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Nakanai Hotaru – Ichikawa Kokoro
“I’ve hurt many people and ran back here.” Taishi who has been living in the countryside once again meets his childhood friend Ayase. Moving away when he was an elementary school student, Ayase returned back during the summer in order to look after his grandmother’s home. His childhood friend who was a crybaby when they were younger, has grown into a mature adult. However, once in while a troubled and pained expression appears on his face. With Ayase like this Taishi can’t leave him alone…
I have no idea why the title is such. Not really outstanding in anyway but if you like childhood friends to lovers stories, this could be for you.
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Sorekara, Kimi wo Kangaeru – Komatsu
Takashi and Yasu live in a small, boring country town. They’ve been friends since childhood, always together, and they’re still the closest of friends, even now in high school. However, Yasu holds feelings for Takashi that go beyond friendship. Before Yasu can put his feelings into words, the season changes to exam season, and Takashi confesses that he’ll be taking the exam for a University in Tokyo…
Expect tears.
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Ten Ten Shiro Shiro – Hayakawa Nojiko
A curious work revolving around “insects” with beautiful delicate artwork.
Creepy, disturbing undertones of a typical Hayakawa Nojiko manga
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Furueru Te No Saki – Madarame Hiro
They were friends in high school. Now that they are university students, Kou and Ichi have become a pair of rather dysfunctional lovers. Kou enjoys making Ichi jealous and often keeps him at arm’s length. But what will Kou do now that a new kid has captured Ichi’s gaze?
A one-shot about a manipulative bastard about to lose a lover. No fluff, just drama.
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Omamorishimasu, Dokomademo – Junko
Akira arrives in Tokyo from the countryside to start a new job but instead discovers that not only has his company disappeared but also his housing. Unemployed and homeless before he’s even started life in the big city, life’s looking pretty grim but maybe someone’s looking out for him after all because who should text him at that moment but his childhood friend Chihiro. Providing a home, cooking meals, and even pocket money – just why is Chihiro doing so much for someone he hasn’t seen since he was 10? Why does he consider Akira to be his best friend? And just who are those serious looking guys in suits? There just may be more excitement in the big city than Akira’s ever dreamed possible.
A reluctant bodyguard and his childhood friend seem interesting in theory but there was not enough fluff in this one. Best character was Hoshi. I sensed some tension between him and the older brother. I’m hoping the author would explore that.
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World’s End no Niwa – Motteke
Mutou, a university student, just started to live alone for the first time. In his new place, he met his next door neighbor, Uematsu, a translator living in a really old house haunted by the past. In a time where flowers are in full bloom in spring, Mutou begin to feel happiness and attraction from spending time together with Uematsu on his porch.
However, Mutou came to hear that Uematsu had someone important that he can’t forget…Will Uematsu be able to open up to Mutou at the end?
A slow brewing sweet romance begins now!Got bored and skimmed. Plus there’s the huge age gap. The only thing I like is the title.
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Yamada to Shounen – Mita Ori
On his way back from work on Christmas Eve, Yamada (26) discovers a drunk and crying high school boy and takes him home. That boy was mulling over being in love with someone of the same sex.
A straight adult and a gay high schooler.
It is a piece that sets gender aside as their hearts grow ever closer. This is Mita Ori’s long-awaited series.
Yamada looks like shit, is only 26 but act likes an old man. The boy is sweet and is good at cooking. The story was underwhelming but is thankfully kept short.
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Natura-turaly – Ichikawa Kei
A collection of stories, Includes:
1) Natura-turaly from Joshi BL
My twin brother and I, we like and dislike the same things. Whatever we do, we do together. I thought we’d always be together—it seemed obvious. But a man appeared who says he loves my brother. Is the world I thought would go on forever starting to collapse?!
2) Veranda Nite (On the Veranda)
3) Count 3632
4) Step One
Suichi does not like to socialize with people. Why does Hana keep finding excuses to talk to him?
5) Last Play from Itai Ero
A couple’s relaxed routine is disrupted when the one partner proposes a new kind of play. To his surprise, his significant other discovers a higher affinity to his role than expected.
6) Michidzure from Gesu BL
A boy who is easily roped into things & a cool beauty who is a natural asshole.Extra: Prologue & Afterword
Had mixed emotions about the first story. I wanted the twins to be together but I also wanted the two boys to be together. Argh, such dilemna! Second story ended on a hopeful note, third one was so-so, fourth was already posted here previously and the last two were NSFW.
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Sugar in My Coffee – Kitahata Akeno
A young coffee shop worker dreams of finding love.
The obvious hints were a bit embarrassing but he got what he deserved.
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Kuroi Megane to Akai Bara – Kobato Mebaru
The day I met with crybaby-kun.
Fluffy and sweet.
