Never Hollowed By The Stare

White Liar – Tomo Serizawa

Shiraishi Kei is a talented freelance beautician who’s experienced more downs than ups when it comes to past relationships, and so has decided to swear off love. However, when the mysterious up-and-coming actor Taiga Jinnouchi enters his life, their casual one-night stand turns into much more. Unbeknownst to Kei, Taiga has been harboring a secret for years — something that changes the meaning behind “fooling around” as the line between lies and sincerity are blurred in this whirlwind showbiz love story!

White Liar follows that plot where one MC seemed to be mysteriously drawn to the other and a deeper, past connection is hinted.

Kei was assigned to cut the young actor Taiga’s hair, and after the session, he and Taiga hooked up. The actor frequently showed up for more encounters, then later expressed his feelings for Kei. Kei, who had his fair share of bad relationships, was wary, unsure if Taiga was acting, having noticed how the actor seemed to absorb Kei’s emotions and reflect them back to him.

I find this an interesting take on actors, almost a shade even. Taiga is known as a chameleon actor, sinking so deep inside a character that he sometimes gets lost. He’s often described as transparent and able to absorb any color; hence, he’s incredible at acting. Kei wonders if he ever shows his true character.

Even with the familiar story, the execution made all the difference, and setting it in the context of the movie industry made it fresh. The past connection is wonderfully pure and full of youthful hopes and dreams. The present is angsty and dramatic with gorgeously drawn characters pining hard for each other.

How Taiga and Kei came to terms with their insecurities and feelings for each other was poignant and I loved the slight sense of melancholy and nostalgia for more innocent times that hung in the air. The summer vibe is captured perfectly, especially in the last chapter set in the backdrop of Taiga’s island hometown. It made for a breathtaking climactic scene!

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