This book was an interesting read. It featured internalized homophobia, depression, and affairs. Both of the main characters had developed backstories, which was a nice addition. I was worried when I started reading that it would be rushed, but this was not the case, and I will also add that I enjoyed the ending and found the story to be satisfying and fully fleshed out. This was my first yaoi read, and it was very serious and heavy, but still a worthwhile read.

This was such a nice story. It is very different from what I'm used to read. I think is the second time I read something in this genre and it was a good experience. I loved the art. It looks well-made and the characters were very beautiful. The story was interesting, not too complex but attractive enough to keep my attention the whole time. It was a little frustrating at times. Both main characters were likable and they seem so perfect for each other, but the lack of communication made me mad very frequently. Overall it was nice. Can’t say I love it but I did like it and I had a good time reading it.

This was my first ever Manga book. And I thought it was a really good one! I finished it is a single itting - i was so hooked!
1. Through the considerably long time period covered, the author is really able to show the character growth throughout. Moreover, the backstories of both characters are really well explored.
2. The story of mutual but unexpressed love was also well expressed, not directly via words, but rather through the actions each character did towards the other, especially what Kyosuke does for Kasumi.
3. The mental health representation was well done. How past experiences and especially experiences with the parent figures and guardians while growing up can shape the person, is portrayed well in the case of both the characters.
4. Despite the relatively short size of the book, the author was really able to bring in various elements apart from the central romance angle and I especially loved that.

overall, it was a really good book and i am happy that this was my first manga read!

I'm usually against high melodrama in romance because it could all just be solved if people actually talked to each other, but there is something about the relationship between Kasumi and Kyousuke that made me feel like I totally understood their reasons for hiding things from each other. I engaged with them and connected with their reasons.
It's amazing how much backstory and character development Mofumofu fits into one single volume. Kyousuke reads as a totally real person struggling with figuring out who he is and how he wants to live. It's easy to see his motivation and understand why he makes the choices he does. Kasuma is a bit more of an enigma, but the little glimpses you get of his past and his life made me want to hug him and not let go.
The art is simple and there were a couple of times when I wasn't sure who was who. However, it fits the story, and expressions are often enough to convey feelings at a glance.
Overall, a great love story with a message of acceptance and living life for yourself. Definitely a recommended read. Just keep in mind that the Mature rating is definitely earned.

Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Tokyopop for the early read.

Internalised homophobia is a difficult thing to write about and I loved how this thing was portrayed in the book.

Kyousuke and Kasume are our leads who have been friends since school days. From the start of the book, we see these boys are close and then we are given flashback when they met in high school. Both of them are attracted to each other but there are fears.

The idea of ‘he deserves better’, ‘ I am not good enough’, ‘it’s wrong’, in relationships are common. Especially if we care about the other person and when it mixes with internal homophobia along with depression, things do get complicated.

I really enjoyed reading the manga and I would recommend it to people who wants to read something dramatic. See, the main issue with this pair was lack of communication and it’s understandable because the situation and the characters were battling their inner demons, so if you are into these kinds of plots, you would surely enjoy it.

There isn’t much explicit content but whatever is it is not censored.

I am rating it 3.4 stars.

Thank You, NetGalley for this ARC.

this was a very well executed story. it's very rare that I've read a story where the mc who is a top has trauma and denies the relationship because of that trauma. these characters are so soft, and I found myself crying for them on multiple occasions. I would love to read more about them as they learn to be honest about their love for each other and grow together, but if the author doesn't wish to pursue the story line further, the ending is satisfying. I look forward to other works by this author.

Full disclosure, I was hesitant to request this, even though the cover art was so appealing to me, bec I was afraid it'd be one of those GFY BL mangas I could no longer stand. But I badly needed a graphic novel read between my other books and saw that this was still available to read. I'm glad I asked for this, bec this was a good one and the queer rep, as well as some questionable behavior on the LI's part, were deftly handled.

My fear of one-sided pining on the part of one of the protagonists is introduced very early on in the story, so while I was weary that this was gonna be painful, I also appreciated that it didn't begin with false pretenses. After establishing how close Kyosuke and Kasumi are in the early chapters, we are taken back to their first meeting in high school, Where most of the drama started, and the slow build-up of emotions is carried steadily toward the rest of the book. And omg, they had to go through A LOT.

