Send Them a Farewell Gift for the Lost Time

Anger is not always the only reason we decide to walk away from someone or something, and oftentimes love itself isn't enough to make us stay. Be that as it may, what makes us decide whether to try and fight for it or not is the strength of the bond and memories that bind us together. Story: Dealing with sad moments or tough situations in life can prove to be extremely tricky, depending on our personalities and overall circumstances we find ourselves in. This holds particularly true when it comes to relationships we built ourselves, and this is what this manga is all about. Although thisis a BL, make no mistake that the accent is on the relationship itself, or the end of it, and how heart-wrenching it can be to try and let go, all the while dealing with your mind being so full of memories, blame, regrets and unanswered questions. This story progresses nicely, with no unnecessary complications or overused tropes, which really helps the reader get a better overall picture and a better grasp of what's going on. Art: The art is really sweet, and the design of the characters somehow really goes well with their personalities. Occasional panels with seemingly unrelated background stuff actually contribute a lot to what's being said at that specific time, be it during a monologue or a dialogue. Facial expressions are also nicely done and it's easy to feel the emotions of the characters. Characters: The characters have some depth to them, which can really be felt during introspection moments. There's character development, and there is relatable-ness to them. They portray youth, passion and hastiness, pain, regret and bittersweet 'goodbyes' and 'hellos'. The main focus is on the main couple, with little to no attention to supporting characters, which is really not a minus in this case, since the whole point is to understand the two of them and their bond. They are very different personality-wise, and it's interesting to see the same story from 2 different perspectives; it's interesting to see two people desperately trying to hold on, giving it their all, each in their own way. Enjoyment: For those who like well-written short stories, this is just the thing. You get a ride down the memory lane, nicely incorporated into the progress of the current narrative. It makes you root for them and wish for a happy ending. It's leaves a bittersweet aftertaste due to how realistic it sometimes feels and how it can make you remember your own experiences, but it's a lovely story overall. Regardless of the gender, this manga can resonate with pretty much anyone who's ever been in love.