Enjoy the delightful slow-burn awkwardness of each couple…!! “Next Door” by Koshino（腰乃）

2024.04.12

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Introducing Tokyo Mangasha, MARBLE COMICS “Tonari no”!

The following is quoted from the back cover. This review does touch on the story’s content! If you just want a quick summary!! I’d be happy if you read only the red text and highlighted sections.

A straight office worker falls in love with a flirtatious gay man…――――――

On the very day he moves in, Sawada ends up witnessing his neighbor, “Todaiji,” in the middle of a kiss with another man. Thinking it would be best not to get involved, he tries to keep his distance—but when he forgets his keys and finds himself in trouble, Todaiji comes to his aid. From then on, Sawada ends up having Todaiji look after him in various ways in his day-to-day life.

As he spends time with Todaiji, who has a sharp tongue and a mean streak but is actually kind at heart, the feelings of Sawada, who was supposed to be straight begin to change……

Manly yet adorable, steamy yet incredibly pure ♥

The much-talked-about new ero star☆ Koshino’s debut comics have finally arrived! Also included is a bonus story featuring a seriously gay subordinate getting tossed around by his naturally sadistic boss. Comes with must-read, adorably steamy newly drawn content!!

From Tokyo Mangasha, MARBLE COMICS “Tonari no”

A lineup packed with the volume of six different couples…!! (extremely satisfying to read)

This is Koshino-sensei’s debut comics—a title I borrowed from a friend and immediately bought for myself because I wanted to reread it right away!! I also absolutely love the awkward, slow-burn charm of “Bukatsu no Kōhai ni Semararete Imasu”, which I introduced on this blog before, but this work was what truly got me hooked on stories centered around working adults. It’s perfect as an introduction to the genre often known as salaryman BL, and it let me dive headfirst into Koshino-sensei’s distinctive world all at once (＾＾). From the next section onward, I’d like to talk about each included story and pairing in turn!

The Convenience Store Manager and the Man Who Falls (Inumaru × Sakura) A convenience store manager who takes in a man who’s been cast aside

The protagonist is Inumaru, a convenience store manager, who ends up meeting Sakura after he falls from the floor above the convenience store where Inumaru works—leading to a shocking opening where he unexpectedly helps him “relieve himself”…!! It’s quite intense… (＾＾) Despite his cute behavior, Sakura is very much openly gay, and the story beautifully depicts the endearing interactions between two people who grow conflicted as they hesitate yet come to care deeply for one another.

On the Line of Heat (Shigeru Meguro × Kunio Akasaka) A青春-filled love story of high school boys!

It’s a story that makes you squirm over the inner conflicts felt by students at that age and the awkward, tender emotions that slowly shift from close friends to romantic interest. So cute (＾＾) Akasaka suddenly starts hanging out with Meguro’s older brother (who has a bit of a delinquent vibe), skips class on a whim to peek at Meguro from the rooftop, and the two gradually begin to make physical contact—the process of them slowly growing closer is just adorable…!! Youth really is wonderful… (truly)

Beyond the Misunderstanding (Kawabata × Nishijima) Reunited after ten years… how will this senior–junior relationship move forward?!

Nishijima and Kawabata, who were once senior and junior at the same high school, reunite ten years later in a twist of fate that could only be described as destiny—they end up working at the same company. On top of that, we learn that Kawabata, the junior, has carried unforgettable feelings ever since a kiss from Nishijima at their graduation ceremony. As an unexpected trouble at their workplace rapidly brings the two closer together, I couldn’t help but worry—honestly—whether they might catch a cold (＾＾).

Let’s Think This Through (Takahashi × Tōshigeta) A boss who finds himself swayed by a man who offers up a month’s earnings, wishing to spend just one night together

Tōshigeta, who is hopelessly careless with money, and his subordinate Takahashi, who boldly grabs an entire month’s salary and begs him to sell his body… My first impression was, “This is unhinged.” But between Takahashi’s earnest devotion and his everyday kindness, Tōshigeta can’t help but get swept along. As Takahashi’s single-minded devotion—having loved Tōshigeta all this time—comes into view, it starts to feel oddly endearing… Experiencing that strange shift in perception was so fascinating that it made this a story I wanted to read over and over again…!!

Tonari no (Todaiji × Sawada) A guy who wants attention from his cool yet kind neighbor (very weak in the mornings) is born…!!

This is the main story that also gives the comic its title. Todaiji, the neighbor, may seem hard to approach at first, but it’s adorable how Sawada gradually becomes drawn to him as he discovers his genuinely caring nature (＾＾). Just when you think he’s slipping into a slightly old-fashioned, insecure boyfriend mode with a “Am I not good enough?” kind of vibe, he ends up being thoroughly led around by Todaiji’s skills…. The feeling that a carefree flirt who’s never settled on one person might (just maybe) become devoted is simply irresistible…! (＾＾)

If You’re Happy, Let’s Hold Hands (Wakui × Konishi) A languid boss and a chief with late self-awareness and complicated feelings—what will become of their relationship!?

This is quite a delightfully “complicated” story where you can enjoy two very different types of bespectacled men (＾＾). Konishi, who is in the same intake as Sawada from “Tonari no,” finds himself swept along by his older, laid-back superior, Wakui. The initial scene where they first make contact is frantic yet memorable, leaving you anxious and wondering, “What’s going to happen with these two?!” At first, Konishi is the more proactive one, but as Wakui casually deflects his advances, doubts begin to creep in—does Wakui really intend to face things seriously? It felt like a more mature take, slightly different from typical salaryman stories I’ve read before.

That wraps up my introduction to the stories included in this volume (＾＾). Since the content is quite rich, I recommend taking your time and reading it little by little…!! I hope every story will hit just the right spot for your tastes… and let’s fall deeper into Koshino-sensei’s world together!!!

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