I get how this dynamic can be frustrating to read. I think the author went for a complicated relationship, where feelings for one another aren’t mutual and there’s this sense of half-baked feelings.
Personally, it’s very interesting how it began with childhood friends since that’s a strong bond that has a lot of grey area. I think Takeo is simply in the mindset of “maybe I do love him, maybe it’s just friendship.” He seems very unsure of his own feelings and is open to see if it’s possible, considering the person in question is someone he clearly cares for.
It might of felt fast because the story had no clear direction. Sure, the point of it was a company man falling for his language teacher... so why point out his inability to socialize? The first few pages established he was a bad at conversation or whatever but then how does that lead to him falling for his teacher? Then, when he couldn’t pair up with someone, that lead to tutoring outside of class? It felt disjointed and some parts didn’t really connect with others, making for a one short that felt short and in my opinion, boring
Disclaimer: His assault was bad and shouldn’t be justified.
With that established, I’m curious to see his development with him articulating his romantic feelings. As someone who pushes people close to them away whilst desiring those out of reach, I sympathize with his emotions (not his actions) a lot. It was almost overwhelming for me to read this manga, because I too questioned if my mother loved me or not. She was overworked with many kids who caused trouble, hence, me being a good girl was my job but also the reason why she didn’t have to pay much mind to me.
It sucks because this behavior of pushing loved ones away whilst deluding oneself in improbable relationships sets up a path of loneliness. I’m still trying to figure out how to love but until then, I’ll try my best to not inflict my trauma onto others (btw, I think he was honestly having a mental breakdown, not purposefully reliving his trauma with his love interest, but it doesn’t make the situation any less shitty)
Who gave Nowa the right to be so dummy thicc
(● ̄(エ) ̄●)
Why the wonderful author of course. And I'm grateful every second