Given vol 2 by Natsuki Kizu

The band has secured a live gig, but that means Mafuyu needs to finish some lyrics! The band practices a ton, but the writer's block persists, so Kaji actually suggests they take a break from practicing their instruments, to the shock of his bandmates. On the ride home Kaji tells Mafuyu that he needs to come to terms with his past and allow himself to feel whole moving forward. The next day, Mafuyu and Hiiragi talk in a park about the previous band Mafuyu was in, and the tragic end for Mafuyu's former love interest, Yuki. As the live event comes up, Mafuyu still doesn't have lyrics written, then his guitar breaks again, but the show must go on. The band prepares to go on as an instrumental number, but to everyone's surprise, Mafuyu starts singing from his heart as he relives tragic memories in his mind.

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This story is beautiful and heartbreaking, but there a quite a lot of characters and relationships to keep track of. Avid readers and fans of the series have no problems, but this is definitely one of those that might be better consumed in a short time frame instead of spaced out. There are a lot of little details that Kizu weaves throughout the plot that pay off later, so a careful reader is rewarded in this series. There are also a lot of beautiful boys, so readers looking for a tragic but slightly wholesome boys-love series will also be rewarded! Be prepared for the tear-jerkers, though!

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12

Publisher: SuBLime (VIZ Media)
Publication Date: May 12, 2020​
ISBN: 9781974711833 (Paperback)

​​Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: High School, Manga, Music, School Life, Romance, LGBTQ+, VIZ Media