I don't get the peepz who say Risa is no good or has no chance. There's nothing about her that is a red flag; in fact, when I try to recall what we know about her, I can only think of good things. So far, Ayaka and Risa are friends; and Ayaka doesn't think of her as a romantic interest because Hiroko is the only one for Ayaka right now... but it's a fact that Ayaka likes Risa a lot, and like can lead to like-like, and like-like can lead to love. Risa's time may very well come in the near future; there's no reason why it wouldn't.

It's not because she has no chances according to their characters, it's just because in this kind of setup, the friend who's secretly in love with the protag never ends up together with them

Yeah Risa is great but it's because Ayaka has said plainly that she doesn't like Risa romantically. It's not a secret anymore, Ayaka already knows Risa's feelings for her and already said no. That's the real relationship ender. Risa is aggressive partly because she knows this too.

last edited at Jun 15, 2023 3:26PM

This was well written in my opinion, but I don't think Ayaka would have to wait around for Hiroko, nor did she ask her that, I know, but me personally wouldn't be happy dating someone in the closet, I know there are different circumstances in life, but being out since I was 14, I just can't. I'd like a third person to appear, I would say Risa but Ayaka doesn't seem to like her, I just don't feel Hiroko and Ayaka are a good pair now and I hope Ayaka won't insist on it, chasing someone can get really tiresome.

Yeah it's all up to Ayaka. As you said, Hiroko has never been the pursued. Ayaka has always willingly chased Hiroko, despite Hiroko's attempts to create distance. Hiroko, here, gives Ayaka a clear out and explains why. But Ayaka never gets the chance to say whether she's fine with being in a closeted relationship. Ayaka has never expressed any issues with the idea, it's all in Hiroko's head (as usual). Mind you, it would only be a work situation. Outside of work they would be fine. I just don't see Ayaka giving up over something like that. I do agree, Risa is a no go. It all depends on how much Ayaka is determined and she's only shown herself to be super determined. Now she knows the core issue so she's not swinging in the dark, she can break Hiroko down better. Maybe show her she doesn't need to be as afraid (though that's debatable considering the real world).

last edited at Jun 15, 2023 1:38PM

She's made comments about it and characters have hinted at it a lot but now she's said it clearly for Ayaka. She really has just decided to remain closeted at work, for obvious reasons and believes (wrongly, I think) that she can't make Ayaka truly happy as a result. She rejected Ayaka nicely, but not fully, since she actually does like her.

Plenty of people unfortunately have to navigate decisions like that when in historically hostile or precarious environments. It's perfectly understandable that she wouldn't trust Ayaka's ability to keep her secret (gay or not) and honestly it's not out of the realm of possibility that Ayaka will still "out her" accidently, even now. She's taking a personal and potentially professional risk, as Ayaka's pretty loud and obvious. It's unfortunate that Ayaka met Hiroko at work because it's clear they would be fine if Ayaka weren't a coworker (or if Japanese, or any, corporate environments didn't breed distrust).

Still, it was a circumstantial rejection, which Ayaka can come back from. Hiroko clearly likes her a lot so it might not be as difficult to recover from as it seems right now. Ayaka will have a lot to think about, indeed.

I did like Risa's force here though. She's putting in the work but she's honestly in the same (but worse) position as Ayaka. At least for Ayaka, Hiroko's issues are only work related. For Risa, Ayaka just isn't romantically interested at all and there's not much coming back from that. She's setting herself up for heartache.

last edited at Jun 15, 2023 1:30PM

If Hiroko really wanted Ayaka to stay away, she could stop jerking around with her emotions like this. :/ I feel like Hiroko just enjoys hurting other women, be it by loving and leaving them in the lesbian bar or insisting on both maintaining this facade and giving Ayaka the wrong idea about her. Mayne not enjoys, but she is a cowardly and weak person at heart who has no courage to either be honest or commit to the lie (actually get married so her beard can protect her closet key).

I heard someone say she deserves love even with her damage, and she does but her first steps should be finding a new job where she can live out of the closet and leave women, espeically Ayaka alone. This is advice for anyone reading: Sort out your life before seeking romance or sex unless you have your lies properly backed up and sorted out and ESPECIALLY don't keep being needlesly affectionate toward someome after making a big deal out of rejecting them. No amount of past trauma allows you to drag others into your drama especially if you insist on being untruthful.

