Blue
Morning, Vol 2
Author: Shoko Hidaka
Publisher: SuBLime Publishing
American
release date: August 13, 2013
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Yaoi/186 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★
As a young boy, Katsuragi believed
he was being groomed by Viscount Kuze to be his successor, until the viscount
leaves for his other home and Katsuragi learns an heir has been born. Years
later, he finds himself in the bed of his new young master and questions what
he is doing and what he should do. Akihito hasn’t been to school in a few days
and shows no inclination toward going. Meanwhile, Akihito’s friend, Ishizaki, concerned about his health, is buying him some
fruit when a chance meeting with Katsuragi’s brother affords him transportation
to the Kuze manor.
Akihito and Katsuragi are in the
library. Katsuragi is gauging how far his charge has read. When questioned by
Akihito, he admits to having read all the books up until a certain point. When
the decision was made to bring Akihito to the mansion, Katsuragi was forbidden
the use of the library. Akihito can’t keep his hands off the butler, even in
the library, and Katsuragi can do not less than obey. He has promised to stand
by Akihito’s side forever, as long as he strives to fulfill the hopes of the
Kuze family.
Akihito has received an invitation
to a formal event being given by Marquise Moriyama, and he wants Katsuragi to
go with him. Katsuragi says that as his butler, that isn’t possible, but
Akihito insists that it is – if the invitation is sent to Katsuragi as a
representative of the Katsuragi family and not as his butler. When Akihito
returns to his room, Katsuragi learns of a visitor – Ishizaki – and receives
him, telling him Akihito is unable to receive visitors in his current
condition. Katsuragi and Ishizaki get into a serious discussion concerning
Akihito, Ishizaki questioning Katsuragi’s intentions, which Akihito overhears.
A member of the Kuze household
from many years before has arrived from Yokohama, a previous houseboy.
Meanwhile, at the Katsuragi bank, the brothers suspect that their younger
brother has been involved in some dealings they may not be in favor of. Perhaps
it’s time that they see him.
As Akihito is being fitted for his
clothes for the event, he makes an inquiry regarding Katsuragi’s measurements,
and requests a suit be made for him as well. Katsuragi doesn’t want to go, but
Akihito tells him he procured a personal invitation for him from the Marquise,
and that cannot be ignored. He also reminds Katsuragi of his promise to stay
with him forever and questions whether Katsuragi is working on Akihito’s future
engagement. He promises Katsuragi that he won’t question whatever methods he
uses to make it happen.
Akihito returns to school, and has a
discussion with Ishizaki, who is concerned about his relationship with
Katsuragi. Meanwhile, the former houseboy, Amamiya, has gone to the mansion and
reveals why he is there.
The night of the marquise’s event
arrives, and Akihito ensures Katsuragi’s presence by taking him with him. Once
there, they seem destined to go their separate ways, to Akihito’s chagrin. A
jealous Akihito watches Katsuragi’s interactions with the other guests,
particularly those he knows the butler has slept with. Katsuragi is trying to
make plans for a future fiancé for Akihito, but he is uncustomarily distracted
by thoughts of his young master and is surprised by the unexpected appearance
of his brother. His brother drops a surprising bombshell regarding Katsuragi’s
heritage, but is everyone really surprised? What would Akihito think if he saw
them?
The second volume of this series
is every bit as good as the first. This is not a typical yaoi romance, assuming
it will end up a romance at all, which is anyone’s guess, although I devoutly
hope so. There is nothing stereotypical about this story at all, and a great
deal to sink your teeth into and enjoy. I’m rooting for Akihito, who
unabashedly loves Katsuragi and would do anything for him I believe Katsuragi
has feelings for him, despite how tightly he’s wrapped up and the way he holds
himself aloof. There are moments when he gives himself away in little ways.
Akihito knows he has to marry, and
he’s good with that, as long as it furthers Katsuragi’s plans. I’m wondering
how he will manage to keep his relationship with Katsuragi going while he’s
married, and how open can they afford to be in front of a wife. Ishizaki
already knows Akihito cares too much for his butler and is against their
relationship, but will he do anything to jeopardize it, perhaps in the mistaken
belief that he needs to rescue his friend from Katsuragi’s grip?
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