What do you think?
Rate this book
ふたりでおかしな休日を #2
Confessions of a Shy Baker, Volume 2
Toshimitsu Yamamura, who runs a real estate business, and Genta Tsubakisaka, a caregiver, live together contentedly. In his spare time, Toshimitsu loves baking and making candies, and coincidentally, Gonta loves eating them! While their day to day lives might be full of difficulties and stresses, the time they spend together at their home café is a sweet treat.
194 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2022
3 people are currently reading
48 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 25, 2023
More like 3.5 stars, but I'm bumping it to 4 because people's reviews here continue to annoy me.
While this isn't likely to be a favorite series, I do find it interesting, and fairly different from traditional BL manga. US publishers tend to separate BL from LGBTQA+, which I don't always agree with (a longer topic), but I would personally slot this one a bit more into the second category. If you treat this like a traditional romance story, you're likely to be disappointed, and to miss the point.
It's more of a realistic slice-of-life narrative about various characters' experiences being queer in Japan. The relationship between Toshi and Gonta is honestly kind of sidelined, as not entirely the focus of the story. They're together, they have been for a while, they're happy, and we're just accompanying them as they bake/eat sweets and interact with the people around them.
Pororin gets a lot of page room in this volume, which I imagine will annoy a lot of people who haven't known someone very much like him...because yes, he continues to be an entirely realistic character. He's flamboyant and petty and combative and - actually a pretty good person, as it turns out, which is probably how he and Gon became friends. I was really surprised by the twist that he was the "crossdresser" Miss Kozue had been talking about, but of course that tells you a lot about her continued performance allyship, while showing that he has been actively going out of his way to build connections and educate others about his community.
Toshi spends a lot of time judging Pororin; Pororin, as it turns out, wasn't that bad of a dude. There's a lot more about his current relationship with his newly-out boyfriend, which is another story element that will likely rub a lot of people the wrong way. Again: this is a realistic depiction of some relationships. I'm not sure if the "cheating" lines are a mistranslation or something from the original text, and that's my only real complaint, because it's not cheating when you actively open a relationship and set ground rules, which they've done. Pororin isn't actually happy about it and is hoping his boyfriend gets everything out of his system and settles down with him; we'll see if that happens or not.
I didn't love the other dude "jokingly" embracing Toshi in the elevator while talking about ten-year-relationships getting stale; unlike Pororin's storyline, this felt unnecessary and out of place, so I do hope that sort of thing doesn't crop up too much in future volumes. But it wasn't as if Toshi was reciprocating at all, and a fair amount of space was given in this volume to showing the depth of Toshi's and Gonta's commitment to each other. Would I be happy if they eventually decided things were stale? Erm, honestly no, because I have more of an emotional attachment to their relationship as it is, but I don't really think it would head that way. Gonta is fairly possessive, particularly throughout these new chapters, and Toshi shows a lot of quiet care in turn.
I really liked the scene where Toshi apologized - through baking, and then verbally - for speaking without properly thinking about Gonta's feelings. Those are the kinds of moments that really stand out to me in this story, because there is some really, really lovely stuff about real world romance. I don't particularly agree with some of Toshi's stances, and I don't think readers are meant to. He and Gonta approach the world differently, and they respect each other's choices and timelines. Gonta is fully out at work and apparently to all his friends and family - Toshi had no issue with Gonta's niece knowing about him and their relationship, and they had some wonderful interactions in the last chapter.
He does still have a lot of hangups about being Too Visibly Gay in public settings, around strangers, and in his workplace/with his straight friends/acquaintances, but it was nice to see that even Pororin respected that and didn't try to out him at work. Toshi's getting there, with small moments like the lovely interaction with his yoga friend, but he needs to work through things at his own pace. I appreciate that he's being allowed that space.
I have volume 3 lined up next, so we'll see where it goes from here, but so far I'm fairly positive on this series.