Remember that Hiroko has only been the pursued. She has never pursued Ayaka. She's not really involving Ayaka in anything. Ayaka is willingly involving herself. Hiroko also does not get to follow Ayaka to her private moments like we can. She has never been in a position to notice Ayaka's hurt feelings and would never assume those feelings were about her anyway. Ayaka deliberately shows Hiroko only her fun (and sometimes drunk) side. So I wouldn't say Hiroko has ever willingly or knowingly hurt Ayaka. In the beginning she didn't even think Ayaka was gay. Then her caution around the workplace led to her second form of denial in an attempt to avoid the uncomfortable reality. The most she's done is lie to keep herself hidden in the workplace, as endless amounts of closeted people do. So really she's been caring the entire time, just oblivious, in different forms of denial and cautious around the workplace. Hiroko has just gone about her days, going to work and being a good team leader. Her relationships at the bar have not been in detail. We do not know that she was a bad person to date, just that she liked to date a lot. Outside of work she's been shown to be completely fine, just like the other bar goers who we like. All of her issues seem to stem from the workplace. And I can't blame her for being that way considering what the workplace is like and what Japanese work places are noted to be like for unconventional people.

last edited at Jun 13, 2023 7:53PM

Well, yeah. But go figure. All we ever have is the image of people we build in our mind, based on the "them" they present to us. And almost inevitably, we fall for people before our successive approximations from seeing them in many situations get very reliable. You fall in love based on the information you have, not the information you want.

And yes, Ayaka is somewhat lacking in social sensibilities. And yes, her love is somewhat selfish, driving her to do somewhat foolish things. But personally, I don't really respect a love that doesn't have at least a bit of that in it. I don't feel like someone really loves a person hard if they're not willing to push themselves for it. Ayaka's a bit extreme.

OK, now this is a serious point. And, Ayaka IS possessive and overbearing and doesn't get the hint. On the other hand, up to this latest one all Hiroko's dodges, since they were designed to deflect a presumed-STRAIGHT girl's supposedly unintentional flirting, were almost perfectly calculated to fail to add up to something that actually turned down genuine advances by a gay girl. Now she has finally explicitly turned Ayaka down acknowledging Ayaka as a gay girl wanting to ask her out, and it has provoked a major crisis for Ayaka, which would have been a crisis even if Hiroko wasn't lying in her rejection--that just complicates it.

Just commenting to say I thought your assessment was really interesting, especially about what we define as love and how we can truly "know" a person before falling in love, but also about the crossroads Ayaka is now at (how this rejection is different from the others). Also this was a past interaction, so it's perfectly likely that what started as admiration or inquisitiveness, turned into romantic feelings. Perfectly natural and happens a lot, we all have to start somewhere. I thought all of it was interesting but I don't want to quote and repost the full longer comment so I took out snippets. I'd only disagree with the last paragraph but that's neither here nor there.

Quite the change?? I wonder if that was before or after she befriended her friend

Before since it seems Hiroko is who got Ayaka to open to the other coworkers and she met Risa at work.

last edited at Jun 13, 2023 2:09PM

Hiroko continues to be nice. No wonder Ayaka got interested in her. Going to be a hard hill to climb though since she's up against Hiroko's desire to keep her sexuality from being known at work, and her denial that stems from that desire. I don't know how you get Hiroko to accept the relationship, when she seems to fear what getting into a relationship with a coworker might mean for her sexual privacy. Tough scenes but Ayaka is up for the job, I think. Hiroko has to decide whether her growing feelings for Ayaka supercedes the consequences of being outed at work. I can't imagine what that would be like in a Japanese work place. She's got to get over that denial first though, she can only pretend not to notice Ayaka for so long, especially with Risa's being so lovely and spunky as well.

last edited at Jun 13, 2023 12:51PM

And because I am an old fart with lots of experience in both life and love, I can remember the times when I, too, crippled myself and my romantic efforts by needlessly second-guessing myself. That fear that, no matter what I do, it's probably going to be wrong and I'm gonna blow it and ruin everything.

Agreed but it's not so much self doubt as it is fear of being outed (and of course, her case of "density" that seems to come from it). She's alluded to as much a few times. She doesn't want to be outed at work and therefore doesn't want to date a coworker. She can't trust that a coworker (even a potentially lesbian one) will keep her secret. She was cornered by a coworker and nearly outed by force-ish (unintentionally, yes). But yikes! The panic. And of course she lies to protect herself. Ayaka is amazing and tough for sticking through all this but she is also kind of loud and out there, to be fair. I might also wonder if I could initially trust her not to out us both and possibly make life miserable at work for a career-woman. I always imagine what things might have been like when Hiroko was Ayaka's age and what things she might have seen in that male dominate space.

