Emi is 24 and should be having the time of her life. But she’s unemployed, stuck in a relationship, and just got ditched by her friend who brought her to a club. She got drawn out of her hiding corner by a charming and cool looking lady Kei who turns out to be a DJ. What other tunes will Kei introduced to Emi’s life?
Relationship Context
💥 Couple Dynamic
Emi and Kei – Gap Couple
Younger Emi has no goals in life till she met Kei, and Kei looks like she’s always having the time of her life.
🤍 Emi Ashiana– Clueless Cutie
- Knows she’s avoiding the tough decisions
- Unaware of her own skills and adaptability
- Found a reason to do more with her life
🖤 Keiko (Kei) – Stubborn Softie
- Looks like a natural born leader
- Aware of what she wants and does what she can
- Learning to manage her family ties and personal life expectations
| Title | After Hours / Afuta Awazu |
| Author | Yuhta Nishio |
| Status | Completed, 2018 |
| Genre | Modern Yuri |
| Tags | Slice-of-life, Romance, Self-growth, Life Transition |
Review
| Category | Rating (0-3) |
|---|---|
| Romance | 🌸🌸 Heartwarming attempts |
| Intimacy | 🔥🔥 Some action here and there |
| Story | 📝📝 Simple and straightforward |
| Pacing | 🚶🏻♀️🚶🏻♀️ Easy to follow |
| Emotional damage | 🥺 A little here and there |
| Fluff | ☁️ More drama than fluff |
Story Overview
After Hours is a modern life club scene yuri story about:
– One being roped into the vibrant life of the other
– Learning to face one’s avoidance
– Choosing to be true to oneself and having the support to do so
Key Themes
A leap of faith into the unknown:
Emi never enjoyed the clubbing scene and it did not help that a drunk guy tried to hit on her. Things made a turn for the better when Kei came to somewhat rescue her, and it became a one-night stand.
Realising she has growing feelings for Kei, Emi decided to find out what these feelings meant. It felt like she regained a meaning in life, after losing her resolve back in high school when she was motivated and driven.
Different wavelengths and the desire to know more:
The older Kei senses that Emi is a little lost in life and feeling self-conscious about that. With her easygoing presence, she slowly eases Emi to share more, making it clear that there is no need to always be on the same wavelength.
By stating clearly that she really wants to know Emi more as her own person, Kei provides a comforting space for Emi to open up. Given that they only knew each other for a really short time before co-living, this gesture is a green flag to growing a mutual relationship.
Personal Review
As the title suggests, this lighthearted story gave a nice peek into the lives of folks who come alive beyond the usual day time office hours of 9-5. Love the additional meaning of an alternative lifestyle.
This focus on an alternative time period of vibrant life does not belittle nor shy away from realistic hardship like finances, relationship break downs, catching opportunities with new partners, and more.
It is a lovely complement to the leads Emi and Kei’ lives and about how there is no one right way to live a life. Though it’s hard at times, nothing is set in stone and it is possible to find your support circle to live authentically without regrets.
Final Thought
After Hours is a story I will recommend to folks who are looking for modern day yuri about two adults who may encounter roadblocks in life or find themselves stuck with no direction. But so long as they are determined to make the most of their lives, their authenticity will keep them going.
This is ultimately a story about giving yourself a chance to rediscover what you want at this phase in life.
My Rating: 10/10 highly recommended!
What’s something that used to motivate you to be better?
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