While this isn't likely to be a favorite series, I do find it interesting, and fairly different from traditional BL manga. US publishers tend to separate BL from LGBTQA+, which I don't always agree with (a longer topic), but I would personally slot this one a bit more into the second category. If you treat this like a traditional romance story, you're likely to be disappointed, and to miss the point.
It's more of a realistic slice-of-life narrative about various characters' experiences being queer in Japan. The relationship between Toshi and Gonta is honestly kind of sidelined, as not entirely the focus of the story. They're together, they have been for a while, they're happy, and we're just accompanying them as they bake/eat sweets and interact with the people around them.
Pororin gets a lot of page room in this volume, which I imagine will annoy a lot of people who haven't known someone very much like him...because yes, he continues to be an entirely realistic character. He's flamboyant and petty and combative and - actually a pretty good person, as it turns out, which is probably how he and Gon became friends. I was really surprised by the twist that he was the "crossdresser" Miss Kozue had been talking about, but of course that tells you a lot about her continued performance allyship, while showing that he has been actively going out of his way to build connections and educate others about his community.
Toshi spends a lot of time judging Pororin; Pororin, as it turns out, wasn't that bad of a dude. There's a lot more about his current relationship with his newly-out boyfriend, which is another story element that will likely rub a lot of people the wrong way. Again: this is a realistic depiction of some relationships. I'm not sure if the "cheating" lines are a mistranslation or something from the original text, and that's my only real complaint, because it's not cheating when you actively open a relationship and set ground rules, which they've done. Pororin isn't actually happy about it and is hoping his boyfriend gets everything out of his system and settles down with him; we'll see if that happens or not.
I didn't love the other dude "jokingly" embracing Toshi in the elevator while talking about ten-year-relationships getting stale; unlike Pororin's storyline, this felt unnecessary and out of place, so I do hope that sort of thing doesn't crop up too much in future volumes. But it wasn't as if Toshi was reciprocating at all, and a fair amount of space was given in this volume to showing the depth of Toshi's and Gonta's commitment to each other. Would I be happy if they eventually decided things were stale? Erm, honestly no, because I have more of an emotional attachment to their relationship as it is, but I don't really think it would head that way. Gonta is fairly possessive, particularly throughout these new chapters, and Toshi shows a lot of quiet care in turn.
I really liked the scene where Toshi apologized - through baking, and then verbally - for speaking without properly thinking about Gonta's feelings. Those are the kinds of moments that really stand out to me in this story, because there is some really, really lovely stuff about real world romance. I don't particularly agree with some of Toshi's stances, and I don't think readers are meant to. He and Gonta approach the world differently, and they respect each other's choices and timelines. Gonta is fully out at work and apparently to all his friends and family - Toshi had no issue with Gonta's niece knowing about him and their relationship, and they had some wonderful interactions in the last chapter.
He does still have a lot of hangups about being Too Visibly Gay in public settings, around strangers, and in his workplace/with his straight friends/acquaintances, but it was nice to see that even Pororin respected that and didn't try to out him at work. Toshi's getting there, with small moments like the lovely interaction with his yoga friend, but he needs to work through things at his own pace. I appreciate that he's being allowed that space.
I have volume 3 lined up next, so we'll see where it goes from here, but so far I'm fairly positive on this series.
April 22, 2025
It's alright. I wish this wasn't a cooking manga though and just told lgbtq stories
August 28, 2024
This continues to just be ok for me. It had its good moments and it's not so great moments. I continue not to love the obsession with Gon’s food and all the calorie counting. I continue to not really like Toshi and his judgment of other people and internalized homomisia. He is constantly concerned that someone might find out he is gay and I just feel bad for Gon. They couldn't even go on a date without a bunch of rules from Toshi, which irritated me.
Overall, this series isn’t really working for me. I don’t really love the main character Toshi and the rest of the story isn’t enough to keep me reading.
TW: calorie-counting, dieting, homomisia
Overall, this series isn’t really working for me. I don’t really love the main character Toshi and the rest of the story isn’t enough to keep me reading.
