While I agree that at the beginning their relationship started as a way to fit in the status quo, I don't hate the ending for Gaku-san. If you think a little bit about it, it was already outside of the 'norm' for him to only have loved one man romantically despite knowing he's gay, so it could be argued that he's somewhere in the ace spectrum himself. But regardless of that, I think that the overall message of the story was that happiness doesn't look the same for everybody and that finding a home and a place to belong, as well as companionship doesn't have to come exclusively from a romantic relationship. Gaku-san himself expressed no desire to pursue someone other than his childhood friend, and he found contentedness in his arrangement with Yuriko. Even if their relationship will never be romantic, it's still a queer relationship, it's just that it'll remain platonic. Many allo people don't ever marry or ultimately don't have lasting meaningful romantic relationships in their lives and that doesn't mean they can't be happy and fulfilled by the many other links to the people in their life. This is just my opinion, but even if the end for Gaku-san is a little bit of a tragic one, I find it fitting for the theme of the series.
I don’t think you’re getting what I’m saying. The gay guy never even got a shot at living his life as a gay dude because of how the society in the manga sets things up, he had no support or confidence to even express his sexuality, bc society had alr stumped down any of his desire form ghe start, frankly, I don’t give a damn if he’s come to terms with it and is living that way now, to me it’s just tragic I’ve seen this play out before in real life, especially amoung my community, Asian gays and lesbians just come to accept and find “happiness” and “contentment” with their straight marriage that society forced them into, and I can never ever see a joy in that, I think it’s absolutely great for the ace character because everything turned out well for her and I’m cool with that. But the gay character? From my pov It’s just tragic, and I can’t enjoy it.
Sure, at the end of the day, it’s their life and my opinion doesn’t mean squat, but damn, the whole situation just feels so damn grim. Still, I get where you’re coming from, I don’t agree but I respect your opinion.
ok so this situation worked out for the woman because she’s ace, but what about the gay man? Yeah he accepted his life but hes trapped in a marriage dictated by societal norms, pressured to conform as a heterosexual male. He likely cant pursue a relationship w another man due to his marriage, and thats truly heartbreaking. everyone deserves love, and nothing compares to the depth of romantic love especially for the one who seek it, Finding that special someone who loves you unconditionally, who sacrifices for you, and with whom you share a profound connection both body and mind—its an experience thats simply unmatched. So how can being married to a woman bring him that fulfillment? I just dont understand.
To add a personal touch, my great aunt, now in her late 70s faced immense pressure to marry in her youth. Many men sought her hand, even men from another town. but she always declined, later she choose to live with her best friend- who was actually her secret lover - because of society and the harshness that they could’ve faced , they were forced to label themselves as friends, only our close family elderly knows her truth about being a lesbian.
After her partner passed away, she lives alone, childless, and you know she adores children, and I can see a longing in her eyes when she sees them. When I asked if she regretted not marrying a good man, perhaps she’d even be happy and perhaps she could’ve had a chance for a happy life even with that man, she gave such a genuine smile and said “No” . The love and sacrifices she made for her partner were profound, and it struck me how powerful love can be, especially for the gays and lesbians, It pains me to see queer individuals pressured to conform to societal expectations and to live and accept it.
While he may have accepted his life, it all began with societal pressure, and honestly, I find no joy in the ending at least for his character.