Neighbor Drinking Lessons?! “Liquor & Cigarette” by Ranmaru Zariya

Gentosha BIRDS COMICS LYNX COLLECTION “Liquor & Cigarette” — let me introduce this title!

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

Please scroll down ↓↓ (^^)

“Why don’t we try dating, just as a trial?” …—————

Teo, who runs a liquor shop, and Camilo, who runs a tobacco shop, are childhood friends. They are both aware of each other, but Teo can’t quite tell whether those feelings are romantic or something else. Meanwhile, Camilo suggests, “Why don’t we try dating, just as a trial?” and puts the idea on the table. Hesitant but curious, Teo agrees—only to be confronted with a passionate, unfamiliar side of Camilo he’s never seen before…?

From Gentosha, BIRZ COMICS 『Liquor & Cigarette』

This work was also ranked in “This BL Is Amazing!” in 2019 (^^). I already loved Zaraya-sensei’s works, but with overseas-style names and such finely detailed artwork, the world-building feels truly unique. It lets you enjoy a sense of exotic atmosphere, almost as if you were traveling abroad.

And then there’s the sheer, overwhelming allure of the men Zaraya-sensei draws…!! (this is a compliment) They’re not just cute or cool!! The way they speak, the way they look down, even a simple turn of the head—each small gesture somehow lets their sensuality gently seep through. I was genuinely surprised to realize just how much charm can be conveyed like that, and it left a strong impression on me (^^). Simply the best.

First of all, Theo’s cuteness. Why is it that boys who are a bit rough with their words end up looking so adorable? And then there’s the fact that only Camilo knows the secret he carries.

Isn’t this just too perfect?? (delivered with a whole lot of personal bias)

Camilo has long hair, and an enchanting aura seemingly distilled from every corner of the 2D world comes spilling straight off the page.

It’s dangerously good (my vocabulary completely turns to dust, so please be warned if you haven’t read it yet)

In their back-and-forth, my heartbeat just won’t slow down. In the more intimate scenes, you’re given such a surge of living energy that you might honestly want to close the book for a moment. You may completely lose your composure. (speaking from experience)

In the final climax, a smile naturally spills across your face. I almost cried (from happiness). I really hope you’ll give it a read (^^)