I get it but this has been going on for SO long that it’s has no taste anymore. Like, we’re not asking for major development but at least acknowledgment of a sort that this has been taking going to while and that maybe I (the author) should pick up the pace or just end it on happy note. it’s just dragging.
I think it could be picking up pace if we think that a major development will happen the same way as 7-8 vol in 15-16 vols.
I feel the reason it is continued after the 8th vol was because people asked for more, because 8th vol already concluded it technically.
I get the dragging but since I personally enjoy their dynamic I love seeing more of their interactions. I still think the development is the same as it's always been and I don't expect any different of it. I love slow burn, I am patient and I think the pace of their development fits them well, tho I wish the updates were consistent.
Also if I were to predict what will happen in 15-16 vols, I would say it would:
1) either be the same as vol 7-8, like they get into an argument and then souichi has to contemplate a lot and either come to the same conclusion (which I hope doesn't happen) or further conclusion in a sense that he actually has to face what he feels instead of just accepting morinaga.
2) or morinaga gets brought down by his parents significantly and souichi needs to significantly reassure morinaga, not just crumbs that he usually does just so he doesn't have to face the full truth. And also if I had to guess why, I would think it could be something to do with them visiting morinagas parents and they maybe have brides chosen for him or something lol (I would also love if there's some farce happening with the brother reveal, possibly after).
Like i get people not liking how there seems to be no progress, but there is, its just very very little.
And THIS is their relationship dynamic, I dont really expect significant changes in that aspect. Like we'll never see Souichi be super pumped about sex and romance, thats just not happening, but he is slowly accepting Morinaga more and more. As much as he's denying it, he is very aware of it.
And about the progress, with each vol we see a little bit of progress. It might not be the usual pace for romance, but personally im here for the slowburn and for the little progress that for souichi is quite big.
I think another thing is since im aromantic asexual and I already clocked Souichi as aromantic asexual (little to no romantic and sexual attraction), I feel like I see why the progress of the romance isnt the usual one, but it still is quite clear that he cares about Morinaga, that part had been clear since the very beginning.