The 3 star rating isn't because of the content- it's because the author doesn't know what to do with their own characters. When I read the synopsis, the concept of a sadistic black flag photographer (Manabu) sounded really interesting but the plot does not develop him past that point. He has flashback panels that show how the LI has been sweet to him but we never actually witness it we are just told it happened one time. Everything happens "off screen". We never actually see how Manabu evolved from a sadistic alcoholic to worried boyfriend. The "muse" (Iori) is a pretty realistic depiction of howsome people cope with abuse. He finds a sexual partner who acts and abuses him just as his step-father did. But, just because it is realistic does not make it well written. The climax of the plot relies on Iori not using common sense nor any form of critical thinking. He goes to try and get closure with his past, then one page later realizes it was a bad idea. It does not come across as complex character motivation, it comes across as confusing and frustrating. The plot is rushed just to get to the next abuse scene.

Overall it felt like the author was playing trauma bingo with Iori.

Content warnings for the series: past parental death, drugging, sexual abuse from partner, sexual abuse from step parent, alcoholism, trauma bonding

Characters: 3/10
Plot: 1/10
Art: 8/10