At 25:00 in Akasaka Season 2 (2025)
Dec. 3rd, 2025 07:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
reviews_and_ramblings At 25:00, in Akasaka Season 2 is exactly what I expected after watching Season 1: the events of the manga series have been readapted and mixed differently to fit four books into two seasons. The series currently has five books, but the fifth book covers Asami's experience filming a movie in England while Shirasaki stays in Japan—which is exactly what the two protagonists agree upon in the final episode of Season 2. Therefore, I can confidently say that if there is a Season 3, it will start with Book 5. Now, let's get back to the drama itself: as I mentioned, my feelings from Season 1 are reconfirmed and even amplified in Season 2. I continue to surprise myself with how much I am drawn to the character of Asami. Let me explain: aesthetically, I don't like him at all. In fact, sometimes when I see his close-ups, I wonder how they expect us to buy the idea that he's a sex symbol loved by the masses. I find his features to be extremely angular, he's too thin, and that fake blonde hair clashes too much with his Asian features... in short, I'm not a fan. Yet, he acts his part so well that, paradoxically, when he interacts with Shirasaki, I feel the chemistry, and yes, I find him extremely sexy. I truly don't know how this is possible, so I have to give credit to the actor for successfully conveying these emotions. In contrast, Shirasaki is the classic tsundere uke of Japanese manga—small and cute in appearance, but with a clearly rebellious nature. Shirasaki cannot keep anything to himself, neither positive nor negative, and sometimes he doesn't realize how much his words can hurt. In particular, there is a moment in Season 2 where he gets angry at Asami, and the only thing I could think was, "Why are you meddling? The decision is not yours, and Asami doesn't have to take your negative feelings into account when making it." In short, Shirasaki may be cute, but I find him unbearable. That said, if two actors can engage the viewer in this way, it means they are truly talented. Shirasaki and Asami, as portrayed by Taisuke Niihara and Kiita Komagine, are perfect. I rewatched Season 1 multiple times, and I believe I will rewatch this season multiple times as well. Another positive note is that the production overall is perfect: the set designs are beautiful (though I preferred their apartment in Season 1 compared to Season 2), the outdoor scenes are well-set with a perfect light, and the music is spot on. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 5/6.
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds
Look! I remembered to post before December started this year!
Nov. 30th, 2025 02:42 am![[staff profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user_staff.png){kind=small}
denise posting in ![[site community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/comm_staff.png){kind=small}
dw_newsHello, friends! It's about to be December again, and you know what that means: the fact I am posting this actually before December 1 means karzilla reminded me about the existence of linear time again. Wait, no -- well, yes, but also -- okay, look, let me back up and start again: it's almost December, and that means it's time for our annual December holiday points bonus.
The standard explanation: For the entire month of December, all orders made in the Shop of points and paid time, either for you or as a gift for a friend, will have 10% of your completed cart total sent to you in points when you finish the transaction. For instance, if you buy an order of 12 months of paid time for $35 (350 points), you'll get 35 points when the order is complete, to use on a future purchase.
( The fine print and much more behind this cut! )
Thank you, in short, for being the best possible users any social media site could possibly ever hope for. I'm probably in danger of crossing the Sappiness Line if I haven't already, but you all make everything worth it.
On behalf of Mark, Jen, Robby, and our team of awesome volunteers, and to each and every one of you, whether you've been with us on this wild ride since the beginning or just signed up last week, I'm wishing you all a very happy set of end-of-year holidays, whichever ones you celebrate, and hoping for all of you that your 2026 is full of kindness, determination, empathy, and a hell of a lot more luck than we've all had lately. Let's go.
karzilla reminded me about the existence of linear time again. Wait, no -- well, yes, but also -- okay, look, let me back up and start again: it's almost December, and that means it's time for our annual December holiday points bonus.The standard explanation: For the entire month of December, all orders made in the Shop of points and paid time, either for you or as a gift for a friend, will have 10% of your completed cart total sent to you in points when you finish the transaction. For instance, if you buy an order of 12 months of paid time for $35 (350 points), you'll get 35 points when the order is complete, to use on a future purchase.
