#serenity writes

[serenityvalleyradio]

So, my dpxdc fic is now on AO3. You should totally check it out. ❤️

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[cosmos-crossing420]

11, 20, 40 :)

11: Something you miss?

I miss the feeling of being able to be genuinely excited without anyone crushing it. 

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?

Does a person count cause I’ll go to @thighkyuu and I’ll go read my Shingen memory stories from IkeSen

40: Last time you kissed someone?

Uhm, aha, funny story. Never kissed anyone

[shattered-queen9]

Hii! 1, 5, 8 please~

1. What is your process like? How do you come up with your ideas?

Uhhhhh I look at cute prompt lists or I listen to music to get inspired! Sometimes I’ll write fics just based off a cute scenario I personally wish to see more of, some random picture in my phone, or a conversation I have with others. Inspiration strikes at random and you’ve gotta jump on it!

5. How did you get started creating?

I started writing in about 7th grade because I was going through some hard stuff. Writing gave me an outlet I suppose. I posted consistently on Wattpad for awhile, then I fell out of the loop. I’ve only just returned recently after taking some hard ass writing courses to put my learning to the test..........also there wasn’t enough content for my faves so I created it myself

8. What’s your top advice for anyone wanting to create?

Imma get all Shia Lebouf.......JUST DO IT!!! Seriously, no matter what it is, it will help you and better you!! Also, you can help brighten other’s days with stuff you write and I find that worth it. Plus, you get to hella self-insert into cute fluff and who doesn’t want that?

Thanks for the ask thing!

[serenity-writes]

Someday - SLBP Mitsunari Fluff

I couldn’t resist - have some more Mitsunari fluff! I have such a soft spot for the blushing and the flustered; who better to put in that state? I really tried to dive into his mind with this one.

This piece is inspired by art by the lovely and talented @wingcinna: one and two. I basically mashed them together, haha. I hope I did your beautiful works justice.

Mitsunari had never been fond of children’s pastimes, yet he now found himself trapped in an endless bout of hide and seek. Each new barrier he constructed, she barrelled into and broke with the slightest of ease. The only thing he could do was hide, escape any instance their paths intercepted. He delved into meditation and convoluted wartime strategies, anything to cast her from his mind. Most meals were refused, as well as the manju he so loved. It would be worth it if it would make him forget the tender crinkles by her eyes when she grinned, the sweet lilt in her voice when her tongue wrestled with the kana of his name, and—

“Mitsunari-san!”

Uh oh. He’d dallied too long outside. The friction of her geta on the wooden floorboards spoke of her hurried steps towards him. No wonder, for she hadn’t seen him emerge from his room in quite some time. How many times had she peered around corners, hoping to catch a glimpse of his deep cobalt hair or a flash of his scowl?

Instincts took hold and he, a startled bird, immediately fled down the corridor. The only safe haven would be his room, but why was it so far away? She was following him, though falling behind thanks to her elaborate kimono. His poor heart galloped as his feet did, hurtling towards the solace of his books.

“Mitsunari-san! Please, stop!”

But he couldn’t. If he faced her in his current state, she would realize just what a mess he had become. As irrational as it was, he feared her steadfast gaze would pierce through him, reveal the inappropriate thoughts that violated his mind and made it their home. How could he survive if she became afraid of him? Coward.

Finally, a familiar sliding door came into view. Mitsunari flung himself towards them, sliding them closed behind him with a speed he didn't even know he had. He expelled a breath as he slid down, leaning against the wafer-thin door as he brushed aside the midnight blue bangs that had fallen in his haste. She couldn't be still out there... could she?

Mitsunari knew he was behaving like a madman, but he had to check one last time. On crouched feet, feeling rather much like an imitation ninja, he peered through the crack. His hesitant hand pulled the door ajar by a few inches. Then he was faced with her hazel eyes on the same plane as his; they were alight with sudden shock. He realized she was close enough to kiss.

