I've read the first volume in a long while, but this is my first time reading (skimming, tbh) the second and third volume. Whew. It's a mess, and I'm taking a point off for how messy the plot is, but what a glorious mess. From the main pairing themselves to the way they interact...Nyannya is definitely familiar with Western BL tropes and I am here for it. The story doesn't do a perfect emulation, but it's still refreshing. I don't like Cole at all but I must admit he is a great character. His negativity is written REALLY well in how annoying and self-sabotaging it is. Hemesses up and makes a lot of mistakes and they're not light mistakes either. He's a hot mess, a train wreck, but I enjoy seeing him grow bit by bit. Bet he's going to have a really hot brat summer in 2024. I wish he'd get therapy tho.

Alex has much less nuance to his character, but he serves as a nice contrast to Cole's overtly complex self. It's funny seeing the hot popular jock actually being the loyal and stable partner. I also enjoy that he actually leaves Cole repeatedly when he fucks up. Yes, they get back together (all hail toxic BL) but it somehow feels like they're going to really made it every time they made up.

Cheers for you, kids.