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Manga Review | Love at First Bite by Sakana Tojo

Title: Love at First Bite

Author(s): Sakana Tojo

Artist(s): Sakana Tojo

Makoto just wants someone to love. As a closeted gay man, terrified to put himself out there, that seems like an impossibility. Still, he can’t help but continue to want and dream. Makoto finds himself practicing saying ‘I love you’ whenever he’s alone to prepare himself for the day he meets the one. It’s just another night in the park when he decides to practice again. Alone, he says the words out loud, but a small boy appears out of nowhere, silently watching. Embarrassed, Makoto is just about to question the boy, only for him to pass out.

In a panic, he takes the child home and nurses him back to health. But when the child finally wakes up, rather than answering any of Makoto’s questions, the child’s first words are ‘I love you.’ And from there, the child tells Makoto to say the words again. A week passes by, and it’s clear the child Makoto ‘saved’ is not a human child. Really, he isn’t a child at all anymore. He’s now a full-grown man named Shiro — instead, he’s a full-grown demon. Shiro is a demon who feeds on words, and his favorites are the happy and loving ones from Makoto. The two live together, with Shiro feeding on Makoto’s words, often begging him to say his favorites, while Makoto tries his best to keep his distance.

Makoto isn’t annoyed or disturbed by Shiro. It’s quite the contrary. Makoto finds himself intensely attracted to the demon, and though the demon seems attracted to him in return, he just can’t work up the nerve to confess his feelings.

Title: Sweet Apartment In Paradise

Author(s): Sakana Tojo

Artist(s): Sakana Tojo

The man known as Demon hunts down criminals and enacts deadly vigilante justice. In this world, it’s common to sell and buy people. People buy spouses, children, friends, and more, and it’s perfectly legal and often a positive experience for all involved. But there is a dark underworld where those who may not qualify to buy others or those with more depraved desires traffic these people as merchandise, torturing and using them as they see fit. Police often don’t intervene, as there are people within their ranks just as corrupt and depraved as the illegal owners. As a former victim of these criminals, Demon is determined to kill all who harm those purchased by them, and after one such killing, he rescues a young man named Sui.

Most people Demon rescues fear him, traumatized and afraid, never knowing kindness from their owners or strangers alike. But Sui is different. When Demon reaches out for Sui, Sui takes his hand. Demon himself has experienced very little kindness and acceptance in his life, and this one moment sparks a need in him that he didn’t even know he had. But Sui needs to heal, and Demon refuses to take advantage of him like his owner did. Usually, Demon has a network of good and vetted owners to take in these strays, but as fate would have it, no one is available. So, the two begin to live together.

Over time, Demon learns just how terribly Sui has been treated. He’s been sexually abused and assaulted, his body has been drugged to stop growing, and he’s been trained to want to be abused lest he be punished and abandoned. Yet, Sui trusts Demon, and the two steadily form a bond. Sui even gives Demon his first real name: Angie. The two care deeply for one another, but can these traumatized and broken people learn to relish their newfound freedom together? Or are their painful pasts too much to overcome?

Title: Change World

Author(s): Yuu Minaduki

Artist(s): Yuu Minaduki

The sequel to Sayonara Game.

Ito and Arimura are in love and happy together. Their work often keeps them apart, but they find even the briefest moments to meet up and enjoy each other’s company. Arimura wants more time with Ito and wants to move in together, but Ito isn’t ready. Secretly, Ito takes cooking classes, tries to get over his hatred for peppers, and just generally tries to better himself so he can be confident in his ability to be a good partner for Arimura before they move in together. Everything is going well for the most part except for one thing: Ito’s coworker.

