In this new BL one-shot manga, an older city man looking to find solace in a small country library and a curious young librarian who can’t help falling for him. A simple, moving story about two men finding common ground despite their overt differences, and the way love can sneak up on you when you least expect it…

In a rural country town where nothing exciting ever happens, a new face suddenly appears at the library: a former city man who starts to show up every week without fail. With each visit, the librarian, Hagiwara, can’t help but notice little things about this new regular, Yabumi–his punctuality, his demeanor, his strangely methodical approach to reading every single book by a single author… Slowly, without realizing it, that simple observation blooms into a deeper interest that draws Hagiwara in, until he can’t help it! He wants to get to know Yabumi better. But how will he bridge the distance, when there’s no talking in the library?

This was a slower-paced, incredibly sweet look at a couple coming to grips with old memories, coming out, and overcoming differences to attempt a relationship with each other.

Yabumi has a past, where rumors of being gay circulated around him, and eventually reached his father, from whom he become estranged. This led to years of Yabami struggling to come to grips with self-acceptance and his sexuality.

Meanwhile, Hagiwara is a younger man who is gay, but is not out yet. But when Hagiwara meets Yabumi for the first time, his interest in piqued and he becomes attracted to him. Yabumi is an intriguing older man, and Hagiwara is happy to recommend books to him. Eventually Hagiwara strikes up the courage to ask Yabumi out, and they take a seaside trip to the sea, where Yabumi ends up essentially rejecting all chances at a relationship.

Hagiwara is determined to pursue Yubami, and the two develop a friendship, while Hagiwara pleads his case to Yubami that they should couple up.

As with many romances, there is a wonderful happy ending to the manga that makes this book incredibly enjoyable. It’s a thoughtful work focusing on love and bridging the gaps between what seem like two very different people with very different pasts and experiences.

The bonuses in the manga are important to read because they show characters finally moving forward in terms of embracing sexuality and coming out. Do not skip these or else the story won’t feel as full. They’re wonderful additions and I’m grateful they were included.

Overall I really liked this manga. The drama comes from dealing with the past and overcoming differences, and it ends up being a sweet story that is well-drawn with nicely designed characters. For those who want a more serious and slower-paced manga, give this one a go.

Many thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for giving me a digital ARC for the purpose of reviewing the work.

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Flip Flip Slowly released December 16, 2025 and is available in digital and print directly from the publisher or from a wide variety of booksellers online.