Interest Stacks

A story that revolves around a 39-year-old man who has lost interest in pursuing new things and a 29-year-old coworker/subordinate who helps him get over his mid-life slump.

Fantastic art, loveable characters with their own quirks, lots of witty banter, and a natural romantic build-up between two adults who enjoy spending time together. It also gives insight on the lives of older working adults and the fear of ageing.


*minor nsfw content (only in bonus chapter)

Sequel to Old-Fashioned Cupcake. Heavier on drama than the prequel, but the main conflict is realistic given the circumstances. The adults actually act like adults (!!!), their actions are understandable, and there is a genuine, proper resolution (!!!!)

*minor nsfw content

A high school romance between a boy who likes BL and a senior at school who finds him cute.

Sweet with no drama. Admittedly slow at times (lots of pining) but it's just a cute & fun read. Some side characters can also be quite amusing.

A spin-off of Sasaki to Miyano which explores the relationship between side-characters.

Also nice fluff to read.

School romance where the couple bond over their interest in rockets and outer space. The protagonist, initially lacking confidence and uninterested in anything, befriends and falls in love with a shy transfer student who encourages him to do his best.

A very sweet and subtle story of falling in love. So many heartwarming moments. The typical "you're a man. i'm a man" dilemma which is often stressed in other BLs is not brought up at all, which is quite refreshing.

Two students happen to meet while playing an imaginary line game and fall in love. The story follows the two's relationships throughout their lives, from how they get together, the conflicts they face during their relationship, to the end of their lives. Also portrays the stigma/hardships associated with homosexual relationships.

*some nsfw content

Reads more like a shoujo manga, overall a refreshing youth romance. Little drama, cute chemistry, fun vibes.

In spite of the erotic cover, it's not a BL that's just mindless smut. The relationship building is gradual and believable. The couple are adults w/ a slight age gap and there is an emphasis on the deep mutual respect they have for each other. So much kindness and love (and a little cringey cuteness).

A gem if you're into spicier content but don't want the dubcon/noncon shenanigans that's present in way too many other BLs

*very much nsfw in the last chapter!

This one is a bit unique in that it's more of a slice-of-life that features gay couples than it is a BL

The story features an MC who moves next door to a gay couple and learns about what love is through their interactions. The focus is more on his journey of learning than his own romance (though it is present). It's a delightful story with delightful characters.

Spin off of Vanilla Chocolat Cigarette, with focus on how the neighbourhood couple began dating. Notably unique in that it features a character who embraces femininity but is firm in their identity as a man.

BL where the protagonist agrees to look after his late-sister's son while his parents are away. The time spent with his nephew helps him come to terms with his grief and gives him a new perspective on family.

There is significantly less focus on romance and more focus on themes of loss, mourning, and family bonds. The challenges that come with childcare as a single guardian is also shown.

There are definitely aspects that could be covered more, but there's only so much you can fit in 4 chapters. A good read if you're into a slow-paced slice of life.

A refreshing love between an older, calmer tailor and a younger, more boisterous man. This dynamic is nothing new, but the approach is quite good.

The characters are endearing and their chemistry feels so natural. The dialogue is also great. There is a minor conflict that occurs, but it's resolved quickly and properly through communication.

*nsfw in two (?) chapters

An iffy addition to this stack - officially categorized as a BL on MAL, but more like a slice of life that happens to have a gay ML. The ML is described to be somewhat of a hopeless romantic, though it seems to focus more on youth and self-discovery as opposed to actual romance.

It's simple but charming - if you like mangas like skip and loafer, this might be a good read for you.

Technically a manhwa, but a worthy addition to the stack. It's the good ol' age gap trope but both are fully grown, consenting adults.

Very reminiscent of 'Old-Fashioned Cupcake': a 40 year old office worker that has no hobbies or interests wants to try something new and a 24 year old guitar teacher offers him a change of pace in his mundane life. The art is good, it's cute, it's comedic, and overall light-hearted.

There is very very explicit content**, and it happens frequently so be warned.

A rare gem in which the couple is already established. A collection of adorable, light-hearted one-shots that make your heart feel warm!