Aioi Musubi is an ongoing manga written and illustrated by Ayaku. First released in 2014 it has been serialized in Gateau and published in Ichijinsha. Volume 1 contains chapters 1-6 in addition to an extra.
Synopsis[]
The story of a young owner of a long-standing small eatery and a puppy-like laborer. Kota attaches himself like a puppy to Makoto, who has been like a fatherly figure to him. Even after they have grown up, he still smiles and proclaims proudly that “Mako-san’s food tastes just like a mother’s does!” The two get along as well as a family, but one day, a customer arrives who becomes a thorn in Kota’s side. The two appear friendly and Makoto shows expressions that Kota has never seen him make. And he acts differently than normal… Kota is then plagued with a dislike and worry that he can’t shake off.
Characters[]
Kota[]
After sharing he was digging in, Kota was regarded as quite the eater. To him the taste of mother's cooking is Makoto's cooking. Greeting him by way of mentioning food, Kota announced he was home when visiting the restaurant. Speaking how work was terrible today since he got covered in so much dirt, Kota details how he took a bath before coming over because he did not want to anger Makoto. Having had Makoto's cooking since he was a kid, Kota can distinguish between his and Icchan's flavors. He describes Makoto's cooking flavor to be full of love. Asking Makoto if there is anything for him to do at the shop today, after, Kota shares how he is using the bath and helps himself to sleep in a futon at Makoto's. Helping Makoto to serve Chika, he gives his condolences to her boyfriend. Silent observing Makoto's exchange with Arimasa, he thinks seeing Makoto make a face like that is a first. With Makoto heading out with Arimasa he focuses on restaurant duties such as taking the trash out. He is struck at witnessing them seemingly kissing. Retiring inside, Kota processes what that was and how he might have seen something he should not have, and does not mention it when seeing Makoto again. Finding Arimasa sleeping at Makoto's he is unnerved since customers have never been there before. Wondering who Arimasa even is, an acquaintance or friend, Kota contemplates do friends even embrace each other like that. Wondering if Makoto mentioned whether he had a girlfriend, Kota thinks if they are friends then it is normal for Arimasa to come over. Further troubling feelings are that this place belongs to himself and Makoto. With Makoto joining him, Kota is asked if he is fine by himself already. Replying he is not fine at all, Kota questions if he is a bother because Makoto has Arimasa now. Speaking that he wants to be with him, having meals together every day, Kota shares how ever since that day he never once felt lonely because he had Makoto with him. Kota affirms that Makoto is his very important family.
Makoto[]
Naming the various meals before Kota and feeling he must be hungry, Makoto says for him to eat up before it gets cold. Stating Kota could have seconds, Makoto recommended that he at least chew his food properly. Later, Makoto remarks in passing how if Kota dirties the shop he is banned form entering. Answering that salt grilled mackerel is one the menu today, Makoto also lists broiled okara, simmered yam, miso soup with turnip and deep fried tofu, and chestnut rice. Hearing he is regarded as more akin to a mother than brother, Makoto comments he sure has a huge kid. Makoto answers that Riku can help by peeling the edamane and prepare the ingredients for the pickles. Finding him asleep at his, Makoto mentions to himself how Kota has not changed a bit. With Chika suggestively asking how about it, Makoto replies that a woman like her is wasted on him. Familiar with Arimasa and warmly greeting him, Makoto speaks it would be good if his skills have improved from before. Stating it is encouraging to have Arimasa praise him, adding the rain does not seem to be settling in, Makoto means to escort Arimasa. With him staying at his, Makoto asks how he is feeling then whether he has seen Kota. Heading to his, Makoto raises if Kota is eating properly. Hearing his concerns, Makoto pulls Kota close and tells him to calm down. Not knowing what he was thinking, Makoto affirms Arimasa and him are friends. There is absolutely no way Kota is a bother, if there were he would not be cooking for him. Affirming that Kota is family to him, Makoto wonders is that not the case for him.
Icchan[]
Welcoming Kota he asks how was work today. Confirming he made the yam dish, Icchan questions how the flavor is. Surprised Kota could tell who made it, Icchan discusses with him how Makoto's cooking resembles a motherly figure rather than a brother. Icchan shares he will take his leave now, when departing.
Chika[]
Demanding another drink from Kota and asked if she got into another fight again, Chika replies men these days simply have no guts. Getting angry just thinking about it, Chika then decides to forget it, she has zero luck with men. With Makoto not interested in her advances, Chika states he has always been like this. Having noticed it is not the case, Chika raises with Kota how he does not know Arimasa either. Feeling him and Makoto look so happy together, Chika remarks that she is so envious.
Itou[]
Seated beside Chika he comments she is just stronger. With Chika making suggestive comments to Makoto he advises him to watch himself before he gets eaten.
Arimasa[]
Entering the restaurant and questioning if there are any seats, Arimasa says to Makoto it has been a while. Having taken time to unpack, Arimasa states he finally has time to come out and enjoy a good meal. Commenting that Makoto has not changed at all since then, Arimasa adds he has not had his cooking in a while. After speaking, Arimasa says thanks for today, it was so cozy he could not bear to leave. Sleeping over at Makoto's, he mentions it has been some time since he let his hair down like that. Answering he has not seen Kota, Arimasa feels like someone else was in the room.
Makoto's Father[]
Preparing food with Makoto he noted he had a soft spot for Kota.
Akira Fujino[]
At 32 he is a pastry chef.
Story[]
Kota, Makoto with Chika and Itou see Arimasa arrive
Sweet simmered Pacific saury, stewed eggplant, marinated mizuna and radish, miso soup with onions and potatoes, then the rice topped with boiled ginger, and yuzu jelly were presented to Kota as a child by Makoto. At a later date, Kota joins Makoto and Icchan at a restaurant and enjoys the food there too. While Makoto and Kota serve Chika and Itou they find Arimasa enter the premises. With Makoto familiar with him, Kota and Chika observe how well they are getting along. As Arimasa leaves, Makoto states he will escort him and tells Kota he is going out for a bit. Outside, Kota sees Makoto and Arimasa drawn close together. With the shop closed today, Kota finds Arimasa sleeping at Makoto's. After Makoto returns he notes Kota has not come over for another day. Visiting his, Makoto hears Kota's worries that he likes Arimasa. Stating they are just friends, Makoto says Kota is his family. As they eat together Makoto notes it has been a week since they did so. Makoto joins Kota as he sleeps and says to not go misunderstanding things.[1]
Images[]
References[]
- ↑ Chapter 1