I was really surprised when I got to the end to see that this was the author's first published work, everything was gorgeous. I loved the sweet story and the art. I'm excited to see what's next for Nagi and Yu.

Tiny interactions bring two neighbors together as they start falling for each other. They have to navigate their friendship while trying not to reveal their secret. But as college students do, they keep growing closer and closer, blurring the lines between friends and something more.

Love on the Horizon by Machi Yamashita and published by Kodansha is the story of two neighbors, college freshman Nagi Kitagawa and upperclassman, Yuu Yamasaki. They meet on a rainy day walking home together and discover they are neighbors. Later, Nagi ends up joining the folk music club Yuu and his friends are a part of.

There are many BLs in college settings so Love on the Horizon isn’t groundbreaking. But what sets it apart is how tender the story feels overall. Nagi and Yuu are both just cutie patooties. I have no other way to describe it.

When Nagi takes a drunk Yuu home and ends up sleeping over, he relishes in the fact that he gets to experience Yuu in this way. It’s innocent enough (Yuu just holds on to him) but it’s just enough of a selfish action on Nagi’s part to keep him satisfied because he believes nothing else can happen with Yuu. On the other hand, Yuu looks for more ways to hang out with Nagi, not realizing that he wants to monopolize all of Nagi’s time because he’s falling for him.

In the sea of toxic romance stories I like to read, I love a sweet, slice-of-lifey story that makes me blush with reckless abandon. Love on the Horizon makes mundane moments extra tender between the two leads, with longing glances and nervous thought bubbles. I also love that there are minimal misunderstandings, no drama, and random love triangles. Just pure love bliss!

Love on the Horizon vol 1 is the perfect mix of leading up to a relationship and then getting to see the couple together. And the best part is that there’s another volume to come!

This was a really cute volume one without too much drama. Cohabitation stories are always adorable and I'd like to see what they get up to in the next one. Will they transition from neighbors to just living together? Will they get around to telling their friends and how will the react?

While I find it a quick and easy read, I was hoping the angst period would be a bit longer? (Maybe I'm use to depraved angst plots that last volumes). I just wanted to see more of them as individuals and then with others. We got snippets of that but I do hope the next volume will delve deeper into their majors and interests. It was cool to see that our MC was a photographer but I'd like to see more of what got him into it and cute adventures with them and photos.

I plan to reread when the second volume comes out so I can get more of the story at once. I did find them sleeping together adorable and am glad that they eased into their sexual relationship. Some stories go from zero to 1000 and it can be jarring when it doesn't really match the character's personalities.

Nagi is a college student who is doing his best in concealing his feelings for his senpai. However, this is difficult when his Senpai, Yu, not only lives next door but also relies on him when he is in a drunken state. During this time, Yu says and does some surprising things and Nagi has started a habit of falling asleep in the same bed as Yu after bringing him home from drinking- but waking up beforehand to not be caught. Yu, on the other hand, is popular and after getting closer to Nagi confesses to his friend that he doesn’t need a girlfriend at this time because of this time he is spending with Nagi- not realizing that he is in love. 

I enjoyed reading this series, after writing this I did find out there is a tentative release date of May 6 for volume 2. There is some character development,as we learn little about Nagi and Yu, but would like more. It would have been nice maybe to do a bit more development on the two- but we could see more in the next volume. We do see how they meet, the build up of their relationship, some fretting, and a little bit of when they get together. Neither are very good at hiding their true feelings, but that has its own charm for a series like this i think. I love how Yu’s friend immediately can guess his feelings for Nagi and listens to him not only gush about Nagi (thinking they're just friends) but also when he is worrying that he is hated and asking for dating advice. It is nice seeing Nagi and Yu resolve their worries quickly by talking to each other and it seems even when both are new to relationships, they communicate with one another. Yu also tries to take things slow for Nagi and Nagi is the one who initiates things to go a bit further. *Inner squeal when Nagi licks Yu then says what he wanted to do.  The background art is pretty simple, which has you focus more on the characters and their expressions. I just hope that in volume 2, Yu doesn’t try to distance Nagi- won’t spoil why I think this for now. Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick wholesome read and would pick it up (and continue with volume 2).

Oh my goodness! This is probably one of the softest stories I’ve had the absolute pleasure of reading. It was such a sweet BL manga - like seriously watch out because it’ll make you desperate for more!

This is sooooo fricken cute! If you loved twilight out of focus, you will eat this up. It's just a really sweet BL manga that'll give you a tooth ache 🥹

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this manga in exchange for my honest review.

