What’s Your Yaoi?
Welcome to BRB,
everyone!
I decided to compile a list of all the
mangakas I’ve read, and I can tell you right now although some are missing it’s still a bloody long list. Basically, I read all the time and of course a new
author will crop up (well, a new author for me) and spark my interest. Anyway, I discovered another one and
her name is Kotesuko Yamamoto.
Here’s the next part of my list. Enjoy!
List 25 and 26
25. Most yaoi enthusiasts enjoy a good “cop with a yakuza”
story, and one such manga series is Honto Yajuu, a romantic comedy by Kotesuko
Yamamoto. Polite and good-natured police officer Ueda Tomoharu mans a local
koban station. He’s happy with his occupation and leads a relatively quiet life
until he runs into yakuza Gotouda Aki while chasing down an underwear
thief—actually, they both chase the guy, but for totally different reasons. The
day after Aki suddenly confesses and gives Ueda a present then he starts to
hang out at the koban station until Ueda agrees to go out for dinner with him.
What makes this story a real gem is the roll reversals. Aki is supposed to be
this tough yakuza but underneath he’s a jam tart and probably one of the
sexiest ukes I’ve come across in a long time, totally adorable, and he goes
after Ueda instead of the other way around. And don’t be fooled by Ueda’s kind
façade, he’s the pervert—a big strong sexy perverted seme. The characters are unique
and endearing. Ueda’s personally is especially refreshing. He isn’t scared to
date a criminal and that’s what really makes this story fun and different from
most “cop yakuza” yaois I’ve read. Normally, it’s the other way around and cop
is the uke fearful of dating outside his comfort zone. No matter what happens,
Ueda is there for Aki, and even meets his family. I love this series and highly
recommend giving it a try.
26. Us, Blooming
is a short story from a compilation of one shots titled Koi To Wana by Kotesuko
Yamamoto. The same characters Takashi and Haru from Us, Blooming got
their own series titled Mankai Darling or Full Bloom Darling, where their
relationship continues for several years. Again, I suggest reading Us, Blooming
first because the one shot provides character history as well a wonderful
story that is sure to hit anyone's soft spot.
From Us,
Blooming: Haru owns a flower shop and he spots a teenager, Takashi, spying on
his employee Ryou. Ryou gives Takashi a potted plant to cheer him up, and then
Haru offers the teen a job. Takashi believes it’s his chance to get closer to
the pretty Ryou, but the store manager has other ideas. I really loved this
short. It is another gem—decent plot, interesting characters—an all around
heart-warming and absorbing read. And Mankai Darling is just as good. Sadly, I refuse to say too
much about it or I’ll spoil the entire plot. But Takashi goes through a number
of growing pains as his relationship literally blooms, and a new character is introduced.
Happy Yaoi Hunting!
Blak Rayne
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