I’ve read a few BL manga and webtoons that focus on cam boys, and Real-Time Fever strikes me as a more unique offering because the star of the show, Shizuka (recording as Shiro), is shy in real life and has low self esteem. He creates erotic content because the feedback and interest of his followers helps him feel better about himself, especially the comments that come from the mysterious Kuro, who’s been with him from the beginning. It all started with, “you have beautiful hands.” That simple, kind comment locked Shizuka in to first taking pictures, and then filming himself.

Things really kick off when, through circumstances I won’t list here because of spoilers, the real-life Kuro, aka Kurosaki, has figured out Shizuka is Shiro! This couldn’t be more dire for Shizuka because Kurosaki is incredibly popular…with a bit of a twisted side.

The two come to a special arrangement to keep Shizuka’s online identity a secret–they will work together as project partners in class–but the situation evolves into a different kind of partnership. It becomes sexual quickly, and this development confuses Shizuka. Is there true attraction there? Or does Kurosaki only see Shizuka as a plaything to pass the time? Probably one of the more interesting issues is whether or not these two will see each other for who they are. Shizuka has idolized Kuro in his mind as the perfect companion; Kurosaki has idolized Shiro for being beautiful. Can these two let go of their “identities” and embrace each other for real?

While I’m not a fan of elements where blackmail creates a sexual opportunity, this seems to be a thing in the BL I read (I’m thinking of Cosmetic Playlover, a series I absolutely adore). Luckily there are always scenes and characters that redeem those dubious scenes, and end up creating genuinely, surprisingly wonderful partnerships. It’s a great journey to see if Shizuka and Kurosaki can make it to that point, especially when they keep misunderstanding each other.

This is my first time reading a Taberu Kasumi manga, and while I like the story, I enjoy the artwork especially. All of the characters are attractive, but our leads get the standout designs. And Kasumi is really good with emotional facial expressions.

The love scenes are steamy and well-drawn. I will always enjoy beautiful men being hot/sweet/tender/naked. Here is the warning–these scenes are uncensored so be careful if you are sensitive to that, or if you are too young. This manga is meant for mature readers, after all.

All in all I found this to be a quick, entertaining read. I enjoyed the development between the leads and really wanted them to get together despite the odds. It happens in real life: you can fall in love with the idea of someone rather then the person themselves, and this is the main conflict of the relationship between Shizuka and Kurosaki. It makes for an interesting addition to the BL genre, and I truly enjoyed myself.

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Real-Time Fever is written and illustrated by Taberu Kasumi. It was published in digital on October 7, 2025 and will be available in paperback November 4 at all major book retailers online, as well as direct from the publisher. This is a Tokyopop publication within the LOVE LOVE imprint, and is meant for mature audiences.