#恋せぬふたり

[bubbline-aroace-007]

恋せぬふたり

Koisenu futari 🧡💛🤍🩵💙

[dailyasiandramas]

dailyasiandramas’ sunday throwback ★ [WEEK 25]

KODAMA SAKUKO KOISENU FUTARI 恋せぬふたり [2022] Dir. Doi Shohei

[lupintraduction]

恋せぬふたり (Koisenu Futari)

Après énormément de travail, Lupin Traduction vous présente 恋せぬふたり (Koisenu Futari)... en français !!

Oui, oui, la fameuse série japonaise de 8 épisodes ayant comme personnages principaux deux personnes aroacespec a dorénavant des sous-titres en français.

Pour les télécharger, vous pouvez cliquer sur ce lien pour utiliser google drive, ou ce lien pour accéder à la sortie github.

Rappel que les fichiers .ass que nous créons sont lisible avec VLC.

[hrshlandfunkypics]

As much as Koisenu Futari is a show about love, or the lack thereof, it also does show how it can show up in many ways.

The focus is aromanticism and asexuality, yes, but also, we see the different points of view of the people around and how they relate to those types of love.

We have the junior, who thought that there was a spark between them and instead of dealing with the rejection and misunderstanding like a man he just... took some time off work and asked to change departments.

We have Minori (the sister) who seems to live the perfect romantic life and is following what society (and her parents) ask of her, and at the end, despite her love and her dutiful follow of those rules, she's being cheated on and breaks from what society demands (the divorce).

We have Kazu, who sees romantic love in a very weird lense (in my opinion) but slowly, while still holding his ideals, he understands that others are not necessarily like him and not only he ends up by respecting them and more or less understanding them, but he also is a (somewhat) good ally.

We have Chizuru, who does love but is lesbian. She is bound (through her love for Sakuko) to suffer because of a love that cannot be reciprocated. We see her deeply love and feel, and yet we do not see this love being satisfied.

A good point here is that the blame is not brought to Sakuko. Chizuru clearly says that she, herself, is the one to love and the one to get away because she rather have a friend live her life without having to worry about something she doesn't care about than forcing an unwanted love on her (Sakuko).

We have Sakuko's parents too, who seem to live the perfect traditional life. The mother doesn't seem too old, which would suggest that she followed the advice she gave to her daughters: marry and have children young. And through the series, she shows rejection, because aromanticism doesn't fit her understanding of life, then a slight acceptation: she still doesn't get it and wishes for Sakuko to marry and have children, but she also understands that cutting ties with her daughter for not accepting her making her own choices is stupid at worse, foolish at best, especially since at the end she just wants her daughter to be happy.

Last but not least, we have Takahashi. He is the textbook of "older queer" as in he knows where he stands, he understands how he feels about what, he has a way to show and share his experience to others (the blog), he clearly is used (and bored/annoyed) by the world's romanticism etc and he had cut ties with his parents. We don't have much on the parents' thing, but, or he left them because he couldn't be bothered with them being such a pain, or his parents rejected him because he's aroace. Either way, he is a pillar for Sakuko while she goes through her own aroace journey.

So at the end, we not only have a show about aromanticism and asexuality, but we also see how this pressure, this allocisheteronormativity of society, makes it hard on everyone and not just those who do not fit/do not follow those invisible rules.

The aroace narrative is wholesome and very well done, but it would be foolish to turn a blind eye on those other details (and growth) of the characters, which makes this series punch you in the gut so hard.

[raideo]

Ok so if we are counting the Rohan drama (bc of the inherently queer nature of jjba and Rohan as a character specifically) 4/4 of the shows I have watched that Issey stars in have had some queerness in them and im not talking like "i have head-canons about it" I mean FOR REAL

Koisenu Futari's Takahashi Satoru is actually for real aroace (seriously its like what the entire show is about, him and the other mc finding their way through life being aroace)

Rohan is well, Rohan (huge case to be made for him being pan or also aroace, and he's extremely gender non conforming that is not up for debate at all, even if its hard to pin down the man's sexuality- he's not gender conforming at all)

Hidaka (canon bisexual and the show deals with other queer themes in surprisingly tactful and respectful ways I was not expecting, and if I say any more it'll be spoilers, LOL)

And lastly Invisible is tricky to tell you about bc there is actually gay shit going on and also possibly more than one character but at least one of them is confirmed and if I SAY ANY MORE ITLL BE SPOILERS LIKE YOUVE NEVER BEEN SPOILED FOR ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE YOURE JUST GONNA HAVE TO TRUST ME ON THIS ONE

[shuubah]

Koisenu Futari Review by a Fellow AroAce

Disclaimer: anybody commenting to tell aros and aces how to feel or their two cents on what’s wrong with us will be blocked right away. 🖤

    2023 has just begun, and the calendar has already changed to the later part of February. It’s that time of the year again. I bet you’re thinking I’m talking about the infamous Valentine’s Day that has already passed 10 days ago. But no, I’m talking about Aromantic Awareness Week that spans from this 19th to 25th February, today. I’m mad amused that it falls in this so-called ‘month of love’. I’ve been awaiting it since last year to finally write a review for the J-drama Koisenu Futari, and I couldn’t ask for a better timing! Oh, love is in the air? I’ve arrived to spray anti-love aerosol! Right about when the others were busy posting in celebration of 14th February, I started writing this in order to make the existences of aros and aces known to more people. Beware of little spoilers here and there in the review. It’s no big deal though, watching the happenings firsthand is more important than the end results for this story.

   Koisenu Futari begins with the fateful encounter of two people who feel neither romantic nor sexual attraction. Kodama Sakuko always feels out of place whenever the topic of romance comes up. It doesn’t help that she’s a grown up woman with a younger sister who’s already married and has a child. Her mother’s continual insistence for her to follow the same path soon makes even the time with her dear family feel oppressive. To make the matters worse, her coworkers harbor the same mindset, with seemingly no place for platonic mingling. Thanks to her job though, she crosses paths with the retail employee Takahashi Satoru, who happens to make an off-handed remark that there’re people in this world who don’t fall in love. It leaves an impression on Sakuko.

   Meanwhile, she plans to share an apartment with her friend and move out of home to escape her mom’s nagging, only to be ditched by the said friend later because apparently she got back with her ex-boyfriend. Frustrated by her inability to fathom people’s fascination with romance, Sakuko searches on the internet about it in the hopes of finding something for better understanding. There, she discovers about aromantic and asexual people for the first time in her life, and feels a connection with the terms. She puts two and two together, speculating that the employee she met in the supermarket just the other day may very well be the one behind the blog post. Filled with excitement to finally stumble upon someone like-minded, she once again appears before Satoru to affirm her conjecture. As they get to discussing about their identities after the confirmation, Sakuko makes a bizarre proposition for the two of them to try living together and see if they can become a family without any romantic feelings involved, much to Satoru’s dismay. He reluctantly agrees when Sakuko manages to persuade him with the problems of both of their current living conditions along with the benefits they both get if she comes to live in his house. And so, the trial for two aroaces to become a family begins.

   As someone who loves hanging around in the online aro and ace communities, and occasionally watches J-dramas, you’d probably expect me to have jumped onto Koisenu Futari as soon as it became available for the international audience. The truth is, I went back and forth for several months before finally sitting down to watch it. Because it revolves around a subject matter that’s very close to my heart and precious to me, I had all the more apprehensions that it might misrepresent us, dance around the concept of being aromantic and asexual without using the specific terms given it’s a Japanese production, and most importantly – an ending that wouldn’t be satisfying for the actual aros and aces. Let’s be honest, it’s difficult to imagine adult aroaces leading happy lives to their likings amidst the busybody culture. I’m usually all for pragmatic conclusions, but it was that one exception when I didn’t want a reality check.

    Now that I’ve finished the full series, did my misgivings hold true? I’m not gonna dillydally and straight-out say it: absolutely… not! However, don’t take this to mean that it’s gonna be a smooth ride. Because from time to time, the turn of events will make you step back and think to yourself, ‘I don’t like this if it’s really going where I think it’s going’ or simply have qualms about how they’re gonna handle a certain predicament. That was the reason why I couldn’t pass a judgment on the show until nearing the end. Several incidents arise in such a short drama, and thankfully every single one of them got an agreeable closure in the end. With the last dilemma of Satoru following his dream versus Sakuko keeping their family together resolved, I must say that I couldn’t ask for a better finale. It’s hands down one of my favorites, the most fulfilling and gratifying ending in a piece of media.

    Speaking of Sakuko and Satoru’s ‘family without romantic feelings involved’, which they like to refer to as “family (subject to change)” for the lack of better words, it can essentially be described as a queerplatonic relationship. I’m not gonna explain what that is for those who got a question mark over their head right now. You can check out this TikTok video that clarifies it better than I ever could in a few sentences (that one time TikTok became accurate and helpful). One thing though, take what I said as more of a headcanon than an absolute truth. Because it took me a while to take a step back and remind myself that a relationship is queerplatonic only when the people involved in it decide to define it as one. Otherwise, it’d be no different than alloromantic people forcibly claiming a non-romantic relationship is “romantic” regardless of the said pair’s negation just to suit their own fancy. But I’m pretty sure the real reason in the case of Koisenu Futari is because the term “queerplatonic” just doesn’t exist in Japanese, and they’re not familiar with this English word either. Yep, that’s one of my initial doubts right there.

