What kind of relationship do Satoko and Mashuu have? What kind of relationship do they want? As the two try to figure it out, the key to their answers may come from someone else.
After Mashuu blurts out his feelings for Satoko, the two of them are feeling discombobulated. Who should reach out to Mashuu but Mayuko, her sister? Mashuu is bewildered by Mayuko’s peppiness, but she in turn is surprised at how he views Satoko: as almost a divine figure. Meanwhile Satoko is still suspicious of Mashuu’s homelife and ends up going to his house — but only because she tagged along with Mayuko, who became friends with Mashuu’s grandma thanks to the power of K-dramas. And when Satoko learns Mashuu is, just as he said, living well, that good news is accompanied by some very mixed emotions.
While there are other events like Mashuu falling sick and the Christmas holiday, in My Boy volume 6, it’s the two main characters’ struggles to figure out their role in each other’s life that defines this volume. Mashuu is upset that his dear Miss Satoko didn’t respond to his feelings, and Satoko has no real reason to meet with Mashuu now that he’s happy and healthy. Plus, she’s still a little leery of any potential social and legal consequences for hanging around a minor — particularly one who has expressed feelings for her.
These other incidents, on the surface, aren’t that interesting. But they are impactful in terms of the overall story, in how they make their first steps to seeing each other on (more or less) equal terms. For instance, Mashuu’s grandmother is led to believe Satoko was a soccer coach, and the younger woman feels ashamed when the grandmother recounts how terrible the house was a few years ago after her son-in-law fell into depression. And it’s not just grandma, but Mayuko and Nao too — all of these ladies have personalities or positions in Mashuu’s life that Satoko can’t or doesn’t have. So Satoko tries to balance her own desire with what positions are appropriate — and available.
Of course, there’s the question if they see each other as equals and not guardian/child, rescuer/rescuee, will this lead to a true romantic relationship. Satoko is trying to insist that Mashuu’s crush on her is a result of his limited life experience, but of course he doesn’t see it that way. While this volume represents one of his mental low points, he’s also delighted at the thought they could get closer together. The art in particular shows off his brilliant eyes as they fill with tears, optimism, and every emotion in between.
And just like Mashuu’s expressions, this volume of My Boy has a lot of emotion underneath its pretty surface. The two still have a ways to go in terms of defining their relationship, but the hazy fog around them is slowly lifting.