Ijiwaru na Kuchibiru

Takafumi, a hardworking salaryman, has fallen deeply in love with his childhood friend and next-door neighbor, Ryu. Despite their long history, Ryu is still in high school and consistently treats Takafumi with icy indifference. As time passes, this cold shoulder only intensifies, leaving the older man bewildered and desperate to understand what has driven such a painful wedge between them. This emotional push-and-pull forms the heart of the title story, marking the impressive debut of an acclaimed creator who previously earned both the Newcomer and Excellence awards at the sixth drap competition. Beyond the central romance, the collection offers a diverse array of one-shot stories exploring complicated relationships. In "Unspeakable Innocence," a student named Esumi endures relentless harassment from his friend Oda. "Neighbor Love" follows Ikuo and Hyuuga as their friendly proximity hints at deeper feelings, while "The Key of Bonds" examines the growing friction between Nara and the carefree college student Hirao as their casual relationship turns serious. Elsewhere, "A Kiss Sweeter Than Honey" introduces Takumi, whose life becomes intertwined with Sasaki, a coworker who frequently brings his drunken older sister home alongside delicious desserts. Finally, "Innocent Smile" captures Takafumi's panic as Ryou prepares to leave for college, threatening to upend everything they know.