Dallas hates his brother’s best friend, Grayson Scott. He’s annoying, rude and always makes fun of him for no reason.... more>>

But everything changes when they share a drunken kiss… <<less

Noda has never wanted to be a source of disappointment or shame to his family. Raised in a pious, conservative household, he knew he had certain expectations to meet. Get a job, find a wife, have children- these were to be his destiny. But Noda has a secret. 10 years ago, he had a torrid s*xual affair with an acquaintance, a male acquaintance. Noda had kept himself from getting to know Wakasugi too well, hoping to distance himself from emotional entanglements. After all, it had to end sometime s two men couldn't carry on a forever type of relationship. When it got too personal, Noda pushed Wakasugi out of his life.... more>>

Now, Noda is all alone in his newly built house. His wife has left him, and they've had no children together. Then came the unexpected phone call from Wakasugi. Feelings buried for ten long years were given an opportunity to be laid to rest. But the outcome was not as either man expected, as passions that had simmered for ten long, lonely years insist upon a reckoning. Is Wakasugi ready to risk his heart again, and can Noda find the courage to step out of the closet he has locked himself and his emotions into? Two hearts reach across time and emotional distance to feed the fever that burns... <<less

What is love?... more>>

Love is a wound that is unable to be exposed merely from pictures;

Love is a sorrow that is unable to be expressed solely by words;

But love consists of more than just pain and despair,

Love can be exhilarating, it can also be blissful.

Even if it’s ambiguous, it can still be mutually protected for life.

In this novel, there are many stories; some maybe vague, others perhaps clear. <<less

A good-for-nothing from a family of exorcists was given away as a complimentary gift to be another man’s spouse.... more>>

After being stabbed in the back and humiliated, he was married to his mortal foe whom he disliked the most.

His husband was the kindest to him.

His family treated him with total indifference, while his foe treated him with deep affection. <<less

He, Ye Han, was destined to be alone for the rest of his life. However, his destiny had no effect on animals, and he ended up being conquered by a spiritual snake. He took all the sufferings of life in his stride—he was a hypocritical medicinal immortal, a real poison physician, an irresponsible martial arts leader, and also the greatest living bodhisattva in people's hearts. At their first meeting, he snatched its food while it almost strangled him to death.... more>>

At their second meeting, he saved its life despite laughing at its plight, but it returned kindness with ingratitude, biting him and leaving a mark behind. At their third meeting, it saved him from falling off the cliff, and it didn't understand why the man was in such a bad state when he was actually born to enjoy good fortune. In order to find the answer, it stayed by him and never left his side. He later became blind, but couldn’t clear the poison as the antidote had a missing ingredient—its gall. Having fallen for him, it offered him its gall, and he had to return the favour with the rest of his life. <<less

“Quick transmigration world notification: Among the thousands of rules here, safety comes first.” There came a mechanical sound. ... more>>

“Are the male leads the same one?” Fu Yan was surprised to see that handsome man one more time.

The system, “Host, you are so fickle that you are coveting other men.” Fu Yan became flustered upon seeing the suddenly darkened face of the male lead and nervously explained, “No, don’t get me wrong, okay?”

After he won over so many male leads who looked the same, Fu Yan was confused, “Why are the other characters are becoming adorable while the male leads are becoming more pe*verted?” <<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

High school senior, Junya Sawa, gets a new classmate when Uzuki Kobayakawa, the heir to notorious crime syndicate, transfers to his school. The other students... more>> in Junya's class all keep their distance, giving Uzuki a wide berth, however Junya soon becomes good friends with him. Gradually, the two become attracted to one another, but Uzuki's educational "advisor" admonishes him, telling Uzuki that the world he must live in has no room for Junya, and the two are separated. Then, 8 years later, still holding that wound that never healed, the adult Junya reunites with Uzuki... <<less

Takechi Shigeto needs medicine for one of his patients, but can't afford it. a childhood friend sees his problem and pays for it for him.... more>> However, the medicine must be paid back at a cost.. <<less

One moonlit night, Detective Kusaka Daisuke of Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Investigation Department, 1st Division, managed to catch some criminals red-handed in the middle of an... more>> illegal drug deal. Struck by one of the perp's bullets, the detective sought refuge down one of the city's many back alley and stumbled upon a beautiful blond boy. The boy's eyes shone red, his skin unearthly pale like a porcelain doll. He called himself Luca, and against all logic, mysteriously aged into a young man before Kusaka's very eyes! What will become of this chance encounter? Find out in this modern-day fantasy set in the bustling streets of Tokyo. <<less

Zhao Su arrived here in the 35th year of Emperor Jiajing.... more>>

His first wish was only to have a satisfactory meal.