He wasn't sure how it happened, but his balance was lost to him. He fell back, landing on his behind as she was launched forward. The door between them had disappeared, the perpetrator unknown. She was between his legs, his hand somehow entangled between strands of her silky hair. How many times had he imagined doing just that?

Instantly, heat sprung to his face. He couldn’t bear to let her see the scarlet that was rapidly staining his cheeks but how… Just how could he hide it? Thoughts melded into mass panic as he weighed options in his mind. He could pretend he was ill. He could bury his face into the pages of a tome. He could shove her away. But what he truly wanted was...

Before he could stop them, his arms were around her, pulling her in closer. Muscles that were always concealed by the ashen kimono fabric rippled around a delicate frame, cradling her in a warmth she had never known from him before. The acute desire to lose himself in her fragrant scent of flour and sugar sparked and refused to fade. An insistent smile pulled at his lips despite his attempts to scowl.

“W-Why…?” There was surprise, but no disdain.

“Please. Just… for a little while.” The words were stolen from Mitsunari’s throat, thrust into the intimate air before he even realized he had been the one who uttered them. He was a block of ice, cursing his traitorous tongue for finally taking the first step past the tightrope of truth he had never been brave enough to cross.

“Mitsunari…!”

“Stop saying my name, you insufferable d-dullard…” But the words, mumbled by a warm, caressing breath, lacked the usual bite. He had to stop her. If she insisted upon uttering his name in that adorable, breathless voice, he was certain his control would take full leave of him.

But... was he just imagining that her heartbeat rivaled his own?

Would it be so wrong to just stay like this?

A sudden scattering of songbirds from the treetops jolted Mitsunari back to sanity. What in the hells was he doing? How long had he been embracing her? Was it too long? It had to have been too long. Did she know? She had to know now. He didn't dare look at her. No, it would be too obvious. He didn't dare allow himself to dream that she harbored such sinful thoughts for him too.

“Vile succubus!" He let her go, gently pushing her away from him. “N-Nevermind!”

He made his desperate escape, flying to his feet as he made for freedom even though his heart remained solely in her arms. Not today, but someday, he told himself as a way to soothe the lump wedged in his throat. Someday, he would find the words to match the aching melody his heart sung. Someday, he would summon the courage to lay himself bare before her, to embrace the frightening way she understood and accepted him in all his silence. And when that day came, he would never let her go again.

[serenity-writes]

SLBP Drabbles - Mitsunari

Ugh guys. Playing through Mitsubabe’s event story had me SQUEALING and falling in love with this shy boy. I couldn’t resist - I had to honor him in writing.

Books were easy.

Painted characters surrendered their secrets to any who were willing to drench themselves in their inky depths. He sought comfort from the clarity, from understanding how best to achieve such lofty ambitions with the cleverest of means. Wiling away the sun’s rays and ceaselessly melting candle wax with complex wartime strategy swirling around his brain – this was how his days passed, one so identical to the next that they all blended into a mass he deemed life.

She was no book.

Such vibrancy could never be contained within pressed, prim pages. Nor could she be so easily understood no matter how many images of her bombarded his thoughts, waking and otherwise. He, with his frightening intellect, knew not why he could recognize the clatter of her geta against the wooden walkway, languid when she carried a tray laden with treats that could never rival her smile. Or why he so desperately wished her destination to be his room.

Books didn’t snap back when they were assaulted with barbed words, for he knew of no other way to hide the affection swirling within his breast. Books didn’t burst into scarlet when a gaze was held for a second too long. She was undecipherable; a precious mystery of a thing that spoke to songbirds and wept for others as if the pain was her own. No matter how many times he mulled over her words, her delicate expressions, he remained inexplicably fuddled.

If only she were a book. She would be his most treasured tome, tucked carefully into his kimono, right above his heart. Her smiles would be bookmarks of blissful days spent together, the pages of which he would never cease thumbing through as he cradled her so delicately within nimble scholar’s fingers.

