In order to help their chief find a wife, the bandits kidnapped a woman from the bottom of the mountain in order to offer her up to him.... more>>

The chief of the mountain stronghold, Lu Cang falls in love at first sight with the absolutely stunning beauty!

However, on the night of the consummation... <<less

Kyoutarou is walking home from college the way he usually does when he encounters a scene he never expected to. This is how he first... more>> met Yuuki and started his relationship with the Yajima family. <<less

On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

Despite getting along well with his difficult stepmother and earning the admiration of his sisters, he never expected married life with the prince to be so challenging.... more>>

He used to work as a doctor but passed away due to an accident. To his surprise, he was reborn into a completely different world.

In his new life, he became a wealthy young man and had a chance encounter with the prince, who was escaping his royal duties. The prince’s seemingly cold demeanor but kind hearted nature deeply intrigued him. He made it his mission to help the prince heal his legs, which were injured during the war, and couldn’t help but hope for a romantic relationship to blossom between them.

Eventually, his wish came true and he married the prince, but navigating the challenges posed by his difficult stepmother and sisters paled in comparison to the difficulties he faced as the prince’s spouse. <<less

Find out Shao Lang’s unexpected encounter in the tram.

[Knights-only membership gay club. The muscular, macho Demon King, available all day]
After the holy war, the demon world fell into ruin when the economy collapsed. The soldiers left the Demon King, who was unable to pay their monthly salaries. And Hel, the King of the demon world, didn’t want to live relying on his two servants, and also wanted take back his soldiers with his own hands once more.... more>>

But in the 300 or so years he had lived, he never attended kindergarten, let alone received formal education. Of course, there was little he could do about it.

Only one place contacted him to come for an interview. There, he received a business card, but the Demon King Hel couldn’t read human language.

He didn’t know what was written on it, but tightly held the business card in his hand, and began his part-time job from henceforth.

“These are the kind of jobs we do here.”

“I see.”

The interviewer gave his card. Hel took and held it, but he couldn’t read human language. He couldn’t read it, but casually nodded his head as if he could.

“Are you still going to do it?”

“Yes. The money will be given as promised, right?”

“If you don’t run away for a month, I’ll give you as much money as advertised.”

“Good.”

The interviewer’s eyebrow suddenly rose as if surprised at Hel’s answer, but immediately went blank once more.

“You may go now. You can go to work by this time tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

Hel got up from his seat without any hesitation, and there where he sat was a single, imposing business card:

[Knights-only membership gay club. From muscular macho to pretty boys, available all day] <<less

"Even when we go through changes…"... more>>

Despite the impermanence of the world and the shifting of people and things.

"Even when we’re old…"

Even when time has passed and youth fades away.

"Remember that I told you…"

Remember my promise.

"I’ll find our way back home…"

I will find our place of belonging.

"You will never be alone…"

I will always be by your side.

When Jiang Ying returns to his hometown, he encounters the divine being he once knew in his youth. As the story unfolds, long-buried secrets resurface, revealing a tale of devotion, mystery, and destiny.

Featuring: Xuan Shen, the aloof and enigmatic deity, and Jiang Ying, a withdrawn young man seeking solace and answers.

Themes: Supernatural encounters, destined partnerships, metaphysics, and an intense, emotionally gripping narrative.

Set in the modern world of the Heavenly Deity Universe, this story blends elements of the mystical and profound with an unforgettable bond that transcends time and space. <<less

The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis. ... more>>

With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach. <<less

In a world where mistakes are not forgiven, Han Taeju, a pilot hardened by the skies, lives by a simple code: never back down. When a rookie's error brings him face-to-face with Lee Chayoung, a weary air traffic controller, their worlds collide in the cold steel of the control tower.... more>>

Taeju, sharp as the edge of a broken bottle, sees the world in black and white. Chayoung, caught in the storm of his wrath, never imagined their paths would cross beyond that moment.

When fate and folly bring Taeju to his door, the encounter is a collision neither of them expected. A chance meeting leads to shared drinks, and before they know it, the prickly exterior of Taeju begins to crack. What starts as a clash of wills slowly kindles into something neither of them expected, something deeper, something that could either anchor them or send them spiraling into unknown skies.

But what happens when the sky falls quiet and the only sound is the beating of two hearts? The world outside keeps moving, but in their silence, a new story begins. <<less

In the previous life, Ling Fan was a total loser and poor cannon folder who fell in love with a white lotus. After rebirth, he wanted to be a smart guy.... more>>

As for the white lotus? Sorry, I would no longer have feelings for you! As for his rival in love, the man who could crush him like crushing an ant, he remembered him! When he was strong enough, he’d get even with him!

See how a young man who got his bad side awakened after rebirth married his rival in love and climbed to the pinnacle of life!

Oh, by the way, Ling Fan was the top! <<less

Years later, the successful Chen Shu returned to his hometown for the New Year and encountered a man buying cheap cigarettes at the town's small shop.... more>>

Sleepless late at night, his phone rang.

"I ran into Jiang Yuan."

