Almost Paradise

Homura Yuuya remains haunted by an experience from over a decade ago. In his final year of middle school, an art teacher named Kiriaki Jun joined his school in a rural part of Hokkaido. Kiriaki’s distinctive style and open manner quickly drew Homura’s interest. They often spent afternoons together in the art room, and Homura gradually develops feelings for him. One day, he asks Kiriaki to pose for a painting, driven by a wish to be closer. This request, rooted in affection, leads to an unforeseen and tragic outcome. The story is part of a series by Matsuo Marta, known for exploring various romantic narratives.