The scribble and doodle-like artstyle of "I don't cry" really pulls the attention into the storyline, which has a lot to offer in the beginning. With a short-lived but fiery past of stanning Kpop idols, and the identity of a fellow moth chasing the blinding lights of the artistic world, I feel touched by the emotions that the story evokes from its focused portrayal of draining hardship and the nagging urge to just give up and forget about it. Forget about chasing that big, grand, dazzling position under the spotlight as the voice of reason that relentlessly whispers: "You're not cut out for it. Wakeup. Save yourself". The dreamer that is always on the verge of letting their dreams fizzle out like pretty bubbles that aren't meant to last. The artist that defeatedly finds himself getting by in a place he deems unworthy like a caterpillar bidding its time prior to metamorphosis, yet doubting every waking moment if he is truly a butterfly-to-be.

Spanning 2 volumes is mostly the journey to success told by former idol Himeno but was inherently fueled by the echoing words of ex-manager Kasahara, the interaction of both scarcely sprinkled between chapters, as if it was never about being "BL". But it's that realistic growing apart from your beloved in hope of returning in a better version that lingers on for me. Really reminds me of the manga "Double" but "I don't cry" is neatly and promptly yet satisfactorily wrapped up at chapter 10, which is also a plus cuz I can finish it in one go.

To be honest, the story just oddly strikes a chord with me due to the specific feelings I harbour, so I'm not sure if it will offer other readers the same positive experience. But at least, it's good to know there are still manga writers out there capable of crafting stories that just happen to be so personal. I'm feeling like James Baldwin discovering the resonance he had from reading Dostoevsky lol.