You know how it feels when you’re watching TV, say, with someone – like a parent or friend, who isn’t quite convinced that you’re getting life right, and you see a report on something you really care about or identify with, and the report is about the atrocious behavior of your in group and it makes you die a little inside, like when you’re explaining the importance of a LGBTQ Pride parade to a relative and the news report keeps showing gusy with massive codpieces in assless chaps or you’re talking about your days in a fraternity and how meaningful it was and the news is rehashing some horrible hazing incident?
This is a little bit how I feel reading What Did You Eat Yesterday? Volume 3 by Yoshinaga Fumi. The main part of the story revolves around a family crisis for Shiro, and Kenji is so supportive and understanding that I started to really warm up to them as a couple. Look, I said, to myself, Shiro is acknowledging Kenji’s understanding and affection, look. They obviously really care deeply for one another.
Then a chapter with Kayoko, Shiro’s partner in spending cheaply, pops up and Shiro and Kayoko both basically admit that they don’t really *like* their partners, but think breaking up would be a pain in the neck and I find him obnoxious all over again. Worse, as the volume pages close, we’re treated to Shiro admitting flat out to us that he doesn’t really love Kenji, even while Kenji is basking in what he perceives as an act of love. Blecch.
I know that it’s kind of nice to see a gay couple with a more three-dimensional relationship than just sex, but good heavens, Shiro’s a jerk. He’s a jerk to his coworkers, mostly because he’s socially awkward and self-absorbed at the same time, but his relationship with Kenji is a flat out lie.
I am really struggling with this series. Everyone else seems to love it, seeing something that I am not seeing in it.
By the end of this volume the food didn’t even sound good anymore, I was so put off by the lack of genuine affection Shiro has for this guy who thinks he loves him. And there’s a pull quote by someone I happen to know raving that this was one of the “nicest depictions of a couple who just happens to be gay.” Sure, if you ignore the fact that Shiro is lying about his feelings.
Ratings:
Art – 9
Story – Started at a 8, but 5 by the end
Characters – Kenji is an 8, Shiro is a 5
LGBTQ – 8
Service – 9 The food is the service
Overall – Halfway through, this score was an 8. Then…
Kenji: I feel so loved!
Shiro thinks: Actually when you put it that way, it’s not strictly true, but…oh well.
Overall – 4
I am apparently alone in thinking this but, screw you Shiro. Kenji go find a nice guy who loves you.