Nora – Ayu Yamane

Sabatora has been down on his luck. Needing money, Sabatora takes a break from college to work. His life changes, though, when Tsuchiya shows up like a knight in shining armor to take him out for food whenever he’s hungry. Despite (or because of) Tsuchiya’s kindness, Sabatora’s pride is hurt whenever Tsuchiya treats him and buys him gifts. How will each of them adjust as they realize their feelings are neither that of a stray cat and its owner or even just friends, but more romantic?

The Stray‘s distinct artwork might put some people off. To me, it looked like the characters were drawn in a more Western-style comics.

This is the story of Sabatora, a college dropout currently working as a construction worker, dealing with conflicting feelings about relying on the older, wealthier Tsuchiya, his pride as an independent man, and his growing feelings for him.

His plight is mirrored in the group of strays his elderly landlord routinely feeds. What does a stray cat lose if adopted and what does he gain?

The plot is a laid-back slice of life, where the two men frequently meet to eat together, and Tsuchiya notices something Sabatora needs, like a new pair of shoes, and then goes out of this way to provide it. Sabatora reciprocates by cooking for Tsuchiya so they can be on equal footing.

Each chapter unravels a certain change, a bit of progress in the two men’s relationship until Sabatora comes to terms with his feelings and realizes what he gains by accepting Tsuchiya, a family.

Regardless of how you feel about the art, this is one of the most wholesome and cutest stories out there! And if you are a cat person, this one is pure catnip!

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