This one is not as good as the 'Bittersweet Cafe' nor the 'Freezing Flame' series of stories, but it isn't as flat as 'Trouble Love Candy.' There is something about Kanbe-sensei's quirky art that I love!
The feelings of young Makoto are what saves this story. I could easily relate to his desire to get 'a rise' out of of the largely stoic, prefect seeming Hirai. He wants confirmation that he is the 'most important one' in HIrai's life. The plot was a little more exciting with the believable, fallible friends and Hirai's fellow employee who has a very different -but still human and not 'evil'- idea of 'getting ahead.'
And I couldn't help but love the determined Makoto who knew what he wanted, even though he didn't really know (So kuwaii in his naivety!)
It was still not quite as 'heart clenching' as she can do, but I was glad I read it. I reread a few scenes that were tightly written and emotions punchy!
The extra was a tease, but ultimately disappointing because I wanted Makoto to TOP, seeing as he was now the stereotypical 'larger' man...