Dekoboko Sugar Days was a breath of fresh air. There was just so much to appreciate about this story of two longtime best friends discovering new facets of their relationship. The height difference was simply adorable, and the way the seme and uke weren't assigned in a stereotyped way - according to their appearance - was just delightful to see.

Cute fluffy high school manga. Rui is adorable and drawn in such a cute way.
This really made me smile.
Just what I needed in these trying times.

I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately I could not get into it. I do not think this was the one for me. The premise was super interesting, but towards the end to me it just fell apart.

This is probably the cutest thing ever. Definitely one of my top 5 mangas I have ever read. Rui and Yuujirou are the absolute best. Would have loved to see a side couple because I feel like it was slightly introduced, or what could have been, and I am only left wanting to know what happened between them two— if anything happened at all. However, part of me is glad that it didn’t get one because this is perfect as is and would have taken so much of Rui’s & Yuujirou’s story.

A very sweet story (pardon the pun)! Two friends, one that's sweet and friends with everyone, the other more brunt and awkward around others, who both realize they feel more than just friendship towards each other.

The romance build-up felt very natural, the way the two of them skirted around their attraction to each other really organic as well. The way the main character tried to keep his feelings to himself so as to not ruin their friendship was done in a way that it felt very organic, rather than just a plot point the mangaka threw in there. Also, the art style is different from what you'd expect in a BL manga, so it's very refreshing!

A sweet friends to lovers manga - were there a lot of surprises? Not really. And did it feed into some stereotypes? Absolutely. But that still didn't stop me from appreciating the sweet romance between friends. I also really liked the artwork too. It would be great to have another volume of this, but at the same time it's also really nice that this works just fine as a standalone piece too.

Perhaps one of the cutest books I've read in a while. This one just UGH I loved it. We've got the tall cheerful boy and the short hot-tempered one who drinks milk in hopes he will get taller. Like, this is a couple type that sings to my soul. 

I'll admit to not quite remembering much about the story (sorry it's been 3 months since I read it), but I remember flying through it and squealing over the cuteness. I love the support they both received from their friends and the slow build-up of them coming together and understanding their feelings. Honestly, I already want to read it again.

This is such a cute manga about Yuujirou, a tough guy who has a very girly best friend (Rui), who happens to be taller than him! It gives him what I would call "small dog syndrome" if he were a dog, and he gets all barky about it. Poor Yuujirou. It doesn't help that he has a crush on his adorable (and tall) bestie, either.

Don't be fooled by the adorable art style - this BL manga is super steamy so be prepared for this-book-should-be-shrink-wrapped-in-plastic levels of heat! I was expecting this to be a little more of rom-com and was expecting more of a slow burn and build to Yuujirou and Rui's relationship, but they actually get there remarkably quickly. This reads a little more on the erotica side of romance, but the way they stumble in the beginning and then come together and learn about ... certain things... together is really great. I felt really bad for Rui's friend, though! Poor guy.

Thanks to Tokyopop and NetGalley for the eArc. It was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Sweetness is something that usually characterizes shounen ai. And if it's sweetness you are looking for, here you have an ideal title for you.

The story focuses on two boys that happent to be childhood friends. They met each other when Yuujirou helped Rui at a bad time, and since then they have always been very close ... as friends. Years passed and now they are in high school, so what about their feelings?

Yuujirou feels confused with his emotions because for him Rui is too adorable and he knows that what he feels when looking at him is not what he should feel towards a friend. Rui, on the other hand, is the classic airhead that doesn't worry too much about things, he sees everything pink colored and is happy like that. With all this, he doesn't feel conflicted with his relationship with Yuujirou until he must face with a situation that would distance both of them...

Although the plot is not the most innovative, the success of this manga lies not so much in the "what" but in the "how". There's an impressive character growth and the way in which their relationship develops is plausible and very natural, so the reading is really pleasant.

And all this, of course, is surrounded by an aura of sweetness that accompanies the artist's drawing style very well, making you enjoy it even more. There also is a very funny and subtle comedy point: some very funny cartoons about the pets of our protagonsitas and some other funny interactions of the secondary characters that will make you laugh.

Truth be told, I was counting on the story to focus just on the friends-to-lovers topic, but the artist has gone a step further and has given the importance it deserves to another phase of the relationship: that moment in which the main couple, already officially established, must to get used to their new status. I especially liked this because we get to see how difficult the change can be in the status quo of two friends who have known each other for a lifetime and who, from one day to the next, become lovers. Honestly, including this part was essential for the character growth and for the reader to be able to perceive the story as something plausible.

Dekoboko Sugar Days by Yusen Atsuko and Tokyopop is currently scheduled for release on February 18 2020. Yuujirou Matsukaze has been close friends with Rui Hanamine since the two of them were children, and at that time, Yuujirou was the one who stood up for and took care of his adorable, soft-hearted friend. But as it turns out, Yuujirou's childhood dreams end up growing a little too big to handle - or, rather, too tall! At over six feet in height, the cheerful and happy-go-lucky Rui towers over his would-be protector, and still has no idea Yuujirou's had a crush on him since they were kids!

