It is a sad fact that (in America at least) it’s perfectly acceptable for a comic or movie to show blatant violence, but the mere hint of sexuality is taboo. Indeed, it is more than taboo. It seems at times that it’s perfectly acceptable for a story to have blood and gore, but the moment a breast is flashed (even if the character is just breastfeeding a child), it’s wrong and wicked. Comics have compensated for this insane mindset by labeling specific strips NSFW (Not Safe For Work) and hiding the comic behind a link-screen. However, it is the rare comic that is NSFW for violence and disturbing content rather than for nudity and sexual situations.

Several times now, Red String has used NSFW link-pages to conceal sexual situations in the comic. Mind you, these scenes would warrant at best a PG-13 rating (as even the nudity in the latest update is carefully concealed behind limbs). If I remember correctly, this is the third time that Miharu and Kazuo have ended up in an intimate (sexual) situation… and for once, they weren’t disturbed partway in. It’s a natural evolution for the story and for these two young lovers… and while I wonder at the repercussions when Miharu learns that Kazuo’s dad wants to terminate their engagement, I also have to admire the pacing and naturalness of the scene.

Especially amusing is when Miharu gives Kazuo a condom. I can’t think of another comic off hand that has condom use in it, outside of Least I Could Do (which has a bleeding condom over the “I” in its title). And much like in real life, it’s an awkward moment that causes the strip to pause for a brief moment. However, it actually works well here, partly because of Miharu’s immensely cute blush as she offers the condom package to her beau, and because of the expressions on her and Kazuo’s face. The condom isn’t a demand. Instead, it’s a promise. It states “this time, we’re going through with it.” What’s more, it’s an affirmation of this relationship. Leading up until now, we’ve seen hints of events that threaten to tear these two apart. Kazuo’s rejected that. Miharu’s too important to him, too much a part of him to just abandon.