    It’s fine though, because the two fundamental and crucial terms are there at least. That’s right, the words “aromantic” and “asexual” have made their way into the Japanese vocabulary! Albeit, they’re said in the Japanesque style. Given how the Japanese people speak English words, I thought the abbreviations – “aro” and “ace” – would be pronounced as “âro” (アロ) and “ēsu” (エース). But they turned out to be “âroma” (アロマ) and “âseku” (アセク) instead, short for “âromanchikku” (アロマンチック) and “âsekusharu” (アセクシャル). Though, â might be the wrong phonetic in these cases. I guess I should’ve known, since Japanese people have this habit of taking English words and shortening them to their liking for convenience. Though, I’ve found that there is one actual Japanese word for asexual, musei (無性). But of course, it pertains to reproduction. And it’s no surprise either that there doesn’t seem to be any word for aromantic. Ah, the temptation I feel to crack the notorious ‘asexuals are plants’ joke right now…

    Ahem! Forget that for now, because I’m about to impart an illuminating piece of information that I picked out thanks to Koisenu Futari. It’s revealed in one episode that in Japan, the very word for ��romance” was conceived in the Meiji era (1868-1912), and the values associated with it were nonexistent prior to that. Doesn’t it almost sound like romantic attraction is a concoction of the modern period, similar to how queerphobics complain that aromanticism, asexuality and other queer identities are newfangled fads? When you put it that way without further context, it probably does. To fully understand what this fact actually entails, we need to elaborate on the said Japanese word, “ren’ai” (恋愛). Take this with a grain of salt as I’m not an expert, but from what I’ve gathered so far with my limited knowledge of the Japanese language as well as the culture, renai is more about the whole affair of finding a love interest, getting into a romantic relationship, and engaging in sexual activities than it is about the matter of attraction itself. So, in essence, it’s not opening up a debate as to since when the Japanese people have started feeling romantic attraction, but rather when the idea of pursuing romance came into being in the land. Having played otome games set in the Meiji and the consequent Taishou era (1912-1926), I can tell that taking a lover wasn’t a common practice back then. Sure, those aren’t the most accurate and reliable depiction of history, but when even dating sims can’t play it up, that speaks for itself.

    Looking at Japan isn’t even necessary to recognize the veracity of the bottom line of this. Coming from an Asian country myself, once upon a time, romantic relationships were frowned upon like it was one of the biggest disgraces to ever happen to a family here, if not the biggest one. Nowadays, most families have grown to become more accepting of young adults getting into romantic relationships and marrying a partner of their choice, what with dating becoming more and more of a commonplace. It’d be fine if that was all there was though, but it has reached the point where I went to listen to a popular native podcast of ours around the time of Valentine’s Day, and it started with the anecdote of a high school guy asking around on social media if it was abnormal for him to not have a girlfriend yet, and if he should do something to find someone. The face I was making then was probably a sight to behold, since I instantly turned into a fine real life specimen of the “IGHT IMMA HEAD OUT” meme of Spongebob. That, my reader, is what we call amatonormativity.

    All this fuss about being single isn’t so much about attraction as it’s about compulsively following specific customs just to fit in with everyone else (not saying everyone who desires a romantic relationship is like this), as if we’re all dolls with the same features, manufactured together in a set. If we’re really going with the excuse of loneliness, wouldn’t it mean the humans, living in the olden days when romantic partners weren’t prevalent and corporations didn’t promote Valentine’s Day for the sake of profit, were the loneliest of all? And if it’s because it’s in our nature to want to be loved and cared for, how come many of the present-day surveys and statistics tell us that humans are suffering from loneliness more than ever before as the time goes on, when everyone’s getting into romantic relationships left and right? Doesn’t it seem to say something about today’s attachments and connections that are so sought-after? You’ve probably heard of the saying, “gender is a social construction.” Now if I may, hoping I won’t be skewered and grilled for this, “romance” is a social construction. Emphasis goes to the quotation marks. It makes sense when you learn about all the different kinds of attractions that exist, and how they can be mutually inclusive when it comes to certain actions, varying from person to person.

    I may have gotten somewhat derailed from the review, but it matters not. The focus of it isn’t just on Koisenu Futari being a J-drama, but spreading awareness about aromanticism and asexuality. Besides, I can imagine Satoru nodding in agreement with me and saying the same. Throughout the series, he often talks about amatonormativity with Sakuko and sometimes the others. That was a characteristic absolutely indispensable for him as well as the drama to be so relatable to the aros and aces. Screwing with rubbish societal norms isn’t enough, the need to rant about the dozens of distresses that suck the life outta us day in and day out is at the center of this ordeal. He’s an excellent embodiment of our thoughts and feelings. On the other side, Sakuko finds herself in messes that are the pictures of of our day-to-day troubles.

     The pair’s contrasting personalities also create a great juxtaposition for two aroaces. From my observation, for Sakuko, her aromantic aspect is prevailing to her identity; while for Satoru, it’s his asexuality. Sakuko is amicable, social and cherishes those dear to her. Romantic interests of the others towards her, however, puts her at a loss. Her encounter and conversations with Satoru – who’s the only aroace she personally knows – helps her to gather her thoughts regarding her orientation and get better at dealing with those situations little by little. In turn, living with Sakuko and spending time with those around her gradually alleviates the emptiness in Satoru’s life left by the death of his dearest grandmother. He has always carried around regret in his heart for being unable to confide in the only person close to him about his identity, as well as his incapability to grant her a grandkid when he was her only family. After all, not only is he a sex-repulsed ace, but touch-repulsed altogether. To top it all off, the meddlesome attitudes and comments from his surroundings have him jaded, so much so that he doesn’t even want the understanding of others. When communication fails again and again because people refuse to see things from someone else’s perspective or just accept them as they’re due to their fundamental differences from each other, shutting them off may be the only option left. His no-nonsense, solitary disposition very much resonates with me, although personality-wise, I may or may not appear closer to Sakuko on the outside.

    Setting aside the protagonists, I must bestow the titles of honorable mention and best side character to Matsuoka Kazu. Don’t get your hopes up right away though, because he’s gonna get on your nerves as soon as he gets involved with the plot. He’s the personification of the traits that make aros and aces roll their eyes, being insufferable at times. You’re probably gonna hate him, which you’re supposed to, until you start appreciating his character development. He goes from the greatest menace to the greatest supporter of Sakuko. Not to mention, I couldn’t have discovered the above-mentioned history of “renai” without him, since he’s the reason why Satoru goes off lecturing about it! Honestly, our lives would be much gentler if more of the aphobics could grow to be thoughtful of us like he does. Even Sakuko’s family members come around to a considerable extent. I was touched by her parents’ acceptance of her, albeit one outright and one reluctant. Meanwhile, her sister’s story is a good example of how life’s rhythm can be easily thrown off when it’s mainly build around just a romantic partner.

    Keep in my mind though, this is a Japanese show, so it goes without saying that the narrative is going to follow the style of their dramas. The biggest complaint I hear in regard to J-dramas is that they contain too much of overacting, and I can totally see where it’s coming from. Koisenu Futari though, in my opinion, is the opposite of that. Subtlety is an integral quality of it, not that there is no exaggerated reactions whatsoever. Sakuko and Satoru in particular make these faint yet distinct facial expressions that seem to say more than their words. Their respective stars, Kishii Yukino and Takahashi Issei, were the perfect choices for the roles. Takahashi Issei’s acting especially feels like Satoru’s character was made to be portrayed by him. They even share the same surname and all! I was surprised and delighted to find out he’s the one who voiced Amasawa Seiji, the deuteragonist of Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart. Acting is acting, I guess. As for the supporting cast of Koisenu Futari, the performances that stood out in my eyes were Sakuko’s longtime friend Kadowaki Chizuru, played by Kojima Fujiko, and Sakuko’s father Kodama Hiromi, played by Koichi Mantaro. They left an impression on me.

    In spite of all the praises I’m singing about Koisenu Futari, I still can’t say that I’d absolutely recommend any and every aromantic and asexual person to watch it. This might sound like it came from the left field, but it’s actually for their sake. Because this isn’t as simple as a fantasy show or something where two characters are specified to be aroaces since they couldn’t care less about romance and sex. Rather, it’s a true-to-life depiction of the issues that come with identifying with these labels. The alienation and loneliness resulting from being “different”, falling apart of friendships due to romantic interest of the other party, vexation stemming from the inability to relate and thus empathize with those going through heartbreaks, aphobic belief that aros have it easy just because they don’t have romantic entanglements to worry about, family and societal pressure to get married and have kids, apprehension regarding the future that’ll likely be lonesome otherwise — all these difficulties experienced by aros and/or aces are remarkably brought out. In short, the plot is all about trying to navigate this world full of amatonormativity, heteronormativity and allonormativity. And as much as it feels great to see our representation, such a high level of relatability also means it can be triggering to see the exact same things that distress us in our everyday lives.

   I, for one, was left overwhelmed by the very first episode. Sakuko’s excitement over the initial living arrangement with her friend reflects the deepest desire of my heart that has been there since forever. I’m definitely not the only one; for many aros and/or aces, it’s a situation that’s considered a dream come true. Except the ingrained relationship hierarchy, where romantic partners are put above everyone else, pretty much always turns it into a pipe dream. After finishing that episode, I had to sit in silence for a while, trying hard to contain my emotions. On top of it, what occurs between the two of them later hit too close to home, again. Watching it unfold almost felt like a personal attack, the thought ‘I’m in this drama, and I don’t like it!’ running through my mind all the while. However, I have to admit that the last scene of the drama makes it worth it. The image of Sakuko happily cycling down the road with the most heartfelt, carefree smile on her face screamed freedom to me. Then revisiting the drama in order to write this review aroused the displeasure in me along with the appreciation all over again. It’s really up to how much an individual viewer can take depending on their mental state.