I liked it. It reminded me of heavy dramas I enjoyed in the past -and those rarely had queer leads so this was a welcome improvement-, and the art is pretty. But if you don't like miscommunication as the main conflict, maybe skip this one. Things would've been resolved earlier if the protagonists were just super honest with each other.

Then again, I would argue that it would be out of character for both Kyosuke and Kasumi to just say everything outright. What I liked most about this is the fair portrayal of people struggling with their sexuality. It isn't always pretty, and people do stupid things out of desperation or confusion, but it can still be quite beautiful at the end. It gets better. And these characters got the happiness they deserved.

It ends with HFN, thank goodness, and it is also explicit, though not very. Just right if you're looking for something stirring, with servings of spice.
•
*The eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.⁣⁣

So let's talk about There Are Things I Can't Tell You. Besides the fact that I wish I could have more.

You've got two very different leads who've known each other since grade school.

--->Kasumi and Kyosuke. Who are both btw still two massive cinnamon rolls I hold dear to my heart and I wanted to protect at all cost throughout the book.
description

Kyosuke is popular, confident, and naturally talented. While Kasumi is unassuming, unsure, and reserved. The main story takes places after college with flashbacks to their adolescence. Which I liked because it helped clue us in to the "why's" without info dumps or chopping up the book in different segments.

There is a ton of yearning on both sides that I felt that I could touch it physically. I think the exceptional art might have helped that along as well. Essentially, these two have a love that that neither is sure of acting on, but for two totally different reasonings. The thing is they both think they are doing what's best for the other. However, we come into their relationship at the boiling point where choices are made, confessions are said, and mistakes happen.

This overall was pretty wholesome, while still having mature emotions and mildly explicit images.

Trigger Warning: there are themes of depression and internalized homophobia.

Thank you the Diamond Book Distributors/Tokyopop via NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

This manga is about two men who have been best friends since they were boys. They both struggle with their own inner demons and secret feelings. I loved how sweet this story and the relationship between the characters was. I also really enjoyed the pacing. Sometimes these kinds of stories can drag with all the angst but this was really well paced and heartfelt. Thoroughly enjoyable!

A beautiful story! With brilliant artistry! It was a very easy and very lovely read. If you're thinking about picking this up because the cover is beautiful, the story follows suit.

This book had an engaging plot, likeable characters and good graphics. It was also good that both POVs were told in the story. This book made for a quick and fun read.

I enjoyed this so, so much. The art is absolutely lovely, the characters made my heart ache, and the romance was angsty and sweet. Childhood-friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite romantic pairing tropes of all time, and this is the way I love to see it executed best: two people who have pined after one another for so long that they can't possibly imagine ever actually being together, leading to the most emotional, passionate confession moments possible. Precious. ♥

I adored both Kasumi and Kyousuke tremendously, and their polar opposite selves balance one another beautifully. Kasumi struggles with taking care of himself at times, so Kyousuke steps in to keep him functioning, but Kyousuke's lack of self-care through overworking himself is still present, too, on top of his general struggles with internalized homophobia. I felt like the two of them both worked to smooth the jagged edges left by the other's traumas so well — nobody "fixed" anyone, but they supported one another as much as they could.

Finally, after reading a handful of other reviews, I thought it may be necessary to remind anyone interested in this manga that it is an adult romance and, yes, there are absolutely explicit scenes. If that makes you uncomfortable, this is probably not the manga for you, but if you're comfortable with fairly graphic (though brief) depictions of sex, I recommend this romance manga so highly! I hope to have the chance to read more from this author very soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and TokyoPop for sending me an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
<i>There Are Things I Can't Tell You</i> follows Kasumi and Kyousuke who are friends that are polar opposites. When they become friends again after drifting apart, they find that there are things they have to face as men that they couldn't say to each other when they were younger.
I want to say that this manga does have some sex scenes in it so be aware of that when you go into this book if you aren't a fan of sexual scenes being show.
This book also features characters who are LGBTQ+ and I have no say in representation as far as that goes. Please seek out own voices reviewers to see how this was handled.
It also brings up a very important topic that isn't talked about which is what it is like to be gay in Japan. Again, this is not something I have any say in but that I do think is a very important topic that needs to be discussed.
What a delightful story. I really enjoyed this manga and I am so happy that I got this as an ARC. I really loved the art style of this to start. The scenes felt drawn enough that I could see the space but it didn't take away from their characters or their story. It was a gorgeously drawn manga and I really wanted to visit a cafe that was featured in this manga because it was done so well and really interesting.
I really loved both the boys in this. They are truly opposites of each other but it's those opposites that makes them work so well. I felt like there was just enough backstory given about them that I was able to understand why they are the way they are an dhow they are with each other. I loved seeing how they became friends and grew closer when they got older. I thought they both were very unique characters who I loved following.
The plot of this is pretty much a slice of life. You see a bit of their life together and I really enjoyed that about this book. It had just enough angst to keep me reading but not so much that I was getting frustrated. I will say the reason this is getting four stars instead of five is because it did feel a bit rushed. However, I recognize that the author was shoving a whole story into one volume and things did have to move quickly to keep the plot moving so I understand.
Overall, I really enjoyed this manga. I loved the two boys in it and I can't wait to see more from Edako Mofumofu. I think this would be a manga that is really important and that many people will enjoy.