"If this is just a dream, I don't ever want to wake up."
This was unbearably cute! I could not get enough of both of the MMC's. They were both so different yet the same in many ways.

This was a heartwarming, low-stakes, drama free manga that felt like a warm hug.

I was satisfied with the way it ended and wouldn't change a thing.

Absolutely ADORABLE!

This was so incredibly puddle-worthy! 🫠🥹🥰
It was over a bit too fast, —something adorably-swoony and short was exactly what I was looking for initially— but it was so lovely that I was sad to see it end so quickly.
However, even if so brief, it delivered all the emotions that it was supposed to, from the cutesy shivers of anticipation, to that little tear in my left eye that I will blame on *random other external circumstances* should anyone ask 🤫🤫🤫😁

This is such a good choice for a quick MM college romance pick-me-up, with that brand of giggling clean wholesome cuteness that is typical of manga stories. 🥰

Spicy scenes are not exactly closed door, but shots are framed in a way that makes it safe for even younger audiences.

I will definitely be picking up the second volume - I have to know what happens between them next!!

This was such a nice BL! Nagi is in love with Yuu, his next door neighbor. Every so often after a night of drinking Nagi brings Yuu home from the bar since he is black out drunk and every night he sleeps beside him. As his feelings grow for Yuu he wonders if he feels the same..

I enjoyed this so much and was so happy with the ending! I can't wait for volume 2.

Love on the Horizon Vol. 1 by Machi Yamashita is a fast-paced BL Manga that will make you feel giddy and lighthearted. This follows the blossoming relationship between the two main protagonists who were both attending college. Just brace yourself for the rapidly transforming connection between Yu and Nagi, it’s like trying different kinds of ramen, it can be salty, spicy, or both. I adore the characters because of how they’re navigating their feelings. If you’re looking for a light reading book, this BL will be perfect for that, for a volume one, I can say it can stand on its own. But I still can’t wait for the release of Volume 2.

Thank you KODANSHA for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A sweet, uninhibited story! ☺️ This first volume is a quick and easy read, with quality illustrations that add to the overall friendly atmosphere.
I found the story enjoyable, although I regret the plot being far too fast-paced, which may hinder some readers from fully connecting with the protagonists.
The manga should be two volumes long, so I am considering reading the rest to form my final opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital copy.

Yu and Nagi attend the same art university—and as far as Nagi is concerned, Yu is both handsome and inaccessible. His senpai drinks too much, needs to be dragged home, and often forgets what he was doing. But that doesn't stop Nagi from crushing hard on him. But they're of two very different words: Nagi is a quiet small-down guy, and Yu is a gregarious partier. Even so, Yu seems to give off vibes that theoretically indicate an interest in Nagi. Is he being kind because he likes him? Did he protect Nagi at a party because he likes him?... Did he kiss Nagi in his sleep because he likes him?

If you're here for a slow-burn romance, you'll likely be disappointed. But if you're here for the romance itself, LOVE ON THE HORIZON is fantastic. "Will they/won't they" narratives absolutely have their place and their appeal, but there's something very freeing about reading a manga where they DO in volume 1. Yamashita's characters are believable, from Nagi's anxiety to Yu's surprising naivete about relationships. Seeing the pair navigate the honeymoon period of their new relationship is absolutely adorable, especially combined with the sweet and down-to-earth art.

I think I need to reread this one. Yu and Nagi are neighbors and members of the same college club. After a night of drinking Nagi is kind of forced to spend the night with Yu after Yu falls asleep trapping Nagi with him. Nagi, of course, has a crush on Yu that he wants to keep secret so he sneaks out in the morning hoping Yu won't remember what happened. As time goes on, they grow closer and Yu maybe starts developing feelings for Nagi that he doesn't quiet understand. Honestly, not a lot goes on in this volume but it does wrap up pretty cleanly. I'm not sure what to expect from the next volume but this one works pretty well as a stand alone. This is pretty wholesome with no drama to speak of and while I didn't dislike it, there wasn't enough happening for me to love it either. Hence, why I think it needs a reread, I feel like maybe there is something about it that I missed.

Love On The Horizon was ADORABLE.
A sweet friends to lovers romance, some pining and a queer awakening.
Nagi and Yu were extremely cute together, the art style simple but fitting. A read that made me giddy and happy, and I hope we get more of these two lovebirds.

I've been waniting to read love stories without much conflict, and I think this fits what I was loooking for. The art style is really pretty, and the story is simple but cute. Not a perfect story, with some tropes I don't appreciate - like someone always forgetting what happened when they drink. Still a sweet story, worth reading.