Hozumi is way more touchy-feely than Ito would prefer, and he seems to have an intense fixation on him. Thankfully, Ito can ignore him for the most part until he and Arimura run into him outside of work. As it turns out, Hozumi knew Arimura in college, and after seeing Arimura and Ito interacting (and specifically seeing how Ito lends his precious engraved pen to Arimura), Hozumi puts two and two together. He knows Ito and Arimura are an item. When he’s alone with Ito next, he lets Ito know that he is gay, too, and though he’s sure Arimura and Ito are happy right now, he has no doubt that Arimura will leave Ito for a woman sooner or later. So, he feels that Ito should be with him instead.

Ito is sure Arimura wouldn’t do that to him, but when Hozumi tells Arimura what he told Ito, Arimura begins to spiral. Arimura is terrified that Ito will believe Hozumi, and he feels he might be unable to prove his love to Ito. This insecurity builds and builds to the point that their once peaceful relationship threatens to crumble. Meanwhile, Ito is presented with an opportunity to work in the United States for a few years. So, even if they survive this tumultuous time, could their relationship survive the long distance?

Title: Living With Him

Author(s): Toworu Miyata

Artist(s): Toworu Miyata

This review includes the bonus story Living With Him: Heating Up.

Ryota Natsukawa, now in college, is ready to start his new life of independence. Well, really, he’s always been independent. While his mother often worked, Ryota, the oldest child, took on many home responsibilities, including caring for his younger sister. This has inadvertently made him the ideal homemaker, and while he doesn’t have a problem taking care of the house and others around him, he’s ready to focus on himself. Unfortunately, due to pressure from his mother, Ryota loses his chance to live alone and is forced to move in with his old childhood friend, Kazuhito Tanaka.

Ryota isn’t looking forward to caring for someone else again but quickly falls into his homemaker and parental role. As they interact with each other in close quarters, Ryota realizes that Kazuhito is more than capable of taking care of himself and seems to want to take care of Ryota. Maybe this living arrangement isn’t so bad? Even though Kazuhito is a great roommate and seemingly perfect in every way, he can’t seem to keep a girlfriend. Thankful for how great of a roommate Kazuhito is, Ryota offers to fake date him to identify the issue. As expected, Kazuhito is an excellent partner, and Ryota finds himself falling for him.

They’re great roommates. They’re great fake boyfriends. But what if they were real boyfriends?

Title: Raveled Tightrope Knot Retie

Author(s): Ship Hita

Artist(s): Ship Hita

This is the sequel to Raveled Tightrope Knot.

Haruomi and Natsuki struggled to be together, but now that they are, it should be smooth sailing. And for the most part, it is. That is until Natsuki gets a 6-month placement for work that will take him out of Tokyo and away from Haruomi. But they have withstood 10 years of pain and pining, so what’s six months? While they’re confident their relationship can withstand the distance, the two take full advantage of their time before they have to separate, and they do so by enjoying each other physically. But when the day finally comes, it’s not long after that they realize just how hard long-distance relationships can be.

Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and loneliness begin to rock the steady Haruomi and Natsuki ship. The two fight but end up reconciling relatively quickly. While they’re not happy being apart, they’re sure they can make it work. But the distance isn’t the only problem brewing for the couple. Haruomi plans to come out to his family, hoping to eventually introduce them to his beloved boyfriend. Meanwhile, Natsuki is offered a chance to travel to the United States for a multi-year placement. Sure, they can make it through these 6-months of distance, but can their relationship handle any further pressure?

Title: Convenience Store Clerk's Twisted Love

Author(s): Takashi Aosada

Artist(s): Takashi Aosada

Itsuki is an overworked salaryman. He works for the pharmaceutical industry, and after traveling from pharmacy to pharmacy, meeting with pharmacists, and making emergency deliveries, by the time he gets off, he’s worn out and smelling like a doctor’s office. The main thing he looks forward to on his way home from work is buying some cat food from his local convenience store and feeding the stray cats. A bonus, though, is seeing the attractive convenience store cashier. He’s a beautiful man but a young adult far out of his league. So, he simply enjoys looking at him from afar.

