EN Title: Perfect Propose
JP Title: パーフェクトプロポーズ
Author/Artist: Mayo Tsurukame
Publisher: Futekiya/Manga Planet
Publisher Rating: Mature
Status: Complete
Content Notes: Sexual content
Story Overview
Exhausted from overwork and poor nutrition, Hirokuni Watari winds up passed out on the sidewalk one night. When he comes to, a young man he named Kai Fukaya stands before him. Though they haven’t met in years, Kai asks to stay over, saying they promised to marry. After Kai explains his situation, Hiro lets him stay. As time passes, Hiro begins to fall for Kai, who is confident in winning Hiro’s affection… The more time he spends with Kai, the more he gets used to living together. What will happen when it’s time for Kai to leave? At the same time, his stressful work situation intensifies.
Review
I really enjoy stories showing how people have the ability to affect others’ lives. Even if it’s only because of simple kindness. Hiro simply spending time with Kai impacted him enough to want to find Hiro later on. And in Hiro giving him a place to stay this time, he returns kindness back to Hiro. While his attitude is cool, seeing him care for Hiro was so sweet. As for their romantic relationship, they really are a bit of an odd couple as Hiro’s coworkers said! But the two do fit together well. The homey feeling of their relationship was charming to me and suited their characters. As both aren’t the most social, seeing them casually talk and live together showed how comfortable they are with each other. It’s as if they weren’t apart for half a decade! Part of me did feel the dialogue was too casual at times, but it wasn’t too jarring. Regardless, Kai’s forwardness contrasting with Hiro’s wavering feelings was a fun dynamic to me.
I also love the glimpses of other relationships they have. For example, Kai learns how people can affect others in talking with the son of the restaurant owner who took him in. The brief hospital visit scene gives a little glimpse at how the old man cared for Kai. There’s also Kaneko, to a lesser degree. Even though he said he couldn’t help Hiro at work, he did stay at his job longer to watch over Hiro, and he eventually helped Hiro get new work. Perfect Propose also portrayed Hiro’s work situation and how it wears him down. One really good scene was Kaneko’s conversation with Hiro on how they use it to manipulate his confidence. I also liked Hiro and Kai’s conversation on life what we keep in our hearts to keep us going every day when times are tough.
Overall, Perfect Propose is a grounded slice-of-life, showing love in seeing your loved one at the end of the day and sharing meals with them. This is one of my favorite titles that is available on Manga Planet, so I’m so happy to see it available in print now!
To close out, Perfect Propose was ranked 15th for Best Comic Category in the Chill Chill BL Awards back in 2021. Here’s the illustration Mayo Tsurukame drew as a thanks!
Stacks of BL 
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