When in doubt, always let a cat lead you to love!
About Laughter in the Sunshine
Laughter in the Sunshine is a boys’ love manga by Fuuki Maru, published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. In this story, we meet Kiriyama Taiyou as he’s being caught by his apartment manager Taira Asahi, sneaking in a cat. In this building, pets are off limits! But surely, Asahi can make an exception, right? Taiyou promises the cat won’t stay long, it’s just been a series of unfortunate events for Taiyou and kitty, and it needs a temporary home. After Taiyou’s begging, Asahi gives in under the condition that Taiyou helps him with whatever he needs. Easy right?
Except, it’s anything BUT easy. Asahi is running Taiyou to the ground with random chores and tasks. However, after spending so much time together, the two start growing closer, and seeing each other in new lights. When Taiyou learns Asahi is in love with someone, he’s determined to help him out even if it comes at his own expense.
My Thoughts
It’s hard to think that a one-shot story can have a slow burn, but Laughter in the Sunshine proves that it can be done and can be done well. When I went into this story, I thought the connection between Taiyou and Asahi would be almost instant, as it typically is in these type of one-shots. I was surprised to see that it wasn’t love at first (second or third) sight. The two seemingly could not be any less interested in each other romantically. However, as the two start getting to know each other, we can subtly see the signs that they are falling for each other, after they’ve developed a genuine friendship.
And I truly enjoyed their friendship! Asahi is rough around the edges, but as Taiyou gets to know him, we see exactly why he comes off so abrasive. I like that Taiyou isn’t trying to change him, but does get to see the softer parts of him as their friendship grows. What I really appreciate was that Taiyou is the one who changes and grows as part of their friendship.
Taiyou is nice, honestly really nice. But as we come to find out, that niceness often comes at his own inconvenience and detriment. When he insists on helping Asahi get with Takahashi, he’s doing so because he wants to help Asahi obtain happiness. In the process, he’s breaking his own heart even if it doesn’t realize it initially. I think it’s so refreshing to witness someone realize that in trying to do right by someone else you can be betraying yourself. It’s okay to be selfish and want more.
Overall, Laughter in the Sunshine is a great story with so many unexpected layers. The manga includes a two-chapter story at the end with a different couple that’s funny and charming, too. This appears to be Fuuki Maru’s first title in English but I’m hoping there will be more because I loved their style of story telling.
Where to Buy Laughter in the Sunshine
Laughter in the Sunshine
Story and Art: Fuuki Maru
Translation: Nomnom Namako
Lettering: Giuseppe Antonio Fusco
Editor: McKenzie Carnahan
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Laughter in the Sunshine is available for preorder now and will be released on May 12.
Thank you, Seven Seas Entertainment, for the ARC.
