I Don't want the World to See Me

 

After a devastating personal loss, Kyungjoon wants nothing more than to drown his grief in the silence and safety of his houseplants. But Kyungjoon is also a cop, and it's a cop's job to go after criminals.

One day, hot pursuit of a suspect leads to Kyungjoon discovering signs of cult activity. Soon, the policeman is caught up in the machinations of monsters and demons, the worst of which is the demon king, Lord Cain, whose survival in this world depends on mana that can only be accessed through a "door." Cain's door happens to be inside Kyungjoon, and these two will have to get up close and very personal to open it.

Don't miss the debut volume of this long-running, supernatural Boys' Love series!

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3Lybeg1)

DEAR. DOOR is a polarizing, high-octane supernatural BL manhwa that has gained a cult following for its blend of gritty action, cosmic horror, and unapologetically explicit content. Created by Pluto, it’s a series that demands a strong stomach but rewards readers with deep lore and intense character dynamics. The story follows Kyungjoon, a police officer mourning the death of his fiancée, who finds himself thrust into a supernatural war. During an investigation into a demonic cult, he encounters Lord Cain, a charismatic but weakened Demon King. Cain reveals that Kyungjoon’s body contains a "Door"—a physical gateway to Hell that Cain needs to access to replenish his mana. This forced partnership pulls Kyungjoon into a complex battle involving angels, demons, and a power struggle for the throne of Hell. The art is "God-tier." It has a heavy, detailed, and almost Western comic-book aesthetic (comparable to the Persona or Shin Megami Tensei game series). The character designs—especially the monstrous, towering forms of the demons—are unique and visually striking. The chemistry between Kyungjoon (the stoic, weary human) and Cain (the arrogant, powerful demon) is the heart of the story. Their relationship evolves from a transactional, often non-consensual beginning into a genuine, protective, and deeply emotional bond. Unlike many BL titles where the plot is a mere backdrop for romance, Dear Door has a massive, intricate plot involving biblical lore, political maneuvering in Hell, and tragic backstories for almost every side character. It contains heavy triggers, including non-consensual/dubious consent, sexual assault (primarily involving side characters/villains), and extreme violence. It is not a "fluffy" read. Read it if you want a dark, supernatural epic with "monster" aesthetics, incredible art, and a plot that actually has consequences. It’s perfect for fans of Jujutsu Kaisen or Yu Yu Hakusho who are looking for a mature BL twist.

 Chosen Home is a 2025 Japanese "home and love comedy" that has quickly become a standout "found family" drama. It has been praised for its warmth, mature LGBTQ+ representation, and unique premise. The story follows Genichi Hatano (50), a sentimental and slightly clumsy gay man who works as a zookeeper. Fearing he will grow old alone, he impulsively proposes to Saku Sakuta (38), a level-headed middle school teacher, that they buy a house together to "clamp" their relationship and make breaking up impossible. Their plans are upended when Hotaru Kusunoki, a 15-year-old student with 30 million yen in cash, approaches them with a bizarre request: "I'll buy you. Will you be my parents?" The three begin an unconventional life together, navigating the complexities of love, aging, and what it truly means to be a family. Unlike many BL series that focus on high schoolers or young professionals, this series centers on a 50-year-old protagonist. It explores aging, loneliness, and the legal hurdles of marriage equality in Japan. The sympathetic clerk who regrettedly inform them he cannot register their marriage request, made me mourningly remember the step back Japan did at the last election ballot. The "parent-child contract" creates hilarious yet touching situations as the two men learn to care for a troubled teenager. Even secondary characters, like Hotaru’s biological parents and the local police officer, are written with depth rather than being flat "villains." The series is often described as a "comfort watch." If you enjoyed dramas like What Did You Eat Yesterday? or Old Fashion Cupcake, this is very much in that same "warm and mature" vein. HEA. You can watch on Netflix. Heat Level: 1/6.

 

One frigid December dawn, Song Yeon-woo meets an injured runaway alpha; inexplicably drawn toward his woodsy scent, he is compelled to help the young man. Despite his aversion to alphas due to trauma in his past, Yeon-woo somehow feels safe and welcomed in his presence. The two part in the moonlight, never to see one another again…but fate has other plans. Two years later, Yeon-woo has finally returned to the city to begin anew - still wary of alphas around him, he has built barriers in nearly every aspect of his life to keep himself safe. But when that a familiar scent begins to pierce through his boundaries, Yeon-woo is unable to stop himself from following them in pursuit of something thrilling…

My Rate: 8 (www.lezhinus.com/en/comic/december_en)