Review to come 10 March to my blog/other places.

I received this book from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.


I always love M/M manga, though I am still at times a bit hesitant because of the rampant bad themes that run through them (rape/not caring about consent/other things), but this one looked so cute and adorable I had to give it a shot, and seriously, I can only describe this manga as a warm hug. It was just so sweet and fluffy. 

In this sweet manga we meet Nagi who has just started college and meets with a guy named Yu, who coincidentally lives in the same apartment building and is his senpai. They are often together and when Yu gets drunk (which is often) Nagi can bring him back home. This sounds fairly OK, right. However, Yu gets very clingy in his drunkness. Oh no, nothing bad, just wants to hug and hold something or somebody, and that person is Nagi. Haha. Not that he minds. Well, the first time he is a tad confused, as one may expect, but after that he actually starts to care for his senpai. He doesn't even always wiggle his way out of things, he just stays there and sleeps. It helps that Yu-senpai doesn't remember a gosh darn thing from the night before. Yup, he is that drunk ladies and gentlemen. It is actually very cute and I was rooting for them to be able to be together during the day as well. 

Because we also get to see them in their day to day stuff. Going to college. Going to friends. Drinking of course. Other things. We see Nagi make photographs and want to go further with that. Yes, it is very fluffy and slice of lifey. If you want more action I would not recommend this one. This one is a calm tea. This is a warm hug. This is just fluffy. And sometimes we need those things. I loved seeing Nagi and Yu grow closer + I liked that we also got to see things from Yu's POV, see that he is clearly thinking a lot about his neighbour, maybe a bit much (not that anyone minds, haha). It is all very cute and brought a smile to my face. 

Things slide in force when something happens during one of the drunk nights. Nothing bad, but something that clearly shows that even Yu cannot hide his feelings any longer. And from that moment I was even further invested! I was rooting even harder. Shipping the ship even more. Hoping for even more. And we get all that. And from that moment the book really becomes wonderful, sweet, hot, spicy, and lovely. I just love this couple and love how well they got together. They had so many sweet moments. 

Oh, and I liked the bonus chapters, including one that is specially for this digital edition. Eep! 

I am definitely curious to how this one continues so I will be reading more of this series when it comes out. Hopefully we get more Yu/Nagi, but I wouldn't be opposed to another couple set in the same college. 

The art was really sweet and fitted the soft, fluffy, warmth that is this manga perfectly.

All in all, I would highly recommend this one to all. If you are in need for a warm hug, be sure to check this one out!

really cute, fast paced manga! i’m excited to see how the story continues since i love the characters. my only thing is that i wished there was more yearning at the beginning but that’s a personal preference!

thank you for the copy, netgalley!

this manga is so adorable!!!!!! opposites attract, next to no angst, and fluffy with a bit of spice :) i would recommend this to anyone who wants to feel warm and cozy for a little while <3

This was absolutely the sweetest manga I think I've ever read. I loved both Nagi and Yuu. The neighbors to friends/oblivious idiots to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I cannot wait to read future volumes and buy a physical for my BL shelf.

Ready? Storytime!

Did somebody say tooth-rotting fluff?

Nagi Kitagawa is an art university student. He’s hopelessly in love with Yuu Yamasaki, his senpai in music club and next-door neighbor. Yuu is handsome, popular, and has a great personality. But insecure and quiet Nagi feels like someone like Yuu, who’s the opposite by comparison, fears his feelings won't be requited.

One night, Yuu gets very drunk, and Nagi helps Yuu get home safely. But before Nagi can go home, Yuu sleepily pulls him into bed and wraps his arms around him. Thus, Nagi was trapped there all night in a warm embrace. Nagi sneaks out in the morning and vows to keep it a secret—which works in his favor, because Yuu is having trouble remembering the whole thing.

But once destiny works its magic, Nagi’s unrequited feelings probably aren’t so one-sided at all!

Overall thoughts

This manga is SO cute. It’s wholesome, fluffy, and it doesn’t have any drama! Yet it still manages to maintain an interesting storyline with the push and pull between Yuu and Nagi. The story has its steamy moments with suggestive scenes, but they all feel like they add to their overall relationship. I’m glad they were treated this way, as it keeps the overall vibe of this story as something very sweet and adorable.

Who is this manga for?

Love on the Horizon is perfect for fans looking for a very cute, short romance where the focus is on the characters’ blooming romance. There’s no drama and the story is fairly simple, making this a great bite-sized piece of safe, sane, and consensual wholesome fluff.

See you in the next one!