EN Title: My Instructor Won’t Yield
JP Title: 千葉教官はなびかない
Romaji: Chiba-kyoukan wa Nabikanai
Author/Artist: Deme Kingyobachi
Publisher: Kodansha
Publisher Rating: 16+
Status: Ongoing (in Japan)*
Synopsis
Thirty-year-old Chiba is a handsome driving instructor, whose looks and kind words capture the attention of all the students. His new student is Yaotome, a handsome man his age. Upon meeting Chiba, Yaotome calls him “Maki” and turns out to be the total opposite of Chiba’s expectations. The two gradually get to know each other after meeting again outside the school. Chiba eventually learns Yaotome is an otaku and manga artist. But an off-handed comment from another student leads Chiba to learn “Maki” is Yaotome’s character based on him! Having been betrayed once in the past, Chiba confronts Yaotome. But he still winds up on a Hokkaido trip with Yaotome, who confesses he fell in love with Chiba two years ago. Yaotome once worked at the convenience store Chiba regularly visits. In the end, Chiba sorts out his past and begins dating Yaotome, who earned his license.
Review
I originally heard of the title last fall when Kodansha announced new licenses. I would have never guessed there would be a BL centered around driving school! And back in April, My Instructor Won’t Yield was runner-up in the BL Sommelier Recommendation Category for the Chill Chill BL Awards! So, when I saw it available on NetGalley, I immediately read it. The story has a familiar premise of one character, Chiba in this case, having a heartbreak that makes him distrustful of new love. I was delighted throughout the story, especially because of the contrast in Yaotome’s personality and looks. (I am very weak to gap moe.) His clumsy attempts to be put together and failure to hide his feelings makes him an endearing love interest. I particularly loved his introduction, where he initially has an aura of a shojo manga hero. But when Chiba enters the car with him it all vanishes, with Yaotome trembling behind the wheel instead.
Deme Kingyobachi times the story beats of the different comedic moments really well throughout the story. While there was some emotional whiplash before chapter three’s Hokkaido trip, the story is overall very light and sweet. Being a single volume story, the story progression is rather quick, and I wish there were more! I truly enjoyed the spin of the driving school setting, and the artwork added extra charm. I especially loved the way Deme Kingyobachi drew all of Yaotome and Chiba’s blushing faces and silly expressions. The confessions from both characters were also very sweet moments in the story, especially Chiba’s.
After reading, I can see why the BL Sommeliers enjoyed this story! Though the storyline is familiar, it’s unique setting and fun characters make it stand out. As a last note, I liked the translation notes on Japanese driving schools at the end, which was a neat culture note. Thanks again to Kodansha and NetGalley for the DRC! My Instructor Won’t Yield releases on August 19.
Here’s a little illustration from Deme Kingyobachi celebrating the BL Awards Sommelier results!
* The story is described as a “one-shot” (though I think “single volume” is the more appropriate term) by Kodansha USA, but in Japan the comic release is labeled as千葉教官はなびかない 1. So I’m not sure what exactly the status is?
Stacks of BL 