“Love from the Tip of the Tongue” is a boys’ love manga written and illustrated by An Momose. Originally titled “Shitasaki kara Koi”, it is published by Futabasha under the Chillche Comics imprint and was one of the label’s inaugural releases. The first collected volume was published in Japan on March 10, 2023, followed by the second volume on May 20, 2024 and the third on July 18, 2025. The third volume concludes the story of Tatsunari and Minori. Yen Press began publishing the English edition, translated by Katelyn Smith, on May 26, 2026.
The series had surpassed 450,000 copies in print and digital circulation by July 2025. Its first volume placed sixth in the Fetish category of the 2024 BL Awards, while the second volume ranked third in the same category at the 2025 BL Awards. Special editions have also been released with drama CDs and additional illustrated material, while Futabasha has produced a series of short animated adaptations
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The story takes place in a world inhabited by ordinary humans and two additional categories known as Forks and Cakes. Forks completely lose their sense of taste but can experience an intensely sweet flavour through the bodily fluids of Cakes. Because some Forks are unable to control their appetites and commit crimes against Cakes, they are frequently treated as potential criminals. Tatsunari, a popular high school senior, conceals the fact that he is a Fork in order to maintain a normal life.
One day, Tatsunari saves Minori, a serious and reserved younger student who works on the school library committee, from an accident. When Minori’s sweat accidentally enters his mouth, Tatsunari discovers that the younger boy is a Cake. After Minori offers to do anything to repay him, Tatsunari asks him to participate in private meals consisting of kisses. As their arrangement continues, Tatsunari attempts to distinguish his predatory instincts from his feelings for Minori. Meanwhile, Minori’s willingness to be consumed conceals emotions and personal circumstances that gradually complicate their relationship.
An Momose writes a manga that is definitely erotic, with this approach beginning almost immediately after the two protagonists meet. Tatsunari is a Fork who loves licking Minori, while the latter enjoys the experience at least as much and eventually begins asking for it, even though he has trouble communicating his desires. This dynamic provides the foundation for the eroticism here. The fact that Tatsunari asks the Cake to close his eyes, along with the vampiric quality of their encounters, adds even more to the concept.
Furthermore, after the two separate and eventually get together again, the book becomes almost entirely erotic, with nudity in abundance, including depictions of genitalia. The sex is quite graphic, although it is presented tastefully. The closer the two become emotionally, the more sexual their interactions become, with this aspect eventually emerging as the book’s main focus.
In that regard, the context is actually rather thin. The difficulties of being open about a homosexual relationship in Japan essentially provide the only notable social comment, and even that is somewhat lost amid the interactions between the two protagonists. Although the Fork and Cake concept could provide opportunities to explore discrimination, predatory instincts and the fear surrounding relationships between the two groups, the first volume largely uses the setting as the foundation for erotic encounters.
The artwork is also serviceable, with the character design following the established conventions of the boys’ love category. Both protagonists are tall, lean and quite beautiful, although in different ways. Tatsunari’s more outgoing appearance contrasts effectively with Minori’s serious expression, glasses and restrained demeanor. The way the two have grown during their second meeting is also portrayed realistically, although there is nothing particularly distinctive about the visual approach.
In the end, “Love from the Tip of the Tongue” is an erotic boys’ love manga addressed almost exclusively to fans who want the emphasis to remain on eroticism. Perhaps, however, the following volumes will delve deeper into the two young men, their relationship and the broader concept of Forks and Cakes.
