If Nagifa Furuya creates it, I must read it. Those are the rules. Nagisa Furuya has always had a way with creating tender stories that are a bit on the slow-burn side. As a fan of the Summer of You series, Number Call, and her other works, I knew Long Period was going to be another story I would love.
About Long Period
Long Period is the first part in a duology by Nagisa Furuya, published by Seven Seas Entertainment. In it, Yusei and Itsuki are a pair of high school kids who’ve been best friends since childhood. Yusei seems aloof and cold towards Itsuki, trying to convince himself that he hates Itsuki. But in reality, Yusei’s been in love with Itsuki for a long time and doesn’t know how to deal with it.
The story is mostly told through Yusei’s perspective in the present with flashbacks to the boys as children. But we do get some solo moments with Itsuki, which seem to hint at his true feelings for Yusei.
My Thoughts
As a lover of drama and needless back-and-forths, I thoroughly enjoy Long Period. One of Nagisa Furuya’s strengths when writing teens is just how much like teens they act and think. As an adult, Yusei’s thinking of “I’m going to hate you and create distance to get over you” is so childish. But as a teen, feeling such strong feelings with no outlet? Hell yeah, that makes sense! It’s not logical by any means, but for someone with zero experience, they can’t think of anything else.
I also think it’s funny that Yusei thinks he’s doing a great job of hiding his feelings and pushing Itsuki away, when it is clear that Itsuki can see right through him. Itsuki can sense Yusei trying to put distance between them, and he’s doing what he can to close the distance. And as the chapters progress, we can feel tension between Yusei and Itsuki rising.
The story feels a bit predictable at this point, but I also know there is an entire next volume coming. I’m not putting any guesses on what will happen just yet. There is a chaotic energy with Itsuki and I don’t put it past him to try a bold move in order to force Yusei to confront his feelings. Whatever it is, I’m ready to see what happens next.
Where To Buy Long Period, Vol 1
Long Period, Vol 1
Mangaka: Nagisa Furuya
Translation: Jocelyne Allen
Lettering: Rina Mapa
Senior Editor: Jenn Grunigen
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Long Period Vol 1 is available now.
Thank you, Seven Seas Entertainment, for an advanced reviewer copy.
