A reclusive novelist haunted by his past and an unsuccessful rookie host who share their loneliness — “The Darkest Time Is Just Before Dawn” by Yamada Nonono（山田ノノノ）

SHINSHOKAN Dear+ Comics “The Darkest Time Is Just Before Dawn ” will be introduced!

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’ve never looked forward to morning like this before―――…”

Takaya, an unsuccessful rookie host, forgets his key and ends up passed out drunk in front of his place, only to be helped by “Saito,” a novelist who lives in the same apartment building.

Takaya is gradually drawn to the mature and gentle Saito, but…!?

A novelist lingering in the past × an unsuccessful rookie host—a story of the most vivid and unforgettable dawn.

From SHINSHOKAN Dear+ Comics “The Darkest Time Is Just Before Dawn ”

This is a work I love for the contrast between the adorable Takaya-kun and the mature, cool Saito-san. I had already been curious about Yamada-sensei, and this was the first time I was able to read one of their works and truly discover them. The synopsis described it as a “vivid story of the morning,” so as I kept reading, wondering what kind of story it would be, new emotions began to spread alongside a sense of pain. Even before figuring out what those feelings were, what struck me most was how beautifully light and shadow were contrasted, and how the subtle darkness depicted by Yamada-sensei slowly seeped in. I’ve always loved glasses-wearing guys and black hair, so I thought for sure Saito-san would become my favorite—but then, Takaya-kun’s cuteness completely knocked me out!!!

Takaya-kun may be an unsuccessful rookie host, but he’s hardworking and so earnest… there’s no way you wouldn’t fall for him. He’s adorable…!!! I personally tend to focus more on the seme rather than the uke, but he was so overwhelmingly cute that I found myself wholeheartedly cheering for Saito-san to cherish him (＾＾). Of course, as a bright and cheerful person, he has his own worries and inner conflicts, but watching him earnestly strive to see how far he can go was truly encouraging.

Then, a crisis strikes Takaya-kun…!!

As the story unfolds, Takaya-kun finds himself on the verge of being swallowed by the dangerous adult world of the night and faces a certain crisis. It comes at a time when he has also put a bit of distance between himself and Saito-san, with whom he had been interacting up until then, making the tension impossible to shake. And how he moves forward beyond the love he has come to recognize is the true highlight.

There’s also a scene where Saito-san, an introverted novelist, goes out at night to buy ice cream at a convenience store, and it runs deep. Later in the story, you come to understand what it means for him to step outside and touch the night air, even if it’s just a short walk nearby. But it’s never something that can be resolved so easily…. When you read it while putting yourself in his place, the tears just won’t stop. Thinking about the depth of that night reflected in the subtle darkness of the volume’s cover really makes you realize the significance of that moment when he chooses to go outside. It’s truly profound. The emotion you feel there, alongside the pain, slowly sinks in as “tender affection.”

It’s a work where fragility and fleetingness come crashing in together, yet the more intimate scenes are also absolutely top-tier. Despite being an indoor type, Saito-san’s impressive physique—and Takaya-kun’s heart-shaped eyes that will undoubtedly pierce straight through you make it impossible to resist. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try (＾＾). And by the way, it’s best enjoyed at night!!