Best Boys Love Manga of 2013

There is a tune stuck in Mafuyu Satou's head. As he clutches the guitar in his hands, this melody swirls around and around, screaming words of regret, longing, and loss. But with his careless expression that always seems to be up in the clouds, no one knows his true feelings. However, a chance encounter with classmate Ritsuka Uenoyama may finally give Mafuyu the push to let his voice be heard. Uenoyama is the guitarist of a band, whose fellow members include the kindhearted bassist Haruki Nakayama and rough-looking drummer Akihiko Kaji. Even without a vocalist, their ragtag group has done well as an instrumental-only band. However, their chance to reach even greater heights may have arrived when Uenoyama hears Mafuyu's voice—Uenoyama is enchanted, inviting the reluctant Mafuyu to join. Working in a band is a difficult task; often, emotions threaten to break it apart, but they can also bring its members closer together. With Uenoyama's help, Mafuyu may finally be able to express the feelings that fight to break free from within his heart.

Kouhei Sugihara lives in a world of total isolation due to him being hard-of-hearing. However, when the loud and boisterous Taichi Sagawa comes into his life, Kouhei discovers that Taichi's voice alone shines as bright as the sun. Easily misunderstood by most people, Taichi is taken aback when Kouhei notices his good-natured personality. Taichi's valiant personality urges Kouhei to demand more for himself, pushing him into the lively world that he had always yearned to live in. Through this, Taichi helps Kouhei find a community of people who are willing to listen and understand, though they might have to repeat themselves more than once. Through the ups and downs of living in two very different worlds, Taichi and Kouhei find a connection that transcends all barriers and runs deeper than just a regular friendship. Hidamari ga Kikoeru is a touching story about loneliness, self-respect, and finding a bond through the commonalities that we all share as people.

In the spring of their high school days, Yuiji Hasegawa suspects that his kind but quiet classmate, Yamato Yoshinaga, has feelings for his straight best friend, Kyousuke Hongou. Ending up in the same study group, he stumbles upon Yamato holding a sleeping Kyousuke's hand, with embarrassment apparent on his face after being exposed. Despite having qualms about Yamato's homosexuality, Yuiji keeps what he saw a secret, thus marking the beginning of their friendship. The two boys' experiences with love differ vastly, but their bond seems to grow as they try to understand each other. However, the question remains: could their relationship evolve into something more?

Bloody is a vampire unlike any other that Ichirou Rosario di Maria has met. He has red hair and red eyes, refuses to drink blood or hurt humans, and cannot die even when exposed to sunlight. The two meet when Bloody rescues Ichirou from a group of vampires who desire the coveted "Blood of Maria" running through his veins—its delicious scent lures in vampires like a siren call, which has caused Ichirou recurring problems. After defeating the low-level nuisances, Bloody begs Ichirou, whom he calls "Maria," to finally end his interminable life. At first, Ichirou is skeptical that Bloody is as harmless as he seems, and does not know why he would be able to successfully kill a seemingly immortal vampire. As it turns out, Bloody has him confused with another "Maria"—Isaac Rosario di Maria—a famed priest and exorcist who lived four hundred years ago. Ichirou inherited the cross-shaped rosario that his grandfather carried, and should possess the same ability to exorcise even the strongest vampires—such as Bloody—but is unfortunately unaware how to call upon his dormant powers. Determined to survive the repeated attacks on himself, Ichirou makes a deal with Bloody, who he renames "Mary"—until the day comes that Ichirou can fulfill Mary's death wish, the vampire must do everything he can to protect this single human.

On his way back from work on Christmas night, Yamada (26) discovers a drunk and crying high school boy and takes him home. That boy was mulling over being in love with someone of the same sex. A straight adult and a gay high-schooler. It is a piece that sets gender aside as their hearts grow ever closer.

Yuri, one of the school's most handsome guys, and Jaerim, one of the school's ugliest, collide! Or don't they... Can't understand what's going on between these two! It's out of control!

Shy bookstore clerk Kosuke Mikado has the ability to see ghosts and spirits, an ability he wishes he didn't have, since what he sees usually terrifies him. Rihito Hiyakawa, an exorcist whose supernatural powers are as strong as his social graces are weak, doesn't seem to fear anything, mortal or otherwise. When this odd couple gets together to solve the bizarre cases that come their way, their work methods may not be entirely safe for work!

The story of a watchmaker's grandson and a regular, who always brings in the same pocket watch for repairs.

Chiaki Kirino is a regular high school boy with nothing. No family, no money... and no home in the near future unless he finds a job before graduation. His heart is also empty, always looking at the same boy, Fujio, never finding the courage to start a conversation, partly in fear because he knows he has nothing to offer. Just being in the same space with Fujio makes him content, or so he thinks. But one day Fujio comes and sweeps him off his feet in a sudden confession. What is really happening, and how should he react to this?