heavenski

There’s nothing particularly new about the story. This type of narrative has been told many times before. The themes of love, friendship, loss, and loneliness are also quite familiar. However, the strengths of this anime lie in its execution. The setting, editing, voice acting, and overall production are solid, making it an enjoyable watch.

What concerns me, though, is the potential queerbaiting in this anime. The author has stated that the manga is not intended to be queer, yet the interactions and language exchanged between the two boys often suggest a relationship that feels deeper than mere friendship. From a marketing perspective, choosing to make Hikaru a boy instead of a girl was a smart move, as the BL/queer fanbase is large and loyal. So, while the author denies any romantic connection between the boys, it still seems like the story intentionally plays into queer subtext to attract a specific audience.