianca (The Ultimate Fangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my heart just skipped a beat.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars maybe? I'm actually a little surprised it didn't hit me harder, but maybe on future rereads it will. Maybe it's because it didn't head any of the directions I was expecting?

For one, I...was actually assuming from the title, cover, and summary that Tatsumi's secret was that he was a merman. I didn't realize that the title was just a play on "see you later, alligator." (That phrase works because it rhymes. If you just replace it with something else it doesn't particularly make sense.)

This is a story about how important words are, which is a message I hugely resonate with, and maybe that's why the choppiness of the writing didn't make it quite land as well as it should've. I do wonder, a little, if Manga Planet's translations aren't the best. This is the second one of theirs I've read this week where there are visible errors in the text, so it's possible there's some of the poetry missing, too. I'd forgotten that this is by the same mangaka who wrote The Cat Proposed , which I adored, and which did have a really soft, surprising literary eloquence to it.

There are elements of that here, which just miss the mark a little bit. So I'll try it again in a different mood to see if I can capture some of that magic.

I also don't know why it took me so long to connect the dots with Tatsumi and his childhood friend. In complete honesty, once I got to the flashback scenes with him meeting his glasses-wearing friend at the beach, I kept thinking...wow, I really love this character. He's so strong and brave and kind and has such an immensely wonderful connection with Tatsumi. It's a shame the story isn't about them, instead of this stranger he met at the beach as an adult!

So that was my second surprise...I went from "Tatsumi's a merman" to "his sea-speaking powers led to his childhood best friend's death, which is why he's afraid to open up to this handsome stranger and the possibility of new love."

That would've been an interesting story, too, if tragic. It ended up being less complicated and...kind of a cheap trick, really, to have Tatsumi's powers just not work on Kazushi. While I didn't want a tragic version, it almost seemed pointless to introduce these supernatural mind control powers and then have them be completely inconsequential.

Still, I did really love their backstory and their friendship, even if all this talk about the importance of words should've led them to communicate better with each other. They put each other through a lot of completely unnecessary pain over the years, and I sort of hate the idea that they were both actively dating other people while in love with each other the entire time. It feels like a massive waste for everyone, and to me reads differently than when one of them simply takes a whole lot longer to recognize his feelings are something more than friendship.

The ending was sweet, though, and it's overall a nice enough story. I just wish it could've been as amazing as I was hoping when I'd first heard about the licensing.

[78sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Von Anfang an konnte ich diesen Manga nicht wirklich genießen. Ich fand die Erzählweise sehr merkwürdig. Irgendwie war alles so abgehakt und es gab ständig Zeitsprünge, die ich teilweise nicht zuordnen konnte.
Es passiert auch nichts außer dem Zusammentreffen der beiden Typen und etlicher Rückblicke auf ihre gemeinsame Vergangenheit. An sich ist das echt süß und der winzig kleine fantastische/mythische Aspekt ist auch ganz nett, aber um mich wirklich zu begeistern passierte einfach viel zu wenig. So wenig, dass ich hier gar nicht viel zum Inhalt schreiben will, weil sonst alles vorweggenommen würde.
Die beiden Charaktere werden zwar mit ihrer Vergangenheit und Kindheit vorgestellt und es wird berichtet was sie denken, aber trotzdem kamen bei mir eher wenig Emotionen an. Das lag wohl an dieser sprunghaften Erzählweise.
Der Zeichenstil ist richtig schön. Vor allem wenn die beiden als Kinder dargestellt werden, fand ich den Stil mega schön und verspielt. Viele Details gibt es nicht, da sich fast alles auf den Gesichtern der beiden Protagonisten abspielt.
Der Manga ist weder schlecht noch gut für mich. Ich denke aber aufgrund des Erzählstils werde ich Mangas von Dento Hayane nicht mehr lesen.

Story 2,6/5
Emotionen 3,0/5
Charaktere 3,0/5
Zeichenstil 4,4/5
Lesegefühl 3,0/5
Gesamt 3,0/5

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tatsumi has had the power of suggestion since he was a child.

His voice takes on the quality of ocean waves and lulls the listener into doing what is suggested. It’s an ability that scared Tatsumi and that he never wanted to use.

When Tatsumi meets a crying Kazushi on the beach, he doesn’t think twice about sitting beside him. He knew he needed to comfort the boy. Both boys, as it turns out, have difficult home situations. It leads the two to bond.

Slowly, Tatsumi and Kazushi become inseparable. Tatsumi tells Kazushi about his special ability. The two trust each other immensely.

But, as they grow older, Tatsumi begins to realize that his feelings for Kazushi are far beyond platonic. He worries how his feelings may affect popular and handsome Kazushi.

Tatsumi is afraid he’ll use his ability on Kazushi and he doesn’t want to do that.

He decides to wipe himself from Kazushi’s memory, before things can get worse.

But, is it that easy to erase love?

This is such a cute little story!