December is a popular Omegaverse BL manhwa written by the renowned author SAMK (well-known for Payback and Half of Me) and illustrated by MeriG. It is widely praised for its high-quality art and its deviation from toxic tropes typically found in the Omegaverse genre. The story follows Song Yeon-woo, a recessive Omega who carries deep trauma from his past involving dominant Alphas. To escape his history, he fled the city, but eventually returns to finish his education. One frigid dawn on December 31st, Yeon-woo encounters an injured, runaway Alpha boy. Despite his fear of Alphas, he feels strangely drawn to the boy's "woodsy" scent and decides to help him. They part ways that night, but two years later, they meet again under different circumstances. Yeon-woo finds himself crossing paths with Kim Shin, a powerful and mysterious "hyper-dominant" Alpha. Song Yeon-woo is a quiet, resilient Omega. Unlike many "damsel-in-distress" Omega leads, Yeon-woo is cautious and has built strong emotional barriers to protect himself. Kim Shin is a hyper-dominant Alpha with a commanding presence but a surprisingly "green flag" personality. He is protective and patient, lacking the aggressive toxicity often seen in high-ranking Alpha characters. In a genre often filled with dub-con (dubious consent) and obsession, December is noted for its healthy development. The relationship is built on mutual attraction and respect. MeriG’s illustration style is sleek and expressive. The characters are distinct, and the use of color—especially the "winter" aesthetic—perfectly matches the title's mood. SAMK is a veteran in the BL industry. The plot is more than just romance; it involves mystery, character growth, and a focus on how the characters overcome their internal flaws and past wounds. The "scent" or pheromone aspect of the Omegaverse is handled with more nuance here, acting as a catalyst for emotional connection rather than just a biological "heat" mechanic. Readers love the chemistry between Kim Shin and Yeon-woo. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for genuine tension to build. The mystery regarding Kim Shin’s true identity and Yeon-woo’s past keeps the reader engaged. Readers who prefer high-octane drama or immediate "spicy" scenes might find the slow-burn build-up a bit long. However, I think the payoff is worth the wait. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, healing themes, and stunning art without the usual toxic Omegaverse baggage, December is a must-read.

 

How are you supposed to go about your workday when your secret crush, a sexy CEO with amber eyes, lives in the hotel you work at? What’s worse: you’re his personal butler! Ian Seo lives this every day, watching the alpha of his dreams bringing home guy after guy, not even sparing him a second glance. But determination gets the best of Ian and he formulates a plan to make CEO Jaekwon Yoo his. Can he woo the cold and distant alpha, or is Ian destined to be just the butler for the rest of his life?

My Rate: 7 (tapas.io/series/butler-mature/info)

The manhwa Butler by the creator Nabit is a BL series that utilizes the "Omegaverse" trope. The story follows Seo Yian, a Beta who works as a butler for a handsome and successful Alpha CEO, Yoo Jekwon. Yian has been secretly in love with his boss for a long time but keeps his feelings buried because Jekwon already has an Omega lover. However, after a betrayal by that lover is revealed, the dynamic between the butler and the CEO begins to shift, leading to a complex exploration of their feelings and Yian's own biology. The romance doesn't feel instantaneous or unearned. There is a heavy focus on the internal pining of the protagonist, which adds emotional weight to the story. Unlike many toxic tropes found in the Omegaverse genre, Jekwon (the CEO) is a "saint" and a "very good boyfriend/husband" once the relationship actually begins. The story begins with a Beta protagonist, which is a popular subversion for fans tired of the standard Alpha/Omega pairing. While the plot does eventually lean into certain genre staples (including unexpected biological shifts), it is handled with more focus on the relationship than just the mechanics of the world. The "Butler" aspect is central to the aesthetic and the power dynamic, but it doesn't feel overly exploitative or degrading. The art style might take a few chapters to get used to, but it generally grows as the emotional intensity of the scenes increases. As a "Mature" rated series, the art is explicit, but fans of Nabit generally find the scenes well-integrated into the plot rather than feeling like "filler." If you are sensitive to the "Omegaverse" genre, this series does include those elements. However, it is widely considered one of the "sweeter" and less toxic entries in that category.

 

Yoonwoo and Taegyeom have been best friends since childhood, but Yoonwoo is hiding a secret that could tear them apart–he’s an omega… and he’s in love with Taegyeom.

When a traumatic event leads Taegyeom to despise all omegas, Yoonwoo is forced to keep his identity a secret. After struggling for years to avoid Taegyeom, they both end up at the same college, and Yoonwoo’s carefully guarded secret is in danger of being exposed…

My Rate: 8 (tapas.io/series/omegacomplex/info)

Omega Complex, illustrated by Hagong (with story by Oneulbom), is a popular BL manhwa that tackles the "childhood friends to lovers" trope within an Omegaverse setting. It is widely praised for its high-quality art and "green flag" leading man, though it does lean into some classic genre frustrations. The story follows Choi Tae-gyeom and Lee Yoon-woo, who have been best friends since childhood. Tae-gyeom, a dominant Alpha, has a deep-seated trauma involving Omegas and often claims he "hates" them. Meanwhile, Yoon-woo manifests as an Omega but hides his identity for five years to avoid losing his friendship with Tae-gyeom. The drama begins when they reunite in college, and Yoon-woo's secret becomes increasingly difficult to keep as their physical attraction and emotional history collide. Hagong’s artwork is consistently cited as the series' strongest point. The character designs are polished, and the emotional expressions (as well as the "spice" scenes) are handled with high detail and aesthetic appeal. Despite the "Alpha" archetype often being toxic in this genre, Tae-gyeom is frequently praised by readers as being protective and devoted. Once the truth comes out, his focus is on Yoon-woo’s well-being rather than just dominance. Compared to darker Omegaverse titles (like Jinx or Painter of the Night), Omega Complex is relatively wholesome. It focuses more on the emotional bond and the difficulty of transitioning from friendship to romance. Like many romance manhwas, the plot relies heavily on the "misunderstanding" trope. Some readers find the five-year secret and the lack of direct conversation frustrating, as many issues could have been solved much earlier.  It doesn't reinvent the wheel. If you are a veteran reader of the Omegaverse, you will likely see most plot beats coming from a mile away. Read it if you love beautiful art, childhood-friend dynamics, and stories where the characters genuinely care for each other. It’s a great "comfort" read for fans of the genre.

 Being stuck at home with the flu gave me plenty of time to binge-watch (or rewatch) a ton of dramas and movies. I finally put together my 2025 rankings! I know everyone will have their own favorites, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.