About Love

Bridal coordinator Asaka Takeshi reunites with his very first clients, Mr. and Mrs. Sasagawa, a year after their wedding. The couple had warmly forgiven the mishap Asaka caused on their big day, meeting it with kindness and laughter. Wanting to express his gratitude, he sends them a bouquet for their anniversary… A tender and bittersweet love story unfolds as a wedding planner and a former client—both straight men—find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways.

Original Publisher

scola magazine

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on About Love "About Love" is a story that really burrowed its way into my heart. It’s a mature romance, a yaoi novel that explores the complexities of love between two men who initially identify as straight, and the journey they take to understand their feelings for each other. I went in expecting a typical romance, but I found myself completely absorbed by the characters and their very real struggles. ### First Impressions From the beginning, I was struck by how grounded the story felt. It's not a whirlwind romance filled with grand gestures. Instead, it's a slow burn, a quiet unfolding of emotions that feels incredibly authentic. The initial awkwardness and misunderstandings between the two leads immediately hooked me. I wanted to see how they would navigate these unfamiliar feelings. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its realism. The characters are flawed, stubborn, and emotionally guarded, making their journey all the more compelling. I appreciated that the story didn't shy away from the messy, frustrating aspects of relationships. The misunderstandings, while sometimes making me want to pull my hair out, ultimately felt like a natural consequence of their individual struggles. The author masterfully portrays the pain of love, loss, and the difficult path to reconciliation. I also found the characters incredibly relatable; they aren't overly dramatic or angsty, but rather ordinary people trying to navigate life and love. It's this normalcy that makes the story so powerful and heartwarming. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the story immensely, I would have liked to see more representation of diverse sexualities. The narrative focuses on the "straight-gay dichotomy," and exploring demi-sexual characters could have added another layer of depth and nuance. ### Final Verdict "About Love" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story that stays with you long after you finish reading. It's a testament to the power of quiet, understated storytelling and a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mature, realistic, and ultimately heartwarming romance.