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真夜中の俺を見て
7
1
Finished
Dec 16, 2022 to Dec 15, 2023
8.5/10
Average Review Score
100%
Recommend It
2
Reviews Worldwide
I think this manga will hit particularly deep in all the right spots (content-wise) for those who are having a hard time keeping up a façade for the fast-paced world out there at the very expense of their inner well-being. Mayo is a Vtuber whose constant efforts to maintain a high performance for his parasocial relationship with his fans and the discrepancy between the bright character he's playing and his true gloomy nature is taking its toll on his mental health. Then appeared the helpful and (not unintentionally) good-looking manager Ogino, who's there to shower Mayo with the great relief of love and lust. This isvery much an escapist read, with luscious art and mellifluous dialogues crafted to lull readers into a trance as felt by Mayo. I love how both style and substance is very on-theme and consistent with one another, from the cover design resembling the streaming interface to the depiction of anxiety stress so suffocating that even the stimulation of comforting touches feels like a heavy cross to bear. Nevertheless, both Mayo and Ogino try their utmost for each other's sake, which is queerly motivating for me, considering the fact that I was reading with a view in mind to run away from reality and all. The best time to read this manga is past midnight, at the peak of revenge bedtime procrastination, probably 2 a.m., after one either wholly fulfills or purposefully abandons their life responsibilities. There's nothing to guarantee that life will get smooth and sweet after this, but the coping mechanism one chooses to indulge in can be.
The gloomy, unconfident Mayo is the face behind the bright and cheerful "Mahiru," a currently popular Vtuber. As people grow to love his complete opposite, "Mahiru," Mayo can't help but feel the crushing reality of his own loneliness grow more and more. Even his manager Ogino, who spoils him and showers him with praises, probably only sees him as "Mahiru" and not as the real "Mayo." Because he understands this, Mayo can never admit that he wishes to take Ogino's words seriously and wants to be loved by him. But, as if he can clearly see through Mayo and his "desire to be teased," Ogino asks "Would you rather me bully you instead?" uncovering the depths of his body as it trembles with anticipation...?! (Source: Shu-cream, translated)
A rather short but pleasantly sweet story about the struggles of loneliness, insecurity, and how opening up to one another (quite literally in this scenario) can change your entire perspective. Mayo, or Mahiru under his VTuber stage name, is enjoyably sympathetic and someone that’s easy to root for even if you don’t particularly relate to his situation. His struggle of wanting to be perceived and loved while simultaneously being terrified of any potential burns that may follow is certainly something many can at least feel for. The love he receives online as Mahiru isn’t something he can just avoid or turn off, even when it’sthe number one contributor to his declining mental health; the reason why the line between the persona and self has blurred so tremendously that he’s convinced himself no one would bother with the real Mayo. It made me smile watching Ogino dote and care for Mayo even when it was something as simple as telling him good job or picking up the clutter in his room. He helps break Mayo out of his shell, figuratively and quite literally, showing the other that he can in fact chase after and achieve the things that seem just out of reach. Even when the story shifts more into the erotic side (which is does jump into rather quickly, it that’s what you’re looking for), their personalities combined with their respective roles works extremely well. It feels more and more satisfying watching Mayo grow to love and trust Ogino with the responsibility to just turn off his brain and indulge his every whim. To put it simply, it’s good PWP that also takes the time to make you pause and think a little more about what you’re being shown. If you don’t mind a touch of dubious but enthusiastic consent, it’s a cute read!