TW: calorie-counting, dieting, homomisia
August 29, 2023
More Toshi and Gon! I'm so happy.
This volume continues with the same themes of a loving, cozy relationship between two gay men navigating the circumstances of life together while eating delicious desserts.
Maybe one reason why I love the series so much is that it's almost grumpy x sunshine! It's just a very relatable anxious x sunshine, which is both better and worse. Toshi's anxiety about everything having to do with his identity so genuine and valid.
Pororin and Toshi's rivalry makes me laugh. Yes it's absolutely spiteful! but it's also funny. No one is truly being hurt, and they seem to enjoy sniping at one another.
I'm not quite sold on the poly relationship. I love the idea, but one of the partners appears to be more desperate than enthusiastic about the situation which is sad. It's also depicted as one of the characters playing the field and cheating temporarily, rather than as a workable long term situation.
Thankfully this volume toned down a little bit on the healthy eating, avoiding any extra commentary and sticking to low calorie recipes lovingly crafted every week by a man who loves to surprise his sweet tooth boyfriend.
My one disappointment is in the missed opportunity of
All in all, still a delight. I laughed out loud several times in public, which was embarrassing but nice. Looking forward to more!
This volume continues with the same themes of a loving, cozy relationship between two gay men navigating the circumstances of life together while eating delicious desserts.
Maybe one reason why I love the series so much is that it's almost grumpy x sunshine! It's just a very relatable anxious x sunshine, which is both better and worse. Toshi's anxiety about everything having to do with his identity so genuine and valid.
Pororin and Toshi's rivalry makes me laugh. Yes it's absolutely spiteful! but it's also funny. No one is truly being hurt, and they seem to enjoy sniping at one another.
I'm not quite sold on the poly relationship. I love the idea, but one of the partners appears to be more desperate than enthusiastic about the situation which is sad. It's also depicted as one of the characters playing the field and cheating temporarily, rather than as a workable long term situation.
Thankfully this volume toned down a little bit on the healthy eating, avoiding any extra commentary and sticking to low calorie recipes lovingly crafted every week by a man who loves to surprise his sweet tooth boyfriend.
My one disappointment is in the missed opportunity of
All in all, still a delight. I laughed out loud several times in public, which was embarrassing but nice. Looking forward to more!
March 25, 2023
Marrying someone knowing you can never be sexually attracted to them or romantically love them without them knowing is deceitful. That’s just a recipe for disaster. He’s just using any woman who will marry him as a walking incubator. He wants a family but doing it in such a terrible way is awful. Moving to another country where he can marry and have kids, dating someone who already has kids, surrogacy, or becoming a activist to fight to be allowed to marry and adopt kids would all be better options than that.
The guy who wants his homophobic mother to live with him-They didn’t want him to be affected by prejudice and discrimination so they discriminated against him and threw a bunch of prejudiced garbage at him and then went no contact with him for a year. What have they done to fix themselves? Have they gotten therapy to get rid of their homophobia? Why would he want to subject his boyfriend to a homophobe? Do they only want a relationship with him because their other family and friends are asking why they haven’t heard about him in so long? Are they only doing it for their image?
They keep using the word lifestyle. Being lgbt isn’t a lifestyle, it’s a core part of your identity that you can’t forcibly change. A lifestyle is going vegan, choosing how to practice your religion, deciding if you want to live in a van, it’s not about who you’re romantically attracted to or what your gender is.
There’s some cliche cheating because of course they’re gay so they’re cheaters(sarcasm). He definitely should tell his boyfriend about someone trying to get him to cheat. Lying about it makes it look bad.
The real estate guy has some internalized homophobia he’s gotta work through. By the end of the volume we see some growth, that he’s actually starting to think he should do something about all of the homophobia he sees and hears about.