This is a story of a boy who goes from being a poverty-stricken son of a concubine to becoming the Grand Secretary of the Great Ming.

This is also a tragic story of hard work, to train the little bratty child to become the promising young emperor, but in the end he was overwhelmed by the brat.

This is the best time period, Jiajing Emperor, Zhang Juzheng, Xu Jie, Yan Song, stars gathering, fighting openly.

This is also the worst time period, the Emperor is obsessed with achieving immortality, the court officials are forming factions, the court is a dog eat dog arena, the country is also facing internal and external conflict. The North has the Tartar, the Southeast has the Wukou, as well as heavy taxes. The common people cannot stand the hardship, the entire Ming dynasty is on the brink of collapse.

What can his existence change? <<less

The cool, attractive chemistry teacher Kuroki reaches out to the timid, lonely Tomoya. He forces his man-heat into Tomoya's sensitive body at school and on... more>> the train they commute by together; forcing Tomoya to drown in lustful pleasure. Pleasure and shame turns into attraction, and Tomoya begins to bloom. As his lonely heart trembles at this unpredictable love, the always kind Sakisaka sweetly approaches him... The men's ecstatic love hungers for Tomoya's affection. <<less

“Nice to meet you, I’m Yoon Hwayoung.”... more>>

The man, more beautiful than a woman, smiled like a flower. Gyuwon, his bodyguard, flushed up to his ears with his head bowed. Nearly two meters tall, lean muscles, bronze skin, tall nose, pronounced cupid’s bow, thick eyebrows, and narrow eyes… This shy man’s appearance was too hideous despite being a bodyguard. Born with an athletic physique and senses, he made a living as a mercenary, but stopped because had such a complex that he planned on getting plastic surgery.

Compared to him, Hwayoung was beautiful. With an amazingly beautiful face, fantastic body, and a well-paid job, he was the third son of the Yoon Group, a nationwide gang syndicate. He was being stalked for his exquisite charm. The Yoon Group hires Gyuwon to protect their beloved, youngest family member and reluctantly welcomes him, but Hwayoung’s eyes immediately shone. To Hwayoung who wanted to raise a big, strong, pretty cat, Gyuwon was the ideal man he had been looking for.

One day, he followed Hwayoung into a gay, exclusive SM club, “DUNGEON,” while guarding him.

“Do you know what I’m best at? Recognizing masochists. Must be instinctual.”

Hwayoung looked at Gyuwon with a kind but cruel smile. Seeing at a glance that Gyuwon was an SMer with an inclination for being a gay sub, Hwayoung suggested that they be play partners… Gyuwon realized that the ideal type he’d always wanted was right in front of him, and felt that he would unconditionally obey Hwayoung. He weakly resisted, but when Hwayoung’s hand touched him, a groan escaped his throat.

“Your crying voice is really lovely, Gyuwon.”

Gyuwon’s back felt sweetly numb. The oncoming pain from was just a prelude to sweet pleasure. <<less

It is a story about a plain Ω that has s*x after drinking sake and is worried about the relationship between them.

During Grand Elder Bai’s birthday banquet, the always mysterious Feng Long, the Alliance Leader of Wulin, came to personally offer his birthday wishes, making the old man brimming with smiles.... more>>

When the distinguished guest graced everyone with his presence, the joyous atmosphere grew even stronger. Whilst the eyes of the crowd as well as their admiration and envy focused on the pride of Wulin, Feng Long’s eyes, instead fell upon the most inconspicuous corner of the birthday banquet.

“I, Feng Long, am untalented. To think that there is such a handsome new talent in Wulin. May I ask this honorable friend for your name?”

