We’ve all stumbled upon that one BL manga where a guy confidently says he’s straight—but just one person ends up flipping his entire world upside down. It’s not your usual “guy meets guy, sparks fly” setup. No, these stories sneak up on you with emotional tension, awkward realizations, and slow-burn chemistry that shouldn’t work… but totally does.
That’s the charm of BL manga with unexpected straight x gay ships. They blur lines, challenge labels, and show that attraction and love don’t always follow a script. Whether it’s a straight seme trying to understand feelings he’s never felt before, or a straight uke slowly drawn in by someone who sees right through him—these pairings hit deep. Not just because of the romance, but because of the messiness, vulnerability, and honest confusion they bring.
Here are 7 BL manga that explore straight x gay dynamics in ways that feel tender, complicated, and often way more relatable than the standard formula. If you like your ships with emotional tension, unexpected tenderness, and a little bit of chaos—this list is for you.
1. Renchin!
Straight(?) x Gay — Cooking, Healing, and Second Chances
In Renchin!, a lonely gay man who’s given up on love finds an unexpected spark with a cheerful TV host… who can’t even taste food. Their connection starts through shared meals but slowly peels back layers of trauma, warmth, and maybe—just maybe—romance. Is Waki straight? Is Kami ready to love again? You’ll be aching and rooting for them through every gentle, food-filled page.
2. Himitsu ni Shiro yo!!
Straight(?) x Gay — Crossdressing, Comedy, and Confused Hearts
A high schooler with a secret crossdressing hobby is exposed by a classmate who doesn’t exactly know how to react. What follows is a weirdly wholesome game of "I'll follow you around to keep you quiet," and somehow, something cute and confusing starts to blossom. The way Oozeki (the “straight” one) reacts is awkwardly charming, and watching Koshika slowly open up is just… adorable chaos.
3. Elektel Delusion
“Not That Gay” x Gay — Best Friends, Jealousy, and Denial
Shunpei and Fumi have been best friends forever… until Fumi casually announces he's dating a guy. Suddenly, Shunpei is spiraling—he’s not mad Fumi’s gay, but why does it bug him so much that Fumi chose someone else? This manga is full of jealous panic, clueless denial, and hilarious moments that somehow still manage to tug at your heart.
4. Yoru ga Aketemo
Straight x Gay — Casual Turns Emotional
When Uichirou wakes up with a stranger in his bed, things could have ended there—but Makoto asks to keep meeting up… just for sex. At least, that’s how it starts. Uichirou is openly gay, while Makoto identifies as straight, but neither of them are ready for the feelings that come next. Awkward, messy, and oddly tender—this manga explores how complicated “just hooking up” can really become.
5. Yasashii Koi ga Sodatsu
Straight(?) x Gay — Bonsai, Blushing, and Soft Healing
A quiet teacher with a thing for moss and tiny trees meets a confident, kind repairman downstairs. The vibes? Pure softness. Kotarou doesn’t think of himself as gay, but his calm, almost romantic interest in Towa sneaks up on him—and readers too. This manga is all about growing love from gentle moments, like watering a bonsai until it blooms.
6. Yamada to Shounen
Straight Adult x Gay Teen — Found Comfort in a Lonely Night
One cold night, a 26-year-old man finds a heartbroken teen passed out in the street. He takes him home, gives him tea, and accidentally starts a connection he never asked for. What begins as kindness turns into something deeper, and both characters slowly unpack their emotional baggage. Yamada doesn’t label himself, but you’ll be questioning if that even matters once their relationship grows.
7. Itadakimasu, Gochisou-sama
Straight(?) x Gay — Age-Gap, Warm Meals, and Gentle Kisses
A kind chef finds a younger man collapsed in the snow, takes him in, and feeds him the most comforting food of his life. That night, Haru kisses him—and something shifts. Hiroto never considered a relationship like this, but Haru’s quiet presence and honest affection start to feel… right. This is a story about how love sometimes shows up at your doorstep—literally—and how food might just be the fastest way to the heart.
One of the best things about these manga is how they remind us that love doesn’t always fit in neat boxes. These straight x gay pairings aren’t just there for shock or spice—they’re about self-discovery, emotional vulnerability, and breaking down the walls we build around who we think we should love.
Some of these stories are silly, others are soft, and a few hit you right where it hurts. But all of them show that sometimes, the most unexpected ships are the ones that stay with you the longest.
So, what did you think?
If one of these manga made your heart skip a beat (or break a little), go hit that blue recommendation button. Or better yet—drop your favorite unexpected couple in the comments. We’re always on the hunt for more love stories that surprise us in the best way.
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