Never Hollowed By The Stare

Musubime wo Hodoitara – Ichi Bom

While drunk at a pub he was forced to go to by a fellow seminar member, Nishina reunites with Hase Ryosuke, a tea ceremony practitioner who captivated him with his beautiful manners at tea ceremonies when he was a child.When he gets drunk and asks for love advice, Hase presses him, saying, “Well, why don’t you try it with me?” Behind his carefree facade, Ryosuke is tied to the traditional family business and his family, and Yuzuru faces him honestly despite being pushed around – the path of first love that is forged by the tea ceremony.

Source: MU

Once You Loosen the Knot opens with a tea ceremony, a drunken rambling, and a proposition.

University student Yuzuru and tea ceremony practitioner Ryosuke began exploring their connection after meeting in a pub. Yuzuru recalled admiring Ryosuke as a child while watching him perform a tea ceremony. Now both adults, Ryosuke confessed to being bisexual after a spectaularly drunk Yuzuru revealed his curiosity about falling in love.

As a tea ceremony master, Ryosuke cuts a poised, zen-like figure, especially in a kimono. This sedate image belies a surprisingly forward and passionate nature, especially when Yuzuru is involved.

Yuzuru is discovering the joys of his first time everything and occasionally lapses into moments of insecurity regarding his relationship with the more experienced Ryosuke.

The manga’s vibe is wholesome and angst-free, with Ryosuke and Yuzuru smoothing any wrinkles through open communication like sensible adults. It’s a healthy relationship that’s total goals. Admittedly, the execution was somewhat blah, but overall, it’s a sweet story about first love.

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