    For alloromantic and allosexual people though, I’d definitely recommend them to complete Koisenu Futari. Not merely because otherwise they’d be missing out on a wonderful show, but mostly because it’s important that they come to see things from aromantic and asexual people’s viewpoint. Of course, for one thing, you can avoid upsetting them and treat them right when you know better. Now, you may ask, what’s the odd of you running into an aro and/or ace when those’re such rare orientations? The thing is, many of us go through an identity crisis at the beginning because we’re never taught about the very existences of aromanticism and asexuality in the first place. It needs to become a common knowledge like homosexuality, bisexuality etc. Even when we do get to know who we are, we still feel the need to keep this intrinsic part of our personality to ourselves because of ignorant people’s hurtful attitude. So, if you’ve already proved yourself to be uncomfortable for the topic, the possibility of you being privy to the fact of someone you know being an aro and/or ace is very low in the first place.

   This obliviousness isn’t harming only aros and aces though, it concerns you, and your near and dear ones, too. Why do I say that? Well, once you step into the world of aromanticism and asexuality, your eyes will open to a whole bunch of problems around us, as well as a whole lot of ways of life. Namely, the clutch that amatonormativity, heteronormativity and allonormativity have on us, and how liberating living can be if you get to defy them. I can’t go into the details of what they mean in this review. You can always search on Google and Tumblr to learn their definitions, etymologies and implications. All I’ll say is that the Four Horsemen (including platonormativity) of the ‘love and sex are what make you human’ bullshit go hand in hand with misogyny, sexism, toxic gender stereotypes, toxic masculinity, domestic violence, colorism, body shaming, ableism and many, many more severe social issues. It’s impossible to escape them so long as you live in the society. So when you really think about it, being aphobic is basically advocating for your own victimization and/or decadence. Although, I suppose something as ridiculous as aphobia prevails at all is because the mere existences of aros and aces challenge the beliefs and learning that alloallo people have nurtured throughout their lifetime. It’s human nature to feel threatened by something they don’t understand. But on the other hand, broadening your worldview with the aromantic and asexual perspectives serves to benefit you regardless of your orientation. Personally speaking, even if I don’t identify as an aroace someday, I’d still be grateful for everything I’ve been taught thanks to it. I wouldn’t exchange this experience and thought process for anything.

   If there’s one flaw of Koisenu Futari though, it has to be its approach of aromanticism and asexuality being largely inadequate. The matters are explored through the two protagonists only, resulting in a limitation as to which facets of the orientations can be introduced to the viewers. There is this one time when Sakuko attends a gathering of aros and aces, but it’s way too short to put enough emphasis on the briefly discussed topics: the spectrums’ independence from each other, and the variation in individual preferences. That’s right, aromantic and asexual are the umbrella terms for two separate spectrums. You must’ve already noticed my continual usage of “and/or” until now, that’s because being a part of one spectrum doesn’t necessarily connote being a part of the other. Both of them also consist of a wide range of microlabels, and those’re contradistinctive at times. I daresay, compared to the entire populace of the rest of the world, I’ve witnessed way more diversity in these tiny communities that’re more or less close to the population of Denmark. A series could cast a dozen of aro and ace characters, but many of the particularities would still end up left out. Given the acute lack of our representation in the media, a complete drama dedicated to us is already an absolute blessing. Even just two characters, who’re gateway to the plain basics, are a great starting point. That’s all well and good, but the problem is that those who aren’t well-informed with the comprehensive nitty-gritties might develop a rigid concept of the identities, and thus question the validity of those of us who don’t fit the mold.

  I’d suggest alloromantic, allosexual and questioning folks to take Koisenu Futari as a stepping-stone to learn about aromanticism and asexuality. Thanks to Kaizen Subs, it’s accessible for the international audience. They did such a fantastic job with the subtitling. I don’t wish to depreciate any fansubbers who pour so much hard work into voluntarily providing English subtitles, but I also can’t deny that I often come across translations that’re far cry from the actual speeches. I was afraid the same might happen to Koisenu Futari, especially due to the lingos in the aro and ace communities that’re foreign to the outsiders. It was an utter relief to discover that it wasn’t the case. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find somebody else’s style of translating similar to mine for the first time as a translator. Personal reflection aside, this is your cue to watch the drama. Visit this link to download the subtitles. Just rename the files corresponding to the episode file names on your device, and it’ll make the subtitles automatically show up on the videos when you open them, whether it’s on computer or phone. Oh, and where to find the raw episodes? That question’s a no-no in public, but here goes: Đ Ɽ ₳ ₥ ₳ ₵ Ø Ø Ⱡ

  My only sincere request is for people to keep an open mind, about us and about the world. Koisenu Futari’s MyDramaList entry used to have the “naïve female lead” tag before, and that was more than enough infantilization of aroaces. Look at it this way, romantic and/or sexual attractions can be considered ghosts to us. Almost everybody around us claim to be able to see them, those who’re chasing after them. They ask us why we can’t perceive them. It’s because they only ever exist in the tales of others, not in our own realm, at least not without the exact same power. Maybe some of us have barely happened to encounter them at some point, but unsure of whether those’re actual ghosts or some other apparitions. Some can only see them once in a blue moon, under specific conditions. Some adore the idea of ghosts and their stories, regardless of their ability to sense them or the wish to interact with them in person. At any rate, we all belong under the hefty green or purple umbrella, or where they both blend in to take on blue, orange and yellow colors; our very own spaces beneath the rainbow.

  It’s okay if you can’t grasp our hues right away. You can take your time. If it still doesn’t help, that’s okay, too. What’s not okay is dehumanizing or demonizing us. Don’t forget that humans are abusing and destroying each other in the name of love all the time. If you believe it’s a lie or an exaggeration, then open your eyes, strain your ears and take in what’s happening throughout the world. There’re more important things than love, attraction or even comprehension. Remember that consideration, compassion, communication and consent can go a long way to bring about happiness and peace in life. Also, please refrain from shoving “B-but aromantic/asexual people can feel romantic/sexual attraction and/or engage in such activities!” and other bigot commentaries down our throat. That’ll be all from me.

  Happy aromantic awareness week! It’s coming to an end soon, but may the awareness stick around.

Headers' credit: theprideful

“amatanormativity will not save you" flag credit: rjalker

[misunderst0od]

Asian Drama Themed Valentines: 2022 Edition

Part: 1 | 2

[caninerat]

I know the post isn't about this, but I wanted to share some canon aroace characters I've found out about recently that made me happy :> hope it will bring some joy to anyone who sees and watches the shows as well:

1) two main characters from Koisenu Futari: Both characters are canonically aroace (terms used in the show), the story centres around them forming a QPR. This became a comfort show of mine and I would 100% recommend it.

2) I just started the show, but one of the two main characters from Konya Sukiyaki Dayo is canonically aromantic (term used in the show). I'm unsure how it ends, so I can't say for sure if I would recommend it or not, but the story is about two (aro and allo) women living together and seemingly forming a QPR (?)

3) Fujisaki Nozomi (side character) from Cherry Magic (the jdrama specifically): this is a romance show, but I absolutely adored Nozomi's character and her existence in the story made me really happy (the term aroace is not used in the show, but the character expressed her disinterest in romance very clearly. She's also confirmed to be aroace by the writer, which I usually don't like being the case, since it's rarely ever actually communicated within shows, but I think Cherry Magic did it well :)) Fun fact!! One of the writers is also the writer behind Koisenu Futari

4) I haven't watched this yet, so I don't know how good the movie is, but the main character of I Am What I Am (2022) is also aroace :3c from what I heard, it's good though (might post an update once I watch it)

It’s crazy how many people just don’t understand why a lot of aro and or ace people don’t like that Alaster gets shipped. It’s not that hard to understand we don’t have a lot to let ourselves lose. I mean can you name 10 asexual characters? 5? Can you name two aro characters. There’s the guy from Archie who they made have a sex scene in a movie version. There’s a few books. I think a background character in Heartstopper? Do you see the theme here??? You’re all queer people, do you not get it? How it feels to have nothing? Is it so wrong to be upset that there’s finally an outwardly aroace person in popular media and instead of people embracing that they’re fighting on the internet about why it’s ok to ignore it? And I will never in my fucking life have anything against the people who are aro and or ace and portray him in THEIR experiences, even if it is a romance or sex favorable experience, but it is obvious that way too many of you guys are allo and it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t even like him as a character that much, he isn’t even made by an aroace artist. The show isn’t even that fucking good, I just want to keep someone like me for once in my life. If there were a million other aroace characters I wouldn’t care, but it just hurts seeing erasure coming from my own community. It just sucks, man, I don’t know. It just sucks

[easterndelights]

恋せぬふたり Koisenu Futari (2022) | EP 5

[uruzuy3]

untranslated text of servamp events drama

I don't know how to upload an audio file, it's too big. Here's the event drama from a long time ago, but this lovely episode is often missed

リリイ：御園、紅茶が入りましたよ 御園：あぁ リリイ：どうしたんです？そんな…難しい顔をして 御園：リリー2月10？あと何日だ？ リリイ：えーと、10日ほどですが リリイ：あ、もしかして誕生日会の準備でしょうか？あ、それでしたら… 御園：いや、さっき堂々たちがバレンタインの話をしていた 御園：友達同士でもチョコレートの交換をすると聞いたのだ リリイ：あぁ、友チョコですか！ 御園：真の友情を築いた者同士がその友情の証に互いが作ったチョコレートを交換し一層絆を深め合う！これであっているな！ リリイ：えっと、あっているような、微妙に違うよな… 御園：どうなんだ!! リリイ：あってます！ 御園：やはりそうか、まあ、城田と千駄ヶ谷に友情的なものを感じていないわけでもないからな。奴らに友チョコを用意してやろう！ リリイ：ふふ、応援していますよ、御園！ 御園：しかし、あと10日ほどしかないとは、そもそもチョコレートとは、一体どうやって作るんだ？

