This story meant a lot to me: I'd love to hear other people's interpretations as an enhancement to my understanding of the characters and their interactions in this story. 5gt2l

Here are my random thoughts while I was reading:

It was so very fascinating how Wada didn't even realize he was setting up Wakae to never trust anyone again. Wakae confessed that he was always waiting for that moment when someone who is suppose to be his friend will betray him. Wada didn't think his actions were a betrayal because he was coming from the angle of his actions being motivated by repressed and angry, frustrated one-sided love, not betraying a friendship.

Wada thought Wakae was the original betrayer because Wakae didn't view him and their friendship as special, as demonstrated by bringing along all the other boys to the fireworks, and talking freely to others of things that Wada took a lot of effort in choosing to share with Wakae. He was a very secretive, private person, after all. He thought it was special that he had allowed Wakae into his special space. Then, Wakae talks opening about what Wada had told him about his mom leaving as well. In that moment, due to Wakae, all the boys were talking about his mom being institutionalized: An issue that Wada couldn't deal with at the time. How embarrassing for him.

Wada makes an interesting comment to Wakae (as adults) when he tells him that even if he never met him, he'd still be the same (doing things he doesn't like: his job, his engagement). It was subtly and beautifully done - the concept of taking control of our own lives, not being 'victims.'

To me, the moment when Wakae asks Wada to face him, was a turning point in the realization of how things are between the two men: it is no longer about revenge. It is no longer about a bitter and broken Wakae or a breaking Wada. That moment was built up perfectly: small things, like Wakae coming back to check on Wada while he lay on the grass at night, after a particularily violent moment.

The explanation of the motivation as to why Wada would do such a thing to his 'friend' was believable. He was frustrated with his 'lack of interest' and angry at 'his kindness even.' (The kindness bit made me think how well developed the character of Wada was because right from the very beginning the mangaka has told us how Wada doesn't like being overly kind.) I think it was also that Wada was unsure, fearful and mad at himself for loving Wakae. It translated into angry abuse. (As seen in real life for closeted and guilt-ridden people: We sometimes take it out on the one that we feel is the source of our guilt, blaming them even without realizing it: subconsciosly.)

When Wakaerealizes that Wada does NOT hate him from the bottom of his heart, and in fact, has ONLY ever loved him from the beginnig, that is his kick-in-the-pants to change their relationship in my opinion.

Anybody else have any thoughts to share? Any one understand the scenes differently from me, or have a different perspective to point out?

I love to discuss yaoi stories!

"No one has ever written, painted, sculpted, modelled, built, or invented except literally to get out of hell."
~ Antonin Artaud

I think what you've said is true. Very interesting observation, the more I think about it, the more it all makes sense how the characters keep hurting each other even though they love one another so much.