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Takeru， an ordinary college student， is in love with his childhood friend and handsome classmate， Yusei. Takeru was initially satisfied with simply fantasizing about their friendship， but things take a sudden turn when Yusei suggests the two of them have sex. After the Yusei and Takeru's passionate tryst， they end up as sex friends， leading Takeru to dread the day things come to an end. Nonetheless， Takeru's mind and body still yearn for Yusei... The two are in love with each other， but can't seem to say it to one another.

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3MfFLzu)

Breathless Sex Lemonade is a distinct series by Tammy Hakoishi that focuses on the relationship between Takeru and Yusei. The story centers on Takeru, an ordinary college student who has been harboring a long-term crush on his childhood friend, the effortlessly handsome and popular Yusei. Takeru was content keeping his feelings a secret until Yusei unexpectedly suggests they try having sex. This shifts their dynamic into a "friends with benefits" arrangement. While Takeru’s body and mind are overjoyed to finally be with Yusei, he lives in constant dread that this physical connection is just a temporary phase for Yusei, risking the friendship he holds dear. The manga leans heavily into the emotional angst of the "unrequited" childhood friend trope. Takeru’s internal monologue is the driving force, capturing the bittersweet reality of getting what you want (physical intimacy) while fearing you're losing what you need (emotional security). As with her other works, the art of Tammy Hakoishi is polished and attractive. She specializes in drawing "handsome" leads who feel distinct; Yusei has that "golden boy" aura that contrasts well with Takeru’s more grounded, relatable anxiety. The title suggests something sweet, tart, and refreshing, which mirrors the story’s blend of bright, youthful college life and the "sour" sting of hidden feelings and misunderstandings. A significant portion of the drama stems from the fact that both characters are actually in love with each other but are too afraid of rejection to say it. If you enjoy the tension of "they both know but won't say it," this will hit the spot. Breathless Sex Lemonade is a classic "friends-to-lovers" story with a high-heat physical component. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it executes the trope with beautiful art and a palpable sense of longing. It’s a great read for fans who want a mix of high-tension smut and the emotional safety of a childhood-friend romance.