黒：真昼ー、コーラなくなった 真昼：早、もうなくなったのかよ？お前飲み過ぎだぞ！ 黒：血を飲まずに、コーラですませ心優しい吸血鬼に向かってなんて言い種だ？ 真昼：そこは血を飲めよ！ 真昼：あ、いや、まって、コーラと同じペースで飲まれたら俺が大変なことになるんじゃ？ 真昼：…ほどほどに飲めよ！ 黒：注文の多いやつだな！ 真昼：来たかな？ 黒：あー？ ヒュー：頼もうー 鉄：邪魔するぜ？真昼の兄貴 真昼：急に来てもらってごめんな、2人とも、旅館の手伝いも大丈夫なのか？ 鉄：今は繁忙期でもないし ヒュー：おぉーあ、おおおお！ ヒュー：日本が誇る文明の利器、こたつがあるのじゃ��どれどれ、吾輩にオーっと 黒：っつ、冷えたまま入ってくんな！ 真昼：あ、寒いし！とりあえず鉄も上がってくれよ！ 鉄：お！ 鉄：電話で言ってたのってこの食器棚か？ 真昼：そうなんだよ、この下に家の鍵落としちゃってさ 真昼：どうにかして取ろうとしたら、どんどん奥に入っちゃって 真昼：もう食器棚を動かして取るしかないと思ったんだけど 黒：真昼の非力な腕じゃ無理だった 真昼：俺が落としたのも悪いけど、蹴って入れたのは黒だからな！ 黒：たまたま通りかかっただけだし、そういう責任転嫁とは向き合えないで 真昼：とにかく！そんなことで呼び出して本当に申し訳ない！ 鉄：気にすんな、力仕事は得意だ 鉄：毎日背中にヒューと適当に何か乗っけて指立せしてるしな ヒュー：うん、昨日は座布団十枚の上に吾輩が乗ったの！ ヒュー：揺れる座布団の上でいかにバランスを保つか！あれは吾輩にとっても良い訓練であった 鉄：今日は20枚行ってみるか？ 黒：何目指してんだ？ 真昼：誰だろう？宅配便かな？ 御園：なんだ、空いているじゃないか！邪魔するぞ 真昼：は？御園とリリイ！？ リリイ：えっと、鍵が開いていたもので、お邪魔いたします！ ヒュー：なんじゃ、なんじゃ、賑やかになってきたの！ 黒：植えすぎだろう！俺の休日が 鉄：おぉ、ちび、久しぶりだなあ。 御園：な、なぜここに貴様らがいるんだ？ 真昼：あ、あの、それについては後で話すから、御園こそどうしたんだ？ 御園：そ、それはだな…おい！リリイ！千駄ヶ谷もいるなんて想定外だぞ！て直した方がいいんじゃないのか？ リリイ：でも、鉄君にもあげるつもりなのでしょう？でしたら、隠す必要はないのでは？ 御園：そうか？そうだな 御園：ん、貴様ら、2月14日が何の日か知っているか？ 黒：貴様ちゃん、また自分の誕生日を知らせに来たのか？ 御園：違う！確かにその日は僕の誕生日だが、そうじゃない方だ！ 真昼：そうじゃない方？ってー、バレンタイン？ 御園：正解だ！ 真昼：なんだ、びっくりした ヒュー：吾輩知っておるぞ、女の子がチョコを用意し、それを意中の相手に投げつける！ 真昼：嫌がらせか！ ヒュー：掛け声はこうじゃ！鬼は外！ 真昼：それは節分！！ 黒：なんつう暴力的きな愛情表現だ、向き合えねー 鉄：好きなやつにあえて投げつけるのか、不快な リリイ：愛と憎しみは紙一重と言いますからね ヒュー：そうすると厄が払われると聞いたんのじゃが 真昼：だから節分と混ざってるってヒュー！ 真昼：なんでみんなものりがいいんだよ！ただ渡すだけでいいの！ 真昼：でも、どうして急にバレンタインの話？ 御園：ふん、ふん、ふん。貴様らはまだ知らんだろうから、教えてやろう。 御園：このバレンタインは何も恋愛うんぬんだけのイベントではない 御園：友情を確かめ合うイベントでもあるんだ！ 真昼：うん？確かにクラスの女子も友達同士で交換とかしてるもんな、友チョコってやつだろう？ 御園：ん⁈はい、知っていたのか⁈ 真昼：うん 御園：まあ、そこで、僕も、貴様らにチョコを作って渡してやろうと思った、一応、とも、友達だから、な 真昼：御園 黒：作るって、貴様ちゃんチョコ作れんのか？ リリイ：ふふ、だから真昼君に教わりに来たんですよね？独学で作って美味しくない物を渡すのは忍びないと 御園：そんことは一言も言ってないぞ！リリイ！ 真昼：そっか！俺でよかったらもちろんいいよ！一緒に作ろう！その方が分かりやすいだろうし 御園：あぁ！ リリイ：よかったですね、御園！ ヒュー：うん、作ったチョコを皮で投げ合い、絆を深めるのじゃな！ ヒュー：なんとも美しい友情じゃなの！ 黒：どうしても投げてんだな？ 鉄：俺は料理とか得意じゃねえけど、手伝えることあったら何でも言ってくれよ？ 真昼：じゃあ、とりあえず材料の買い出しに行こうか 黒：その前に、家の鍵ないと出かけらんねえだろう？ 真昼：あ

