The irresistible charm of a striking size difference in a Dom/Sub universe! 『Love Chain Love Gene』 by Ebinobisuku

The product image above includes a link to Amazon. For details and purchases, please visit the linked page.

Kobunsha BL COMICS 『Love Chain Love Gene』—let me introduce this title!

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.

A big Sub × a cute Dom—

College student Ami (Manami) approaches her shy older sister’s arranged-marriage prospect, science graduate student Kōichirō (Kōichirō), hoping to feel him out for her sister—but the first impression is absolutely terrible!

However, on a rainy day, they have an unexpected reunion…?!

A straight-laced, elite, tall Sub who longs to be guided ♥ × A younger, bossy-yet-adorable Dom who wants to take the lead ♥

A love story where **the bold, strong-willed Dom heir 『Manami』 who charges headfirst into love** and **the flawless, iron-walled super-perfect Sub 『Kōichirō』** keep each other on edge— a just-barely-holding-back, frustratingly sweet, heart-fluttering romance ♡

From Kobunsha BL COMICS 『Love Chain Love Gene』

The Dom/Sub universe settingwith lighthearted comedy elements that make it an easy and enjoyable read!

This is the work through which I first discovered Ebino Biscuit-sensei, and I decided to buy it because I was drawn to the adorable cover and the sparkling, charming world it promises. Before diving in, I’ll give a very brief explanation for readers who may not be familiar with the Dom/Sub universe yet. If you already know it—or if you’re already a fan—feel free to skip ahead, okay? (^^)

What is the Dom/Sub Universe? (Quoted below from the Pixiv Encyclopedia)

“Dynamics” refers to one type of special universe setting that originated in creative works outside Japan (OmegaVerse is another example). In this world, there exist distinct roles beyond conventional gender—those who take a leading role and those who are guided—forming unique relationships within the setting.

Dom (Dominant: the one who takes the lead / holds control)Sub (Submissive: the one who is guided)
・It is often read as “Dom,” a shortened form of “Dominant.” They find pleasure in clearly expressing their desires and being obeyed. They use the term “command” to give instructions to a Sub.
*For example: wanting to praise, protect, or take care of someone.
• Often shortened to “Sub,” from Submissive. They find pleasure in receiving “commands” from a Dom and following them. By carrying out those instructions and being praised, they gain a sense of fulfillment.
※ Wanting to be praised, wanting to devote themselves, wanting attention, and so on.

Terms related to the Dom/Sub Universe (*Not all terms apply to every work)

PlaySafeword (a word agreed upon in advance, before play)
・An act in which a Dom and a Sub share mutual trust and connect their feelings, allowing them to release built-up tension together. If it doesn’t happen for a while, it may sometimes affect one’s physical or emotional well-being.・A word shared and agreed upon by both parties for play. If the Sub says this word, the Dom must stop the play immediately, no matter what.
CommandSub Drop
・A term used by a Dom when giving instructions to a Sub.
※Depending on the work, commands may be spoken in English or given using Japanese words.
・A state that can occur when play is left unfinished with someone who cannot be trusted. It is more likely to happen when a Sub is not praised, or when proper care is not given even after following commands.
GlareSpace: Subspace
・A Dom emits an intimidating presence that causes nearby Subs to submit. This pressure does not affect Normals, though there are rare exceptions.・A sensation where overwhelming happiness, comfort, or excitement within a partner relationship makes one feel light-headed or dreamlike. It is most commonly experienced during play.
Source cited above⇒https://dic.pixiv.net/a/DomSub

I’ve given a broad explanation of the universe setting here, but honestly, I didn’t fully understand it myself until I read this work. Even so, I was able to ease into the world and enjoy the story naturally (^^). If I come across more DomSub universe stories in the future, I think I’ll come back to this page for reference. I’d be really happy if this helps you whenever things feel a little confusing.

A setting that might just turn everything you thought you knew on its head?

Personally, when I think about who’s the top or bottom, my usual preference has been couples where the top is physically bigger— I really love that feeling of overwhelming reassurance, like they’re gently wrapping the smaller one in their arms. Because of that, I tended to gravitate toward stories with that kind of dynamic… **So I was honestly surprised when this story revealed that the one in the “dominant” role is actually the bottom…?! (^^)**

Starting from that first impression and reading further into the story, I found that each of the characters carries their own personal struggles and inner conflicts.

Kōichirō, a science-focused graduate student, was raised strictly under his grandmother’s firm control, with dynamics carefully managed throughout his life. Because of his own past experiences, he set a goal to develop medicine that would allow people to live without relying on “play”, and he spends his days immersed in clinical trials and experiments. Amid all this, a marriage meeting with the protagonist Manami’s older sister is arranged—also at his grandmother’s suggestion. At the same time, he struggles deeply with his own way of living, to the point where his younger brother even asks him whether he is truly free to live the life he wants.

Manami, who grew up in a family known for producing outstanding Doms, decides to do some careful research beforehand to see what kind of person his old sister’s prospective fiancé really is. The man he meets at his regular bar gives off an intimidating air and makes no effort to communicate properly—leaving Manami with a terrible first impression. Furious at the thought of his old sister being engaged to someone like that, Manami goes straight to her to report what he has seen.

Later on, the two happen to meet again by chance on a rainy day, and they’re taken aback by how different the atmosphere feels compared to their first encounter at the bar. Drawn to each other in a way they can’t quite explain, it starts with a kiss, the mood softens, and they end up spending the night together. This part is portrayed so beautifully and elegantly—it truly left a strong impression on me…!

Stepping in as the fiancée instead of the old sister…?!

Manami’s over-the-top, heart-melting smile as he gives Koichiro his full, adorable appeal is just too cute… truly too cute…!! Still caught up in that sweetness, he eventually learns about Koichiro’s upbringing and suddenly worries—*what if being with me, even their play, ends up hurting him?* Feeling afraid, Manami's decides to put some distance between them.

The struggle between not wanting to engage in play because of the dynamics.

Kouichirou, dedicated to research so as not to be swayed by the dynamics, and Manami, who wants to stay close but fears dragging Kouichirou into his own desires, physically keeps his distance. The struggle of Manami fighting his own urges, and Kouichirou coming to persuade him to stay close… the bittersweet beauty of their tears in the midst of conflict is overwhelming…! The desperate, heartfelt scenes between the two were simply wonderful (^^)

The second half of their interactions is absolutely wonderful, making you feel fulfilled just knowing they met—truly a fantastic work!! The lovey-dovey couple and the irresistible flirtiness during “a certain countdown” make it highly recommended for anyone who loves sweet, affectionate moments!!

Copied title and URL