Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 is so sweet and cute, it’s impossible not to sigh and say, “aww” as you read. From their initial encounter to how kind and gentle their blossoming relationship is, this BL story is a refreshing escape. While I do not read enough BL yet to say with authority that this story is unique, I do know I cannot get enough of Mitsuya and Yuichiro’s connection. While the manga has the standard fare of personalities and looks, the story also moves in surprising directions. Thanks to so many adorable moments that keep an irrepressible smile on the face, Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 is no-holds-barred joy with every turn of the page.
Created by Jill Hashikura, with translation by Adrienne Beck and lettering by Adnazeer Macalangcom, the story starts with the young, gruff Mitsuya wandering after a fight when he encounters Yuichiro laid out on the sidewalk amid a bed of rose petals. The story sets up a kind of kismet relationship, with the pair meeting up at the perfect time. It also has a kohai/senpai vibe as Yuichiro is older, 29 years old, and Mitsuya is about to turn 22. Through Yuichiro’s kindness, Mitsuya’s feelings strengthen. But there’s also plenty of jealousy, a possible rival, to balance those adorable moments.
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 Is Sharp Sweetness
Fortunately, the age difference is not as egregious as in some stories, and both are adults. Their relationship is similar to opposites attracting without the sharp conflicts. Because Yuichiro, who is soothing like lemon balm, easily diffuses any tension. It’s cute seeing how uncomfortable Mitsuya is with Yuichiro’s gentle, caring nature. They are even on, or were on, opposite sides of the law, with Mitsuya in the criminal underworld and Yuichiro’s family in law enforcement.
So, Mitsuya provides the sting with his surly attitude, and Yuichiro balances him with his openness. Plus, it’s a relief not to read a story where a man struggles to acknowledge his own sexuality and takes it out on the person he’s interested in. Mitsuya exhibits shock at his own feelings. But he does acknowledge how he feels without all the toxic negativity stretched over multiple manga volumes. Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 centers on a sweet, blossoming relationship between two men you want to learn more about.
Funny Character Introductions
As the first volume is largely from Mitsuya’s perspective as he meets all these new people and works at Yuichiro’s flower shop, there is a comedic tone. After all, Mitsuya is coming to terms with his feelings while feeling jealous and wondering about the people around Yuichiro. It’s also wonderful how Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 plays with misconceptions around identity. Yuichiro’s twin, Yukimasa’s introduction is especially fun.
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 is a gentle delight, with so much sweetness on offer for readers to sink into. The characters are engaging if albeit shallow presently, the story is a potential gem, and the romance is gradually blooming. It’s a page turner you revisit when you need an escape. It’s comfortable, but never dull. Sometimes we all need a pat on the head, even as adults. Honey Bee & Lemon Balm 1 gives that to readers.
