The Dysfunctional Relationship that Works: Ten Count

Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of dysfunctional relationships. As I state in my post about Violence & Romance, 

Romantic love can't solve everything. It can't wipe out years of abuse. It can't overcome drug addiction. A person who has suffered such problems needs time and space to sort themselves out. Often, running into a relationship will only compound the problems, even sabotage the new relationship. Drowning people can drag other people down with them.

In books of this type, the trope "I saw someone across the room and knew we should be together" stops being cute and becomes intensely selfish, even skin-crawling. Sure, the object of the pursuit will cave--that's what vulnerable people do. Doesn't mean it's right.  

In addition, as I point out in a review of a light novel, if a person falls in love with someone with serious dysfunctions, might the person be in love with the dysfunctions? Or in love with the role of rescuer? What happens when the lover improves?  

Kudos to Ten Count by Rihito Takarai for tackling this issue upfront and quite honestly. Shirotani and Kurose become linked when Kurose promises to "cure" Shirotani of his OCD. In truth, he can't, which both men know (though Shirotani does get better). But years earlier, Kurose met a man who appeared to also be germaphobic. Kurose initiates a relationship with Shirotani based on the nostalgia and guilt and even attraction associated with that teenage encounter. 

His "patient," then boyfriend, is aware of Kurose's past. Consequently, one of the most touching scenes in the series is when Kurose confesses, "You are nothing like him." 

The behavior tics may have brought them together--and may in fact still define HOW they communicate--but Kurose fell for Shirotani (and Shirotani fell for Kurose) for his specific personality. The foibles are part of the attraction/charm, not the only thing that matters.