If Ayaka weren't a coworker I doubt any of these difficulties happen (the story says they wouldn't). Ayaka, however being younger has no such fear (yet?) and has likely not been "around the block" enough to have been burdened by that cautious streak. They have an interesting understated generational divide in how they view the world and how open it is to their sexuality. Of course, Ayaka's determination to overcome these boundaries and force a new viewpoint for Hiroko is fun and endearing (though sometimes difficult for all parties). Seeing Hiroko struggle against her desire to stay hidden while also juggling her growing desire for Ayaka is also fun. Then there's Risa, who is also great and has her own really interesting dynamics within the story that simultaneously pushes Hiroko and forces Ayaka to truly think about what she wants and what shes's willing to go through to get it but this post is long enough.

last edited at Jun 12, 2023 7:56PM

Maybe a hot take

A freezing cold take, given that most everybody in this thread but me agrees with you.

Count me in. It's 2 against the world lol.

Called it lol. I hate Hiroko too now, she's such a jerk... not sure how she's gonna redeem herself....
...That being said I still love how this is panning out so far. It's this weird mix of over the top and also realistic at the same time in how some people just lie about being gay and hide it like it's the plague. I just really hope she redeems herself cause she sank really low lol...
Like obviously dating Risa doesn't make sense for me cause Ayaka is obviously not attracted to her but not sure I'd like her welcoming Hiro with open arms once she's all regretful and stuff... she should probably dump her for real. A person like that would be a pain to deal with. She'd be obsessed with hiding the relationship. No wonder she's a "womanizer" or whatever. I doubt she can even actually keep a girl lol...

I love your responses! She definitely fumbles the bag while desperately trying to keep work and personal life completely separate. Things might have been a lot easier if Ayaka didn't work there and was just some girl at the bar lol. It should be said that Ayaka cornering her in the office and loudly trying to forcefully out her is not right either. I can't imagine that anyone would cosign that, in a corporate office in Japan, no less. That's a panic inducing moment for sure, and definitely for Hiroko who feels safer in the closet at work.

last edited at Jun 11, 2023 7:42PM

Sal Jiang is really good at creating flawed characters and Hiroko might be the best that she's ever done in that category. She is all about appearance, whether it's hers or Ayaka's, she's a two-faced liar and her game is so bad. Risa's assessment is perfectly correct. It makes you root for Ayaka to wise up.

Haha, yeah she's a trip. Sal is great for that.

last edited at Jun 11, 2023 2:59PM

I feel like the point of this chapter was more that Aya is worried that she might have a rival for Koga's affection and is trying to deal with that by making herself even more attractive, as would be expected of a gyaru type of girl. It may feel a bit like fluff but it is speaking to deeper issues in their relationship that may need to be sorted out later

Yeah the whole thing is spelling out that she's feelings scared and trying to peacock a bit

It's the only way to read it IMO, she feels like she has to compete with whatever mystery (to her) woman was with her crush last time...

Yeah, the Narita said exactly that ("Got a rival (girl) huh?").

last edited at Jun 11, 2023 11:24AM

Now it seems to me that the girl who is the other lead in this obviously and simply solves her problem, having had a crush on her since she was a little girl and the MC was like a beloved older sister to her, and so obviously having no ulterior motives and being one of the few people she can really clearly trust. Plus she's really hot. But it seems there's also a big self-loathing thing and maybe a trauma thing, so she's working hard not to realize happiness is trying to fall into her lap.

Yeah she has her rules, tries to stick to them to put a protective wall around herself, while this "new" girl attempts to take a sledgehammer to them, repeatedly.

last edited at Jun 11, 2023 8:18AM

If I'm not mistaken, a "ken-couple" is a couple who fights all the time. I mean, violent fights. With their fists and stuff.

It's another one of those Japanese portmanteau words like ba-(ka/cou)ple or ota-couple. They sure love categorizing couples, don't they?

This whole anthology should be about fighting couples.

It is.

Are you sure? The other chapter that's on here seemed more fluffy than fighty.

Depends on what you mean by "fighty?" They're all in arguments, have arguments about something, or are fighting. Doesn't mean they aren't overall, good couples. It's still fun.

last edited at Jun 11, 2023 8:09AM

If I'm not mistaken, a "ken-couple" is a couple who fights all the time. I mean, violent fights. With their fists and stuff.