The guy who wants his homophobic mother to live with him-They didn’t want him to be affected by prejudice and discrimination so they discriminated against him and threw a bunch of prejudiced garbage at him and then went no contact with him for a year. What have they done to fix themselves? Have they gotten therapy to get rid of their homophobia? Why would he want to subject his boyfriend to a homophobe? Do they only want a relationship with him because their other family and friends are asking why they haven’t heard about him in so long? Are they only doing it for their image?
They keep using the word lifestyle. Being lgbt isn’t a lifestyle, it’s a core part of your identity that you can’t forcibly change. A lifestyle is going vegan, choosing how to practice your religion, deciding if you want to live in a van, it’s not about who you’re romantically attracted to or what your gender is.
There’s some cliche cheating because of course they’re gay so they’re cheaters(sarcasm). He definitely should tell his boyfriend about someone trying to get him to cheat. Lying about it makes it look bad.
The real estate guy has some internalized homophobia he’s gotta work through. By the end of the volume we see some growth, that he’s actually starting to think he should do something about all of the homophobia he sees and hears about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
Toshimitsu Yamamura, who runs a real estate business, and Genta Tsubakisaka, a caregiver, live together contentedly but Tosh gets challenged because he is not out to anybody except Gente, and basically won't go out in public totally to prevent anybody from finding out, but that is getting harder since they got a dog and now they start getting caught together by people they both know from the gay community in the wild open outdoors.
At one point, they do go to a dinner together and Mitzi, a woman friend of Tosh's comes in with another female friend of hers. The two women join them and they have a awkward conversation as the other woman tries to flirt with Tosh, which sends Genta into an emotional headspin in which he seems to have uttered an insulting take down. Mitzi tells her friend that they are the ones that were inferfering rather than Genta just going crazy, and that they really owe the two guys an opologize and seperately makes sure she does so.
Then a niece of Genta's shows up after "fighting with her mother and runs out" and again Tosh is upset, but the girl seems to be there because she herself is having questions about her own sexuality, he finally gets the message even manages to be fairly comforting.
Again, this is a quick look at a relationship and I can see the growth that is going on. Although they have lived together for three years seemingly with little changing, they have entered a period of fairly quick change and we can to see it.
At one point, they do go to a dinner together and Mitzi, a woman friend of Tosh's comes in with another female friend of hers. The two women join them and they have a awkward conversation as the other woman tries to flirt with Tosh, which sends Genta into an emotional headspin in which he seems to have uttered an insulting take down. Mitzi tells her friend that they are the ones that were inferfering rather than Genta just going crazy, and that they really owe the two guys an opologize and seperately makes sure she does so.
Then a niece of Genta's shows up after "fighting with her mother and runs out" and again Tosh is upset, but the girl seems to be there because she herself is having questions about her own sexuality, he finally gets the message even manages to be fairly comforting.
Again, this is a quick look at a relationship and I can see the growth that is going on. Although they have lived together for three years seemingly with little changing, they have entered a period of fairly quick change and we can to see it.