If only.

[serenity-writes]

Stroking the Flame (Rose in the Embers Fanfiction)

Kyosuke’s been a perfect gentleman. But what happens when he loses his composure? Experience Kyosuke and MC’s first time.

A very fluffy, smutty piece for Rose in the Embers by Voltage Inc.

Stroking the Flame

Through the lush leaves, swayed gently by a quiet wind, the moon turned her tender gaze upon the garden. Music perfumed the cool air, filtering into my ears as I stood, fingering one of the many lacy tresses of my dress. The layers of fabric sat heavily upon my frame, weighing upon my every awkward step in the new heels. I am almost certain I would feel more comfort caked in an inch of soot.

What am I doing here? I felt like a spy, infiltrating the world of the elite and the rich. They gorged themselves on treats and alcohol, none of them suspecting that a mere maid dwelled in their midst. His Lordship had been whisked away by an important-looking man a few minutes before. Without him, I felt as naked as a babe.

A sudden hand on my wrist brought me face to face with a middle-aged guest, one with wine-reddened cheeks and the leer of one losing control. “Excuse me,” I started, attempting to extract myself with a light tug.

But he held me fast, his grip tightening, promising to leave a mark. “Are you new? I’ve never seen you here before…” He leaned in. I could smell the stink of drunkenness on his tongue.

“Please stop,” I mumbled, not wanting to offend. He was probably of a high birth, despite his currently boorish state. I didn’t dare do anything to offend one of Kyosuke’s potential business partners.

“Why? You’re here all alone, right? I’ll keep you company…” He was slightly panting now, clawing at his tie as if it were choking him. He was speaking right into my ear, and the heat of his breath was uncomfortable to say the least. “Let’s go somewhere more private.”

“N—”

“I would really rather you not, Mr. Tashoki.”

The voice swept through like a splash of water on a heated day. The sweaty palm was forced off my wrist and I tilted my head up to see Kyosuke, his features stern. Relief flooded my chest as he pulled me in towards him. Held captive by his delightful scent, I watched as he stared down the man like a predator wondering how it should consume its prey.

“A-Ah, forgive me! I didn’t know she was one of y-yours!” He stammered. “My apologies!”

“Not one.” Kyosuke turned to me as the man scrambled away, limbs flailing comically in his haste. I found myself mesmerized by those warm eyes. “The only.”

The familiar flush sprung to my cheeks at his words. I’d never grow tired of hearing him claim me in such a manner as I claimed him, as unbelievable as such a thing was. A flicker of a smile came on in his gaze, along with that streak of mischief. “Shall we run away, Cinderella?”

“We can’t leave… It’s your party, my Lord!” I turned, intending to return to the crowd of people. He had to play the good host, did he not?

But he put a hand on my waist, and began to guide me towards the house with gentle insistence. “Apologies, but I wasn’t really asking.”

We entered through the massive doors, taking the familiar path to his quarters. My heart was already beginning to pound at the prospect of us being alone. Lately, Kyosuke had been growing bolder with his advances, though he never crossed the line I so firmly set. But my own resolve was beginning to give way to desire, though I dared not reveal it to my Lord for fear of mockery. I was much too aware of the heat coming off his hand through the fabric of the dress.

When we reached his room, the lights were already dimmed. Had he planned this all along? The sly Lord. Not that I was currently minding… Kyosuke shut the door behind him, a devilish grin tugging at his lips as he led me to his vast bed. My back was towards it, but he advanced on me, forcing me down. Still, he kept coming as his nimble fingers worked at his tie. He loosened the constricting fabric, letting out a relieved gasp as his face drew close to mine.

Nervously, I pushed myself back, wanting distance but not realizing that I had effectively stranded myself in the middle of the ocean-like mattress and sheets. Kyosuke chuckled, the noise sweeter to my ears than the music that floated from the festivities in the gardens. “Would you like me to stop?” He put a knee on the bed, and my heart couldn’t make up its mind: would it stop completely or throb out of my chest?

