Love Hug Therapy – Taka

I’m finally living alone like I wanted! … But university student Akizuki has started sharing a room with his friend Hayase. As soon as he moves in, he is bewildered by Hayase, who says he can’t imagine life without hugs, and for some reason he ends up hugging him every day…? And if he forgets his duty or doesn’t hug him, he has to pay a fine and do whatever he tells him…? Akizuki is gradually getting used to the skinship with Hayase, but…?

Love Hug Therapy is a roommates-to-lovers romance between two idiots hugging it out.

Akizuki and Hayase are two roommates who hit it off spectacularly. They got along so well that Akizuki couldn’t be more content with his housing situation. One day, Hayase proposed that they give each other a hug if any of them needed it or else pay a fine. He was bewildered by Hayase’s frequent hugs, but liked it too.

Then Hayase hugged Akizuki in public, which left him flustered. Later, Akizuki realized he might be attracted to Hayase but feared the consequences of dating a man.

Meanwhile, Hayase has been secretly crushing on Akizuki for a long time. Oh, the pining! The longing! The poor man was sniffing pillows and reminiscing about the kind gestures of his emotional support human.

The execution might be a bit clunky, but this is still a funny and endearing gay awakening of a young college student who has to learn some sad realities about society’s view towards gay men. Akizuki agonized over what his friends and parents might think, a realistic portrayal of the anxiety over coming out.

The big talk, when it finally happened, was cute, awkward, and hella sweet! There’s minimal miscommunication; I loved that Hayase and Akizuke communicated openly. The manga not only focused on developing the romance but also highlighted Hayase and Akizuki’s friendship.

It’s silly and ridiculous, also earnest and deep. Overall, give a hug, win a heart.

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