ロウレス：リーヒーたん！俺も疲れたっす！ ロウレス：バレンタイン限定スイーツだかなんだか知らないですけど、朝から一体何件コンビニ走越したと思ってんですか？ ロウレス：休憩ー！一回休憩すべきっす！ リヒト：うるせえぞ、クズネズミ！てめえがぐずぐずしてる間に売り切れるかもしれないだろう？ ロウレス：売り切れてるんですよ、実際！もう散々回って全滅だったじゃないっすか？そのとろける…なんとかチョコラみたいな リヒト：とろける贅沢、天使のフォンダン勝負だ ロウレス：名前なんてどうでもいいんっすよ！ううぅ、もう、ハリネズミや寒さに弱いっすからね！ リヒト：だったらここで勝手に凍ってろ！ ロウレス：俺をここに放置しても、限界距離越えてヘロヘロになのはリヒたんっすからね！ リヒト：次の店に行くぞ ロウレス：ちょ、ちょ、ちょリヒたん！まって！ ロウレス：この店で最後ですからね、ここになかったら帰るっすよ！ リヒト：スイーツコーナー、スイーツコーナー ロウレス：全然人の話聞いてない？ リヒト：あった、最後の一つはやはり天使である俺のために残されていたとしか思えない べル：ああ！！あったよ椿きゅん！えっと、名前何だっけ？ 桜哉：とにかく贅沢、ゲロ甘ぼんぼんショコラだったような気がします 椿：いやだな、桜哉、とろける贅沢天使のフォンダンショコラだってばー リヒト：ああ？ 椿：あ？ 椿：これはこれは、強欲の兄さんにそのイブじゃない？ べル：こんなところで会うなんて、あ、マジ運命！きゃー素敵！殺す！ ロウレス：げー、最悪っす 椿：最悪だなんてひどいなあ、可愛い可愛い弟でしょう？ 椿：さあ、ほら、もっと嬉しそうな顔してよ！最高の休日だって喜んでよ！ 椿：あはははははは、はははっはは、ああ、面白くない 桜哉：椿さん、ここコンビニなんで、急に大声で笑うのやめてくださいよ 桜哉：ほら、店員さんから白い目で見られてますし 椿：冷静に言わないでよ、桜哉 べル：え、どうする？椿きゅん？せっかくのチャンスだから、こいつら串刺しにしちゃう？ 椿：えへへ、いいね！て言いたいところなんだけど、僕、今はそういう気分じゃないんだ。 椿：ただ今日発売のバレンタイン限定スイーツを買いに来ただけだし リヒト：偶然だな、俺もだ。 椿：なんだ～気が合うじゃないか？気が合うついでに早くそのスイーツから手を離してくれない？ リヒト：てめえこそ、さっさと離せくず悪魔！これは天使である俺にこそ相応しいだ！ 椿：いやだよ！僕はこの辺のコンビニを回り尽くしてやっと見つけたんだから！ リヒト：俺はこれで10件目だ 椿：僕は11件目だ！ リヒト：12件 椿：13 リヒト：14 椿：15 ロウレス：やっちゃえ、リヒたん！天使の力見せつけちゃって！ べル：頑張れ！椿きゅん！そんな電波野郎ぶーさしゃえ！ ロウレス：あ？なんすかあんた？なんかちょっと微妙にキャラかぶってないすか？ ロウレス：てかその眼鏡のセンスどうしちゃったんですか？ べル：あ？てめえこそ！インテリぶった黒縁メガネかけやがって、笑っちゃうぞ 桜哉：お先に失礼します。 べル：ちょっと桜哉！何帰ろうとしてんですかこら！？ 桜哉：いや、たかがチョコでよくそこまで熱くなるなって ロウレス：たかがじゃないですよ、リヒトはこれの発売をスマホにアラーム登録して待ってたんですからね？しかも、なぜか俺のスマホに べル：スーパーキューンだって！昨日の夜は楽しみすぎて寝てないんだからな！ 桜哉：遠足前の幼稚園児かよ？ 黒：おら会話するとか信じらんねえ、 真昼：悪かったって、御園たち外に待たせてるし、早く済ませ…ん？ 桜哉：真昼！ リヒト：猫さん！ 椿：ちょ！急に手を離せたら！ リヒト：あ 椿：落ちた… ロウレス：ああ、これは食べられないっすね べル：あはははははは 桜哉：それ、ちゃんと買い取ってくださいよ。 桜哉：それより真昼は買い物帰り？この後暇？ 真昼：ええ？あ、いやいや、その前になんなの？この状況！ 黒：おい！かがなんだって！何も見なかったことにして、さっさと帰るぞ！ 真昼：いや、でも桜哉もいるし 桜哉：簡単に言うと、人気スイーツの最後の1個を巡って、椿さんとそこ羽生えた人が揉めて、結果的にスイーツは床に落ちたみたいな感じ？ 桜哉：あ、まあ、大したことないって 椿：ん、立ち直りそうにないよ… リヒト：あ…また探す！ 真昼：未だかつて見たことないほどダメージ受けてるけど？！ ロウレス：ていうか兄さん達こそどうしたんですか？その大量の板チョコちょ袋からはみ出してるんですけど？ べル：あはははははは、分かった！女子からもらえないからって、自分で作っちゃうって作戦だ、殺し！ 真昼：誤解だ！ 桜哉：いや、もらえないって言うか、真昼が作ったチョコの方がうまいって分かってるから、��んな渡しづらいですよ 真昼：桜哉… 桜哉：真昼がモテるって話は聞いたことないけど… 真昼：フォローするなら最後までしろよ！ 真昼：まあ、こっちも色々あってさあ、これから御園たちと俺の家でチョコを作ろうって話になってるんだ 椿：あ、そうか！ べル：あはは、椿を復活した？ 椿：うん！とっても面白いこと思いついたからね 椿：ね、城田真昼、これと同じものを作ってよ～ 真昼：いきなり何言ってんだよ！無理だって リヒト：なるほど、猫さんが作ってくれるのか？とろける贅沢、天使のフォンダン勝負 黒：いや、俺は作んねえけど 真昼：何ちゃっかり全員家に来る流れになってんだ！？ 真昼：なー、桜哉もなんとか言ってくれよ！ 桜哉：真昼の家！この近くだよな！ 真昼：こいつが一番来る気満々だ！ 黒：あ…面倒くせえことに 御園：遅いぞ！城田！？？？？な、椿！？貴様らはなぜここに！？ リリイ：おお、これは、これは 椿：あらら、色欲に傲慢も、兄弟水入らずってやつかな べル：大集合だね、椿きゅん！もうこの店ことばっかしちゃったペットで考えじゃない？ 桜哉：その前に店の人に通報されそうですけど リヒト：く、悪魔がゾロゾロと、まとめて天使の力で浄化してやる！ ロウレス：さすがリヒたん！この世に迷った最後の天使！ジャパニーズカッコイイ！ ヒュー：あ！床にチョコが落ちているということはつまり！ 鉄：友情を確かめ合ったのか？ 真昼：いや違うから！いい加減覚えて！ 真昼：椿とリヒトさんがどうしても買いたいバレンタイン限定スイーツがあったみたいなんだけどで、かくかくしかじかで床に落としちゃって 椿：で！これから城田真昼の家に行って、代わりに作って貰うってわけね、ベルギア？ べル：あーそうそう！突撃！隣の晩御飯！ 御園：晩御飯じゃないだろう！城田は僕と友情の証である友チョコを作る約束だ！ ロウレス：あははは！男同士で友チョコって虚しくないっすか？ ヒュー：何を言うか？バレンタインに送るチョコには日頃伝えられない感謝も込められておるのじゃぞ？ ヒュー：親しき仲にも礼儀あり、性別など関係なしじゃ！ 鉄：お歳暮みたいな感じか？ヒューはいつもいいこと言うぜ。 リリイ：もらったら素直に嬉しいものですしね。 椿：日頃の感謝？あれ？なんか僕も欲しくなってきたようなかしら。 桜哉：な！真昼！俺もチョコ作りたい！俺が真昼にやるやつ 椿：ちょっと桜哉！くれるなら僕でしょう？最近の桜哉は僕より城田真昼優先で困っちゃうよ べル：城田真昼白玉昼オフィシャルストーカーだもんね 桜哉：おっしゃるサポーサーみたいに言わないて貰っていいですか？ 桜哉：スポンサーねスポンサー見たり言わないでもらっていいですか？ 真昼：桜哉、桜哉っ俺は聞いてるよ、聞いてるよ、桜哉、ちゃんと聞いてるよ、桜哉：動揺した、真昼ありがとう！ 桜哉：あと！俺はストーカーじゃないんで。 リヒト：おい、かんてんじゃねえよ 桜哉：くそ リヒト：あと、その猫さんはチョコを食べても大丈夫なのか？前にテレビで猫にチョコが毒だって言ってたぞ 真昼：あー、いや、まあ、黒は雑食なんで、チョコも普通に食べますよ 黒：俺はチョコよりポテチの方がいいんだけど 鉄：なあ、この人数で作るなら材料を買い足すか？ 真昼：いや、練習用にと思って結構多めに買ったから、これでも余るくらいじゃないかな？ 黒：どうすんだよ、そんなに作って？ ロウレス：あ、俺らだけで消費するより、せっかくなのは会場のみんなにお裾分けしたらどうですか？ 真昼：会場？ 御園：なるほどな リリイ：あ、せっかくですし、メッセージカードもつけましょうか！ 椿：というわけで、会場の物販にてチョコがコーヒーを発売中！ べる：買わないなんて選択肢はないよね！ 桜哉：十個ください！真昼のやつ！ 真昼：先紛れて宣伝かよ！あっていうか作るなら、そろそろ行かないと！ 真昼：この人数うちに入るかな… 黒：バレンタインとも向き合えねー

真昼：な、やっと見つけた！ 真昼：おー、黒！ 黒：真昼 真昼：こっち買い物も終わったぞ！欲しがってたゲームなかったのか？ 黒：あった、けど初回版AとB、どっちにするか迷ってる。 真昼：ん、それで中々戻ってこなかったのか… 真昼：そんなのどっちでも大して変わんないだろう？ 真昼：なんだよ！その分かってねえなみたいな溜息！ 黒：初回Aには限定のもちもち快眠枕がつくし、Bにはふわふわ熟睡ブランケットがつくんだぞ！ 黒：究極の選択だろう！ 真昼：どんなゲーム買おうとしてんだよ！ 黒：あーだんだん選ぶの面��くさくなってきた。両方買ってくれ。 真昼：この間恐竜とかを狩りするゲーム買ったばっかりだろう。買うならどっちか1本にしろ！ 黒：じゃあ、俺がA買うからホワイトデーに真昼がBを俺にプレゼンとするってことで 真昼：バレンタイン何ももらってませんけども！！むしろ俺があげたよな？！ 黒：こまけやつだな、じゃあ、Aのもちもち快眠枕 真昼：そっちでいいんだな？買ってくるぞ 黒：お、さっさと帰って、狩りのゲームの続きもやらねえと 真昼：お前な…分かった、帰ろう 真昼：あ、ホワイトデーと言えば、1階の特設コーナー今日までだったよな？ 黒：お前1個もチョコレートもらってないくせに、やめとけ。自分に勝っても虚しいだけだぞ。それが許されるのは女子だけだ 真昼：ほっとけよ！ちょっと覗いてみるくらいいいだろうな。 真昼：美味しそうなやつあったら1個買ってやるから 黒：しょうがねな。

御園：高校1年の参考書は…この棚か？ 御園：うん、（じー）、レベルの低い問題ばかりだな。別のにするか リリイ：（じじじじー） 御園：おい！リリイ！視線が鬱陶しいぞ！ 御園：僕にくっついてこないで、店の外で待ってろ！ リリイ：うん、ですが、御園が迷子にならないか、心配で 御園：こんな狭いフロアで、どうやったら迷子になるというんだ！ リリイ：あーそんなこと言って、参考書コーナーに辿り着くまで散々迷っていたじゃないですか？ 御園：あ！あれは！貴様を巻こうとして、わざとあちこち歩き回ったんだ！迷っていたわけじゃない！ リリイ：あ！御園！こっちの参考書の方がよさそうですよ？ 御園：ああ、そうか？…で、違う！口を出すな リリイ：しー、本屋では静かにですよ？ 御園：たかが買い物くらい、僕1人でできるというのに！ リリイ：ふふ、御園は以前と比べると、外出が増えましたよね～ 御園：そうか？ リリイ：えー、以前は家の物に頼んで用事を済ませることが多かったですから、これも真昼君達の影響ですかね？ 御園：影響などない！僕はただ、自分で使う参考書だから、自分で選んだ方が効率的だと思っただけだ！ リリイ：おお！成長しましたね～御園… 御園：涙ぐむなあ！ リリイ：お使いの様子を写真に撮っておかないと！ 御園：お使いじゃない！カメラを向けるな！撮るな！

