Well, I can’t say I didn’t give this manga a chance, since I’m not one to kink shame, but this is uninteresting and bad if you’re not into the whole S&M while sympathizing/relating to the mc and fmc. From the characters to the plot, it’s basic and shallow — unrealistic to set up plot points, but there are flashes of promise in the writing at times.
Putting aside realism, the manga is decently well-written by exploring the psyche and moral values of each character, but that’s only if you’re putting aside realism. In the manga, every plot point seems too convenient for the prolongation of the relationship within the mc — it seems bullshitted.
Contrasting to what people may think about the wholesome/cute atmosphere, this manga had a relatively huge, subtle toxic undertone in the main cast’s relationship. Though there was some “mutual” understanding between the characters and their feelings, it didn’t feel natural and realistic, creating a weirder and more awkward atmosphere by the chapter. For as many chapters I could have managed, the characters also didn’t display or act out much romanticism, which didn’t help the case either.
As a bystander of the whole BDSM world, this manga was just an awkward experience with some flashes of good writing; of course, this manga isn’t intended for the “norm” to be the intended audience, but rather, people who could sympathize and envision/idealize themselves in a similar situation. Putting that aside, it’s a relatively basic romance manga with flaws in relationship and nuances in storytelling.
Reading Rankings (Portnoy inspired + A Huang-Teizan Original)
10 - God’s penmanship
9 - Must-read. Drop everything else.
8 - Instant bookmark
7 - Entertaining
6 - Good to pass time
5 - Why are you reading this?
4 - Bad.
3 - Typical garbage.
2 - My head hurts.
1 - Retirement is a thought.
0 - “Did they even give you a story?!”
