"Nagahama To Be, or Not To Be" is an intimate, reflective, and deeply emotional BL that goes far beyond romance. It’s an introspective work with a very real kind of love. Nagisa lives in conflict with himself, about his feelings and his future. He has always been in love with his friend Issa, but he’s afraid to confess. He loves football, and many people beg him to coach them. Issa is the complete opposite. He works at his family’s fish shop, seems older than his age (he doesn’t even know how to use a phone), and is kind of like Nagisa’s loyal puppy. He’s very honest, althoughhis metaphors can sometimes be a bit strange. He loves the sea and wants to go away on a boat for months.

This isn’t an idealized love story; it explores doubts, insecurities, and the fear of not fitting in. But it’s also very beautiful and sweet.

I love how the relationship develops and how the characters grow little by little. It shows things like social pressure, acceptance, and perspectives, both our own and how others see us. But most importantly, it highlights loving yourself in order to love someone else.

I’m really looking forward to reading the second volume.