No Side Relationship

Overview

No Side Relationship is a heartfelt visual novel that plunges players into the intense, sweaty world of Kenji Takahashi, a 22-year-old rugby captain, as he grapples with his unrequited love for Takato Nakamura, a 20-year-old teammate, in the close quarters of a Tokyo college dormitory. Through steamy encounters, playful banter, and raw moments of vulnerability, players shape Kenji’s journey to bridge the emotional gap with Takato, navigating the fine line between physical desire and true connection in a queer, sports-driven narrative.

No Side Relationship delivers a poignant exploration of queer male identity, unrequited longing, and the bonds forged on the rugby pitch and beyond. With approximately 6,000 words (around 20 minutes of playtime), the game features four distinct endings, partial character voice acting, nine atmospheric soundtracks, four immersive sound effects, and ten captivating CGs that bring Kenji and Takato’s story to life.

Warning: This game contains sexual conversations, explicit physical intimacy, and gay relationships. Please only play if you are comfortable with such content and it is legal in your area.

Story

In Tokyo’s vibrant college scene, Kenji Takahashi is a towering presence: a 22-year-old rugby captain, broad-shouldered and commanding, nicknamed the team’s “gorilla” senpai. Beneath his rugged exterior simmers an unspoken love for Takato Nakamura, a 20-year-old teammate whose lean, muscular frame and infectious grin haunt Kenji’s every moment. Sharing a cluttered dorm room thick with the scent of sweaty rugby gear and late-night ramen, their physical closeness—brushing shoulders, lingering touches—fuels Kenji’s yearning, but Takato’s carefree demeanor keeps emotional intimacy at bay.

When a charged moment (a jockstrap left in the locker room) sparks tension, Kenji faces a crossroads: confront his feelings, indulge in their physical chemistry, or protect their friendship by burying his heart. Player choices guide Kenji through moments of heated passion, quiet tenderness, and painful rejection, leading to one of four endings:

• Good Ending: A hopeful spark of mutual love (requires high affection, ≥100).
• Normal Ending: A fragile balance of friendship and desire (affection ≥50).
• Bad Ending 1: A devastating fallout from reckless choices (low affection or early confrontation).
• Bad Ending 2: A quiet, heart-wrenching drift apart (affection <50).

Set against Tokyo’s campus life—dusk-lit cherry blossoms, grueling rugby practices, and cramped dorm rooms—No Side Relationship explores the ache of unrequited love, the thrill of physical connection, and the courage to be vulnerable in a world that prizes strength. The title, drawn from rugby’s “no side” call signaling a match’s end, reflects the resolution of Kenji and Takato’s relationship, for better or worse.

Features

• Narrative Depth: Approximately 6,000 words of branching dialogue and evocative prose, offering a ~20-minute experience that blends sensual intensity with emotional resonance.
• Four Endings: Shape Kenji and Takato’s relationship through pivotal choices, unlocking distinct outcomes based on Takato’s affection score.
• Partial Voice Acting: Initial dialogue lines for Kenji (~5% of scenes) add emotional depth to scenes
• Audio Experience:
  • 9 Soundtracks: Atmospheric J-pop instrumentals enhance the mood
  • 4 Sound Effects: Immersive sounds punctuate key moments.
• Visual Art:
  • 10 CGs: Stunning anime-style illustrations capture pivotal moments.
• Choice-Driven Gameplay: Player decisions (e.g., “Push for a deeper connection” or “Keep it casual”) influence Takato’s affection, unlocking varied story paths and endings.
• Sensual and Emotional Tone: Tailored for a 20-40-year-old gay male audience, balancing steamy physicality (sweaty rugby uniforms, close encounters) with heartfelt vulnerability.

Series Context

No Side Relationship is the first chapter in the Rugby Hearts series, a collection of visual novels exploring queer male relationships among college athletes in contemporary Tokyo. Future installments will follow other teammates, delving into themes of camaraderie, desire, and identity within the high-stakes world of rugby. Each game stands alone but shares a vibrant, interconnected setting, offering players a deeper look into the lives of these young men navigating love and ambition.

Technical Details

• Platform: Built with Ren'Py, compatible with Windows, macOS.
• Resolution: CGs and backgrounds at 1920x1080 for crisp visuals.
• File Size: ~120 MB (estimated, including CGs, audio, and scripts).
• Language: English 
• Content Rating: Mature (18+ due to sexual content and explicit themes).

Content Warning

No Side Relationship contains:

• Explicit sexual conversations and descriptions of physical intimacy.
• Gay relationships and queer themes.
• Emotional themes of unrequited love and rejection. Please ensure you are comfortable with this content and that it is legal in your region before playing.