Is that once-adorable younger childhood friend seriously pursuing him now?! **“Shunrai Won’t Give Up”** by Beni（紅）

Introducing Frontier Works DARIA COMICS “Shunrai Won’t Give Up”!

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.

Sakuya, a novelist, decides to move into his grandfather’s old home after his passing.

There, he reunites with his younger childhood friend, Raita, who has grown into a strikingly handsome man!

In front of Raita, who always looks out for him, Sakuya finds he can be his true self in a way he never could even with his ex.

One night, letting his guard down in that sense of comfort, he ends up spending the night with him after drinking!

To make things even more confusing, Raita declares, “From today on, I’m going to start pursuing you,” throwing everything into chaos!

Even though he feels done with romance, he finds himself gradually drawn to Raita’s sincerity…?

From Frontier Works DARIA COMICS “Shunrai Won’t Give Up”

Being seriously pursued by a younger guy…?!

　This is the work that introduced me to Beni（紅）, and the older, often-frowning character is just too adorable…!! I was drawn in by the cover, and lately, I’ve realized I’m especially weak for black-haired younger guys, so I quickly fell in love with this one (lol). First, I’d like to talk about the relationship between the two and how everything began (^^)

　The story begins when Sakuya returns to his hometown to celebrate his grandfather’s birthday, only for it to end in a sudden farewell. That experience leads him—given the nature of his profession and his irregular lifestyle in the convenience-filled city where everything is at hand—to consider trying out a quieter, more secluded life in the countryside. There, he reunites with Raita, the childhood friend he used to look after when they were young. Sakuya, who isn’t very good at keeping in touch via phone or messages, ends up arriving at this moment without ever responding to the messages Raita had sent him several times before.

Sakuya, who had grown somewhat reckless, thinking he was done with love for a while, ends up letting his guard down and spending the night with Raita after their reunion. Despite Raita trying to hold himself back, saying, “You have no idea how I feel…!!,” Sakuya half-forces the situation forward—and then, the next morning. Waking up with no memory of what happened, he is met with Raita’s firm declaration that he will seriously pursue him… The way Raita clearly expresseshis determinationthrough his expression is absolutely irresistible, making it a highlight to watch for!!

A heartbroken older man trying to keep up appearances vs. a devoted, long-held one-sided love

Sakuya became hesitant about love because the boyfriends he had dated in the past treated him poorly. Rather than truly understanding him or appreciating his unique qualities as a novelist, they were drawn only to the novelty and never made the effort to connect with him on a deeper level before drifting away. Meanwhile, it was none other than Raita who had been devotedly in love with Sakuya since they were young.

The interactions between the oblivious Sakuya and the devoted Raita, who has quietly held onto his feelings, are wonderfully paced, easy to read, and incredibly charming (^^). At the same time, the story never feels forceful or rushed, making the pacing comfortable as you enjoy both the gentle, heartwarming atmosphere and those exciting, heart-pounding moments together!

Be sure to read it yourself to see what kind of ending awaits these two! Personally, I love the scene where Raita gently hugs Sakuya from behind while he’s “cooking” (just pouring hot water into instant noodles)…!!