"The one who made you transfer high schools? What are you going to do?"

"Have some fun with him, of course."

Under the guise of revenge, after multiple failed attempts at seduction, Chen Shu dropped his pretense and laid his cards on the table.

"I'll pay off your debts, you be my lover."

"Why me?" Jiang Yuan suddenly looked up at Chen Shu, his lake-like eyes trembling, revealing bloodshot and pitiful eyes.

A playful and smug smile curved Chen Shu's lips. He slowly leaned closer to Jiang Yuan, his voice low and cruel. "Don't you know yet? Jiang Yuan, I liked you back in high school. I became gay because of you, you were my f*cking first love. So, shouldn't you take responsibility?"

However, the hunter, thinking he was in control, high above, found himself falling once more, uncontrollably. <<less

How it all started – Hai Ri committed su*cide, and then failed to succeed.... more>>

He encountered many who came to this place because they committed su*cide, and the person with the highest points among them was Hai Ri’s idol, whom he thought had long passed on.

Hai Ri turned pale with fright. “You’re not dead yet?”

His idol: …

As a result, Hai Ri cautiously and conscientiously became a competent mom fan in this world as well. “Son, mother supports you in whatever you do.”

Several tasks later, his idol asked, “Do you really like me?”

Hai Ri: “Yup I do, why ask such a thing?”

His idol: “What type of like?”

Hai Ri: ?

Hai Ri was silent for a moment. “Any type is fine?”

Amidst a bunch of people who faced death with no fear, Hai Ri realized that he didn’t actually want to die all that much anymore. He wanted to go back, stand among hordes of people, and listen to a concert by his little idol’s group.

My idol will save the world, and I will save my idol. <<less

"Love in the Dark" is a forbidden love story set in the deadly world of the mafia. The protagonist, heir to a powerful organization, lives... more>> a cold and ruthless life. One day, caught between two men who hide their conflicting emotions, tension and passion begin to unfold. As they fall deeper into the darkness, they must face an inevitable fate, and ultimately, they have no choice but to choose love. <<less

Song Yu has three requirements for Yue Zhishi:... more>>

– You cannot call me gege in public.

– We won’t do anything together in public.

– You cannot let other people know you live with me.

Yue Zhishi has always been obediently following these rules. They were practically strangers at school. At the opening ceremony, he suddenly collapsed due to an allergy-related asthma attack, sending everything into chaos. At this moment, the student representative Song Yu suddenly stopped speaking…….

That night, a hot post appeared on the school forum.

【Shock!! Our junior high school department male idol and our senior high school department male idol are actually ‘brothers’!】

—————

Ever since his father brought back a mixed-race baby when he was six years old, Song Yu’s life has been completely entangled by this clingy little guy who couldn’t speak Chinese well.

Le Le who was in kindergarten: Xiao Yu gege, my classmate said today that he has a beautiful sister-in-law. What is a sister in law?
Song Yu: His older brother’s wife.
Le Le: No! I don’t want a sister-in-law!
Song Yu: ……
Le Le: I’ll be your sister-in-law! (Something isn’t quite right…….)
Song Yu: Please study up on Chinese familial relationships.
Le Le: Wait, wait. I’ll be my sister-in-law!
Song Yu: ……

Mouth says one thing but body does another, cat-like gong x mixed-race, obedient and straightforward puppy-like shou.

1. Childhood sweethearts with older gong. Slice of life (with some twists and turns), with a lot of scenes involving eating. Those who like fast-paced stories, be cautious.
2. Shou is in third year of junior high at the start of the story. There is no blood or legal relationship between the shou and the gong. Remember, they’re not under the same household registration book.
3. Gong spoils and dotes on shou. Very strong double sided arrow, essentially younger brother complex x older brother complex.
4. Cute shou, not strong shou.
5. There is a wlw side couple, not much scenes.
6. Please don’t read if you can’t take even a little bit of unexpected events. This is not solely a sweet fluffy novel.

CWs: light PTSD, talk of su*cide/self-harm, talk of death/dying, h*mophobia (from side characters). Please do not read if these make you uncomfortable. <<less

A trapping game attracted Gu He and he was forced to show his love.... more>>

Unexpectedly, words said in the game were taken as true.

Lu Chuan replied:”Then I will be your boyfriend.”

What? A boyfriend for a boy? <<less

Han Tingxuan who started from scratch and now was president a big company died in a car accident.... more>>

Heaven blessed! He was reborn, but the target was a bit awful.

He was a punk, who got two mu of barren land, parents died, a husband, and a shabby hut.

He liked drinking, gambling and all bad habits, and good at brawling and beating his wife… What kind of person is that???

After going in such a body, Han Tingxuan was super sullen. But as he saw his husband… In a world there was no women but only men, he found that… it was not that bad now! <<less

Charlie wants to be a racecar driver but he doesn't have a racecar of his own. The only solution he comes up with is to... more>> make a bizarre agreement with king of the raceway Babe, nicknamed Pit Babe. Even stranger, Babe agrees to help Charlie realize his dream. <<less

After a car accident, Zhou Chaosheng lost his memory, and everyone around him, including his arch-enemy, Jiang Yuanye, was aware of his amnesia.... more>>

One month later, Zhou Chaosheng regained his memories.