With nothing left to do, I shut my eyes, letting the darkness take over. There was a shuffling, and before I could catch my breath – his lips were on mine. Irresistibly tender, he sought my heat with his softness. How could I refuse him when he was painting yeses with his tongue? My arms went around his slender frame, embracing him as if I were afraid he’d disappear like a wonderful dream, a flight of fantasy.

His kisses began to travel, lighting a fire wherever they went. They found a new home against the crook of my neck, softly sucking as he whispered against my skin. “I’m afraid if I go any further, I’ll not be able to stop.” He paused, rearing himself back as he met my hesitant gaze with his. In those brilliant eyes, I saw myself reflected, lit by the fire of desire. “Tonight, would you like me to be the lord of the manor, the gentleman?” His fingers traipsed across my arm, so lightly it hardly felt like enough. “Or would you prefer Kyosuke, the man so desperately in love with you?”

I swallowed, hoping to take my nerves along with it. The lust in his eyes frightened me, a silly, inexperienced farmgirl, but something else lurked within the fear. Excitement. Anticipation. Hunger. “Kyosuke.” The word felt right. The delight it brought to his eyes was palpable, tangible as he whisked it off my tongue with his. “Make me yours. Completely.”

Off went his vest, discarded alongside his top, leaving him bared to me. I couldn’t stop the pink from rising to my cheeks at the sight of his naked torso. Nor could I staunch the arousal that gripped me so firmly in its grasp, the likes of which I had never experienced before. His fingers feverishly opened my dress, exposing my skin to the air. Instantly, a flush came over me as he stared at me, taking me in. “D-Don’t stare at me in that manner,” I muttered, feeling much too self-conscious.

“How can any man resist the siren call of his lady love?” There was that grin that so easily weakened me. “You are entirely overestimating my self-control.”

Like a man starved, he captured my breast with his lips. “Nn…” A quiet moan escaped. The embarrassing noise prompted me to place a hand over my mouth, but he pulled it away.

“Let me hear you.” He murmured, tongue swirling as he sucked. “Beautiful… So beautiful…” He was a man drunk, his drug of choice being me. My heart had settled on a furious gallop, spurred by his touches.

I couldn’t see what his fingers were doing but I felt them on the inside of my thigh, stroking closer and closer to the heat I had never shown a soul. But I wanted to give Kyosuke all of me. I wanted us to become one, to become lovers in every sense of the word. Though I trembled, I allowed him to strip me of the dress.

“Oh, naughty girl… You haven’t any idea what you do to me with that innocent look.” He bit his bottom lip as he extracted my underwear. To my great surprise, he buried himself between my thighs, indulging in my scent.

“W-What are you doing?! Don’t…!” My words were stolen when he put that magnificent mouth to use. On his tongue, I was melting milk chocolate. Each electrifying lick had my back arching to meet him, subconsciously craving more of his touch. Since when had my body become so lewd? I became thankful that the roar of the party hid my whimpers from the rest of the house. A finger, slender and elegant like the rest of him, slipped inside. It was searching for something, pushing gently against my walls.

“Oh!” A jolt of pleasure ran through my stomach as he found what he sought. My breaths now came in bursts, choppy gasps that were unbecoming of a lady, surely. But in this moment, I couldn’t have given less of a care.

“You taste divine. No sweets can compare to you, love.” Kyosuke’s deep voice rumbled as he smiled, pulling away to gaze lovingly upon me as if I were a priceless piece of art. But his trademark grin soon gave way to a look I’d never laid eyes on before; he had become a hungry wolf, his fiery amber eyes ablaze with desire. “I’m afraid I cannot wait much longer. I crave you.” His trousers were gone.

I raised my head, taking in the look of him. All of him. He was gorgeous. His chocolate hair, perfectly tousled, framing the handsome face I felt privileged to call my own. His lean body, familiar and reassuring when he took me in his arms. And now I knew another part of him. His most intimate part. It stood erect, pressing against my wetness, for me.

