Gravitation

Shuichi Shindo, an upcoming music star, is tested when he met a critic who told him he has zero talent when the paper containing his lyrics of a song was picked up by a stranger. Shuichi's pride was hurt and ever since that meeting he was determined to prove to that man that he can write.

Within the first episode, Shuichi was able to determine where the stranger, named Yuki Eiri, lives. It turned out that Yuki was a popular romance novelist. Irritated that Yuki teased him, he follows him around the house and insisted on a challenge. Shuichi was further disturbed when Yuki said he must be in love with him because he follows the latter around. They get on the elevator and still arguing, Yuki kissed Shuichi.

This 13-episode series tells the struggles of falling in love and trying to nurture a blossoming music career. Shuichi was not alone on his struggles to understand love and deal with the heartaches. He got plenty of support from his bandmates and co-workers, as well as from the band that inspired him to pursue that kind of work.

As colorful as Shuichi is, Yuki is the opposite. He can be too cold sometimes and he does not show his feelings openly. I sometimes feel sorry for Shuichi because Yuki ignores him sometimes. It also made me wonder if the latter feels the same way for the kid.

Yuki also had a dark past that he needed to forget. In the last few episodes Shuichi's determination to keep Yuki was tested again. It seemed they were not meant to be together after all, but Shuichi, and with help from the others, did not give up.

In the 2-episode OVA, Shuichi was the usual emotional and clingy lover. For some reason Yuki has been ignoring him and this bothered him deeply. He even had a dream about him and Yuki on the bed together (the first time this kind of scene was shown in the series). To add to his heartache, he learned that Yuki was writing a song for Nittle Grasper, something that Yuki has not done for him. Why can't Yuki write a song for him instead? Jealous and angry, he sinks deeper in desperation. It turned out later that Yuki was saving a sweet surprise for Shuichi.

Shuichi gets distracted and would always bring his love problems to work. I admit there were times he gets really annoying because he's too dependent on Yuki's affection. He's very unprofessional too but at least he finds a way to cheer up and still perform when consoled by friends. He can be a bit childish sometimes, like when a new member arrived, and needed some convincing to change his mind or make him happier. One good thing about him is that he truly loves Yuki in every sense of the word. He was determined to fight to keep and cherish his feelings even to the point of sacrificing his work ethic.

I recommend this series to anyone who wants more focus on the romance and the struggles of being in a relationship. Iam not a fan of Shuichi's singing or the music in this series in general but other people might find it to their liking. The series also has some funny moments.

I'm giving this series and the 2-part OVA both a 7 out of 10 rating.