But just as he started suspecting Jiang Yuanye as the main culprit behind the accident, Jiang unexpectedly showed up at his door.

“Chaosheng, I’ve come to take you home.”

Zhou Chaosheng was stunned for a couple of seconds. Torn between punching Jiang and testing his motives, he chose the latter. “And you are…?”

His once mortal enemy, who used to fight him tooth and nail, suddenly embraced him tenderly and said, “Baby, how could you forget me? I’m your one and only true love.”

Zhou Chaosheng: “…”

[From the perspective of the other protagonist]

Since high school, Jiang Yuanye couldn’t stand Zhou Chaosheng’s spoiled rich-boy attitude.

After entering the professional world, he found Zhou even more infuriating. Zhou Chaosheng had meddled in Jiang’s business deal, ruining the project Jiang was determined to secure. Jiang then vowed to get a revenge.

When Zhou had a car accident, lost his memory, and was confined to a wheelchair, Jiang seized the opportunity. He pretended to be Zhou’s boyfriend, purely to disgust Zhou when his memories eventually returned.

But then…

When the elevator malfunctioned, the lights went out, and Jiang saw Zhou trembling uncontrollably, breathing anxiously, and whispering broken cries for help…

Before Jiang’s brain could catch up, his body had already moved to embrace Zhou.

“It’s okay. I’m here.”

—

Features:

• A prideful, soft-hearted, elite gong x straightforward, free-spirited, talented shou.

• Equally strong, mutual pampering, balanced relationship.

• Both characters are initially straight. <<less

Reborn for a second life, the long-suffering Zuo Shaoqing was determined to settle scores and grievances.... more>>

He would seize what needed seizing, and fight for what needed fighting.

Who said a bastard couldn’t lead a household?

Who said officials couldn’t love wealth?

Who said men couldn’t love freely?

Who said the top scholar couldn’t marry another man?

As long as it’s something I like, I’ll take it all! <<less

He hadn't even met his so-called "fiancé" when he found himself labeled as an "abandoned husband." Discussing marriage had always been a sensitive topic for... more>> him, but he ended up falling victim to a cunning plot that involved marriage, dowry theft, and a seemingly arrogant "high and mighty" family. Those individuals who posed as "orphans" and "villains" wore sinister grins on their faces. They audaciously conspired against this young master, ensuring that peace eluded his family day in and day out. And now, what was this? The supposed "orphan" had suddenly transformed into a royal grandson?! Tears welled up in Lin Yuxing's eyes as he exclaimed, "My love, let's continue our days of togetherness!" <<less

Soon after the youngest son in the Fang family was born, he was taken away by a human trafficker and ended up in a small... more>> village. Ten years later, his biological parents found him and took him back. Fang Yan followed his parents back to the capital city while holding all his possessions–one chicken, one duck, and a basket of eggs. There was nothing bad about the city except a lack of land. Fortunately, he had his mobile space. <<less

Born as a beta man, Jun-Kyung thought he would die and live a normal life until he suddenly manifested as an Omega. After living a life that changed all over the place in a day, he gave up ju-do, which was like life, and became the exclusive bodyguard for a wealthy family.... more>>

Still he thought he was going to die living a quiet life until he had an accident with his employer’s son.

No, it wasn’t until he found out he was pregnant.

“Is there anyone other than us who knows this?”

Even before accepting the fact that he was pregnant, the other person calmly proposed to him as if he was offering a glass of water.

“Jun-kyung Ho, let’s get married.”

The problem was the person who proposed marriage was the older brother, not the child’s biological father. Jun-kyung’s life which was just normal become intertwined with him and turns into a drama overnight. <<less

In a universe where time-travel violations have thrown reality into chaos, Pei Yuan, a stoic and disciplined team leader, is tasked with capturing rogue time travelers. When the organization assigns him a partner—Jian Yu, a mysterious cat-person who seems more adept at charming others than fighting—Pei Yuan is less than pleased. "A cat-person who only knows how to please others? Not on my team," he declares.... more>>

But despite their initial animosity, Pei Yuan soon realizes there’s more to Jian Yu than meets the eye. During a mission in the perilous Stellar Domain's Hidden Valley, Jian Yu takes on a giant serpent single-handedly, revealing a strength and skill Pei Yuan never expected. As they navigate illusions and face hidden dangers, Pei Yuan's appreciation and curiosity for Jian Yu continue to grow, turning distrust into a reluctant admiration. <<less

A song from within the depth of the cosmos. A protagonist with curious beginnings encounters a Star Knight, steering starships deeper yet into space to lead us on a journey full of adventures and unknowns. ... more>>

Klorin, the dark King of Falling Star. The death of a hundred billion stars and the life of the man-made god, Yshzur.

The Republic, the Empire, and the Legion of Falling Star. These three major forces would bring about a ruthless annexation of the Last Utopia. <<less