The Snarky Boyfriend in Manga

The snarky boyfriend is a common trope in romance manga, both shojo and yaoi. Think Kurosaki in Dengeki Daisy. He teases Teru, behaves like a taskmaster--then rescues her, comforts her, turns to her when he is sad.

Likewise, Dee in Fake is Mr. Flirty/Playboy/Snarky Guy with everyone, yet opens up about his life and needs with Ryo.

On the surface, the snarky boyfriend is simply a sub-type of the rake: the angsty guy who is only vulnerable and open with the "one" romantic interest.

However, there is a slight (and rather fascinating) variation on the snarky boyfriend. The variation snarky boyfriend is not only sweet and vulnerable with the "one," he is often only snarky with the "one."

This is especially true of high school romances where the secretly snarky boyfriend is the school idol: to his admirers, he is handsome, kind, thoughtful, self-sacrificing, never sarcastic, always on a pedestal, plays sports, gets good grades . . .

The arrival of the one-and-only in his life is a relief, an opportunity to be his true self, especially since the one-and-only is usually the type to eschew pretense; unlike the snarky boyfriend, the one-and-only always behaves in accordance with his or her true self.

In Only the Ring Finger Knows (manga and light novels), snarky boyfriend Kazuki is only sarcastic with guileless and forthright Wataru. In His Favorite, snarky boyfriend Sato is only his somewhat sadistic self with bemused, straightforward Yoshida.

Only Kasahara can entirely provoke the cool-headed Atsushi Dojo in Library Wars. While Paul from Lies are a Gentleman's Manners is singularly capable of drawing the reserved Jonathan into snarky shouting matches.

It's like the Hulk in reverse. And can occasionally go too far. When done well, it showcases the "realness" of the relationship. Whatever outside facades or demeanors the members of the couple give to the rest of the world, to each other, they give their true faces.