Amakute Otona no Torokeru Chuu

Amakute Otona no Torokeru Chuu, much like its predecessor to Amakute Hoshiku no Torokeru Chuu (Sweet Enchanting Kisses), is a fast-paced, character-driven short. The first scene opens inside Takako’s home right in the middle of a fight brewing between a pair of lovers. Takako has just returned from an educational retreat for teachers to a frustrated Runa. Tension and tempers build until, of course, the two make up with some angry sex. Indeed, Amakute Otona no Torokeru Chuu employs minimal exposition and eschews coherent traditional narratives; instead, it treats the readers to slices of Takako and Runa’s lives to simply highlight their delicious, bodacious, and awkward relationship.

And, what a relationship this is! A love affair between two girls, a teacher and a student—a teacher in her mid-twenties and her middle school student. At first glance, this may seem like a very uncomfortable premise (and it really is). However, that Runa is an exceptional character lessens the sense of pedophilia if only by a little bit. Her queen-like personality often makes the readers forget her age (at least for the first half, a point which I will address later). In particular, when she is juxtaposed with the oft inept Takako, Runa comes off especially mature.

This dynamic between the two girls subverts common expectations of age and authority, and drives this entire visual novel. I found the multiple levels of gap moe to be incredibly fun. Watching Runa completely submit Takako, who is supposed to be the older, wiser authority figure, tickles my masochistic tendencies. At the same time, I absolutely adore Runa for being able to so naturally fill the dominant, sadistic role.

In several scenes, we see Runa easily break down Takako’s self-esteem, despite the two’s societal roles. Runa simply has a much stronger personality. She knows this. Her classmates—Takako’s other students—recognize this. Takako reluctantly accepts this. Runa easily commands Takako’s every thought, and at times, tear them apart, only to build them up again. Their relationship is almost reminiscent of Stockholm syndrome, but without the malicious intent or the distaste. Indeed, Runa’s charisma carries the visual novel, and her effects extend to the readers. I admire that arrogance. Confidence, after all, is the sexiest thing.

Moreover, of note are the few moments when Takako tries to wrest control from Runa. However, what we see is that—despite Takako’s best efforts to assert authority—her fleeting moments of dominance are achieved through either losing her temper, being frustrated, or pleading with Runa to acknowledge her perspective. It is as if a young child is standing up to a bully. After each episode of these outbursts, Takako is quickly appeased with a kiss, a lick, and a few wet fingers. Runa remains her queen.  This is gap moe at its finest.

Still, although Runa’s maturity and domineering personality is uncharacteristic of a child, the readers are forced to realize her age in the latter half of the visual novel. The story takes a slightly—no, a very—uncomfortable turn. The main conflict in Runa’s character development is that she struggles with not being recognized as an adult. Thus, she tries her best to be as mature as she can for Takako, for her classmates, and—I shudder to think—for the readers. However, she is not an adult; she is in middle school and a mere teenager at the oldest. Even worse, Takako acknowledges and even encourages Runa’s desires to grow up so quickly. ^[1] In an erotic visual novel such as this, her being an adult implies explicit sexualization of a child. As such, the previously overlooked age issue can no longer be dismissed. I guess we can only take solace in that this is both merely animated and just fiction.

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1. In sex, Runa and Takako hold much more balanced powers. It is perhaps for this reason that Takako agrees to Runa’s aspirations to being treated as an adult.
2. This comment on sexism highlights another issue with this particular couple.

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Notes:

• We hear much more of Runa’s sister in this visual novel, adding to her curious mystery.
• Peko’s art work, Runa’s casual outfits, and the aesthetics are, as usual, impeccable.
• AXYPB has some interesting announcements regarding this franchise.

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Reviews for the other Hanabira

1. A Kiss for the Petals | Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke wo
2. A Kiss for the Petals – My Dear Prince | Watashi no Ouji-sama
3. A Kiss for the Petals – Joined in Love with You | Anata to Koibito Tsunagi
4. A Kiss for the Petals – Beloved Photograph | Aishisa no Photograph
5. A Kiss for the Petals – The Joy of Loving You | Anata wo Suki na Shiawase
6. Kuchibiru to Kiss de Tsubuyaite
7. A Kiss for the Petals – Sweet Enchanting Kiss | Amakute Hoshikute Torokeru Chuu
8. Tenshi no Hanabira Zome
9. Amakute Otona no Torokeru Chuu

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More information on the Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke wo series