A Life Once Marked by Isolation Takes a Dramatic Turn…?! “The Beloved Mermaid” Author: Hijiki（ひじき）

I’d like to introduce Libre Publishing’s “BL Explained in Seconds” title, “The Beloved Mermaid” (※Please note that this work includes depictions of skin, tattoos, and bruises, which may not be suitable for some readers).

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.

“You are my beautiful and gentle mermaid.”

Umi, a tattoo artist born under a mermaid’s curse, was born with a jet-black right eye, and unsightly marks covered the right side of his body.

Umi lived quietly, covering the marks that even his parents had shunned with exquisite tattoos, enduring life in secrecy. However, after meeting Mikagi, a so-called fraudulent spirit medium, his everyday life begins to change――――――

The once-in-a-lifetime love of a young man who was called a monster.

The newly drawn bonus story depicts an overly sweet daily life shared by the two of them—and their two companions!

From Libre Publishing’s “BL Explained in Seconds” — “The Beloved Mermaid”

A work by the author of “Kirai de Isasete,” Hijiki（ひじき）!!

When it comes to non-human BL by Hijiki, the creator widely known for popular Omegaverse works, this is the title to look out for. It’s a beautiful story about a young man whose appearance is seen as unusual due to a mermaid’s curse he was born with, and how he comes to learn what it means to be loved after meeting a certain spirit medium.

I truly love how the characters drawn by Hijiki are so compelling in the way they carry their own struggles and continue living earnestly. In this work, the story begins with the encounter between Umi (海), a young man whose appearance is seen as inhuman, and Mikagi (ミカギ), a so-called fraudulent spirit medium known for drifting from place to place.

A past marked by continual rejection from his parents

Umi’s frail mother had been made to drink a powdered medicine made from mermaid bones by her in-laws, which caused him to be born with distinctive marks from birth. Because of his appearance, he was constantly ostracized, eventually subjected to abuse and violence, and ultimately sold away. From a very young age, his birthmarks led others to bully him, calling him a monster. He was never allowed to belong anywhere and spent his days in deep suffering. So sad… so painful…(´；ω；`)

An Encounter with the Tattoo Artist “Naosuke” (直助)

Ostracized as a monster and crying alone, Umi encounters Naosuke, a tattoo artist who inks the skin. The tattoos on Naosuke’s body looked incredibly beautiful and cool to young Umi. Could his own marks disappear too…? Enduring intense pain with his small body, he decides to cover his marks with tattoos. This scene beautifully shows his resolve and a glimpse of hope for the future—a bittersweet and truly touching moment…!! So emotional.

The Presence of Kuro, the Youkai Goldfish, and Nishiki (錦), the Nishikigoi

After going to live with Naosuke, Umi becomes able to see youkai, and even after Naosuke passes away, he continues to spend his days together with the two of them. Although they jokingly remark that Umi’s jet-black eye—said to be cursed by a mermaid—must look delicious, they become protective, guardian-like figures who quietly watch over him, which is truly heartwarming…。 It’s mysterious how they appear exactly like a goldfish and a koi（笑） It was after witnessing these two that Mikagi, the so-called fraudulent spirit medium, spoke to Umi for the first time.

Mikagi’s gap between appearances is totally my weakness…!!

Even though he usually acts carefree and unserious, I absolutely love characters who seem to change completely when it really matters, or when they find someone they need to protect…!! Mikagi is exactly that kind of person. Even when he sees Umi’s tattoos, the only thing that slips from his lips is how beautiful they are. Mikagi himself also carries a past that is almost unbearable. The scene where he opens up about his past to Umi is so different from his usual self… it made me cry all over again…(´；ω；`)

The Resolve to Acknowledge Their Feelings and Care for Each Other

Umi is taken away by a spirit medium who works in the same profession as Mikagi, and it is then that Mikagi realizes anew just how precious Umi truly is to him. Anyone who tries to interfere with the romance of two people who care for each other this deeply really deserves what’s coming to them—Japanese sayings are quite handy at times like this. Or perhaps it’s more of an idiom. Anyway, getting back to the point, Umi’s bewitching charm in this scene and Mikagi’s sheer coolness are simply irresistible…!! I love them (a sudden confession).

Please be sure to witness the future that awaits these two for yourself. It’s heartbreaking and tender, yet you’re certain to be gently drawn into its deeply moving world. You may find yourself in tears, so don’t forget to have a handkerchief ready.