Really super cute m/m slow burn romance thing happening here.
Noshiro's an adorable, puppy-like hufflepuff who loves people and tries really hard to make everyone feel welcome and included, because he's changed school's a lot and knows how it feels to be on the outside. His exuberance is charming, but, like a big dog, sometimes he accidentally knocks people and things over. He becomes determined to be friends with the class loner, Sanada, who is rumored to be gay.
Much as I enjoy Noshiro, I really love Sanada. He's super withdrawn, and I felt so much for his situation. He wants to be left alone, to be allowed to be himself, but everyone constantly speculates and judges him because of those rumors. They're true, of course, but that shouldn't change the way anyone interacts with him. Even Noshiro does some really sketchy, homophobic stuff, although he takes criticism and immediately tries to improve his behavior. He's a sweet little introverted grump, and I adore him. Though I am a bit curious about his back story, because there's clearly some weird shit going on there since his ex-boyfriend is 26. (I like Hide but omg why are you so old, Hide?!?!)
Trigger warning for homosexual slurs. It was rather a lot, I felt, and, though it may be accurate for Japan idk, it felt a bit outdated to me now. However, it's all about that arc, going from unintended homophobia to true tolerance.
I'm totally on board this ship, and I wish all of the volumes were out because I don't want to waiiiiit.