“Shall I continue?” He asked, his eyes craving.

I nodded. Yes. Please.

The firmness was guided to me and with a gentle thrust, I became a woman. Upon these bedsheets, we were no longer maid and lord, but lovers, feverish with desire. He moved, plunging deeper as a slight pain made itself known but the pleasure of him overrode it as he came towards me, embracing me in his warmth. I clung to him with fingers desperate, drowning in the smell of him, the pressure of his body upon mine. I wanted to imprint every moment of this first time in my mind.

“Am I hurting you, love?” He whispered aside my ear.

“No…”

Another stroke, coaxing a cry from us both. I’d never heard such carnal music from his usually-composed voice. It was dangerously addicting. As was the fullness inside me, and the knowledge that it all belonged to me.

“You mustn’t put that look on your face.” A low moan, one that threatened to overcome me. “It’ll be the death of me, I swear it.”

Without my notice, his hand had slipped back between my thighs. I only became aware when pleasure shot through my system. Such delight that I had never felt before surged from the pit of my stomach, travelling up, scattering everywhere. “Kyosuke,” I gasped, needing him to know that these whimpers were only for him.

“Ah… The things you do to me.”

A foreign sensation bubbled up within me, though it was far from unpleasant. I knew not what it was, but I didn’t dare wish for it to stop. “It feels… strange…” I said, unable to put a name to the tingling, the heat that threatened to overwhelm me.

“Don’t be frightened. Give in to it.” His fingers didn’t stop and nor did his thrusts. It felt much like climbing a mountain, so close to the peak and…

“K-Kyosuke, I—”

“Mine.” He growled the word beside my ear and everything exploded. My sentence would forever remain unfinished as I surrendered my mind to him and the bliss that wrought utter destruction upon my sanity. I remained barely aware of the noises that emitted from my lips. The hips that moved against me were becoming frantic as he moaned my name. I never thought such a simple name could be so arousing on his tongue.

A heat spilled inside me as his movement slowed, his pants still heavy as he struggled for breath. He clutched me, his eyes on mine once more as the smile returned to his lips. “I’m afraid you are a maiden no longer, my love.”

His words pulled a laugh from my exhausted body. “Oh, Kyosuke.” I could already feel the sleep coming for me. “Now I am merely yours…”

As I drifted off, comforted by his sweet scent, I felt him stroke my hair and push a tender kiss to my forehead. “Yes. Mine. Forever.”

I really wanted to try writing in the style of RitE, and I think it came out quite similarly to the game! This is about the fluffiest piece I’ve ever written, I think haha. It was so much fun!

[serenity-writes]

Rose in the Embers - Kyosuke Takatsukasa Spoiler-Free Review

Welcome to my review of Kyosuke Takatsukasa’s main story route from Rose in the Embers! I love this game + route so much, and here are some reasons why. Spoilers will be in section two and clearly labelled.

OVERALL RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

ART/MUSIC: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

STORY: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡

STEAMINESS: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡

LOVE INTEREST’S LIKEABILITY: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

MC’S LIKEABILITY: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

First off: Ahhhh… Kyosuke’s so handsome! 

I really love the art style in this game and the boys are all very easy on the eyes, this main lead especially. I am a sucker for those lazy brown locks and the well-tailored suit. He immediately captured my attention, especially with that flashy throwing of cash into the air at the end of the prologue. I know I’ve low-key dreamed of something like that happening to me, haha. The CG’s in this route are among the better Voltage pics, and compliment the more sophisticated, historical air the game has. Take a gander at Kyosuke’s room:

As well, the music is quite beautiful, with the subtle tones of piano. It creates a perfect mood.

