Indigo's manga / #love triangle(10)

No matter how the story ends or how short it is, if the mangaka succeeds at leaving a deep impression on the reader, then her work can be called successful by all means. I believe that she did just that, bringing a lot of emotions in a limited space of white paper and black ink. Though this manga has both a tragic and "fleeting love" themes but it remains an impactful story which I don't regret reading. Edited: I read this story again today (March 12, 2017). It had the same impact on me compared to the first time I've read it. I couldn't keep my tears from falling. I wonder if I will able to re-read it sometime in the far future without becoming all-emotional about it. Lesson learned from this: jump on the occasion the first time you encounter it, leave no regrets behind.

This is the story which introduced me to the manga world. I probably re-read most of the chapters more than once. I thought that at some times, the plot was stuck in a loop endlessly repeating itself but I loved every part of it down to the last page. I wanted a spectacular ending and Rui to be happy (with Shizuka) but still this is a cult manga for me (perhaps it is one-of-a-kind manga because I doubt that there is or will be anything which is even remotely similar to it).

The romance in this one shot was "so-so", the shift in the male character's feelings was crude (illogical maybe). I have never been able to understand his logic behind bashing Terry, even if he were afraid of admitting he loved her but the things he told her were simply insensitive and cruel. This angle hasn't been addressed well in the manga. Isn't forgiving an insensitive playboy the same as projecting the image of a woman who lacks self-esteem? Of course I loved Terry but J.B. is a different matter. He is really uncool to say the least (jerk is the word that I had in mind).

The story is not unusual in shoujo. The ending however was unexpected but romantic. It is like missing the train of happiness but still being able to take a seat on board of it at the end.

It was a good story. I loved it albeit the portrayal of the rivalry between the two sisters seemed exaggerated. Sensei (Ryuu-chan) was mature as for Ageha, she was cute and sincere. Ryuu-chan is probably one of the best authentic male leads in shoujo mangas. I might add that the mangaka managed to reveal in this story , the inner thoughts and the insecurities of all its main characters and she provided a male character who is ever loyal and considerate towards the girl he is dating. He might seem frivolous, superficial and flirtatious but beneath all that there is someone loyal in love.