ロウレス：あ！リヒたん、リヒたん！ホワイトデー特設会場ってここじゃないっすか？ ロウレス：すげえー人多いっすね リヒト：ち、なんで日本の休日はどこもかしこも混んでるんだ ロウレス：しょうがないっすよ。行列を見たらとりあえず並ぶのがジャパンの風習らしいし？ ロウレス：で、今回狙ってる限定スイーツは何なんですか？またフォンダンショコラスか？ リヒト：ついて来るんじゃねえ！消えろバカネズミ！ ロウレス：あ、いてぇ、すぐそうやって蹴る、暴力天使！ リヒト：ごちゃごちゃうるせえぞ！クズネズミ！ ロウレス：あ、あんまりっすよ！ ロウレス：俺花粉症だから、この時期あんまでか出かけたくないのに！ ロウレス：リヒたんが今日しか出店しない店があるっていうからついて来たなのに リヒト：花粉症？なら、俺はクズネズミアレルギーだ ロウレス：クズネズミアレルギーって何っすか？俺といると、いつも全身痒くてしょうがないとか、そういう？ リヒト：それだな ロウレス：ああああ！電波発言が痛すぎて全身痒くなるのはこっちっすよ！ ロウレス：いい年した男が限定スイーツなんか買っちゃって、可愛いと思ってんですか？そういうのあざといって言うんですよ！ リヒト：あー？ 椿：あれ～？強欲の兄さんとそのイブじゃないか？ ロウレス：あ？椿 椿：前にもこんな風にあったね！元気だったかい？ リヒト：おい、待て！てめえが持ってる袋！ 椿：あー、これかい？老舗の和菓子屋、夢夢あんのホワイトデー限定、和風マカロンスペシャルボークスだよ。 椿：最後の1個が買えるなんてついてると思わないかい？ リヒト：最後の1個だと！？ 椿：もしかして、君もこれが買いたくてきたのかい？なら、1足遅かったみたいだね。 ロウレス：え！リヒたんが狙ってたのってマカロンだったんですか？マジで女子みたいっすね リヒト：おい、それをよこせ！ 椿：あー、嫌にきまてるじゃない リヒト：それは天使である俺にこそふさわしいんだ！クズ悪魔がさっさと浄化されろ！ 椿：あ！ちょっと！暴力ふるな！この電波天使何とかしてよ！これじゃカツアゲじゃない！ ロウレス：天使っつより大魔王っすね 真昼：おい、クロ店の中で猫の姿はまずいって！ちゃんと自分で歩けよ！黒：ニャー！引っ張んな！ 真昼：ああーあ、ん？なんかこっちの方は騒がしいな？ 黒：おい、近づかない方がいいって 真昼：でも誰か困ってるのかもしれないし… 黒：え？ 椿：そうなんだよ！困ってるから助けてくれないかい？ 真昼：な、椿！？それにリヒトさんとロウレスも！ リヒト：あ！猫さん！ 黒：だから近づくなって言ったのに！ 真昼：どういう状況？なんかバレンタインの時も似たようなことがあったような… ロウレス：まさにそうっすよ！この2人が限定スイーツ巡って、あーでもないこうでもないって リヒト：またか！ 御園：城田…って、なん、なん貴様ら！ リリイ：これはこれは、皆さんお揃いで！ リヒト：ち！また悪魔が ロウレス：なんでどんどん集まってきちゃうんすかね？ 椿：兄弟ってそういうものなんじゃないの？はははははは、はははっはは、ああ、面白くない 真昼：えーと、椿今日は1人なんだな。 椿：君達と違って、僕のサブクラス達は忙しいからね。 椿：毎日僕のために色々動いてくれているんだよ？送ったトークアプリにも返信できないくらいにね 真昼：桜哉なら先、バレンタインのお返し何がいいってトークアプリが 椿：え？ 真昼：え？ 黒：まあ、なんだ、ドンマイ 御園：ドンハイポレントインのお返し？ 御園：おい！リリイ、僕も城田にチョコレートをもらったか？ リリイ：あ、えっと、そうですね！ リリイ：バレンタインデーにチョコレートをもらった人は、その相手ホワイトデーにお返しする習慣がありますよ 御園：そんなルールがあったのか！ 御園：だが、今挙げられるものなど…は！城田！ 真昼：え、あ、え、あ、どうしたんだ？御園？ 御園：バレンタインのお返しだ！受け取るがいい！ 真昼：何この袋、う？！参考書！？ 御園：あまり嬉しそうじゃないな 真昼：え、いや、うん、まあ、勉強は大事だけど、気持ちだけでいいって！ 真昼：結局バレンタインはうちで一緒に作ったし、お菓子とか気を使わなくていいからさあ！ ロウレス：あーそういや言ったっすね！結局チョコだけじゃなく、夕飯まで食ったような リヒト：猫さん付きのこたつ、あれはよかった。 黒：いや、俺こたつのオプションじゃねんだけど… 真昼：ちょ、ちょ、ちょ、ちょっと！話を戻すけど、結局その限定スイーツはどうなったんだ？ ロウレス：最後の1個椿に買われちゃったんですよね～ ロウレス：ああーかわいそうなリヒたん～また城田真昼に作ってもらうってのはどうすか？ 真昼：え？いやちょっと？ リヒト：クズネズミにしてはいいこと言うな 真昼：待って！待って！なんでまた突然のように、俺の家に来る流れになってるんですか？ 御園：僕も行ってやっても構わないぞ リリイ：えー？ああ、御園が行くのでしたら、私もご一緒します！ 真昼：ええー？な、黒もなんとか言ってくれよ！ リヒト：よしよし 黒：ゴロゴロゴロ 真昼：いつの間にリヒトさんの腕に！ 椿：うん、面白そうだし、僕も行っちゃおうかな！ リヒト：あ？てめえは来る必要ねえだろう？くず悪魔 ロウレス：そうだ！そうだ！ 椿：えー、1人だけ仲間外れなんて、寂しいじゃないか？ 椿：なら、これならどう？きつねさんだよ、コンコン リヒト：きつねさん！よし、俺が抱っこしてやろう ロウレス：ちょろい！ちょろ過ぎっすよリヒたん！ 椿：さあ！出発しようか 黒：うう、やっぱ真昼の方が1番落ち着くな。安定感はねえけど！ 真昼：文句言うな乗るな！ 真昼：はー、結局こうなるのか？向き合えね 黒：おい、俺のセリフ取るな 真昼：たまにはいいだろう？ 黒：じゃあ、シンプルに考えて、向き合えねー 真昼：混ぜるのはどうなの！？

椿：さあー、集まったみたいだし、そろそろ始めようか？ 真昼：いや、あの、何を？ 椿：何って？ファミレスに集まってすることといえば、秘密の会合に決まってるじゃない？ 真昼：えー、秘密なのに、ファミレスなの？ 真昼：それに黒も面倒くせえって言って、来てないんだけど… 椿：怠惰の兄さんはいても、いなくても一緒だから構わないよ。どうせ人の話なんか聞いてないだろうし 真昼：まあ、確かにそうだけど ロウレス：会合だか、なんだか知らないですけど、要件があるなら早くして欲しいっす、俺今日この後バイトなんで ロウレス：あ、お姉さん、ポテト追加で リヒト：おい！くずネズミ、メロンパフェも追加しろ ロウレス：自分で頼めばいいじゃないですか？ ロウレス：すいません！メロンパフェも追加 真昼：悠長に注文してる場合じゃないだろう！俺ら一応敵同士だろう？ 椿：散々ドラマシーディーとかで一緒に温泉だの、プールだの雪合戦だのしてるじゃない？ ロウレス：まあ、今更っすよね？ 真昼：それ触れちゃいけないところ リヒト：このクリームソーダ輝く天使の鐘から生み出されたような甘さ 椿：あー、黙々と飲み続けてるところ悪いけど、僕、映画を撮ろうと思ってるんだよね？ 真昼：は？いきなり何言ってんの？お前 椿：だって今回の映画、僕の出番少ないんでしょう？ 真昼：なん、なんか悪かったよ。それについてはなんかごめん 椿：ないなら、作っちゃえばいいんじゃない？ 椿：ってことで、僕の、僕による、僕のための映画を撮ろうと思い立ったわけさあ ロウレス：そのことと俺らが呼ばれたことどう繋がるんですか？ 椿：ああ、さしが悪いな、手伝ってもらうためだよ！ 椿：今日は第1回スタッフミーティングってわけ！ 椿：あ！強欲の兄さんは美術、そのイブは音楽担当ね！ リヒト：なんで俺が悪魔のために協力しなきゃならないんだ？ ロウレス：俺もお断りっす、冗談じゃねえすよ！ 真昼：っていうかそもそもなんで俺たちなんだ？自分のサブクラスたちに手伝ってもらえばいいだろう？ 椿：それじゃつまらないでしょう？ 椿：こっそり撮って、サブプラスのみんなへ突然のサプライズ上映会、きっと全員感動でむせび泣くよ～考えただけで！ははははは、あはははははは、あはははは、あはっは、っ 真昼：ああ、もうー！ほら水、はい 椿：あ、ありがとう！ ロウレス：わー、リヒたんとは別方向に頭があれっすね リヒト：あ？！なんか言ったか？バカネズミ リヒト：どうでもいいが、さっきからテメエの足邪魔なんだよ！ ロウレス：ごめん～～長すぎて蹴ちゃったみたいっすね～ リヒト：バキバキに折ってやる！ ロウレス：あ！いて！やったっすね！お返しっす！ リヒト：悪魔のくせに天使の俺に勝とうなんざ！百万年早いんだよ。 椿：あああ！痛い痛い！ちょっと！僕の足にも当たってる！！ 真昼：ちょっと落ち着けってみんな！ここファミレスだから、テーブルの下で蹴り合うな！ほら、ポテトとパフェ来たから！ リヒト：ちっ ロウレス：ふん！ 椿：はあー、あざになってる… 椿：もう監督は僕なんだから！スタッフは言うこと聞いてくれないと困るんだけど！ 真昼：明らかに人生ミスです。 ロウレス：っつうか、出番はどうなってんだ？オレだって、オレ自分主演の映画撮りたいっすよ！ ロウレス：かっこいいアクションにド派手なCG演出!こうスカットするようなやつ リヒト：クズネズミ主演の映画なんて誰が見る？ リヒト：主役は天使たらこの俺！そしてその相棒は猫さん！ リヒト：俺の天使力と猫さんの可愛らしさが欠け合わせた映画こそ、全世界が求めているものだ！ 真昼：リヒトさん、リヒトさん、口にクリームついてますよ？ リヒト：っん 真昼：は…おい、椿、映画撮るって言い出したのお前だろう？話が脱線してるけど？ 椿：ファミレスの抹茶みずも、まあ、悪くないよね？ 真昼：デザートに夢中になってる場合じゃないだろう！ 椿：はは、ごめんごめん、まあ、でもアクションっていうのは採用かな？主演は僕！だけど、爆発をバックにかっこよく歩いてくるカートとかが取りたいよね！ ロウレス：ダサイ、どうかでみたようなsceneっすね 椿：もうー、主演は譲らないけど、手伝ってくれるお礼にエキストラとして出してあげるからさあ、ちょっと真剣に考えよ リヒト：なんで上からなんだよ、てめえは ロウレス：そうっすよ大天使に対して頭が高いじゃないですか？ 椿：うん、アクション映画か 椿：何か意見があるなら手を挙げてお知らせください！ 真昼：挙手制なの？じゃあ、はい 椿：はい！城田真昼ね 真昼：あーこの間黒と映画館行ったんだけど、その劇場フォーディーエックス上映もやっててさあ、アクション映画ならそういうのも面白そうだなでちょっと思った リヒト：フォーディ…なんだそれ？ ロウレス：オーディエクスっていうのはいわゆる体験型の上映方法っすね。 ロウレス：例えば車が走ってるシーンに合わせて座席シートがい揺れたり、あと嵐のシーンで水が降ったり、風が吹いたりまるで自分が体験してるみたいに映画を���られるんですよ。 椿：えー、面白そうじゃない！採用！ ロウレス：あと、香りとかも設定できるらしいですね。 椿：じゃあ、僕が登場するたびにいい匂いがすりようにしようか～ 椿：うーん、お稲荷さんの匂いとか？ 真昼：登場の度にいなり寿司のにおいてどうなんだ？ 椿：じゃあ、抹茶 リヒト：俺はメロン ロウレス：オレは生ハムとチーズが大好きですね 真昼：全部混ざったら大変な匂いになるぞえー 椿：そんなにいうなら君の登場シーンにも何か匂いをつけてあげるからさあ、何がいいの？柔軟剤？消臭剤？ 真昼：俺も食べ物がよかった！ 椿：ん、文句が多いな 真昼：なんで俺がわがままみたいな扱いになってる 真昼：ぞっていうかさっき聞き飛び出たんだけど、俺は何の担当で呼ばれだんた？ 椿：エリー 真昼：は？ 椿：アシスタントディレクター 真昼：あー？ ロウレス：ん、確かに向いてそうですね。ちまちま動き回るの。 リヒト：なるほど、適役だな 椿：撮影に関わる細かいプロ全般をお願いするよ！あとケータリングの手配もよろしくね 椿：美味しいやつ、美味しいやつ、美味しいやつ、僕安っぽい弁当は食べられないから 真昼：誰が手伝うか！！ ？：お前だ。

