I noticed there wasn't any thread for Piano no Mori??? It recently aired as a tv series after a movie that came out a while ago. The first season was really interesting and nice! (CGI hurt tho)

Here's the description:
"A tranquil tale about two boys from very different upbringings. On one hand you have Kai, born as the son of a prostitute, who's been playing the abandoned piano in the forest near his home ever since he was young. And on the other you have Syuhei, practically breast-fed by the piano as the son of a family of prestigious pianists. Yet it is their common bond with the piano that eventually intertwines their paths in life."

Anyways, the second season is coming out in the winter, so I thought I would recommend this for you guys!

I read some of the manga, but never got around to finish it. I think that I felt so bad for the other main character. I was at a standstill.

But from what I can remember, it was a pretty nice read. I'm not sure how the anime compares, but it may be worth watching.

I haven't read the manga, but from the series I can see what you mean with the second lead. The anime handles it fairly well, especially on the last few episodes. If you try it out, let me know!