Wow, this story was heavy.

Following two men who have been friends since childhood, but have only just gotten back into contact after a school reunion. Both of them come with their own baggage, and it follows their past and current feelings for each other, while also being the people who hold them back.

This story is full of drama, even in the first few pages. You’ve got unrequited love, emotional issues from past abuse, and heartbreak galore. I was on the edge of my seat, just hoping these two can get a happy ending after all the suffering they’ve been through. The backstories we get for them really fleshed them out as people, and how their own internal conflicts exist outside of their own relationship. How Kyousuke’s feelings of inferiority are stemmed from his need to overachieve and how the need to be the best we’re caused by his father’s high expectations and lack of love. Kasumi has his own issues with his parents indifference to him, lack of love, and being seen as an outsider. I saw him clinging to the people who showed any ounce of love, from his feelings for Kyousuke, and his affair with Yuriko that was an outlet for their own loneliness and isolation.

And usually in romance whatever personal problems the main characters have, they’re usually fixed once they fall in love and enter a relationship, which is a very idyllic view of love, but I appreciate the author for not doing that. Kyousuke and Kasumi’s problems aren’t fixed by being together, but they make each other happy regardless and support each other through them, so while their issues aren’t resolved, it leaves on a hopeful note.

As much as it can get cute, just a warning there is some explicit content and sexual scenes, so I recommend this to older teens and adults. This is a great manga for anyone who wants an angsty romance BL.

This graphic nivel was very nice to read. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is as well. In an educator opinion, I think I would recommend high schoolers to read this, but since my area is middle grades I would probably leave it in my class library but I wouldn't verbally recommend it to them.

I've read extensively in the Yaoi genre, and there's always some hesitancy when I start a new story, because you never know if you're going to absolutely fall in love with it or be very very troubled by it.

This story was right in the middle for me. We got to know Kyosuke more than Kasumi, but even still, I couldn't connect that well with him. I felt sorry for him, and wanted him to work things out and experience true character growth. I was left curious about Kasumi, because his story was only brushed upon.

I thought the art was lovely and consistent. No issues with awkward translation or interpretation.
Overall, I'd keep reading if there were sequels, but I don't see myself itching to reread this.

ARC received by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

TW: INTERNALISED HOMOPHOBIA, PARENTAL ABUSE, DEPRESSION, EMOTIONAL NEGLECT

If there is anything anyone knows about me it is that I am an avid reader of graphic novels and manga. I love seeing the character art, the way the story plays out and how each character interacts with one another. Heading into There Are Things I Can't Tell You, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I just know that what I got was completely and utterly unexpected.

The book focuses on two main characters Kasumi and Kyousuke, two boys of which have been close since 5th grade. Both boys are in love with one another however are scared of admitting their secret desire and wish to become something more. Circumstances dare to keep the two apart however, both characters come to realisations and battle past demons so that they can more forward with their lives.

Both characters were well written. Kyousuke in particular was an interesting character to read about. He exuded this aura of self-confidence to those around him and was shown to be a very dedicated and driven young man. Being a hopeful advertising director, he put so much strenuous work onto his conscious and carried himself with this sense of pride. However, behind closed doors, he was beautifully flawed and fearful of pursuing what his heart truly desired.

Kasumi couldn't have been more different from Kyousuke. Having been brought up by two people that didn't truly love each other, all Kasumi wished for was to truly be loved by someone. This background had led him to keeping his thoughts and feelings to himself, having little confidence to share his own personal truths. After a situation that occurred between him and Kyousuke, Kasumi tried pursuing a relationship with an already married woman, creating a rift between the two boys.

