“Well, Hikaru, he—he liked watermelon, but I like icy pops more. An’ even then I don’t like Gachi Gachi-kun, I like Papikko. I probably like cats more than him. An’ movies too. I don’t think there’s such a thing to me as a borin’ movie. Hikaru hated studyin’ but I kinda like it. Well I can’t really do it either way—An’ I—well, bein’ with you has been so much fun… I might just be a substitute for Hikaru, but—you’ve done so much fer me. I love you, Yoshiki. I don’t know what this feelin’ is, if it’s romantic love or platonic love. But no matter what, that’s how I feel. Not Hikaru’s feelings. The monster’s feelings. Yoshiki. Thank you so much for everything.”
Okay well I’m inconsolable!!!!!!!!!! ‘Hikaru’ becoming more human while Yoshiki becomes mixed!!!! I’m going insane
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In this volume, we learn more about the region's connection to Unuki-San/Nounuki-Sama and specifically how the cult of Nounuki-Sama continued on in Kubitachi. Hikaru and Yoshiki are trying to figure out how to keep the impurities from harming the people of their village while allowing Hikaru to remain living among them.
Hikaru and Yoshiki's desire to keep each other safe is palpable throughout this volume, with each of them willing to sacrifice their own well-being for the other. I'm still unsure of Tanaka's intentions concerning Hiraku, but I'm hopeful that he'll turn out to be an ally rather than a foe. 5 stars
This volume was an absolute standout, keeping everything I already love about the series while shifting into a new phase. The mix of everyday life with the deeper investigation into the supernatural was handled so well—it still feels grounded even as the lore expands. Definitely met and exceeded my expectations.
The most memorable scenes for me were the one at the top of the stairs and the beach conversation. I didn’t expect a beach episode, and certainly not this kind, but I loved it. The BL undertones are becoming more pronounced, and obviously, I’m all for it. The emotional intensity between Yoshiki and "Hikaru" is growing in such an intriguing way.
Speaking of Yoshiki, he continues to be such a mature and intelligent protagonist. He’s learning so much—not just about the lore but also about "Hikaru," himself, and his emotions. It’s compelling to see him navigate all of it with such depth. Meanwhile, "Hikaru" is evolving more into a being of his own rather than just an imitation of the old Hikaru. His perspective as a non-human is getting clearer, which adds so much to the eerie atmosphere.
This volume leaned more into creeping horror rather than jump scares, which I really liked. The lore surrounding the town and its past horrors was unsettling in the best way, and it kept me glued to the pages. The pacing was perfect—just enough tension to keep you on edge without feeling rushed. It answered a lot of questions while also teasing some new mysteries for the future.
And of course, the art remains top-tier. Every panel is visually stunning, amplifying the emotions and the eerie atmosphere. The writing is equally strong, blending suspense, horror, and emotional moments seamlessly. The relationship between the two boys is developing quickly, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Overall, this volume was another emotional rollercoaster, but in the best possible way. I’m beyond excited for what’s next! — As a side note, can we just take a moment to appreciate how dang pretty these boys are?! Like, goddaymn!
Slowly but surely we keep discovering new tidbits of information — I would find the process tedious if it weren’t for the fact the characters keep on tugging at my heartstrings.
I’m all caught up with the manga now, and I reckon it’ll be a while before we get any new updates: I’m glad Mokumokuren is resting (or at the very least not trudging on with the infamous mangaka rhythm) but at the same time I’d rather not be old and gray before the story ends.
2nd (?) read: taking my weird eldritch boyfriend to the beach and suddenly he starts spouting shit about going back to the mountain. thank God some weird old weirdo told us his god complex isn't real.
1st read: love confession?? in my "not bl" bl manga???? "No you aren't a god, you're actually an eldritch horror. my bad fam." To be fair, if people worship it, that would make it a deity. Also PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give Hikaru some of himself back I fear he'll die and that would actually kill me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
in this fifth volume of the summer hikaru died, terrible changes start to come about, not only around the village, but in “hikaru” himself. yoshiki and “hikaru” further investigate the “indous’ sin” and the truth of nounuki-sama.
something i really liked about this volume is that i felt like i really got to know “hikaru.” not just how he was before taking over the real hikaru’s body, but how he is now, as an eldritch-horror-turned-teenage-boy. his feelings and way of thinking are different than other people’s, which makes him so interesting. as “hikaru” becomes more human, though, yoshiki becomes less so. i am looking forward to seeing how this continues to play out! the next volume can’t come soon enough.
Such a great volume, filled with revelations about the town and the nature of "Hikaru" himself, some of which genuinely surprised me. The depth of the connection between "Hikaru" and Yoshiki is so emotional and beautiful. I can't help but want good things for them, but I'm sure that even if this doesn't end tragically, it will be bittersweet.
I need "Hikaru" and Yoshiki to kiss. Also, the bonus story where Yoshiki is saying for the monster a happy ending would be if the Princess became a monster and ate people too. Please let that be foreshadowing lol. I love me a dark and morbid story.
I really love the mystery aspect of this series, though it may be hard to grasp sometimes.. Thus, I really appreciate the explanation/timeline posted on the author's twitter!
I'm really curious about Tanaka's goals and the history behind the company he always talks about! I hope we'll learn more about him in the next volumes. I'm genuinely looking forward to enjoying this series further on!