July 5, 2023
I'm only coming in to write a review because I'm seriously getting tired of people labeling this "fatphobic"
If Toshi was using food to make Gon feel guilty or manipulate him... fine. But he's not. We have a situation where one partner was making so many sweets, the other gained a lot of weight and the doctor shared concerns over that partner's blood work results and overall weight. So what does he do? he helps his boyfriend stay on track and takes the time and energy to not only continue to bake for him but to do it in a way that his boyfriend can still enjoy the sweets that he loves without it negativly affecting his health. He would be doing a disservice to Gon if he'd just continued to bake and disregard Gon's health. Instead he makes him sweets full of love and care... just people see one person helping another stay accountable and it's all "noooo you shouldn't dictate what your partner eats. That's so horrible~!!" *facepalm* IF THAT PERSON CONSENTS TO/ASKS FOR THAT KIND OF HELP ITS NOT FLIPPING BAD. As someone who struggles with weight, having a partner there to help keep you on point so you can stay happy and healthy is in no way "fatphobic" and is incredibly helpful. It's the *way* that it's done - and Toshi does it in the most loving way possible
If Toshi was using food to make Gon feel guilty or manipulate him... fine. But he's not. We have a situation where one partner was making so many sweets, the other gained a lot of weight and the doctor shared concerns over that partner's blood work results and overall weight. So what does he do? he helps his boyfriend stay on track and takes the time and energy to not only continue to bake for him but to do it in a way that his boyfriend can still enjoy the sweets that he loves without it negativly affecting his health. He would be doing a disservice to Gon if he'd just continued to bake and disregard Gon's health. Instead he makes him sweets full of love and care... just people see one person helping another stay accountable and it's all "noooo you shouldn't dictate what your partner eats. That's so horrible~!!" *facepalm* IF THAT PERSON CONSENTS TO/ASKS FOR THAT KIND OF HELP ITS NOT FLIPPING BAD. As someone who struggles with weight, having a partner there to help keep you on point so you can stay happy and healthy is in no way "fatphobic" and is incredibly helpful. It's the *way* that it's done - and Toshi does it in the most loving way possible
July 14, 2025
I thought it was really sweet that Toshi's yoga instructor noticed he's gay and didn't say anything about it until he was ready to bring it up.
Pororin being the passionate cross-dressing educator was a surprise, as he was shown in the Vol. 1 omake to be uncomfortable with others seeing him be vulnerable in that way. Once again, it's nice to see people being considerate of Toshi's desire to remain in the closet for the time being.
Cheating is very normalized in Japan from what I've seen, so it seems like Pororin was forced into an open relationship for the sake of 'keeping' his partner. It's sad to see him rent a new place and look to feng shui for a sense of security... :(
I do not care for Gushiken making a move on Toshi in the elevator... what the hell would possess this guy to grab Toshi from behind like that?! Sexual harassment!! I hope Pororin beats some sense into him!!
Pororin being the passionate cross-dressing educator was a surprise, as he was shown in the Vol. 1 omake to be uncomfortable with others seeing him be vulnerable in that way. Once again, it's nice to see people being considerate of Toshi's desire to remain in the closet for the time being.
Cheating is very normalized in Japan from what I've seen, so it seems like Pororin was forced into an open relationship for the sake of 'keeping' his partner. It's sad to see him rent a new place and look to feng shui for a sense of security... :(
I do not care for Gushiken making a move on Toshi in the elevator... what the hell would possess this guy to grab Toshi from behind like that?! Sexual harassment!! I hope Pororin beats some sense into him!!
November 9, 2024
This series definitely has its issues, but I also think that it is a realistic depiction of how some people live their lives, so I can't really fault it for being flawed and problematic when it's realistic flaws and problems. Some of its themes may not be translating well due to cultural differences, but it's nice to have a BL manga that is more than just shy advances and passionate embraces. Each character is unique and faces their own challenges due to their previously lived experiences. Gon is the most adorable human alive, and Toshi is doing his best but needs some character growth.
The recipes all sound really good though; I like that they're included at the end of each chapter. I want to try them all.
The recipes all sound really good though; I like that they're included at the end of each chapter. I want to try them all.
November 28, 2024
Not too shabby
It's interesting to hear Toshi's take on sexuality after seeing how closeted and afraid he is. Like Gon mentioned, his parents probably already suspected and just don't care about it. I hope he gets the courage to be himself and ease some of his anxiety.
It doesn't seem like he's ashamed, more so just afraid of shaking up the status quo with people he knows. Considering he doesn't claim to have friends, I wonder if him not coming out is why?
I'm also really curious about the desserts he makes and if the ingredient substitutions still taste delicious. I love treats but have to limit myself sometimes for health reasons so maybe I'll find the courage to make one.
It's interesting to hear Toshi's take on sexuality after seeing how closeted and afraid he is. Like Gon mentioned, his parents probably already suspected and just don't care about it. I hope he gets the courage to be himself and ease some of his anxiety.
It doesn't seem like he's ashamed, more so just afraid of shaking up the status quo with people he knows. Considering he doesn't claim to have friends, I wonder if him not coming out is why?
I'm also really curious about the desserts he makes and if the ingredient substitutions still taste delicious. I love treats but have to limit myself sometimes for health reasons so maybe I'll find the courage to make one.
January 19, 2025
Hearing Toshi’s thoughts on sexuality was interesting, especially given how afraid and closeted he seems. Like Gon said, his parents probably already suspect and don’t care. I hope he finds the courage to be himself and ease his anxiety.
It seems less about shame and more about fear of disrupting the status quo. He even mentions not having friends, which makes me wonder if staying closeted contributes to that. Also, I’m really curious if his ingredient substitutions for desserts actually taste good!
It seems less about shame and more about fear of disrupting the status quo. He even mentions not having friends, which makes me wonder if staying closeted contributes to that. Also, I’m really curious if his ingredient substitutions for desserts actually taste good!
October 16, 2025
Idk I really wanted to give this series the benefit of the doubt, and I do think that overall this volume was an improvement from the last. But it’s just… not…. interesting? I don’t want to say it’s not good, I’m just still not compelled by any of the characters besides his yoga friend (the best part abt both volumes so far btw) and the new cousin character (which was a very cute and wholesome story beat). Besides those moments, this was still a drag. The baking segments are already tired and feel unnecessary, so it’s really hard to find motivation to continue this series.
December 1, 2024
This took me such a long time to read, especially for how short this is. I just don’t fully understand why Toshi is so untrue to himself. I feel so bad for Gon because he deserves to be loved and shown off in public. I know it’s different in Japan, but it just rubs me the wrong way. I might give the next volume a chance to see how it goes, but I don’t know.
August 7, 2023
This second volume became more interesting as the characters are more explored. I particularly like the conversations this series has about the closet. However, the fatphobia and obsessions with weight and calories prevailed and continued to take away from the story.
November 9, 2023
A lot of tough topics in this volume: different coming out stories, deciding to live a "straight life", and what to tell younger LGBT+ humans. Lots of character growth for both of our main couple and plenty of cute scenes as well. Enjoyed it a lot.
September 21, 2024
Volume 2- another hit!
I really liked the progression of Toshi opening up, and maybe becoming a little less oblivious. Very cute, and the final chapter of this volume with Gon's niece was really great.
I really liked the progression of Toshi opening up, and maybe becoming a little less oblivious. Very cute, and the final chapter of this volume with Gon's niece was really great.
December 1, 2025
3⭐️
This was better. We saw more of the not out partners personality and his reason to stay in in most aspects of his life. But my pet peeve for this series is that it resembles those recipe blog posts which have so much unnecessary exposition before the recipe and it is the opposite here.
This was better. We saw more of the not out partners personality and his reason to stay in in most aspects of his life. But my pet peeve for this series is that it resembles those recipe blog posts which have so much unnecessary exposition before the recipe and it is the opposite here.
May 19, 2023
i adore low-stakes, realistic lgbt manga so this is right up my alley <3 can't wait for the next volume
July 15, 2023
3.5 stars
February 23, 2024
Still similar to the first one. I don’t know if there will be an evolution in the way Toshi lives his homosexuality.
3,25/5
3,25/5
March 21, 2024
This was a very cute slice-of-life, and I loved the recipes.
March 27, 2024
Going from " you hussy!" to " you know... we're a family!" is 😘
July 25, 2024
This series has a lot of interesting discussions if you can get over the truly glacial pacing and the mostly irritating characters.
September 20, 2025
3.8⭐️ den ble *in fact* bedre lol
November 4, 2025
Complexities of love - is how I view this manga. But I’m glad that Toshi and Gon have each other ❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
Toshimitsu continues to examine the verious LGBTQIA experiences of people around him, and whips up even more delicious sounding desserts. I might try to make a few of them. I love recipes in books, especially when they're worked into the main story so smoothly.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews