Do You Really Want Only A Meal?

by Yasu Tadano

Genres: Manga, Romance
Pages: 164
Series: Do You Really Want Only A Meal? #2
Rating:

Synopsis:

Now happily dating, 27-year-old Masamune Hanzawa takes his boyfriend, 19-year-old Natsuki, on a birthday trip, but he unfortunately spends the whole time worrying he hasn’t done enough. When they run into Natsuki’s mom at the train station, she thanks Masamune for taking care of her husband and son. Inspired, they decide to come out to Natsuki’s parents about their relationship. But in a world where same-sex relationships face societal resistance, how will Natsuki’s family react? As love meets uncertainty, Masamune and Natsuki must navigate uncharted waters together.

Volume two of Yasu Tadano’s Do You Really Only Want a Meal? is really pure fluff. There are two potential sources of conflict: firstly, Masamune trying overly hard to find ways to please Natsuki (actually against his wishes), and secondly, the two of them telling Natsuki’s parents they’re dating. Between the age gap and the fact that they’re gay, that does give them some pause.

Aaaand in practice all conflict quickly fizzles out! It’s just cute and fluffy, with Natsuki’s parents surprised but supportive, and Masamune being a pretty perfect boyfriend.

There is also a fun bit where Masamune practises cooking and makes food for Natsuki for once, and also where they clearly go a bit further than making out (unclear if they have sex, but probably; it fades to black).

But really, no conflict here, just fluff. My only negative comment would be sometimes the transitions between scenes were poorly or not-at-all signposted. Why have they suddenly changed location?! Ohhh, okay, time skip.

Rating: 3/5 (“liked it”)

Do You Really Want Only A Meal?

by Yasu Tadano

Genres: Manga, Romance
Pages: 162
Series: Do You Really Want Only A Meal? #1
Rating:

Synopsis:

Masamune Hanzawa, a 27-year-old office worker with no time for love or cooking, reluctantly tries a housekeeping service at his section chief’s suggestion. Enter Natsuki, a charming college student and his boss’s son, who quickly captures Masamune’s heart. After their first meeting, Natsuki boldly confesses his feelings, leaving Masamune torn. Though undeniably attracted to Natsuki, Masamune hesitates due to their age difference and the potential complications of dating his superior’s son. As they navigate meals and growing emotions, Masamune must decide whether to embrace this unexpected chance at love—or let it slip away.

Volume one of Yasu Tadano’s Do You Really Only Want a Meal? is very cute, with a weird mix of love at first sight and taking it slow that I wasn’t sure about. Natsuki is younger than Masamune, and the son of his boss, ending up meeting him because he looks for a housekeeping service for someone to cook for him.

They don’t even get as far as kissing in this volume, despite Natsuki almost instantly saying he loves Masamune (and Masamune pretty quickly getting a crush too), which was a bit of a relief. There are genuine reasons it wouldn’t be a good idea, but they keep finding themselves drawn together, and I did find myself believing in the chemistry.

I’ll read volume two when it’s out, especially if it comes up on Comics Plus (love that I get access to sooo many graphic novels and manga via my library). I might even buy it.

Rating: 3/5 (“liked it”)