Utsukushii Koto

Matsuoka is hooked on wearing his ex-girlfriend’s clothes and going for nighttime walks into town, feeling the pleasure of being stared at by men wherever he goes. One night, after he is assaulted by a man during a one-off encounter, he is saved by Hirosue, a nondescript senior worker from his company. Drawn to Hirosue’s innocent and pure love, Matsuoka continues to meet with Hirosue, all the while dressed as a woman, until Hirosue finally confesses to him. Narise Konohara’s pinnacle of achievement portrays the pain and beauty of unrequited love and has also been adapted to a theatrical play. Contains 2 short stories (published in earlier editions) “Of Tenderness” (Itoshii koto) and “Of Love” (Aisuru koto).

Original Publisher

kodansha

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Utsukushii Koto "Utsukushii Koto" – a title that translates to "A Beautiful Thing" – certainly sparked a range of emotions in me as I dove into this completed web novel. It's a story that explores love, identity, and acceptance through the lens of two men navigating their feelings for each other. While I found aspects of it incredibly compelling, I can also see why some readers had reservations. ### First Impressions The premise is definitely intriguing: a cross-dressing protagonist and a initially straight love interest finding connection. I was hooked from the start, eager to see how their relationship would unfold. The initial setup, with Matsuoka's accidental cross-dressing and Hirosue's subsequent infatuation, created a captivating dynamic. ### What Works Well I appreciated the novel's exploration of complex emotions and internal struggles. The characters, despite their flaws, felt remarkably real. The author delves into Hirosue's indecisiveness and Matsuoka's unwavering devotion, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that kept me invested. Many readers praised the realistic portrayal of Hirosue's journey. It's not every day that you see a character grappling with their sexuality in such a raw and honest way. I also found the side characters to be well-developed and added depth to the overall narrative. The translation was top-notch, making the story accessible and engaging. ### Areas of Concern However, I can't ignore the criticisms leveled against Hirosue's character. Some felt his actions bordered on insensitive and even abusive, particularly regarding a specific incident that I will elaborate on in the spoiler section. His indecisiveness grated on some nerves, leading them to believe Matsuoka deserved better. I can understand this sentiment; there were moments when I, too, questioned Hirosue's worthiness of Matsuoka's affection. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several readers expressed discomfort and anger regarding the scene where Hirosue and Matsuoka have forced s*x. This scene is viewed by many as r*pe and makes it difficult for some readers to accept the ultimate happy ending. ### Final Verdict Despite its problematic elements, "Utsukushii Koto" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read. The author's willingness to explore uncomfortable themes and flawed characters is commendable. However, the issues surrounding consent and Hirosue's character may be a deal-breaker for some. Ultimately, whether you'll enjoy this novel depends on your tolerance for morally grey characters and your willingness to grapple with complex and sometimes unsettling themes. I'd recommend approaching it with caution and an open mind.