It's another one of those Japanese portmanteau words like ba-(ka/cou)ple or ota-couple. They sure love categorizing couples, don't they?

This whole anthology should be about fighting couples.

It is.

That was great. Both of them think the other sleeps around but they've only ever been with each other. They're so insync, thinking the same thoughts. So they both assume it's toxic but in reality it flips around to being wholesome. Seems like they would finally admit that they've sneakily been in a (sort of) monogamous relationship without realizing it. Interesting dynamic.

Hi, I would like a full series starting like this but it's a nice, long romance story. Do you take souls as payment?

I agree. Such a non standard dynamic would be cool to explore in a longer series. Reminds me a bit of "Black and White" but that goes other (equally interesting) places with its characters.

last edited at Jun 10, 2023 9:33AM

So another Ice queen/emotionally detached character. Low-key tired of that trope and I can smell the drama from a mile away but let’s give this one a chance. Art is superb tho!

It's great. I think you'll like it. It has some light similarities to Ayaka and Hiroko's dynamic, but not to the same extent and with different contexts. It's fun. Finished a while ago.

last edited at Jun 10, 2023 9:12AM

Someone remind me what the little star plant light thing represents, its been a minute T_T

It's from the start of the chapter 123:
https://dynasty-scans.com/chapters/my_food_seems_to_be_very_cute_ch123#3

So it's just a present from Maria, and I think all we got is that it runs on moonlight magic or whatever. And it reminds Maria of Xiaolan so I guess you might say it simply symbolizes her, but not sure if anything else.

Yeah that and the health of their relationship. Like an omen--whether they can take care of it and it remains healthy etc.

Someone remind me what the little star plant light thing represents, its been a minute T_T

I can help but what star plant light thing?

Glad the author went down this arc. Really using the "past" to develop (or explore the depths of) their relationship further and also expand on the plot. Can't wait to see what else they've got planned. Those lashes were terrible but I do wonder if that maid will begin to either resent her, be suspicious or blame her for causing Evie's reckless protective actions. Didn't like that look she gave.

last edited at Jun 4, 2023 10:46PM

The hunter, now the hunted. One more chapter. Wish there were more.

last edited at Jun 4, 2023 4:33PM

According to mangadex, next chapter is supposed to be the last. I can't even speculate how the author will wrap up the story in a single chapter.

It says 23 on Mangadex, unless you count from 9 > 10 > 23. I don't think the next chapter will be the last.

Next is the last. It's free to read on pixiv if you can read Japanese. Where did you see 23?

last edited at Jun 4, 2023 11:39AM

There are two different girls in cover of next volume, so this story might not be just what lot of people are assuming right now.

yeah to early to say how it will be, i did had the shity luck of reading a good story only for the middel part to ruin everything THEN the author decided to correct cours and end up failing :/ that is the nature of the beast when you read stories

This story is about the entire band of girls and the one boy who happens to be around. So it'll jump to different people. That's why there's a shift in the next cover to two other people, they're a different couple/different band mates.

last edited at Jun 4, 2023 5:22AM

Het? Love Triangle? Heh, the last one of those that started being posted here didn't went as everyone expected and was banned lmao

What was that?

I think what I like most about this story is how deftly it shows the process whereby the MC falls for Aikawa... So it's not just that Aikawa is someone who can finally appreciate her efforts, and it's not just that the MC respects Aikawa's talent; Aikawa's talent itself represents a greater whole the MC can finally find her place among, not to mention rekindling her love of music. All these emotions flow together with her romantic crush to make Aikawa's "betrayal" (air quotes) all the harder for the MC to stand. It's great stuff!

I agree. It's been well done so far. Hopefully it keeps the consistency, especially when it shifts to all the other band mates' stories n

Only 3 chapters so far and I'm already full with the feeling that the stupid worthless boy who is macking on Aikawa shall DIE.

The title is more like a question (at least it's a question in Japanese). Something like "Boys Who Get Between Yuri Are Better Off Dead?!" Or " It's ok for boys who get caught in/between Yuri to die!?" Meaning nothing is going to actually happen to him and he hasn't mocked her.

last edited at Jun 3, 2023 5:32PM

1st chapter and I already seeing something I don't like. It's not like I hate the dude or sth but the art makes me feel like he's gonna have an asshole-ly personality. And I wonder if the dude will die or sth. Not really the most fun beginning but I'll stay around

If he's the boy from the title, he won't be an asshole.

last edited at Jun 3, 2023 11:39AM