The people from the Bai family secretly frowned. The guests in the hall were also distinguished and outstanding talents, why was it that the stain of the Bai Family, the most unloved by his father, the third young master of the Bai Family, who was not even allowed to learn the Bai family’s style of martial arts, had attracted the attention of the Alliance Leader, Feng Long?

This is the world-famous Bilu sword?

After one meeting, Bai Shaoqing immediately came to a conclusion: this person was powerful, he should not stay any longer at the Bai Family Manor. Out of the thirty-six stratagems, fleeing was the best answer. <<less

Kanae is a university student whose "cold beauty" has led people to spread nasty rumors about his promiscuity. In truth, Kanae is a virg*n, and... more>> is secretly in love with the Don Juan of the campus, Yuuichi. Poor Kanae would do anything to be with Yuuichi, even if it meant a merely s*xual relationship with no feelings involved. But when the opportunity arises, can he settle for anything less than love? <<less

This is a typical story of love and betrayal between a mafia boss and an undercover cop.

The most f*cked-up separation in the world, is that there is a baby in your belly when you break up with someone.... more>>

Bo Yu draws on his cigarette, slowly puffing out the smoke, and looks at the little boy lying in bed with deep eyes.

Two years later, he finally comes back. <<less

When college freshman Jack encounters his mysterious roommate, Aiden, on campus, their friendship slowly evolves into a sweet yet challenging love story. Faced with pressures... more>> from family and society, they must work together to find their own happiness while guarding their secret. This story is filled with growth, courage, and true love, leaving readers immersed in unforgettable emotions. <<less

Zhuo Hua had been terribly suffering from diseases all his life. On his twenty-third birthday, he passed away quietly in the hospital bed. Unexpectedly, he transmigrated into a cultivation book and accordingly gained a healthy body. Looking at the little boy, Nan Chen, he thought that he was definitely going to treat him well this time.... more>>

Nan Chen, a boy supposed to be specially privileged, established his cultivation foundation at the age of ten. Having been favored by his master, he never thought that his master was actually a hypocrite who had actually killed his parents. Besides, Nan Chen was raised by his master as a cauldron, an instrument which worked as a catalyzer to cultivate immortality. Apart from it, his master was so evil that he would be turned on upon seeing a male… Nan Chen finally acquired the Demons’ Book and became the Demon Lord. Nonetheless, he had never expected to be killed by his master in the end. <<less

Toru lost his most of his memory in an accident. He can’t remember anything that happened from the past six years. But with time, yet... more>> he struggles, he slowly recovers his memory. He feels as if he is a different person now, and he hates “the other guy” – the “himself” from six years ago… And thinking, Fujishima was his friend, felt like he was being watched over like a guardian angel but in the end he’s betrayed. Miserable and emotionally drained, Toru is trying not to relive in the shadow of his past. He is trying to move on with his new life… but harder he tries, he finds himself being pulled in by Fujishima. <<less

Fujishima’s wound he suffered from protecting Tooru has healed and he’s finally been released from the hospital. Their life together starts again once more. Tooru... more>> wants them to live together as lovers, but Fujishima refuses, saying “I have no intentions of loving you.” Is Fujishima afraid of Tooru remembering something in particular if he regains his memories? The bonds of the past are finally becoming clearer... <<less

After losing his memory in a serious car accident, Tohru Takahisa is taken in by Fujishima, an older man who claims to be his friend. But the taciturn Fujishima refuses to reveal anything about Tohru’s past! Despite the gulf between them, a strange and awkward tenderness grows, even as they are held apart by the tragic events of Tohru’s forgotten past! Dramatic, heart-wrenching romance and tragedy combine in a gripping story where the past and present are intricately entwined.... more>>

Reading order of the series:
Cold Sleep
Cold Light
Cold Fever <<less

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

Tomoki Naruse has just started his freshman year in high school. And as with all healthy, young men at his age, he's been dreaming of... more>> s*x. But Tomoki isn’t having normal wet dreams like his classmates! In his nightmares, err… dreams his partner is a man and to make things worse, Tomoki is on the bottom! Aside from Tomoki’s unsettling dreams, high school life is fun – especially with his new, handsome, best friend Yugo Oda. But Yugo is no ordinary freshman; he is involved in mysterious activities that Tomoki can’t even begin to imagine… <<less