( The fine print and much more behind this cut! )
Thank you, in short, for being the best possible users any social media site could possibly ever hope for. I'm probably in danger of crossing the Sappiness Line if I haven't already, but you all make everything worth it.
On behalf of Mark, Jen, Robby, and our team of awesome volunteers, and to each and every one of you, whether you've been with us on this wild ride since the beginning or just signed up last week, I'm wishing you all a very happy set of end-of-year holidays, whichever ones you celebrate, and hoping for all of you that your 2026 is full of kindness, determination, empathy, and a hell of a lot more luck than we've all had lately. Let's go.
Wimpy Demon King and Tsundere Hero by Natsuharu
Nov. 28th, 2025 10:56 pmreviews_and_ramblings
When one prince seeks to defeat the Demon King, he discovers that the demon is actually a huge wimp! A Boys’ Love enemies to lovers manga with a rom-com twist.
To defeat the notorious Demon King, Prince Ike bravely storms the castle, ready for a fierce battle—only for the demon to run away?! What should have been a fight to the death quickly turns into an unexpected game of chase, as Ike discovers that the feared villain is actually timid and despises conflict. And when Ike gets injured, it's the Demon King who cares for him more than anyone else, even going out of his way to understand Ike's feelings. Ike arrived determined to defeat his enemy, but now he finds himself wishing he could spend more time with him...?
My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4pwrYCC)
The Wolf’s Fragrant Beauty by Kana Riyuma
Nov. 28th, 2025 10:51 pmreviews_and_ramblings
Long ago， a wolf and white deer fell in love， becoming mates for life. Deep in the mountains lies a land of people who live in harmony with wolves. Among them， those who are born with white hair are called ”white deers”， said to have descended from the white deer of their legends. Those with black hair are called ”wolves” and the royalty of these wolves will mate with white deers for life. One day， a golden-eyed white deer is discovered locked up in the basement of a village. The Soldier who found this white deer， Ylwess， and Alta slowly begin to grow close to one another. He knows he wants to protect Alta， in all of his innocence and beauty. However， Alta is destined as a white deer to marry into royalty... how can the two confront this problem...?
My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3KnbL3F)
The Wolf Howls for Love by Kana Riyuma
Nov. 28th, 2025 10:46 pmreviews_and_ramblings
Deep in the mountains lies a land of people who live in harmony with wolves. Among them， those who are born with white hair are called ”white deers”， said to have descended from the white deer of their legends. Sara， a ”white” deer raised to marry into the royal family， has always been infatuated with Prince Alaxy， well aware that the two will become ”mates”. However， it seems that the one Prince Alaxy has always loved is her twin brother， Nara. She tells herself that she does not mind being even his substitute. This is but one of multiple stories taking place in the world of this mystical kingdom.
My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3Xkuq3c)
Starve Me of Love by Arinco
Nov. 28th, 2025 10:36 pmreviews_and_ramblings
"I can't think when I hear your words..." In a society where people are categorized into Doms and Subs, Ichiya, a college student, has been diagnosed as a Sub. Feeling aversion to this disposition, he spends his time hiding the truth of his diagnosis from those around him. One day, he runs into an underclassman, Sena, a Dom, and for the first time, he feels an irresistible desire to obey him.Though Ichiya is bewildered by and resistant to the pleasures of obedience, he gently and calmly draws closer to the man who wants him and him alone...
My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4pqIlBj)
Shoma Koi: This Ain't Some Shoujo Manga! by Howako
Nov. 28th, 2025 10:31 pmreviews_and_ramblings
This volume comes with an exclusive Animate Bonus and ComiComi Studio Bonus!
Three best friends—a handsome prince-like guy, an airheaded princess-like girl, and a snappy punk—have been together ever since elementary school. Sunao, the punk, has been doing his best to keep the one-sided feelings he has for Hiroomi, the popular prince, a secret. But recently, tons of blush-worthy situations keep happening to him, making it hard to keep his feelings under wraps...Turns out, Hiroomi's been the one orchestrating all these encounters! He's head-over-heels for Sunao, and ready to win him over!
Don't miss this youthful rom-com with all the (spicy) thrills of first love. ♥
My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4p0Fsqq)