Dekoboko Sugar Days is an enjoyable graphic novel that show two fairly clueless high school guys finding their way from friends to more. They each have to figure out their own feelings and then gather the courage to share that information with each other. I like that it showed their continued struggles with communication- which often gets left out of the story. Insecurities and figuring things out is more than half the struggle particularly for young and new adults that are still trying to figure out what they want, never mind how to talk about it with they person you care most about. The assumptions of those around them, and the doubts they each had felt the most real in the story. I liked the artwork, although I do have to admit that there were a couple of moments that I confused a couple of characters and it took me a minute to figure it out. I liked the occasional breaks in the fourth wall, and the amount of humor that was sprinkled through the story. I had a few issues with continuity or flowing storyline, particularly the moment of their first time together. I felt like a couple pages were missing, as they went from insanely awkward to french kissing to clarifying that Rui was still good to be bottom. I missed any conversation about that, and I went back to make sure I had not accidentally flipped pages to quick or something. So I did enjoy the story, I did see many tropes and stereotypes, but for the most part I was happy with the read.

Dekoboko Sugar Days is a read that hit some good points, and a few head scratching moments. However, overall I enjoyed the read.

Dekoboko Sugar Days is a quick and cute story of Yuujirou and Rui as they each come to realise their feelings for each other. Yuujirou was a favourite character of mine, as he both angstyed over his short height and his feelings for Rui. I say angst but really it was all just cute pining and over compensation for his shortness by drinking a lot of milk.

The romance of the yaoi was really quite sweet, with the chemistry and love between the pair being evident from the beginning. I really liked both characters and found myself smiling throughout the manga as they interacted and circled each other.

I really enjoyed the art style of Dekoboko Sugar Days, Yusen Atsuko has a distinct style that is just really nice to look at and read. Atsuko’s art style is very clear, and does wonderful things portraying emotions and actions. I loved the character designs of Yuujirou and Rui, and am looking forward to seeing any other releases by this mangaka.

Please note: I received a copy of Dekoboko Sugar Days from NetGalley.

This sentimental (though not overly so) m/m romantic manga follows the story and friendship of a pair of Japanese high school students, the athletic/outgoing Yuujirou Matsukaze and his gentle, kind-hearted best friend Rui Hanamine, since the boys were very young and Yuuji rescued little Rui after he got stuck in a sewer grate. Now full-grown young men in high school, to Yuuji's surprise the more innocent, gentler Rui was hit with puberty hard, now towering over Yuuji in height and making his tougher and more aggressive friend feel intimidated ... especially when Yuuji admits to himself that he has more than friendship feelings for Rui, but assumes that even if such feelings were reciprocated the height difference would be a problem. Not that it matters, as he doesn't dare bring up his attraction to Rui, even though (at least to anyone reading this story) it's pretty obvious, if unstated, that Rui feels the same. To me what makes this stand out from so many similar m/m manga romances are the characters - truly, though a couple times he borders on a bit silly, Rui comes off as a young man anyone could easily fall for, and though it takes a bit longer to let Yuuji grow on you, readers will soon root for both boys and this relationship - but also I appreciated that this story avoided many of the tropes you find in similar manga (misunderstandings keeping the boys from being together, a third person trying to break them up, etc.), instead focusing on the guys and their friends and treating this male/male love story as if it were are everyday as any between a boy and a girl. Sweet, and even at its goofiest quite a charming friends-potentially more tale. 4.5 of 5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

It's funny, but after you've read enough BL, you learn to see signs as to where a story is going. Since pretty early on the word 'boner' was used, I was pretty sure this was going to not be a slow burn, sweet romance.

I wasn't wrong. It is however still pretty sweet, and I really like this depiction of a loving young couple that are also sexually active. I feel like it's a pretty unusual thing to see, because typically either they're incredibly sweet and loving but without sex, or heavy on the sex and then complicated, unhappy relationships.

Unfortunately there's some weirdness involving Rui and his tendency to wear hair clips to advertise for his sister that gets into the uncomfortably strict definitions of gender often seen in manga (reflecting the general Japanese concept/understanding of gender, to be fair).

In general though, a very enjoyable read! The art was very sketchy in style, which I found I enjoyed, but then I also always love getting to see pencil sketches and roughs when possible.

Un tome facile à lire et à apprécier.
Des personnages et dessins agréable

En attente de ce qui sortira.

