What Should You Do When You Fall for Your Brother? Of Course, Run Away!

My Thoughts on What Should You Do When You Fall for Your Brother? Of Course, Run Away!

This title grabbed my attention immediately, and I dove into What Should You Do When You Fall for Your Brother? Of Course, Run Away! with high hopes for some angsty, forbidden-love drama. What I found was something a little different, and ultimately, a fairly chill read.

First Impressions

The premise is definitely intriguing: childhood friends, one with a secret crush, and the added complication of a brotherly bond (though not a blood relation, thankfully!). The initial setup had me hooked, eager to see how the MC would navigate his feelings and, well, run away. The modern-day setting and businessman characters also added a nice layer of sophistication.

What Works Well

The core of the story, the "requited unrequited love," is where this novel shines. The mutual pining between the main characters is handled well, creating a sense of underlying tension and longing. I appreciated that the story didn't drag on unnecessarily. Things are resolved relatively early, preventing the plot from becoming stale. The ML is the classic, high-achieving, cold-on-the-outside-but-soft-on-the-inside type, and that trope is executed pretty well here. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for it.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the overall experience, there were a few things that kept me from fully embracing the story. The MC felt a little inconsistent at times, making it difficult to get a solid grasp on his personality and motivations. This didn't necessarily make him annoying, but it did leave me feeling somewhat disconnected from his journey. The ML, despite his generally competent demeanor, occasionally acted in ways that seemed unreasonable and contrived, primarily to create misunderstandings. These moments felt forced and detracted from the overall believability of the narrative.

Final Verdict

What Should You Do When You Fall for Your Brother? Of Course, Run Away! is a decent read if you're looking for a relatively lighthearted romance with a touch of shounen ai. The requited-unrequited love trope is well-executed, and the story doesn't get bogged down in unnecessary angst. However, be prepared for some inconsistencies in character development and a few plot contrivances along the way. Overall, it's an enjoyable, if not particularly groundbreaking, addition to the genre.