Painfully poignant emotions of youth in turmoil — 『Don’t Let Go of This Hand』 Author: Sakimoto Saki（咲本﨑）

Introducing ShuCream from RED 『Don’t Let Go of This Hand』!（*Please note: The opening of this work contains depictions of vomiting, so reader discretion is advised.*）

Below is a quote from the back cover. This post includes impressions and a review that touch on the story! If you just want a quick idea of what it’s about, I’d be happy if you read only the red text and highlighted parts.

“I hated heat—so much it felt like it would kill me…”

After causing a certain incident, Haruto transfers from an elite Alpha school to a regular school.

In a classroom buzzing over the out-of-season transfer student, he meets Miyabi, the student council president, who for some reason treats him especially harshly.

Almost like two people with completely opposite personalities and circumstances, they clash with one another yet are strongly drawn together, gradually stepping deeper into each other’s hearts.

However, Miyabi’s body, unable to resist Haruto’s pheromones, gradually begins to slip beyond his control―――…

A premium juvenile Omegaverse where “the privileged ✕ the underprivileged” are irresistibly drawn to one another.

From ShuCream from RED 『Don’t Let Go of This Hand』

Sakimoto-sensei’s memorable debut comic!!

The two main characters standing beneath the fluttering cherry blossoms on the cover were simply too beautiful, and I immediately thought “I have to buy this!! (pure instinct)”. What I got was an even more painful yet youth-filled Omegaverse experience than I’d expected (＾＾). At the same time, it’s a work I’d strongly recommend to anyone who loves size differences, tsundere characters, honor students, and doting relationships!! Now, I’d like to dive into the story itself and talk more about it!

*I’ve also introduced the Omegaverse worldbuilding in other works!! For more details, I’d be happy if you’d read those together with this one (＾＾) And of course, if you’re already familiar with it, please feel free to keep reading as you are~!

It is a story set in a unique world where, in addition to male and female, there exist three secondary genders—“Alpha,” “Beta,” and “Omega”—a setting in which even men can bear children.

While this work certainly showcases the unique appeal found only in the Omegaverse, it was also a truly impactful story for me, even after having read many titles in the genre.

Haruto-kun, who transferred to a regular school after causing trouble at an elite academy, carried a troubled, complicated air from the very beginning. He feels discomfort toward those who approach him as an Alpha, and amid the gazes of people who turn to look at him with fawning eyes, one person looks at him in a completely different way. That person is Miyabi-kun, the student council president.

The reason behind that overwhelming sense of disgust… and what can be seen within his true feelings

The true feelings hidden behind Miyabi-kun’s carefully crafted smile stem from deeply painful memories. Born into an Alpha family, he was looked down on, had nowhere he truly belonged, and even the academic achievements he took pride in—believing himself superior to anyone else—felt meaningless when faced with those Alphas blessed with natural talent, leaving him disheartened. On the other hand, Haruto-kun, who has lived as an Alpha surrounded by fawning gazes, believed there was no one who truly saw him for who he was, and transferred schools carrying a heart that had nearly given up. It is there that the two meet. Though they clash at first, by taking steps toward each other, their lives change completely from what they once were, and they gradually become drawn to one another. Miyabi-kun, like a cat that hasn’t yet warmed up, and Haruto-kun, who is naturally caring and unable to leave others alone, might actually be a perfect match (＾＾). The process of them growing closer is depicted with remarkable delicacy, and it was truly wonderful.

At a certain point, areunion with his younger brother

Wanting to somehow save Miyabi-kun as his growing sense of self-blame weighs heavily on him, Haruto-kun finally takes action—determined to rescue him and make him happy. He opens up about his own past and the reasons that led him to transfer schools, and by sharing this with Miyabi-kun, he reflects on what he can truly do for him. What he comes up with is taking Miyabi-kun out into the world beyond school—filling his view with happiness amid scenery outside their everyday lives. I couldn’t help but let out an amazed, admiring gasp at what a wonderful idea that was… Then, on the way home after having their fill of fun at the amusement park, they have an unexpected reunion with a certain person.

An amusement park date?! The two of them having fun together are just too cuteeee

The two of them, who had never really shown expressions appropriate for their age until now, were finally able to smile, and happiness was undeniably there. Just when I thought this moment might last a little longer, the situation takes a sudden turn with the appearance of Miyabi-kun’s younger brother. Miyabi-kun is dragged right back into the past that haunts him. He had finally started showing such adorable smiles—so what do you think you’re doing?! Honestly, it made me incredibly angry. This is a full-on rage point for me ٩(๑`^´๑)۶

So what answer does Haruto-kun, with his incredible emotional support and warmth, ultimately come up with…? Please be sure to see it for yourself. This work also has a continuation! I plan to introduce it on this blog in the future, so please look forward to that as well (＾＾) I truly want you to experience the bittersweet, deeply lingering feeling it leaves after reading.