Rui and Yuu-Jirou were such sweet characters as they navigated through the pitfalls new love as their friendship depended into something of a more romantic nature. This was a very enjoyable coming of age romance.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley

Rui and Yuu-Jirou are best friends that had been freinds since Yuu-Jirou helped Rui after he fell on the sidewalk. They are also head over heels in love with each other and it's obvious to everyone but each other. They both attend the same school but they are in different classes so they have different dynamics in the friendships they have outside each other. Rui is a tall sweetheart and Yuu-Jirou is a short hothead. They have difficulty coming to terms with the fact that they are in love with each other this is a boy's romance after all but it's very much more about them both now wanting to destroy their friendship by admitting they have feelings beyond simple friendship. When they do admit that they love each other they are still friends with each other and are super awkward and fumbling in their romance because they are still teenagers that are struggling to be more with each other. This is such a sweet book that is very good at portraying the fumbling awkward ways that teenagers are with their first times even when they love each other. Incredible story and so adorable.

I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I was already in love with the cover and the blurb, but HOLY wow this book was adorable and the shipping level is way over 9000.

Meet Rui and Yuujirou. Two guys who are clearly in love, but both don't know the other loves them back. Yep. It is that kind of story and I was just giggling and eagerly waiting for them to discover that their love/like was mutual. Sure, at times it was a bit frustrating and I just wanted to reach in the manga to grab both of them and push them together (you know, how kids used to push dolls together to have them kiss?). Especially since Yuujirou is trying to ignore his feelings (because he thinks that Rui has no interest in him) and doing that by pushing away Rui. You can imagine that there are some arguments and some confusion, especially Rui doesn't get it. He just wants to be close to Yuujirou. And then when Yuujirou has a girl who is interested in him the confusion and the frustration just grows. Yep. It is getting fun!

I had a big big laugh at their friends/classmates reactions when they confessed to them about the love, without mentioning the name. These people instantly knew who they were talking about. Yeah, guys, you weren't being sneaky about it, everyone was already wondering when you guys would just get to it. Get dating.

I am happy we also saw conversations between our MCs and their friends. Well, Rui's friend also has an interest in him but Rui is totally oblivious. :P

The confession scene? A bit cliché, but I was also laughing my butt of at how silly it was. And swooning at how cute and fluffy it was.

And after that a new chapter begins in Rui and Yuujirou's life. Their relationship and the tons of sex they have. Teehee, yep. I loved that they didn't rush it, but instead took it easy. Or maybe it was more that no matter what both of them tried things got in between.

I love the fact that Yuujirou and Rui had such a big length difference. Rui is 186 and Yuujirou is 165. That so reminds me of me and my husband. I am 166 and he is 199. So I could well understand how Yuujirou felt when he saw his cute, oh so cute, childhood friend who he had a crush on tower over him. :P I gave up on trying to gain length as my growth stopped when I was around 15/16, but Yuujirou is drinking all the milk just to hope for a few centimetres more (won't work buddy, won't work).

The art. OMG guys, I just flailing about the art, it is fabulous and gorgeous. I love the character designs and then later on when they get together and have sex, oh wow! It is just so shiny. I definitely need to check out what this mangaka has done other than this manga because I want more.

I want to talk more about this book, but I think everyone knows that I totally LOVED this book! I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a cute, fluffy and funny read with likeable characters, tons of shipping, and hot scenes.

A sweet high school romance between 2 boys. Rui is cute and light-hearted, while Matsukaze is more moody and reserved. Their relationship dynamic was very cute. This felt like a coming-of-age story because of how Rui and Matsukaze have to face their insecurities, and Matsukaze has to come out to himself. The art looked a bit wonky in places, but overall, it looked good. I was thrown off because it felt like some plot lines were started (Matsukaze's insecurities about his height, a potential alternate love interest for Rui) and then dropped. It looks like this is an ongoing series, so they will likely reappear at a later time. There are a few sex scenes. Nothing too explicit. I hadn't realized this when choosing this volume, and it was a bit uncomfortable for me because the characters were teenagers.

I enjoyed this light, single volume slice-of-life manga about two high school friends, a height complex, and the growing attraction between them. Yuujirou and Rui have been friends since pre-school - ever since Yuujirou saved Rui from bullies. But he made the mistake of thinking Rui was a cute, petite girl at their first meeting, and he has never let himself forget that mistake. Now in high school, Rui is 6 feet tall and Yuujirou has topped out at 5 feet 4 inches, creating a major complex that Yuujirou just can't get over. And despite his friend's towering height, Yuujirou still finds Rui to be the cutest person he has ever met. He knows he is falling romatically for his best friend, but he's afraid of ruining the close bond they already share if he declares his feelings.

I found it refreshing that instead of rehashing the same "he's a guy and it's taboo" trope, the manga-ka opted to follow the concept of fear of a romantic relationship stemming from not wanting to destroy a friendship. The humor and seriousness found in the story off-set each other well, creating a balanced slice-of-life rather than tipping it into the categories of comedy or drama. The art is clean and the dialog is easy to follow. However, the publisher's recommendation of a 16+ audience is warrented.

i absolutely loved this story. And the cliff hanger it leaves you on at the end was perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book. I just loved this story.