Never Hollowed By The Stare

Koh-Boku – Michiru Sonoo

From good morning to good night, working like a horse, aiming for the betterment of Japan’s tomorrow… that is the duty of a civil servant (Koh-Boku), a public official of Kasumigaseki. One such Koh-Boku, Kyuu-san, has Kashiwagi by his side, a super-elite who is a dozen years his junior. Even though he thinks that he really should push his junior to stand on his own, he couldn’t bear to be parted from the pleasure of working passionately every day with Kashiwagi… but one day, their cozy relationship changed…?!

Civil Servant turned one of the most boring jobs into a setup for the most ridiculously endearing romance ever!

Imamiya works at the Ministry of Economics, Trade, and Industry, supported by his fiercely devoted second-in-command, Kashiwagi. Kashiwagi’s loyalty is legendary, he prepares Imamiya’s lunch, fixes broken fingernails, offers his lap for naps, and bombards him with reminders to take care of his fragile health.

Colleagues affectionately compare Kashiwagi to a loyal dog, and looks upon the two men’s relationship fondly. They would even go so far as to warn those interested in Kashiwagi not to bother because he has eyes only for Imamiya

That is to say, Kashiwagi and Imamiya were boyfriends even before they started dating. They just don’t know it yet.

The opening chapters may feel dry with policy talk, but I found them irresistibly charming. Amid the paperwork, Kashiwagi dotes on Imamiya with seamless care, heating meals, brewing tea, anticipating every need, spoiling his mentor so thoroughly that even Imamiya marvels at it.

The surly but reliable Kashiwagi is shaken to the core when Imamiya has a heart failure. His co-workers were so shocked when the normally unflappable Kashiwagi burst into tears. The second-in-command also clashed with Imamiya’s adopted son, adding another layer of tension.

When Imamiya returns to work and is temporarily transferred, Kashiwagi upped his already formidable devotion game even more. The transition from co-workers to lovers was a heartmelting scene of a very grouchy Kashiwagi with Imamiya coaxing him into hug because he knows the younger man badly misses him.

The koh-boku are hardcore workaholics, often in the office until 2 AM, quietly crafting policies for Japan’s future. Kashiwagi and Imamiya’s personal lives intertwine with their work, not effortlessly, but with dedication and fulfillment. Their romance mirrors that same commitment: low-key yet passionate, understated yet deeply impactful, and purely a desire to make each other happy.

I’m sorry, but this old men yaoi completely has me in a chokehold.

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