Welcome to the end of “vaguely dissatisfying week” here on Okazu. ^_^ Today we’re wrapping up the week by taking a look at a manga by an artist I like, for a magazine I like,with a series I just have not been able to like.

Philia to Eros no Aida, Volume 1 (ピリアーとエロスのあいだ) by Yorita Miyuki, runs in Galette (ガレット) magazine. This volume is one of the second round of Galette Works collected releases, following Kurumi and Nikaido, a couple that I wish I could be rooting for.

When we meet them, Kurumi still has an interest in a guy, Mishima, but Nikaido is there for her. And Nikaido’s emotional support helps Kurumi  good about herself, which becomes affection towards Nikaido, even though she’s still kind of interested in the guy. Nikaido doesn’t seem to mind, even if her other friends do. Her gentle, persistent “being there” for Kurumi is their bond and Kurumi convinces herself, at least a bit, that she likes Nikaido back.

I don’t see this relationship ending well. If it does, it’ll just be annoying. I’m with Hibiki, Nikaido’s friend who is incensed over this relationship, going so far as to punch Kurumi for having the nerve to pretend to care for Nikaido while pining over Mishima.

Ratings:

Art – nice
Story – argh
Characters – ergh
Yuri – ugh
Service – nah

Overall – 6, but I really wish it was higher.

I’ve enjoyed Yorita’s doujinshi over the years, but like Hibiki, this relationship makes my teeth grind.