Manga Review: Lovers on the Last Train
Lovers on the Last Train is a light hearted story about finding love in your 40s and trying to navigate a new frontier.
Official Summary
Harue, a forty-two-year-old gay man, hasn't had a single date in his life. Deciding to try out his company's dating app, he's surprised when he matches with the suspiciously hot Fujishima. Harue has his doubts, of course. Fujishima is sexy, smart, and kind--too good to be true. However, once they start talking, Harue gets butterflies for the first time. The conversation and alcohol flow freely, and before they know it, they've missed the last train, left with no choice but to spend the night together...
Quick Information
Mangaka: Dayoo
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Published: December 16, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance, BL Romance, Slice of Life
Rating: Older Teen (15+)
Series Status: Complete
Review
Harue is an overworked office worker who has never dated anyone. Now in his 40s he is matched with Fujishima, a wedding planner, through a dating app. They spend the night drinking and talking, and before long they miss the last train.
One of the themes that caused me to gravitate to this title was the older main character and the fact that Harue had never dated someone. I was curious about those themes since we don’t normally see them in manga that often. While we do see the realistic awkwardness from a pessimist like Harue, the story wasn’t as deep as I would have liked. The nervousness that Harue feels permeates every scene, but it left me wishing the characters would work through that more in the story. The fast pace of the story being shoved into a single volume took away some of the interesting story elements that could have flourished given more runtime.
Fujishima was very understanding as a love interest. He navigated his relationship with Harue at Harue’s own pace and never forced Harue to do anything he wasn’t ready to do. I did find it a bit awkward he kept being stalked by his ex throughout the story. This subplot heavily competed with the main storyline.
The love confession comes out of left field after they only meet each other a handful of times. I would have rather enjoyed a slower pace with them getting to know each other and falling in love, but I understand that can be hard to accomplish in a single volume.
Romance fans who are looking for a BL with spice, you won’t find that particular seasoning here. The romance stays very light, with only kissing and hand holding.
The art style is nice with distinct character designs. Harue’s awkwardness especially shines on each page between his bright blushes and nervous facial expressions. The cover especially drew me in with its framing. You won’t find complex backgrounds here but none of that takes away from the story overall.
If you are interested in reading a fluffy and sweet story about two middle aged men with no real drama, then pick up a copy of Lovers on the Last Train.
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