Facing the past gives rise to new emotions. “Hadakeru Kaibutsu, Vol. 2” by Ogeretsu Tanaka（おげれつたなか）

We’re introducing “Hadakeru Kaibutsu, Vol. 2” from Shinshokan, Dear+ 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.

“I thought it was unforgivable… and yet, I found myself falling in love again.”…———

Shuna and Hayashida, who once started out as friends with benefits, have become lovers, and are now in a long-distance relationship between Osaka and Tokyo. While in Osaka, Shuna unexpectedly runs into Hayashida’s ex, “Yumi.” Yumi is the person Hayashida once acted violently toward, and also the very same person whose photograph still hangs on the wall of Hayashida’s room.

And then one day, Shuna sees the traces of Hayashida’s past violence that still remain on Yumi’s body……

Hayashida, once labeled a “monster,” and Shuna, who fell in love with him nonetheless.

A distorted story of two people that can’t be resolved by “love” alone—at last, it reaches its conclusion.

From Shinshokan, Dear+ COMICS “Hadakeru Kaibutsu, Vol. 2”

Even in a long-distance relationship, the two steadilyclosethe distance between their hearts…!!

As the series progresses, their feelings for each other clearly continue to grow stronger, and being in a long-distance relationship only turns up the affection to the max whenever they finally meet, making the spice level absolutely off the charts…!! Hayashida’s irresistible allure—and the whirlwind romance that comes with it—are filled with things Shuna has never experienced before, leaving him completely flustered. Compared to the first volume, the sensuality is turned way up, so be prepared to blush (you won’t be able to stop turning the pages).

How they choose to confront and come to terms with their past relationships.

For those who are sensitive to depictions of violence, please don’t push yourself, as there are scenes with emotionally heavy portrayals that strongly evoke the imagination. There were already moments in the special edition of the first volume that were mentally quite tough to endure, but here we are confronted with the idea of being so cornered that you end up hurting the person you cherish most. When such an impulse surfaces, you can’t help but wonder whether it would be impossible to recover from it. In the scene where he confides in Shuna, Hayashida’s determination to restrain himself, believing that he must not allow himself to feel relieved, is both heartbreaking and deeply endearing. While it is never something that can be forgiven, the circumstances are such that you can’t help but feel sympathy—and without some form of salvation, the portrayal feels terrifyingly real, as if Hayashida’s true self might completely collapse.

A firm resolve to never repeat the same mistake again for the sake of the one he loves most.

Hayashida’s sharp tongue is honestly right up my alley, and during the spicier moments, his reactions that completely contradict his words are unbelievably adorable— I couldn’t help but blush every single time I turned the page! I can’t stop hoping that the future awaiting Hayashida and Shuna, as they take their next steps forward together, will be filled with happiness.

There are also developments shown from Yumi’s point of view, and even within memories so painful they feel impossible to erase, the thought that they might become a small trigger to move forward leaves your tear ducts completely undone. The scene where he is alone, quietly reflecting on his past memories had me crying out loud. It was truly a wonderful work.（The best & the best）

If you haven’t read it yet, I truly hope you’ll start from the earlier works in the series…!! Please be aware that reading this when you’re already feeling emotional or going through a hard time may hit you quite hard, so take care and proceed with caution!!