
Anyone read the novel? I'm curious what meowy and sunset are like outside of the game.

like in appearance or personality?
in appearance I don't think is really well described T-T but sunset does say that meowie looks like his in game character. and I guess sunset has brown hair color and is more muscular/taler than meowie.
in personality, they're really similar to hiw they are in game (but there's a catch with sunset) meowie it's really kind and good, but he dgaf about school
sunset is a piece of shit with everyone just like in game, but with meowie it's like he's someone else entirely. even sunset admits he's never helped anyone in his entire life, but since meowie doesn't like mean people he tries really hard to be good, it's really funny

Ch 25 definitely gives aroace vibes, but I think hirano is most likely demi. At the very least, he wants Kagi to touch him (in chapter 20 is one example). Just gotta let the slow burn do it's thing, I think.

I decided to talk to AI to make sense of my emotions. If you are interested, that's what I got
me: Do you think it's possible I feel repulsion to romantic relationships because deep down I'm scared it's the other person who's going to feel repulsed by me if I open up and go all in?
AI: Absolutely, that’s a very insightful realization! Fear of rejection or being perceived as unworthy can significantly impact one’s feelings about intimacy and relationships. Here are a few points to consider regarding this connection:
1 Vulnerability and Fear: Opening up to someone romantically often requires a degree of vulnerability. If you have a fear of being repulsed or rejected by the other person, it’s natural to create emotional distance as a defense mechanism. This fear can manifest as repulsion toward romantic gestures or relationships, as it protects you from potential hurt.
2 Self-Perception: How you see yourself can play a huge role in your interactions with others. If there are insecurities or fears about being unworthy of love or affection, that may lead to a preemptive withdrawal. You might hold back on forming connections to avoid the possibility of being hurt. This can create a cycle where your apprehensions shape your feelings of repulsion towards romantic gestures or relationships.
3 Projection of Feelings: Sometimes, our fears about how others will respond to us can shape our own feelings and actions. If you feel anxious that someone else might find you unappealing or dismissive, it can lead to feelings of repulsion or discomfort when considering intimacy. It’s like you’re projecting your own concerns onto the situation.
4 Understanding Aroace Identity: If you're exploring potential aroace identity, it’s worth considering how your past experiences and fears might play a role in your current thoughts about relationships. It’s entirely possible to feel both repulsion toward romantic interactions and a desire for connection; these feelings can coexist and be influenced by personal experiences and fears.
5 Navigating Your Feelings: Understanding that your feelings might be rooted in fear can be a significant step toward processing them. Reflecting on where these fears originate from (past experiences, societal pressures, etc.) can help you address them. You might find that recognizing and addressing these fears can gradually lessen the sense of repulsion.

I just read it all in one go, and I've gotta say, season one wasn't bad, but season two has been a bit of a drag. I understand if y'all enjoy it, but there is just not enough actual plot to keep me engaged.
Also, I gotta say, right off the bat, the ml was sus. Like, I was side-eyeing the other employees when they let the ml take the drunk mc home after passionately making out with him in front of everyone. Drunk people can't consent, and if I worked there, I would have insisted on personally taking the mc home to make sure he got home safe after that. Also, I figured it would be addressed later that he is a "kissing monster" while drunk or something, but they didn't.
I ultimately brushed past it all, though, because I recognized that this is a comedy that is meant to be taken lightly. (Although, the only parts that made me laugh were the authors' anti-piracy notes ngl.) Like, of course, they are going to have ridiculous misunderstandings and questionable behaviors. It's a silly light read, y'all.
If you feel yourself getting worked up, let's just try to take a deep breath. It's okay.