Personality wise, Kyosuke is quite the flirt, but he doesn’t come across quite as overtly perverted as Misao. He loves to tease MC just to watch her get flustered and blush, making him oh-so-attractive and adorable. He’s truly the prince character of the game, sweeping MC off her feet with his extravagance and $$$. But he never really comes across as condescending, which I love. He sees MC as genuinely interesting and fascinating, and treats her like a human being instead of paying much attention to the class differences. He’s stepped right out of my dreams…

(Yes, I am melting, just like chocolate :’).)

Speaking of MC, I really liked her in this route! Like a lot of Voltage MC’s, she works hard and has got that doe-eyed innocence oozing out of her. But she has her brave moments, and she manages to stand her ground against a lot of Kyosuke’s banter, even coming back with some clever nicknames and quips of her own. I enjoyed seeing the world through her “farm-girl” eyes, since I didn’t know much about the Taisho era myself. Plus, it’s fun to watch her freak out over Kyosuke’s advances. In a word, she’s very relatable.

The story itself isn’t quite unique. But as it’s a retelling of a Cinderella-style tale, I wasn’t really expecting something too original. Overall, it’s interesting, with family dynamics and a very pronounced social-class struggle that I found wasn’t as prominent or emphasized in the other routes. The story definitely gives me Boys over Flowers vibes, which I welcome wholeheartedly <3.

This is one of the routes I can genuinely give a five-star (or like a 4.75) rating to, and I highly recommend it as an introduction into Rose in the Embers.

Tips for the route: To get the Favored Bold ending, choose answers that are more assertive and defiant. To get the Fortune’s Fools ending, choose meek, apologetic answers. If you still need help, I recommend a walkthrough. I found that the bulk of the answers are rather clear which way they sway (but some of them are tricky).

  SPOILERS FROM HERE ON:

I love MC’s line: “You could offer me all the money and riches in the world… and my heart would still not be yours to buy.” I think it perfectly encapsulates her inner strength, even though the world sees her as just a poor maid. That, and her hilarious nickname for Kyosuke: Earl of Lecher. It sets up their hilarious dynamic, which I thoroughly enjoy.

I think a handful of characters in the story could have benefited from being more dynamic, but hey it’s a short and very sweet route so I’m not complaining. As amusing as they are, the triplet mean girls with the same heads could have been a smidge more interesting if they had actual motives to be mean other than to fulfil a trope. Still, I enjoyed putting them in their place all the same…

I really love the motifs of chocolate and the camellias. I always love the language of flowers in otome games, though I think it’s slowly becoming a bit of a cliché :(.

I love the return of the older gentleman, Lord Koshibayama, and how he becomes endeared to her simply because of her unique attentiveness with things that others think beneath them, something that she’s usually mocked for. And I think the fiancée issue was resolved quite nicely. Though it’s a little too convenient, I don’t care because it’s cute as hell and works out in our favor.

Favored Bold ending is the one that has the CG. I found myself liking both of them equally! They both had similarities, though they were different enough that felt like I didn’t waste my time trying to get both endings. I really appreciate that it didn’t feel like one was more “right” than the other. The engagement was resolved in both rather peacefully, and they are reaffirming that the road before them will be a hard, but worthy, one.

From FF:

I found it a little difficult to get the Fortune’s Fools ending ;-; (part of why this review took so long to write). But both endings made me squeee with happiness at Kyosuke’s beautiful words and the happiness that is to come for our little Cinderella and her Lord.

(From FB)

P.S. I heard Season 2 is already out in Japan. I hope they bring it over soon!

[serenity-writes]

Our Private Homeroom - Spoiler-Free Review

Okay, right off the bat I have to confess that I LOVE teacher x student storylines. There is just something so dang interesting about them, and this one is no exception. I do think this one is one of Voltage’s better titles. It’s one of the first I picked up when I started playing Voltage games, and I’ve been hooked ever since!

So, what is Our Private Homeroom?

