In the aftermath of a tragedy, Takumi Machi is left to raise two-year-old Kokoa by himself. While struggling to make ends meet and staggering through the unfamiliar landscape of parenting, Machi collapses in the street… Only to be rescued by an old schoolmate, Ikuto Mihiro.

The good-natured Mihiro offers to house Machi and Kokoa until they get back on their feet, but Machi is skeptical of his motives. What sort of person would go to such lengths without expecting something in return…?

In spite of his doubts, with Mihiro by his side, Machi works to build a life for himself and Kokoa, untangling past trauma and learning what it really means to be family…

—TOKYOPOP

The Love We Share is a story filled with tragedy, trauma, and hope that blossoms from love. The story behind Machi and how he came to care for Kokoa is delivered in bits and pieces throughout the manga, but finally revealed in a later scene, and it explains the trauma that poor Machi has gone through–just one piece of the hardships he’s experienced in his young life.

I’m convinced Machi has PTSD from these instances, and I think the events and circumstances that trigger him were depicted with care. I really, truly felt for him as I read on.

We learn pretty quickly that Mihiro has always had a candle shining for Machi, ever since they were students at the same high school. But life had separate plans for them, and their reunion as adults is of the utmost urgency–and serendipitous, too, as Mihiro is there for Machi and Kokoa when he is needed most.

Mihiro helps Machi and Kokoa not because he loves Machi, but first and foremost, because it’s the kind and decent thing to do. He invites the two to move in with him, and it’s only through close proximity and a taste of family life, do the feelings of love awaken in Mihiro.

…Lust was there, though. In a scene I sort of found uncomfortable, Machi propositions Mihiro and offers to give him some pleasure in return for being allowed to stay in his home. I thought Machi came onto Mihiro really strong and really fast…but it was only through getting a complete picture of Machi over the course of the manga did I understand his behavior and soon feel empathy for it. Machi is a damaged character. No family. His friends are gone. He can’t find work. He can’t find a home. He does whatever he can to survive…until Mihiro, of course.

Mihiro is absolutely turned on by Machi, but feels incredible guilt because he believes Machi doesn’t value himself when he offers to “pay” Mihiro. Mihiro rejects Machi from going further, and pushes him away when things are about to get physical, because everything about a sexual relationship feels transactional when, all this time, Mihiro has loved Machi.

Over the course of their time together as a found family, Machi is able to find work with Mihiro’s help. Mihiro comes to Machi’s defense when a vicious ex-lover reappears and when Machi’s abusive mother also shows up. Mihiro keeps reiterating that Machi needs to value himself, and finally see himself as a person. Only then does Machi realize his own feelings for Mihiro, and feelings are eventually requited.

You can see their true feelings through Hina Ten’s art. Look at these expressions!

The art looks very gentle to me, with delicate lines that depict expressions subtly or boldly. Kokoa is an adorable child, and both Machi and Mihiro are well-designed, handsome characters. I think they make a visually interesting pair as the two definitely have different styles. Not opposites attract, exactly, but more like somehow the differences work well together.

Overall, this sweet story pulled me in with its sadness and tragic backstories. I completely wanted Machi to find love, not just from Mihiro, but enough love within himself to believe that he deserves a good life and happiness, and is capable of being a great “papa” to Kokoa. Mihiro is like medicine for Machi, and I loved that they became a little family together. Readers are in for a treat when, at the end, there’s a glimpse into the future. I will not say anything else about it.

Anyway, I love endearing stories like this. BL manga where there are two men striving to be good parents to the child they share has always tugged at my heart. The Love We Share is a great addition to this subgenre of BL stories, and if you want to feel *feelings* as you read, I highly recommend this one.

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The Love We Share was released October 21 by TOKYOPOP through their LoveLove imprint. It is available in both digital and print directly from the publisher, or through sellers online and in store, wherever books are sold.