まなざしの早鐘 [Manazashi no Hayagane] (2024)

To be honest, from the title and the description I didn't expect too much, but I was pleasantly surprised. I love it when that happens! Despite the silly title the main story is actually a pretty serious story about a teacher who has been hiding his sexuality, but when a former student of his turns up as a teacher-in-training, he is forced to reconsider this decision. If you keep in mind that this is a BL manga, this is actually pretty good. The second story serves as a sort of balance, because it's more of a romantic comedy mixed with hurt/comfort *and* a tsundere, but I really like that sort of thing, so that was good. (I gotta say, I would have preferred it if Izumi hadn't turned out to be gay/BLsexual, but hey, he is cute and if there is one thing I have learned from BL manga it's that homosexuality actually *is* catching ;) )

There were cute moments and the art is really pretty (which is like, it’s kakine, so of course the art is beautiful, duh) but the first story was so incredibly boring. Oh my god, i just didn't care at all. And considering it is kakine, I've come to expect more from her. Disappointed

Plus I kinda wanted Eri to sleep around more. As soon as Motou showed up Eri becomes so engrossed in him and Motou is not one bit interesting! I wish Eri was like "you're a good kind of guy and that's not what I want" but no, he suddenly remembered he was looking for a place in life and he cried and he just became this opposite of himself in a blink of an eye and I just, ugh, why? You were interesting before and now you're as boring as the story you're in.

Art was ok but the storyline was a confusing rollercoaster to read through....

(280522) ⭐⭐⭐.6

Eri and Motou make a cute couple. It was bittersweet to read about Eri's insecurities, seeing him doubt himself and wondering if he was worthy of being with Motou, if maybe he wasn't hurting Motou. Which made it all the more romantic and fitting for Motou to stand up for himself and proudly announce his feelings for Eri. Made me want to clap and wish them all the best.

And then there was Maki and Izumi. It was a pleasant surprise to see Izumi get his share of attention. You already knew he was helpful and friendly from the brief appearances he made alongside Eri and Motou. But now we see him caring for his students, getting to meet the tutor of one of the high schoolers and a shy romance developing between them. You wouldn't have expected such intensity and devotion from Maki. But I adored reading about it. The subtle way in which they gravitated around each other. Maki's realisation of his growing feelings, his fear of Izumi finding someone better. And then the sweet conclusion when they reassure each other of their feelings. And all that sprinkled with moments of laughter.

Quite a nice read.

**Grammar**

I gave 4 stars mostly for the the 2nd couple, bcs i loved them and if the book had been only about them, it would have been a 5 stars for me.
The first couple story is sweet, but i didnt like the fact that Eri that is in love with Motou, goes to sleep with another man, also after he understands that the younger man loves him too(not that he was a virgin, he had other one night stands during the years he and Motou were apart). Idk why he does that, doesnt make any sense, is clear to the reader that they are both in love and would be so easy to confess and see what happens. The story isnt all bad, but there are some things like this one, that i didnt like.
The 2nd couple is fantastic, is cute and there is a bit of comedy. I found their story interesting and i wanted to read more about them. Makino and Izumi are funny and sweet, and for both is the first time falling in love with a man