Title: Midnight Secretary
Author: Tomu Ohmi
Publisher: Viz Media (Shojo Beat)
Volume: Volume 7 (final), $9.99
Vintage: 2009 by Shogakukan, September 2014 by Viz Media
Genre: Romance, supernatural
[Editor’s note: This is the final volume of this series, so expect some spoilers in this review.]
The head of the Vampire Clan has officially expelled Kyohei for continuing his relationship with the human Kaya (among other things, like his general refusal to cooperate with them anymore). Kyohei is virtually unfazed, and Kaya remains steadfast in her support as his sectary, even if that means finding him new women to feed on since he can no longer take advantage of the Clan’s blood substitute. In response, Kyohei plays a rather mean trick on Kaya by sending her to bring a woman to him…but she turns out to be a scientist he’s been working with to develop a new, better kind of artificial blood. The Clan isn’t exactly thrilled he’s going above their heads again, so for Kaya’s protection, he asks her to move in with him. She’s practically been living with him anyway, but making it official is surprising, plus Kaya lives with and cares for her mother. In response, Kyohei invites her mother to live in the building too, but in order for her mother to accept the circumstances, they would have to be married. A fact Kyohei is, again surprisingly, perfectly fine with. Kaya arranges for Kyohei and her mother to meet, but the Clan interferes, and Kyohei’s secret is exposed to Kaya’s understandably upset mother. She’s convinced, however, and things move forward, despite the Clan’s obvious continued interference with Kyohei’s business operations. Their relationship hits a wall, however, when Kaya suddenly can’t tolerate Kyohei’s touch. Her body rejects him. Not only that, her blood rejects him by becoming poisonous. Searching for answers, Kyohei calls upon the Clan leader’s chief aide for answers, but doesn’t get the explanation he’s looking for. Instead he gets an old wive’s tale that seems to explain the predicament – Kaya is with child. And not just any child, but a powerful vampire who, even so early on, is already defending the life of itself and its mother. Remarkably, Kyohei accepts even this, proving both his maturity and his commitment to Kaya.
The story of vampire Kyohei and his secretary Kaya has come to an end. While I wouldn’t say everything is entirely wrapped up, the story ends in such a way that the reader can imagine the future of these characters on their own. Both Kaya and Kyohei have come to an understanding with each other, their families, and the Vampire Clan. There’s certainly still room for them to grow, but it will be a lot easier now that they understand each other. There’s also plenty of room for their future to be less than happy, but they feel they can work together through any problems that may arise, which is a huge step for them, and it’s in the right direction. Kaya and Kyohei have long tried to deal with their problems on their own, but now they intend to work through everything together, no matter what. And that’s good, because it’s not going to be easy; not that it was very easy before. That said, it seems like Kyohei and Kaya will be the ones to change centuries of vampire tradition. Already they’re pushing their own agenda and wills into the Clan, and that likely will continue. They’re going to live the way they want, without anyone’s permission, and if the Clan can’t handle that, too bad for them. They’ll have to accept it or change. Kyohei’s come a long way from a vampire proud of himself and proud of the Clan, to a vampire who is still filled with pride, but solely for himself (and Kaya, of course), and he no longer cares what the Clan thinks. He’s doing things his way, and that’s that. If they Clan wants to move along with him, he’s willing to work with them, but if not, he doesn’t care. Kaya’s going to be by his side, supporting him, and that’s all he really wants or needs. Kaya hasn’t changed much throughout the volumes, aside from her resolve. To be more precise, her resolve as a woman, since her resolve as a secretary has never faltered. She’s really learned how to balance both roles, though she’ll likely never stop being Kyohei’s secretary, no matter where they are or what they’re doing. Even in the middle of their wedding she’s making phone calls. Kyohei’s come to terms with the fact that her secretary persona isn’t really a persona at all, it’s just part of who she really is. Lots of acceptance, lots of compromise, and lots of love in this final volume. Plus a really nice bonus chapter about Marika that shows Kyohei and Kaya may be rubbing off on her. That’s the end of Kaya and Kyohei’s story, but if you want more Tomu Ohmi romance, Viz has just launched her new series, Spell of Desire.
Kris
kristin@comicattack.net
@girlg33k_kris
