Links:
Renta! Author tag
Author’s Twitter
We’re in the heart of winter here in Tokyo, and the days are cold and… wet, with little snow but plenty of rain 
. What with the cloudy skies and frigid air, I think it’s the perfect weather to snuggle up inside with a cup of hot cocoa (or your beverage of choice) and some good BL. My BL tastes lean towards the feel-good and fuzzy-inducing, so anything on the fluffy side would probably be my go-to for days like these.
One BL artist in particular that comes to mind when I think of soft, comforting, and heartwarming BL is Toworu Miyata — a quickly rising star in the BL manga world, some of whose works have just recently become available in English through Animate International. I couldn’t be happier about this, as I’ve been a fan of theirs for a while myself, and I’m sure there are plenty of readers across the world who will adore Miyata-sensei’s cute and touching manga.
Today I’d like to spotlight two of their works — plus a fun bonus chapter — which are now available in English. Hopefully by the end you’ll understand why I think reading Miyata-sensei’s manga feels like drinking a nice, warm cup of cocoa on a cold day. If fluff is your game, you’re in for a treat!
Living With Him
Read on Renta! (digital)
Buy a copy (print)
And They Were Roommates…
As Miyata-sensei’s debut comic book, this is a perfect introduction to their style of writing — full of domesticity, blushing boys, and plenty of mutual pining.
It starts with Ryota Natsukawa, a fresh new college student, moving in together with his old friend Kazuhito to start school. Though living together with a friend he hasn’t seen in years wasn’t his own decision per se, they get along well and Kazuhito’s a great roommate, so he isn’t too bothered by the situation. One thing he can’t shake, though, is how the heck his handsome and handy roomie is still single — or rather, why he can’t seem to keep a girlfriend whenever he does have one.
In an attempt to help a bro out, Ryota offers to pretend-date Kazuhito and help him pin down what his flaws are so he can work on them. The only problem is… from Ryota’s point of view, Kazuhiko’s the perfect boyfriend! Something’s gotta be up, right?
Kazuhito’s unbelievably kind, caring, and smooth… but it turns out, he’s only this way when his “partner” is Ryota, and that’s why none of his previous relationships worked out. But what is it that makes Ryota so special to him? Oh… Oh….
It doesn’t take long for Ryota to put the pieces together, and then he has to grapple with the possibility that his roommate and longtime friend might have a crush on him — along with his own complicated feelings on the matter.
Throughout the story we get a good look into both Ryota’s and Kazuhito’s heads, and get to see how much they care for each other, regardless of whether or not romance is involved. It’s a sweet story about a couple of sweet boys who clearly belong together but need time to figure it out.
Along with the aww-worthy storytelling, Miyata-sensei’s soothing art style is a delight to behold. I really like the characters’ designs, their expressions, the careful linework, and the abundant use of tone that somehow makes everything look warm.
For you collectors and lovers of physical media out there, I’d also be remiss not to mention that a print version of “Living With Him” now available through Animate’s online shop. There’s even a lovely bonus sticker included while supplies last, so don’t wait to get your hands on it if you’re interested!
The story mainly focuses on the steady progression of Ryota and Kazuhito’s changing relationship, but there’s also a bit of spiciness near the end. If you were hoping to see a little more “physical” action, I’m happy to say that there’s also a bonus chapter available for your reading pleasure!
Living With Him: Heating Up [Bonus Story]
Read on Renta!
(digital)
As the title suggests, this mini book/bonus story is a direct sequel to “Living With Him,” showing Ryota and Kazuhito taking their relationship to the next level.
At a nice, thicc 47 pages, this bonus chapter should satisfy any lingering hunger for sexiness you might’ve felt by the end of the main story, along with a nice helping of Miyata-sensei’s signature fluff! If you enjoyed “Living With Him,” it’ll be the icing on the cake!
Delivery Hug Therapy
Read on Renta! (digital)
Lonely Adults Crave Touch and Connection: The Struggle Is Real
One of Miyata-sensei’s more recent works, this story features slightly older characters with slightly more Adult problems.
Office worker Kiichi is coping (poorly) with disappointment and loneliness in the wake of his best friend’s wedding, when an angel of sorts appears before him — a cute, younger guy named Nao who works at the bar he frequents.
Kiichi ends up taking Nao home (with pure intentions, of course) and spilling all his beans to him. Nao doesn’t judge him, and even offers him some comfort in its simplest form — a hug. As someone who’s been consciously avoiding all forms of intimacy, Kiichi is reluctant to accept, but it’s just the thing he needs. Seeing Kiichi’s reaction to what is clearly the first affectionate human contact he’s had in a long time is pretty moving.
After this strange night together, Kiichi finds himself inviting Nao over again for more “hug therapy” sessions. This unusual platonic relationship is strangely addicting for Kiichi, who enjoys Nao’s companionship more than he expected. He’s touch-starved, but reserved and polite, making him easy to root for.
On the other hand, Nao is extremely cute (just look at that face!!) and his openheartedness is astounding — it’s easy to see why Kiichi feels he can let his guard down around him. But, he’s not just a pretty face either — he has his own trauma he’s dealing with, and over time he too develops conflicting feelings around his “arrangement” with Kiichi. His bright demeanor and helpful attitude despite the pain he’s endured is inspiring, and ugh I just want him find happiness no matter what.
It’s fun to see these two be blushing dorks around each other as they toe the line between friendship and something more.
Besides the budding romance that we’re all here for, this book explores themes of human connection, vulnerability, and moving forward. It’s a story of healing, and watching two people find comfort in each other regardless of labels.
Something I feel across all of Miyata’s works is a distinct sensitivity in the writing. The characters’ emotions feel very real (sometimes painfully so), and their troubles and worries are understandable. There are some stories out there where you just want to yell at the characters to admit their feelings and kiss already (and hey, those stories can be enjoyable too!), but with Toworu Miyata’s stories, any frustration about the potential romance is balanced out with the satisfaction of watching the characters achieving personal growth, coming to terms with their feelings on their own, and ending up together naturally.
I’ve got my fingers crossed that more of Miyata-sensei’s series will be licensed in the near future, because the ones we’ve gotten so far are a welcome addition to the English BL world. I hope any of these series will soothe your soul a little if you give them the chance!
rentaBLog 