Synopsis
University student Karasuma Koudai spends his free time as an ASMR roleplay streamer where he performs the erotic scripts sent in by his listeners. But lately, his numbers have been stagnant, so he’s been contemplating quitting since he isn’t even streaming the video game he made like he originally planned. One day, he runs into the popular and friendly Minami Masaya on campus. He accidentally discovers that Minami is actually one of his regular commenters on his streams. When confronted, Minami asks Karasuma why he’s quitting streaming and then reveals that he can only get off to the sound of Karasuma’s voice. After learning that tantalizing tidbit, Karasuma offers to help Minami directly with his “problem,” which leads to Karasuma being drawn into Minami’s world.
The Good
Parasocial streamer BL could turn out terribly, but in the case of He Craves to be Teased by His Favorite ASMR Streamer Vol. 1, it morphs into an enjoyably emotional and horny story about two university students. Both characters have their own unique points: Karasuma has major hangups about his perceived inferiority to his brother and is often standoffish, while Minami tries hard to get to know people and is truly friendly to everyone. Through meeting each other, there is growth with both characters, which is refreshing to see. Karasuma realizes, with the help of new friends from Minami’s circle, that he can be more active with wanting to spend more time with Minami. It’s nice to see a cast of mature university adults that are genuinely supportive of each other.
Karasuma doesn’t seem to see any value to his hobby as an ASMR streamer, but his desire to have Minami get to his happy place really motivates him to change. Minami could’ve come across as someone that only wants Karasuma for his voice, but as they spend more time together, you just realize he’s a really nice guy that attracts other people to him with his open communication style. Karasuma, on the other hand, exudes “stay away from me” vibes all the time, so it makes for a fascinating contrast. Through the events of the manga, Karasuma learns to say what he wants, and is better for it.
Karasuma and Minami are both new to having sex and being together with another man. There’s a moment where Karasuma mentions that he remembers the types of scripts Minami submits to his ASMR streams and uses that information to figure what buttons to press to get Minami to enjoy himself. Aino Coco’s take on drawing what it’s like to be turned on by the sound of someone’s while balancing out the story in a sweet and healthy way leads to a lot of fun situations as Karasuma teases Minami.
Because their communication is so open about what they each want sexually from meeting on the ASMR stream, Karasuma has a direct view into what Minami likes and imagines, and uses that to his full advantage. He also learns to be more assertive around Minami, which makes the experience even more fun for the both of them. Meanwhile, Minami really pays attention to Karasuma’s good points and reminds Karasuma of them before he gets swallowed up in his own doubts, which is a full set of green flags from me.
Somewhere In Between
The genitals are censored in the manga, but I don’t think that will detract from the overall enjoyment of the steamy parts. The drawings of Minami’s facial expressions when he’s reacting strongly to Karasuma’s voice really sell the reader on how powerful Karasuma’s voice is for Minami.
The Verdict
I was curious to read this just because it sounded really hot that the couple meets through ASMR. I’ve guiltily indulged in a few ASMR videos in the past, and those little shivers and tingles are definitely what you’ll get from reading He Craves to be Teased by His Favorite ASMR Streamer Vol. 1. At the end of volume 1, Karasuma is still working through some self esteem problems. I’d be interested to see if he returns to streaming ASMR or goes back to his original plan of streaming his game online. I am really excited for the sequel volume mentioned in Coco’s afterword, as I’m sure that Karasuma and Minami will be more than ready to meet any new challenges that come their way. Come for the kinky streamer ASMR fun and stay for the sweet tingly fuzzies of a well-written romance.
He Craves to be Teased by His Favorite ASMR Streamer Vol. 1 is available in print and digitally from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Indigo.
Credits
Story and Art: Aino Coco
Translation: Minna Lin
Adaptation: Annie Bowers
Lettering: Viet Phuong Vu
Logo & Cover Design: Mariel Dágá
Proofreader: Elliott Santomare
Production Designer: Stevie Wilson
Senior Editor: Shannon Fay
Published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment
Thank you to Seven Seas Entertainment for providing a review copy. Receiving this copy did not affect the reviewer’s opinions as expressed here.
Article edited by: Anne Estrada
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