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This review may contain spoilers
Along The Way, They Did.
I liked the story arc of both Hiro and Natsuo. Two very different people growing from teenage insecurities into realistic acceptance of each other, flaws and all. This is not to say that it was smooth sailing upon reconnection. Memories still shaped Hiro's view of how he has to be for the world to accept him and he himself. Bullied in his school years, he worked on presenting a more accomplished and polished person no one would dare take advantage of. Natsuo, on the other hand, held on to fond memories of the school version of Hiro, who helped him successfully finish school and listened to him. Unknowingly, with the changes Hiro made, he didnt recognize him and began pursuing him again. Ironically, it's Natsuo who grew emotinally and gave advice from a place of honesty while Hiro's childish plan for revenge felt hollow. His holding on to a grudge 5+ years after their last meeting gave insight to his lack of growth. Ultimately, through a final confrontation of sorts, Hiro is able to speak truly what he feels now. In this time of their lives.
It took awhile to adapt to Natsuo's unexpected outburts of emotions, specifically enjoyment. It can be a turnoff but was true to his character. As the series progressed, he felt more comfortable with Hiro and this diminished greatly. Hiro, looking down on him initially, turned out to be his defender when opportunists tried to take advantage of him. Here we see where the changes in him has taken root and he had begun to need his companionship.
The actors portrayed the awkward, clumsy, opposing attitudes of both well enough to believe the story. I appreciated Natsuo's boss for helping him see the changes he hadn't seen in himself. The unexpected romantic moments at the end were heartwarming. Natsuo and Hiro, as lovers, can speak freely of what is or is not pleasurable for them and is able to enjoy it completely.
I have not read the manga and will not. The reason being that I always try to see a piece of work for what it is and not through the lense of another. Here, I wasn't disappointed.
It took awhile to adapt to Natsuo's unexpected outburts of emotions, specifically enjoyment. It can be a turnoff but was true to his character. As the series progressed, he felt more comfortable with Hiro and this diminished greatly. Hiro, looking down on him initially, turned out to be his defender when opportunists tried to take advantage of him. Here we see where the changes in him has taken root and he had begun to need his companionship.
The actors portrayed the awkward, clumsy, opposing attitudes of both well enough to believe the story. I appreciated Natsuo's boss for helping him see the changes he hadn't seen in himself. The unexpected romantic moments at the end were heartwarming. Natsuo and Hiro, as lovers, can speak freely of what is or is not pleasurable for them and is able to enjoy it completely.
I have not read the manga and will not. The reason being that I always try to see a piece of work for what it is and not through the lense of another. Here, I wasn't disappointed.
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