[bubbline-aroace-007]

🧡💛🤍🩵💙 恋せぬふたり

18/July/2024

[krdc]

マジカルラブ - 黒沢心の声だだ漏れVer. (magical love - kurosawa's overflowing thoughts ver.) — full version

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(lyrics & unofficial translation below, kurosawa's thoughts in pink)

magical love　be with you

すげー可愛い　すげー好き

suge kawaii suge suki

you're so cute, i like you so much

やばい　めっちゃドキドキする

yabai meccha dokidokisuru

crap, my heart is beating so fast

指の隙間でチラ見 (最初はただ)

yubi no sukima de chira mi (saisho wa tada)

glancing through the cracks of my fingers (at first...)

僕にはもったいないって？ (そばにいられたらって)

boku ni wa mottainai tte (soba ni iraretara tte)

aren't you wasting it on me? (being by your side...)

今までだったらそれで終わり (思ってただけなのに)

ima made dattara sore de owari (omotteta dake na noni)

if it had been before, this would've been the end (was enough for me)

一味違うthis love　wow

hitoaji chigau this love wow

this love is different, wow

まさかこの年になってこんな

masaka kono toshi ni natte konna

i never thought i'd experience it at my age

初恋みたいな気持ちになるなんて

hatsukoi mitaina kimochi ni naru nante

this feeling that feels like a first love

ああ　もうずるい

aa mou zurui

ah, it's just not fair

これ以上どうしろっていうんだよ

kore ijou dou shirotteiun da yo

if this keeps up, what am i supposed to do?

瞬間　近づく鼓動

shunkan chikazuku kodou

the moment i got near your heartbeat

聴こえた　マジかよ　マジカル！？

kikoeta maji ka yo majikaru

i heard them, it's for real, it's magical?!

ヤバイ　近いっ　可愛いーっ！

yabai chikai kawaii

crap, you're so close, you're so cute!

もう　ムリ無理　見て見ぬフリ

mou muri muri mite minu furi

i can't keep pretending i don't see it

夢でも　胸高鳴り

yume demo munadaka nari

even in my dreams, it makes my heart race

運命変えちゃう love

unmei kaechau love

a love that changes destiny

君と　僕が？　あわわっ

kimi to boku ga awawa

between you and me? i can't deal!

ハッピーエンドの途中

happi endo no tochu

on the way to our happy ending

焦る i want you (yeah)

aseru i want you (yeah)

i want you right now (yeah)

一緒なら越えてゆける

issho nara koete yukeru

as long as we're together, we can overcome it all

明日は七色　君と甘色　wow yes

asu wa nanairo kimi to amairo wow yes

tomorrow will have a rainbow, with you and the sweet colors, wow, yes

安達...

adachi...

四六時中　夢心地 (こんなに可愛くて)

shirokujichu yumegokochi (konnani kawaikute)

day and night, i keep dreaming (is your being this cute...)

そんなの聞いてないって (大丈夫なのか！？)

sonna no kiitenai tte (daijoubuna no ka)

saying things i've never heard you say (really okay?!)

想定外　好きが渋滞 chu (俺だけのものにしたい)

souteigai suki ga jutai chu (ore dake no mono ni shitai)

unexpected feelings stuck in a traffic jam (i want you to be only mine)

大胆不敵 this love　wow

daitan futeki this love wow

this love is fearless, wow

これ以上好きにさせて

kore ijou suki ni sasete

why do you have to...

どうしようっていうんだよ

dou shiyoutteiun da yo

make me fall for you even more?

ああ　このまま時が止まれば良いのに

aa kono mama toki ga tomareba ii noni

ah, i wish time would just stop right here

敏感　本音と嘘

binkan honne to uso

my sensitive true feelings and my lies

気づいた　マジかよ　マジカル！？

kizuita maji ka yo majikaru

you noticed them, it's for real, it's magical?!

ヤバイ　近いっ　可愛いーっ！

yabai chikai kawaii

crap, you're so close, you're so cute!

もう　ムリ無理　見て見ぬフリ

mou muri muri mite minu furi

i can't keep pretending i don't see it

夢でも　胸高鳴り

yume demo munadaka nari

even in my dreams, it makes my heart race

運命変えちゃう love

unmei kaechau love

a love that changes destiny

君と　僕が？　あわわっ

kimi to boku ga awawa

between you and me? i can't deal!

ハッピーエンドの途中

happi endo no tochu

on the way to our happy ending

焦る i want you (yeah)

aseru i want you (yeah)

i want you right now (yeah)

一緒なら越えてゆける

issho nara koete yukeru

as long as we're together, we can overcome it all

明日は七色　君と甘色　wow yes

asu wa nanairo kimi to amairo wow yes

tomorrow will have a rainbow, with you and the sweet colors, wow, yes

隣にキミの笑顔 (love is the magic)

tonari ni kimi no egao (love is the magic)

with your smile next to me (love is the magic)

yeah (love is the magic) oh

魔法が解けたって　大丈夫さ　ふたりなら

mahou ga toketa tte daijoubusa futari nara

even if the magic is undone, we'll be okay as long as we're together

安達！

adachi!

幸せすぎてもムリ

shiawasesugite mo muri

i'm too happy, i can't handle it

未体験の胸騒ぎ

mi taiken no munasawagi

the apprehension of something unfamiliar

世界の数だけ love (あーっ) love (まって) love (もうっ) wow

sekai no kazu dake love (aa) love (matte) love (mou) wow

for every world out there, there's just as much of our love (ah...) love (wait...) love (jeez...) wow

大好きだ！

daisuki da

i love you!

初めてだらけのストーリー

hajimetedarake no sutori

in this story filled with our firsts

誰にも邪魔させない

dare ni mo jamasasenai

we won't let anyone interfere

特別以上の love

tokubetsu ijou no love

a love that's beyond special

愛しい　嬉しい　気持ち

itoshii ureshii kimochi

and the precious, happy feelings

ハッピーエンドの途中

happi endo no tochu

on the way to our happy ending

もう全部 i want you

mou zenbu i want you

i want you, all of you

一緒なら越えてゆける

issho nara koete yukeru

as long as we're together, we can overcome it all

明日は七色　君と甘色　wow yes

asu wa nanairo kimi to amairo wow yes

tomorrow will have a rainbow, with you and the sweet colors, wow, yes

magical love　be with you

もう　幸せすぎる

mou shiawase sugiru

jeez, i'm too happy...

[hrshlandfunkypics]

Thinking about how Chizuru says stuff like "I couldn't stop myself because I love him" and like,,,, she's lying, because she did not go back to her ex, and she's lesbian so she won't be with a man.

And with the way she said this line and the intensity of it, I feel like she's talking about Sakuko and not the imaginary boyfriend.

Chizuru loves Sakuko to the point that when she noticed that Sakuko would most likely never love anyone, or at least was absolutely not interested in love and was looking to live with her for the main purpose of getting away from all this romance nonsense, it hit Chizuru real hard. I mean, we've seen that in a later episode, but like...

Chizuru leaves in order to get away from Sakuko and the intense love she feels for her, so the line "I couldn't stop myself because I love him", in my opinion/understanding, refers to the fact that she loves Sakuko so much that she couldn't help herself to seek out that love and propose to live together, and then (when she noticed that it most likely would go nowhere) it refers to the fact that she had to get away from her because of that love.

And the pain she feels because of unreciprocated love shows even more with the next sentence being "There are these uncontrollable things that come out of nowhere!". And once more, it is directly related to the love she feels for Sakuko.

She cannot control who she loves (like everyone btw) and she got hit in the face with her love for someone who doesn't, cannot, love in that way. And we (through Sakuko) see her deal with that; with her feelings and with the unavoidable rejection.

And that is why Koisenu Futari is not a sapphic/lesbian show. Despite showing different types of love, this is solely a series about aromanticism and asexuality.