The book really highlighted a lot of deep issues and topics. It was at times quite philosophical and really contemplative such as one character's struggles between right and wrong. You could see this being portrayed in the flashbacks to the past and present time. You could also see both characters coming to different realisations about what they really wanted in life and how they will pursue it. I loved seeing Kasumi's and Kyosuke's relationship unfold. However, at times it was extremely graphic with the sex scenes. I honestly didn't know that it would be that forward. The description did say it was an "adult title with poignantly illustrated and emotional intimate scenes" however I thought it would be less "out-there" and more covered up. Nevertheless, I continued reading on until the end and despite the two explicit scenes, I did enjoy the story.

All in all, There Are Things I Can't Tell You was a deep and meaningful manga about regrets, love and pursuing what your heart truly desires.

ACTUAL RATING: 3.5 STARS (rounded to 3)

•ENGLISH/ESPAÑOL•

~ENGLISH~

The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kasuga and Kasumi are opposites in every way. Kyousuke is extremely energetic and outgoing, while Kasumi is shy and quiet. Both have known each other since they were children and are childhood friends, inseparable, until an unexpected event causes them to distance themselves from each other for many years. When the two meet again, it seems that everything is in their favor, but although Kyousuke loves Kasumi, he thinks that it isn't correct that you are together. In the adult world, full of difficult moments, Kyousuke will have to decide if his love for Kasumi is worth fighting for or if he should let him stay with a woman who gives him a "normal" and happy life.

This story is super cute but also very sad. Kasumi has been verbally abused since childhood and it seems that the only person who understands her is Kyousuke, who in turn has been pressured from childhood to be perfect in every way. Both complement each other but their own trauma and painful experiences make them decide to move away from their own happiness to choose the "right" path.

It really broke my heart to read the parts of Kyousuke, his moments where he seems to believe that he does not deserve to be happy.
All he wanted was for them to be happy and to be together but for that they had to fight a lot and that was extremely painful.

I loved the story, I loved the drawings, some parts made me feel very sad and devastated, perhaps also a little disappointed by the decisions made by the characters, but as always, I adored the format, the drawing, and the truth is that i love these sad stories~.

~ESPAÑOL~

El ARC de esta novela fue proporcionado por la editorial a través de NetGalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.

Kyosuke y Kasumi son opuestos en todo sentido. Kyousuke es sumamente enérgico y extrovertido, mientras que Kasumi es tímido y callado. Ambos se conocen desde que eran niños y son amigos de infancia, inseparables, hasta que un inesperado evento provoca que se distancien el uno del otro por muchos años. Cuando ambos se vuelven a encontrar, parece que todo está a su favor, pero aunque Kyousuke ame a Kasumi, piensa que no es correcto que estés juntos. En el mundo adulto, lleno de momentos difíciles, Kyousuke tendrá que decidir si vale la pena luchar por Kasumi o si debería dejar que se quede con una mujer que le de una vida “normal” y feliz.

Esta historia es super tierna pero también muy triste. Kasumi ha sido abusado verbalmente desde su niñez y parece que la única persona que lo entiende es Kyousuke, quien a su vez ha sido presionado desde la infancia a ser perfecto en todo sentido. Ambos se complementan mutuamente pero sus propios traumas y experiencias dolorosas hacen que decidan alejarse de su propia felicidad para elegir el camino “correcto”.

Realmente me partió el corazón leer las partes de Kyousuke, sus momentos donde parece creer que no merece ser feliz.
Lo único que quería era que fueran felices y estuvieran juntos pero para eso tuvieron que luchar muchísimo y eso fue sumamente doloroso.

Amé la historia, amé los dibujos, algunas partes me hicieron sentir muy triste y devastada, quizá también un poco decepcionada por las decisiones que tomaban los personajes pero como siempre, adoré el formato, el dibujo, y la verdad es que estas historias tristes me encantan~.

it was a really cute, fast read. i love second chance romances, although this was more a third chance one. i really felt for them in the back and forth of their feelings, of wanting each other's happiness and thinking being together could be wrong.

I'm not crying, you're crying!

I am a sucker for second chance romance and this was no exception. The meet-cute with the wishing tree was adorable and I loved the call back at the end. The main character coming to terms with his internalized homophobia was handled well. And, finally, I like that the love interests implied bisexuality was a nonissue.