Seme is still forcing everything.
Uke still hates everything they are doing. There is like a 10% improvement but I don't see how their relationship is going anywhere at this point.
Everything past volume eight was consensual. Before that, i think it was only their first 2 or 3 times where uit was non & dub con. Beyond that, prior to volume eight senpai did consent but it felt awkward for him do to the timing and coming to terms with his attraction.
Even senpai said he wouldn't go this far it he didn't enjoy it. He's just a tsundere so that's why he acts like this
I'd argue its even earlier, like at least vol 3, but after vol 8 he just accepts it himself. I believe before that he had easier time acting and believing he was forced rather than facing what he is doing. His behavior and reasoning from the very beginning doesnt make much sense (considering his claim of being forced) and thats intentional.
Ok so maybe not "everything is forced."
But that's exactly the 10% of improvement of their relationship. Like it's that measley 10% that changed for them on over what, 20 years of the manga?
When I see just a spect of them being sweet and thoughtful to each other, I celebrate, but most of the 90% of the time it's making me wonder where is this heading to?
I bet the ending would be the uke still frowning at the seme but will still accept whatever affection the seme gives. But hey I choose to read so come what may. It's all predictable at this point anyway.
I mean its been long after anything was forced. If Mori was "such a bothersome guy" he "wouldnt have let him stay", Souichi said it himself. Him "frowning" is just souichis personality - to feel uncomfortable being vulnerable as well as embarassed by "feelings" as a concept. So i think you might just be frustrated by souichis personality, because that part obviously isnt gonna change, he isnt gonna become lovey dovey romance guy that is gonna buy roses for Mori.
I wouldnt say 10% has changed since the beginning, but maybe thats just how you see it, it is a slowburn after all so the pace IS slow, but personally the steps it took to the current chapter seem to me to be bigger, maybe because I too am the type of person that is "uncomfortable being vulnerable as well as embarassed by "feelings" as a concept", so to me those ARE huge steps.
I do wish the manga released once a month like normal at least, because i do enjoy it. And Souichi being feisty despite clearly allowing Mori to be near him is also a part of what i enjoy with or without an progress (tho the pattern is that progress happens each volume, even if its too small for you).
If i were to speculate on the ending i believe it would probably be something in similair sense to vol 8 "ending". Im intrigued to see how Moris parents conflict resolve especially how Souichi reacts to it.
Yi-ho was like, Suntikan nalang Tayo.
Bwhahahaha