Manga Review: Classmates: Sotsu Gyo Sei, Volume 2, by Asumiko Nakamura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Seven Seas

Release Date: August 2019

Volumes: 3+?

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

SHELTER FROM THE COLD

Though Rihito’s always been a loner, lately he’s grown close to his classmate, Hikaru. The two of them have even fallen in love and tentatively started dating. But when Rihito’s mother ends up in the hospital, the stress of it all becomes too much for him. Hikaru wants to be there for Rihito, but can Rihito learn to open his heart and rely on another person?

Review:

At first glance, this seems like just a pretty, school boy, yaoi series. But there's so much maturity wrapped in this series.

Rihito and Hikaru are still getting used to being in a relationship, hiding it and growing comfortable around each other. And during this, there's still the teacher clinging to Rihito. Honestly, that's the only skeevy part of this series, how the teacher is clearly into Rihito, and that Rihito doesn't seem to realize fully. At least the teacher knows he shouldn't do anything and holds back, at least for the most part.

Rihito is shy and embarrassed easily, which holds Hikaru back a bit, I think. Near the end of the volume, it seems Rihito might be opening himself up to Hikaru a bit more, though, which is good.

There's one moment in this volume that really hit me. At one point, Rihito acknowledges that he and Hikaru are each others, but also they're still their own people. While they give each other pieces, they shouldn't give every piece of themselves away. This surprised me and was done in a really sweet way that hit me, and I just really appreciated the acknowledgment of it.

I've become quite a fan of this series at this point. I really appreciate what it's doing, and the artwork is so pretty. I can't wait to read the next one.