This is also part of why it's so good. The writer could've gone for some stuff like "QPR but from the vision of one of them, if it could be a romantic relationship it would be" and that would've suck big time. And yet, despite having two occasions to do that, it did not happen, and I am very grateful.

[green-enby]

Heyo! Have you watched Koisenu Futari (恋せぬふたり, Two people who can't fall in love) yet? It's a great series, just 8 episodes long! I binged it in one day :) [smiley]

It focuses on two aromantic asexual people living together. This is a little appreciation post, containing some thoughts that it evoked in me as an aroace.

If you don't want spoilers, please don't read!

It's so relatable how Sakuko keeps blaming herself all throughout the show… Insecurity stemming from societal expectations that dictate romance is for everyone, and that people who don't date are somehow "failing" in life; I think this affects allos as well.

When I broke off my romantic relationship, I too felt like it had been my fault, for not having been a good enough partner, for not being able to love them in the same way they loved me.

To finally learn that you are not "defective", that there's other people like you…! I love how the two MCs don't grieve their lack of attraction; Sakuko is perfectly happy discovering she's aroace. She and Takahashi are living their "best life" together.

Sure, many aroaces do wish they were allo, and that needs to be represented too, but this series to me really shined a light over why they want that: it's because amatonormativity is rampant in the world, not because lacking attraction is inherently sad. The main conflicts in the series stem from the clash between allo society and the aroace experience, after all. I think that's neat! It gave me a good dose of aroace joy—while still showing the hurts that come with it, realistically—and I really needed it.

I didn't expect her to come out to her family so soon, but whoa, that was intense. Her mother's negative reaction is what all people who exclude a-spec people from the LGBTQIA+ community should see, to understand that we face the same issues they do.

I haven't come out to my parents as aroace yet, and watching this made me realize how awful it actually feels to be in the closet. I somehow hadn't realized I am. I've always felt safe coming out to them as other things, as bisexual back in the day, and as trans non-binary.

It might be because my confidence disappeared when they reacted badly both times, but this coming out feels almost impossible.

Comparing it to coming out as bi, it's really not that different: if you're bi, you're promiscuous and date too many people; if you're aroace, you're a prude and cold-hearted. If you break away from the status quo, you're wrong either way.

But at least, most people do eventually understand the bi experience, if they understand same-gender attraction, and fuse it with straightness, even though it's a flawed method.

With aros and aces, instead, it's such an alien concept for an allo, which makes it way harder to come out and have to explain to them how to deconstruct allo-amatonormativity. It's exhausting. Thankfully, there's people like Kazu who are actually willing to learn about us. That gives me hope.

I feel like it's super eye-opening to find out the concept of romance didn't even exist in the past. Pretty sure that in Europe, it originated during the Middle Ages from the ideal of chivalry. So it's really just a social construct, and opting out of it shouldn't be so controversial!

It's just a set of pointless, annoying rules like having to kiss eachother, having to say "I love you", and doing it all a set amount of times, otherwise it's not good enough. What if we don't want to? What if it doesn't come natural to us? If it's just a social construct, fuck it, I'm not adhering to that! We do whatever makes us happy!

Even in the series itself, Sakuko too goes through a heartbreak, even if it's not the romantic kind: she valued her friendship and future cohabitation with Chizuru above all else, but Chizuru abandoned her, because of romantic love. It's not true that aroaces have it easy.

Like our MC, we have to deal with fear that we'll come off flirty when we're just being friendly, confusion over concepts that we feel we should understand, shame over the fact that we're different, fear of loneliness, frustration and pain that we'll always come second to our friends' romantic partners, or even trauma from a relationship or sexual encounter that we didn't really want. I could go on and on.

These last scenes really got to me. Especially the second one… I admit that I cried, when she had to turn her down, and it seemed like her aromanticism had ruined their relationship. It hurts that the way I am could seriously harm someone I care about. It hurts that most people work differently and that they can't help it, and that we can't help it either. I don't like being put in that position, to cause someone a heartbreak. I have with my ex, and had to watch them spiral down… It was horrible.

Still, I wouldn't change my orientation for the world. I'm confident in my identity, I love being aroace.

In the end, we can all reach our full potential, reach a point where we feel fulfilled and that we're living our best life, find ourselves a family if it's what we want, have our dream job and house. Being aroace doesn't condemn us to a life of unhappiness. That's what this series left me with by the end; it gave me so much hope for my future.

(I'm aware I'm coming off as a bit toxically positive here haha, sorry if I'm striking a bad chord; I'm just in a really good period right now, and riding this wave for as long as I can! Hopefully I can rub it off someone else as well.)

That said, I really loved this j-drama, it was funny and relatable and emotional, I wished it had lasted longer! It seems like the author isn't even aroace herself, so I'm amazed at how good the representation was! So much thought and research has gone into it, and it shows; the result is amazing.

Thanks for reading my scattered thoughts about this! 🧡💛🤍🩵💙

[apothecaryscript]

Maomao no Hitorigoto Episode 3 : Cotton Rose / 猫猫のひとりごと　第3話　『芙蓉(Fuyo)』

Please note that the English lines are just my translations.

猫猫「芙蓉妃…美しかったな…。調合できない薬もあるということか…」

Maomao “Fuyo-hi… Utsukushi-kattana… Chogo dekinai kusurimo aruto iu-kotoka…”

Maomao “Concubine Fuyou was beautiful. I guess there are some medicines that can’t be compounded.”

猫猫「ここで、猫猫の豆知識。芙蓉の花言葉は『繊細な美・しとやかな恋人』。いかにもふさわしい言葉だな」

Maomao “Kokode, Maomaono mame-chishiki. Fuyono hana-kotobawa ‘sensaina bi, shitoyakana koibito.’ Ikanimo fusawashii kotoba dana.”

Maomao “Here’s Maomao’s bits of knowledge. The flower language of the cotton rose is ‘delicate beauty, graceful lover.’ Such fitting words for her.”

壬氏「どうした？そんな顔をして」

Jinshi “Doshita? Sonna kao’o shite.”

Jinshi “What’s wrong, making that face?”

猫猫「もとからこんな顔です」

Maomao “Moto-kara konna kao desu.”

Maomao “My face has always been like this.”

壬氏「わかった。またものすごく失礼なことを考えていたのだろう」

Jinshi “Wakatta. Mata mono-sugoku shitsureina koto’o kangaete-itano-daro.”

Jinshi “I get it. I guess you were thinking of something extremely inappropreate again.”

猫猫「とんでもございません」

Maomao “Tondemo gozai-masen.”

Maomao “Not at all.”

壬氏「本当か？」

Jinshi “Hontoka?”

Jinshi “Really?”

猫猫（うぅ、うざっ！疑り深く、粘着質で…！あっ、まただ。高順様が言っていた、毛虫でも見るような目をしてしまったぁ…）

Maomao (Uu, uza! Utaguri-bukaku, nenchaku-shitsude…! A, matada. Gaoshun-samaga itte-ita, kemushi-demo miru-yona me’o shite shimattaa…)

Maomao (Ugh, so annoying! So suspicious and persistent…! Oh, again, I’ve stared at him like he was a venomous caterpillar, just like Master Gaoshun said.)

壬氏「またそんな顔をして」

Jinshi “Mata sonna kao’o shite.”

Jinshi “You’re making that face again.”

猫猫「うぅ、毛虫にも失礼な気がしてきた。はぁ。」

Maomao “Uu, kemushi-nimo shitsureina kiga shite-kita. Haa.”

Maomao “Ugh, I’m starting to feel like I'm being rude to caterpillars.” (a sigh)

壬氏「ん。後宮管理者の目を見て話さぬとは、無礼だぞ」

Jinshi “N. Kokyu-kanrishano me’o mite hanasanu-towa, burei dazo.”

Jinshi “It’s rude not to look the manager of the rear palace in the eye when you speak.”

猫猫「次回、『恫喝』。何だかまた厄介なことに巻き込まれそうな雰囲気だな…」

Maomao “Jikai, ‘Dokatsu.’ Nandaka mata yakkaina kotoni maki-komare-sona fun’iki dana…”

Maimao “Next episode, ‘The Threat.’ It feels like I’m going to get into some trouble again…”

[elrikadraskanitsi]

El - Happy Pride month to everyone who celebrates it! I hope you are well and safe out there! ❤️

For Pride month, as an aromantic and asexual person, I wanted to draw something that means a lot to me personally. And I decided that it would be fanart of the Japanese television drama series Koisenu Futari (恋せぬふたり).

I first heard about this show from the YouTube channel The Ace Couple. They do podcasts about different topics through an Ace lens and have dedicated two episodes discussing this show. I am going to link the episodes here if you are interested (because, honestly, they do a way better job at reviewing and analysing the show, than I could):

Koisenu Futari: Is this the Perfect AroAce Rep!?

We LOVE Koisenu Futari!

The show is about the lives of two aromantic and asexual people - Sakuko and Takahashi, who decide to live together in order to escape the inconveniences of life. Along the way they learn a lot about themselves, the people around them and just life as a person, who doesn’t fit with the expectations that society puts on everyone. It’s honestly a really heartwarming series with a lot of amazing scenes. There were a lot of moments where our two main characters just stopped to express how they feel about different aspects of life and honestly, a lot of the things they said made me pause and say: “Those are my exact feelings!”. There were also a lot of scenes that genuinely made me cry. I have never watched a show that made me feel so seen, made me feel like I wasn’t broken and that there are other humans out there who share my experience. Another thing that I love about this show is that the two main characters show two different experiences of being aroace and that means a lot. Personaly, I relate a lot more with Takahashi.

If you haven't watched the show yet, I highly recommend you do so. It’s very well written, the characters are very interesting and lovable and the message that is trying to convey is very important.

This got really personal, but I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you have a wonderful Pride month!