That Was Good (review)

That Was Good by CJ Michalski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


****That Was Good! & More, Please! & I'd Love Some...: Hiroto is a convenience store clerk. On one particular afternoon while having his lunch break at the park, a little boy (Mamoru) approaches him; as he shares his home made lunch with Mamoru, the child's father shows up calling after him. It turns out that Suguru-an international pilot, surprised by Mamoru's obvious enjoyment of Hiroto's meal, is in need of a live-in housekeeper and asks Hiroto if he'll take the job. Suguru soon finds himself fantasizing about Hiroto, while Mamoru warns Hiroto not to fall in love with his father as that was the reason the previous housekeepers had to leave! But feelings are revealed after a situation places Suguru's life in danger.



In More, Please! & I'd Love Some...Hiroto, Mamoru, and Suguru are happy living together when a surpise visit by Suguru's brother pulls their peaceful life into emotional chaos. Hiroto-afraid that his relationship with Suguru will end if others were to find out-asks Suguru to pretend he's just the help; Suguru, doesn't intend to hide it but he fears Hiroto might leave b/c he's never made their relationship official. After a terrible misunderstanding, Shuu-Suguru's brother-fires Hiroto. With no place to go, Hiroto ends up 'living' at a net cafe trying desperately to find work; but with no home address, his situation is grim. Meanwhile, Shuu is trying to take over Mamoru's care, but Mamoru is heartbroken over Hiroto's departure and won't eat. In a desperate effort to find Hiroto, Mamoru runs away from home; this gives Suguru the chance to set everything right.



I had been on the lookout for this particular manga ever since I read That Was Good! online, it was a treat to find out that there was the additional stories More, Please! & I'd Love Some...While I really love this story about Hiroto and Suguru, it's Mamoru who stands out for me. Mamoru is an extremely adorable character, and his love for Hiroto...and his food, is really cute. When he cried over Hiroto, it about made me cry. I'm glad that I can finally add this title to my collection!



***I Love That Part of You & Do You Love This Part of Me! Youhei is the most popular boy in school, there is no end to the girls who line up to have sex with him. But when he bumps into Takumi and sees him without his glasses, it's a case of love at first sight for Youhei. Yet his declaration of love is rejected because Takumi is an otaku who's only interested in 2-D Love. Youhei now has to become part of the world of otaku if he wants to win his Takumi's heart, using any means necessary-even cosplaying as Vampire Knight, Takumi's all time favorite character and his ideal man.



***Even If I Must Sacrifice Myself...Riku's twin sister Miku plans to elope with a man who is arranged to be married to someone else solely for the benefit of his family's company. In a case of mistaken identity, Kazuya-Shinji's older brother-takes Riku when he steps out of his sister's apartment. Riku pretends to be Miku in order to give his sister and Shinji enough time to run away. He only has to keep up the charade until after Shinji's engagement party-the morning Miku and Shinji will run away together; but as that day approaches, he wonders what will happen now that his fallen in love with Kazuya.



****You Love Sausage, Right? A funny short with Mamoru, Hiroto, and Suguru about Suguru's & Hiroto's *eating sausage* in bed. ;)



Although these shorts are basically 'love at first sight' stories, they were enjoyable and a fun way to pass the time. I like Michalski's work, but her penchant for drawing boyish (almost shota-ish) faces in her ukes sometimes makes me uncomfortable-but I was happy this wasn't the case with Hiroto and Riku, with Takumi maybe just hitting the mark.





View all my reviews