That is, until the cashier happens to be outside feeding the cats before Itsuki can get around to it. Itsuki is surprised but once again is stunned by the cashier’s beauty. But Itsuki is a bit thrown off when the cashier uses his name. Then, the cashier, Fumio, gives Itsuki his medical card back, claiming Itsuki dropped it when pulling his card out. Relieved, Itsuki decides to take this opportunity to grow closer to Fumio, and day by day, as they interact, they do until Itsuki finally gets a chance to ask him out for dinner.

Over dinner, Fumio and Itsuki talk; all the while, Fumio drops strange hints regarding how Itsuki lives and the precautions he should take as if Fumio knows much more about him than he should. But that’s not possible. Fumio’s just a good and thoughtful young man, while Itsuki is the older pervert, right?

Title: Kiss Me like You Did that Day

Author(s): Nana Nanato

Artist(s): Nana Nanato

Miho still remembers Hiroya. Miho is a working adult, a writer who works from home, and he’s already gone through a divorce. Yet, Miho can still remember, as clearly as if it were yesterday, the day his only friend from high school, Hiroya, kissed him. Unfortunately, after their kiss, Hiroya’s immediate response was to apologize. As a result, Miho assumed that Hiroya didn’t mean it and regretted it. Heartbroken, Miho ran away, deleted Hiroya’s number, and never looked back. Yet, Miho constantly thinks of Hiroya and what life might have been like if they had never kissed.

Because of his curiosity and despite his introverted personality, when Miho receives a notice about a high school reunion, he goes, hoping Hiroya will show up. When he arrives, his former classmates are surprised, as Miho was known in high school for being a loner and having no friends other than Hiroya, who hasn’t shown up. Miho is just about to give up when Hiroya shows up. The two instantly recognize each other, even after all of this time, but before they can catch up, Hiroya is swarmed. This is just one more reminder to Miho why they could never work out. Hiroya is a social butterfly, while Miho could never even make a friend that wasn’t Hiroya. Then, he hears that Hiroya is going through a divorce. Feeling like there was no point in coming, Miho leaves, intending to return to his life without Hiroya.

But Hiroya chases after him. He begs to have dinner, which Miho concedes to. Over food, the two share stories about their lives and apologize for the pain they caused each other. Throughout their conversation, Hiroya mentions needing to move out of his ex-wife’s home. When Miho mentions having an empty room because of his divorce, Hiroya asks Miho if he can move in. Though Miho knows this might be a bad idea, the prospect of rebuilding his relationship with Hiroya is too tempting, so he agrees to let Hiroya move in. What will living in close quarters mean for these two? Will they be able to get along, or will their relationship fall into shambles like before?

Title: Sayonara Game

Author(s): Yuu Minaduki

Artist(s): Yuu Minaduki

This is the 1st entry in a shared world created by Yuu Minaduki. Each entry or series is self-contained but it’s recommended to be read in order for the best experience.

Arimura Ikuo adores his younger sister and wants what’s best for her. As the college exams near, he’s determined to ensure she has the best chance at getting into the college of her dreams. Unfortunately, his plans go awry when his high school kohai, who has been tutoring his sister, has to bow out. Thankfully, the friend has another mutual classmate he offers to tutor her in his stead. He is Yosuke Ito, another of Arimura’s kohai who also played on their high school baseball team. While Arimura fondly recalls much of his high school baseball career, he doesn’t remember Yosuke, but that doesn’t matter all that much. As long as Yosuke can help his sister study, he’s happy with almost anyone.

Yosuke is a bit standoffish and quiet but is otherwise acceptable. With his sister squared away, Arimura can focus on his own issue: his work crush. Arimura is popular and successful at his job, but he’s not all that confident when it comes to romance. So, when he finds out the object of his affection is being pursued by the chief at work, he encourages her to be with his rival rather than try and fight for her. Though it was his decision, he’s heartbroken and bemoans his poor luck in finding love. As it turns out, Yosuke happens to be at his house, and he has been most days as he helps Arimura’s sister prep for exams. But Arimura also notices Yosuke’s attention is often on Arimura himself. And, in turn, Arimura finds himself watching Yosuke. The tension is high, and Arimura soon realizes this is another crush.

Unfortunately, his rival in love this time is his very own sister. His sister has been doing her best to seduce Yosuke, and though Arimura isn’t willing to give his sister over to someone, he also finds himself not wanting to give Yosuke up to anyone, either. Can Arimura stop his self-sabotaging ways, or will he say ‘sayonara’ to another potential partner?

Title: Let's Be a Family!!

Author(s): Tomo Kurahashi

Artist(s): Tomo Kurahashi

Chiaki and Kazuma have been friends with their mutual friend Tomoe since childhood. Tomoe is a photographer who travels around the world, often in warzones and dangerous locations, documenting happenings around the globe. That causes their trio to often be broken apart, though Chiaki and Kazuma, as a romantic couple, don’t mind waiting for her to return. They’re just trying to determine the next step in their relationship when Tomoe announces she’ll return to Japan. The two, excited to see their friend, go out to meet her. But what they find isn’t the Tomoe they said goodbye to before.

Tomoe is pregnant. She’s very pregnant.

Chiaki and Kazuma never expected their rambunctious friend to settle down with someone, much less have a child. As they pepper her with questions, she admits that she doesn’t know who her child’s father is, but she fully intends to raise her all the same. Chiaki and Kazuma are stunned but more than willing to support their friend on this new journey in life. The day comes when Tomoe gives birth to a little girl named Ayumi. To Chiaki and Kazuma’s relief, Tomoe settles well into motherhood, and the trio of friends are all happy with how their lives are going.

That is until Tomoe comes to them crying, begging that the couple take her one-year-old daughter and raise her so she can go back out into the field. Chiaki and Kazuma are once again surprised, but seeing their dear friend Tomoe and her young daughter, they can’t possibly say no. So begins a complete surprise for Chiaki and Kazuma. Not just as a couple but as fathers. Navigating a relationship is hard enough with two people, but what happens when you add a third?

Title: Therapy Game

Author(s): Meguru Hinohara

Artist(s): Meguru Hinohara

This is the sequel series for Secret XXX, and it’s highly recommended that you read that title first before coming to this one.

Minato is out for revenge. While out at a gay drag bar, Minato was comforted by a drunken and heartbroken Shizuma. Shizuma, though in tears after being cheated on and dumped, felt compelled to comfort Minato, who was sad that his brother was finding love and moving on in life without him. Charmed by the sweet young man, Minato decided to take care of him, leading to them having a steamy night in bed. The next morning, Shizuma calls out for his ex, only to have Minato respond. The sweet and loving Shizuma is suddenly standoffish and embarrassed, admitting he remembers nothing about their night together.

Feeling bamboozled, Minato is furious and embarrassed. He had been vulnerable with Shizuma, only to be forgotten entirely. His initial goal is to scare Shizuma off. But Shizuma wants to take responsibility for anything he did to Minato, which presents a much more satisfying opportunity for revenge. Minato fully intends to take Shizuma up on his offer of taking responsibility, and over time, he wants to drown him in love and affection, wrap him around his little finger, only to break his heart.

What Minato doesn’t anticipate is Shizuma stealing his heart in the process.

Manga

Manga Review | Love at First Bite by Sakana Tojo

Manga Review | Sweet Apartment In Paradise by Sakana Tojo

Manga Review | Change World by Yuu Minaduki

Manga Review | Living With Him by Toworu Miyata

Manga Review | Raveled Tightrope Knot Retie by Ship Hita

Manga Review | A Gorgeous Convenience Store Clerk’s Twisted Love by Takashi Aosada

Manga Review | Kiss Me Like You Did That Day by Nana Nanato

Manga Review | Sayonara Game by Yuu Minaduki

Manga Review | Let’s Be a Family!! by Tomo Kurahashi

Manga Review | Therapy Game by Meguru Hinohara

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