Set in modern day times, MC is an 18-year-old student in her last year of high school. Her mom has just moved overseas so she is living on her own for the first time! As luck would have it, there is a mix-up with housing and she is left homeless. She ends up bumping into one of three teachers from her school: Ryota Mochizuki, Yohji Furyua, and Shuya Komaki. They offer her a place to stay, and our story starts from there.

OVERALL RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡

STORY: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡

ART: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡

STEAMINESS: ♥ ♥ ♡ ♡ ♡

MC LIKEABILITY: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡ (It wavers depending on route)

DOES MC HAVE EYES: YES!

Let’s break it down.

The trope for forcing a student and teacher to live together is nothing new, but it’s enjoyable all the same. The living situation is actually resolved in different ways in the different routes so it’s not all the same, which is a plus. The storylines themselves are also full of typical issues that you would expect to find in a teacher x student themed title, like they have to keep it a secret, there’s an age gap, morality issues, someone finds out – oh no, etc. But the game manages to keep it from being too redundant by throwing in a few interesting plot twists that aren’t so typical. The side characters are also nothing special, but add some texture into the storyline as supports/rivals.

If I had to rank them, I’d go Ryota > Yohji > Shuya (more details will come in individual reviews). The main routes are definitely sweet and interesting (love Ryota as a character), but it’s the special stories/sequels that I have my gripes with. I don’t like the way the men treat MC like a child. This was especially prevalent in Yohji’s extra stories (A Romantic Lesson/A Good Education) and Shuya’s main story. Yes, they say cute things to MC, and yes, they sneak away for secret trysts, but it still feels like there is this huge divide between them and I think a lot has to do with their attitudes/way of speaking towards MC. Ryota seems to have the most respect for her out of all of them, especially after they begin their relationship, while Yohji felt like he was forever going to treat MC like a silly teenager (the men’s ages are not revealed probably to lessen the creepiness factor). MC even acknowledges it herself at one point. I really like him as a character so I hope that that changes after she graduates (or after whatever happens in season 2 of their stories). Shuya just is overprotective like crazy, so if that sort of thing irritates you, stay away from his route!

In terms of art, I think there are a few recycled backgrounds here and there, but everything is pretty aesthetically pleasing. It is a newer Voltage game so the boys look pretty dang attractive:

(From left to right, it’s Shuya, Ryota, Yohji)

One of the CG’s in Ryota’s route seems to be oddly proportioned anatomy wise, but eh, it’s a small thing. Overall, the art is good, especially in Yohji’s CG’s, but there’s nothing super special or outstanding. But yay, MC has eyes and they’re quite pretty! I really like the way she’s drawn in this title, she’s super cute.

There’s little steaminess, as can be expected in a school-themed story. Nothing bad about it. There are kisses in the end, and throughout the special stories, but that’s as far as it gets (at least for now). Look elsewhere for your almost-smut-but-not-really needs (like Irresistible Mistakes ;) )

The MC in this route is one of my favorites. She’s written so well – she sounds exactly like a teenager would, maintaining all the lingo and bright-eyed naivete, with very little of the annoyingness that I had at that age. She’s also quite bold and has a strong sense of who she is and what she stands for. I really admire that, especially since it’s something that some of Voltage’s waaay older MCs lack. She has fantastic banter and quips, especially in Ryota’s route. I found myself laughing out loud at a lot of her observations and inner monologues, like this:

Unfortunately, Shuya’s route is why that fifth heart got dropped. MC becomes much meeker in his route, and sooo much more of a pushover. She just takes all his overprotectiveness and is like “that’s just how he shows he cares!” even when he’s being way too overbearing. Ugh. She still had her moments, but I liked her less in his route.

Overall, I do like the game and all of its routes – even Shuya’s, even though I kind of trashed on it in this review haha… If you are to pick up this title, I recommend starting with Ryota. He’s a great intro into the game and he’s super cute. There’s a lot of good things going for it if you don’t mind the taboo nature of teacher x student.

Bonus screencap of sassy MC being fantastic: