Never Hollowed By The Stare

Omaede Dame Nara Moudameda – Sonoo Michiru

Best friends turned lovers in a single night…?

“The only one who can ever be with someone like me is you!!” Office worker Isejima suddenly goes down on his knees to propose to bar owner Yakumo, his best friend of ten years.

Jilted by his bride-to-be before their wedding, Isejima pleads his case about being single for the rest of his life and his fear of dying alone. Taken aback by Isejima’s ardent words, Yakumo nonetheless feels moved enough to unthinkingly accept!

If You Can’t Do It, It’s No Good Anymore is a best-friends-to-lovers romance with understated charm.

Isejima views marriage as social security. Freshly dumped by his fiancee and terrified of lifelong loneliness, he begs his best friend Yakumo to date him with marriage in mind. Having been a steady, reliable presence for a decade, he claims Yakumo is the only one for him. Isejima earnestly proposes, and Yakumo agrees.

This is a refreshingly straightforward story of two adults approaching dating and marriage with clear heads. Despite having no experience with men, they tackle hurdles and expectations sensibly, treating dating as a natural extension of their bond.

What will hit you straight to the kokoro are the zingers of care and affection, dropped so casually you’d almost miss it. For two men who had never been in love, these two aced the boyfriend roles effortlessly.

One zinger is how Isejima quietly makes sure not to repeat his past relationship mistakes, ensuring his ring and proposal to Yakumo is perfect. He even organized a flashmob for the occasion when he learned Yakumo loves them. The way he always declares Yakumo is the only one, or else he’s doomed, completely slays!

Another is how Yakumo prepares elaborate bento boxes for the workaholic Isejima. He even surprised Isejima by showing up in his office dressed to the nines, delivering bento when he learned Isejima’s co-workers gossiped about an “ugly boyfriend”.

Everything is done in a matter-of-fact, slice-of-life style, which only highlights the depth of Yakumo and Isejima’s connection. The third-person commentaries add a layer of humor, either showing how clueless Isejima could be or Yakumo’s hidden intentions.

Their relationship speaks of long years of friendship and trust. It’s a comfortable companionship and a blossoming passion. It’s the perfect example of the joys of dating one’s best friend.

Bonus couple is Iku, a fellow bartender, and Mito, his hikikomori artist boyfriend. These two have a unique dynamic, and I want their story.

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