One of the biggest misunderstandings of the Reiwa era…?! “Shitsuren Junkie” by Taka（鷹）

We’re introducing “Shitsuren Junkie” from Sankosha, KiR Comics

The following is quoted from the back cover. This review does touch on the story’s content! If you just want a quick overview!! I’d be happy if you read only the red text and highlighted sections.

“Ahh… if only this were real sex……”

Keita, who secretly harbors unrequited feelings for his best friend Ryujiro, continues today as well to chase after his image, falling in love with straight men. Each time, things end without success—but the one who soothes Keita’s heartbreak is always Ryujiro. And what’s more, he does so by holding the heartbroken Keita as if he were a lover…!!

Back in high school, Ryujiro—the one who was the only person who truly looked out for Keita when he felt out of place in his class—is certainly a genuinely great guy, but———

If you don’t mean anything by it, then don’t be so kind!!!!

From Sankosha, KiR Comics “Shitsuren Junkie”

In one of my favorite works by Taka（鷹）, Keita, the most romance-driven character, and Ryujiro, who keeps his emotions tightly hidden, have been friends since their high school days. When Keita was struggling to fit in with those around him, Ryujiro was the one who reached out to him—and before he knew it, Keita realized that his heart had been forced open. From that moment on, Keita falls in love with Ryujiro. So adorable.

Unable to confess his feelings, time passes and they become working adults. Each time Keita falls in love with a straight man and ends up heartbroken, he goes to see Ryujiro to be comforted. Before long, it becomes a habit. It’s heartbreaking. Even if it happens under the influence of alcohol, the way he’s comforted is by being held.

Isn’t that mentally exhausting???

Unable to have his heart, settling for just being held instead, the sorrow of the tears that slip away during those moments is beyond words. It shakes your emotions relentlessly, pushing your tear ducts to their limit.

Keita works at a convenience store, where he once again finds himself falling for another straight guy. The easygoing store manager who appears there is absolutely adorable—my favorite (＾＾). After going through yet another series of unfulfilled loves, Keita still can’t shake the wish that his feelings for Ryujiro might someday be returned. As he quietly wonders whether being together would finally let him experience the happiness of spending time with the one he loves, Keita’s longing feels unbearably heartbreaking…!!

Because of a misunderstanding one day, Keita ends up avoiding Ryujiro completely. The tiny, chibi-style characters drawn by Taka-sensei in the smaller panels are incredibly cute—definitely something to pay attention to (＾＾). As the story progresses, the perspective shifts to Ryujiro’s side, and you begin to realize that, since their high school days, there was actually more going on…?! This makes the story even more engaging as you read on.

The climax unleashes every bottled-up feeling all at once…!!

Scenes where misunderstandings and crossed signals give way to emotional outbursts about what each person truly feels and hopes for are a major highlight, keeping you engaged all the way to the end. The intimate moments shared as their feelings finally connect are deeply satisfying beyond words, so I truly hope you’ll see this story through to the very end.