"Before the Last Breath" is an emotionally powerful Yaoi (BL) manga about Raiden and Shun, two men with a love story shaped by time and tragedy. Raiden, a terminally ill man, is emotionally distant and keeps everyone, especially those who care for him, at arm’s length. He believes that pushing others away is the only way to protect them from the inevitable heartbreak of his passing. Shun, a kind and persistent young man, refuses to accept Raiden’s cold demeanor and begins to break through the walls Raiden has built around himself.
The two meet when Raiden visits a local coffee shop, where Shun works, and Shun makes a conscious effort to engage with him. Despite Raiden’s hostility and emotional distance, Shun continues to reach out, slowly offering warmth and care. Over time, Raiden reveals fragments of his illness and the emotional toll it takes on him, but still refuses to open up fully, afraid of the pain it would bring to anyone who cares.
As the story progresses, Shun’s unwavering support and kindness begin to chip away at Raiden’s cold exterior. Though Raiden continues to struggle with his fears of loss, he eventually starts to accept that love can bring healing, even if it’s only for a short time. With Shun by his side, Raiden learns that love doesn’t always have to be forever to be meaningful.
The story culminates in a bittersweet ending, where Raiden’s health declines, and he faces the inevitable truth of his mortality. In his final moments, Raiden admits his love for Shun, finding peace in the time they shared together. Shun, despite the heartbreak, is grateful for the chance to love Raiden, and the two part ways with the knowledge that their bond, though brief, transcended time and loss.