Yabai Kimochi

Although I read it a long time ago, twice in fact, I still plan to re-read it; it's sitting on my bookshelf. It’s incredibly emotionally resonant and takes you through the frustrations of being closeted and in love with a straight friend. The love interest does make some ambiguous choices that might seem like mere fantasies of the protagonist, but these fit into his already mysterious character. Moreover, the protagonist’s reactions are believable enough to elevate them beyond simple fantasy. It’s deeply moving. The artwork is stunning, with facial expressions that truly capture emotion. I adore the thin, sharp yet soft lines the artist used. Highly recommended.

Desire was among the first Yaoi books I ever read, and it quickly became one of my favorites despite some parts that left me feeling quite outraged. Toru is a character you can't help but root for; he's adorable and genuinely kind-hearted, someone who truly deserves happiness. Kashiwazaki comes across as genuinely nice too, effortlessly winning over many readers' support. Then there's Ryoji, the character you might find yourself wanting to strangle at times, although in his own way, he has his sweet moments. ^^

Pros: The story is highly engaging, packed with drama yet culminates in an ending that will leave you elated.

Cons: Ryoji's behavior might frustrate you immensely (I still haven't fully forgiven him for his actions), and the storyline tends to get on people's nerves at certain points.