The following recap contains light series spoilers. Proceed with caution.
Age-gap romance stories, especially those featuring an older male and younger female, have consistently stirred complex emotions within me. Perhaps it’s due to these narratives often evoking memories of my pre-teen and teenage years, reopening the door to familiar discomfort from similar situations.
I’ve explored various manga where couples navigate the challenges posed by differences in age and life experiences. However, the resolution, whether a union or separation, leaves me with an enduring sense of unease. Shoujo manga, known for blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, frequently employs this trope.
Enter “Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (スーパーの裏でヤニ吸うふたり),” a manga tailored for the mature seinen audience. Unlike other age-gap stories, it uniquely avoids triggering the same dissatisfaction. What sets this story apart? Why does it capture my intrigue where others fall short?
What it boils down to is Sasaki’s self-awareness. And, alright, I’ll confess – having Yamada be a grown adult instead of a teenager plays a role in my comfort with their dynamic. Right from the start, Sasaki acknowledges how peculiar his crush on Yamada is. As a middle-aged salaryman, finding joy in his interactions with a checkout girl at a convenience store seems a bit unconventional. Yet, he isn’t expecting anything from her. Sasaki consciously keeps his feelings in check, openly admitting to Tayama that he’s content with simply being able to see Yamada.
It’s this honesty and lack of ulterior motives that make his character intriguing. After enduring long and challenging workdays, the mere sight of Yamada is enough to lift Sasaki’s spirits. This genuine connection adds a sweet layer to their friendship, setting it apart from the typical age-gap romance narratives.
Well, that’s a relief. I was wondering if she got another customer trying to hit on her. Happens surprisingly often, you know? You wouldn’t be the first. But you’re different, mister. Hope you stay like that… Sasaki-san.
Tayama, Chapter 1
Through a conversation between Sasaki and Tayama, we discover that his admiration for Yamada isn’t as rare as one might think. In their first interaction, Tayama expertly questions Sasaki about his feelings for Yamada. Sasaki insists that just seeing Yamada brings him happiness. He’s content with the way things are. Tayama acknowledges that he’s certainly not the first to show interest in Yamada but that’s he’s different from the others, leaving us to wonder what that special quality is.
The manga unfolds like a typical slice-of-life story, each chapter delving into various events during smoke sessions. While Sasaki nears the truth about Tayama’s identity, it remains just out of reach.
Simultaneously, Yamada subtly develops an interest in Sasaki, evident in a heartfelt incident involving a portable ashtray keychain gift. Sasaki’s intentional retrieval of the lost keychain, despite claiming it was accidental, sparks curiosity about the evolving dynamics between the characters.
In the 21 chapters (or 21 “smokes,” as the manga calls them), I’ve thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the blossoming relationship between these two characters. Tayama’s teasing never turns malicious, and Sasaki’s denseness, though initially challenging to accept, feels authentic and sweet. While there are moments when I find myself thinking, “C’mon Sasaki, no one can possibly be this dense,” that very quality ends up adding to the story’s natural charm.
When I first read the description for the series, I really thought that this manga would delve into Dissociative Identity Disorder, but I was so very wrong. I’ve read my fair share of “split personality” plots, and I don’t think I’d enjoy this story as much as I do if it did go in that direction. I really like how the story just revolves around a girl (pretending to be someone else) enjoying teasing a customer who has taken a liking to her, gradually finding herself intrigued by the very same man.
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a delightful read. The humorous yet sweet interactions between the main characters flow effortlessly, creating an authentic and genuine feel to their relationship. The humor is so seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it feel entirely natural. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.