I love me a quaint, seaside romance and this story fits the bill. The central relationship is so tender and wholesome. I appreciate how this story is as so focused on introspection, allowing readers to really get inside the interior lives of each character.

Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy short, queer romance stories with plenty of focus on character development~

[frau.meln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wer gern ruhige, atmosphärische (BL) Titel liest, ist hier an der richtigen Stelle.
Das erste Kapitel wirkt wie eine in sich abgeschlossene kleine Kurzgeschichte. Die folgenden Kapitel wurden genutzt, um diese mit Details aus beiden Perspektiven auszuschmücken. Leider wirkte der Perspektivwechsel manchmal ein wenig abrupt. Dennoch gefiel mir diese Erzählweise, da ich es liebe beide Gefühls- und Gedankenwelten nachvollziehen zu können.

Durch den rasanten Einstieg, hat es ein wenig gedauert, bis die Emotionen bei mir gelandet sind, aber am Ende hatte ich durchaus das Gefühl gerade eine wirklich schöne, mit Eigenheiten ausgestattet Geschichte gelesen zu haben. Denn einer der beiden Charaktere hat eine besondere Gabe, die der Geschichte einen gewissen Charme verleiht.

Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass ich auf Grund des Covers einen etwas weniger einfachen Zeichenstil erwartet hatte. Und irgendwie empfand ich die Geschichtsausdrücke manchmal als steif. Aber das ist wirklich meckern auf hohem Niveau, denn die Emotionen der Charaktere sind durchaus lesbar.

Insgesamt ist ‚See you later, Mermaid‘ ein niedlicher One Shot, den ich irgendwann gern noch einmal zur Hand nehme.

[Kris Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4 stars because I wish there was more to read lmao (╯°□°）╯︵ ( . 0 .) but also because of the fact that it seemed slightly underdeveloped. It was very realistic from my standpoint minus the wave speak. But in terms of gay relationship development, it seemed to hit the nail on the wha for certain scenarios and scenes. It is a happy ending and it does have depth. As a demisexual, it gives me great joy and it captures my heart strings as starting out as friends is always normally how I develop a relationship for long term companionship. I know that wasn’t their intention, but it felt good having a good sense of development going into it. I wish I could read more of maybe how their love and relationship blossoms, but it’s a good quick pick up to enjoy nonetheless.

[Mahima Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was definitely unique. This one has a supernatural undercurrent that pushes and pulls the decisions of the main characters. The storytelling unfolds so beautifully through time. We are first introduced to these two characters who are strangers on the same trip and soon realise that they are much more.

Tatsumi has the power of suggestion. He can make people do what he wants by using his voice. This power makes him insecure about his relationships.

It is a cute love story about childhood friends, growing up and getting over fears.
I also loved the world-building in the manga. You really feel like you are in a small town by the sea.

[Bee C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of two best friends that fall in love. They grow up in unstable households that they all turn to each other but are unable to voice their feelings. Loneliness and anxiety pull them apart but they come back and finally admit their feelings. I honestly didn’t think I’d like it with the first few pages but when the flashbacks started it grabbed my attention and then the repeat/retelling of their meeting on the beach kept me hooked. The magic powers that Taysumi has, play a part in the anxiety he has that you feel for him and just wanna hug him till he’s better. 🥺 when we get Kazushi’s point of view I’m the Fujoshi that’s rooting for their happy ending.

[Kiwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
i liked this one a lot it had such a bittersweet aura to it. i liked the way the story was set up so that we got to see events through both the MCs eyes which give us a better understanding of what their relationship is like. i liked the supernatural element here, even if it was kinda ambiguous and not really explained, since this wasn't the focus of the story (it is a romance after all so the focus will be on that) i don't have many complaints about that. the art was ok, not my favourite but nice enough and the story makes up for it i think.

[Hira Chaudhary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and sweet story about two boys who have loved each other since they were young, but neither of them thought they could tell the other. Tatsumi has the power of suggestion—if he tells you to do something, you’ll do it. So when he decides that he can never be with Kazushi because he doesn’t want to hurt him, he tells Kazushi to forget the ever met Tatsumi.

The only problem is that it doesn’t work. Kazushi remembers everything, and when they meet each other once again at the inn they had once planned to visit together, they get a second chance at being together, if only they’re willing to admit how they really feel this time.

[dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOBBING OMG, this was such a cute and hit you in the feels read!! Childhood friends, the power of words, LONGING, ughhh just end me now! The art is so beautiful and I love that this author always has a theme in their works that is explored and just, this is such a cool idea and has anyone ever watched your heart engraved herein? It reminded me of that

A story of childhood friends and love and hurt and longing and peace 🥹🥹🥹

[Lara Combina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es difícil de contar sin spoilear la historia completa, aún así, me encantó... Estoy enamorada de la relación que tienen ambos personajes, y el vínculo que tienen. Me encanta ver un final feliz de vez en cuando ♡
Es una historia adorable, y que el tema principal sea el poder de las palabras es algo que me llegó al corazón. Se lee de una sentada, lo recomiendo totalmente.