But here we are, the promised parting in what (seems to be) the final stretch of the series. And you know what? It was worth it. That was a surprisingly mature conversation the two of them had, realizing exactly the fallacies in their own emotions and working to realize what they want to become. And of course, I await what and who they will be when they inevitably meet again. Just… I hope it isn't next chapter, that would lessen the impact here.
To piggyback off your point. I always liked the idea of this "fated departure" because it added emotional stakes to the plot. The more they fell in love, the more it hurt because of the ticking time bomb looming over their heads.
Akira had resigned his feelings and was willing to depart from Aoi having never shared how he felt. Even though he has admitted he can't live without her. Aoi tried masquerading her feelings with memories so that when Akira eventually departs, she would feel fulfilled and have something to remember him by. But we saw at the end of last chapter, Aoi was starting to despair the thought of him leaving and cumulating to this moment where she has an emotional collapse.
I like this confession because it's a call back to the last time Aoi surprised him in bed. Last time she wanted to pay him back with her body for everything he had done to support her in her loneliness. But this time it's to meet him as an equal. I don't know if it was intentional by the author but Aoi phrasing
she wanted to give herself to him.
But not just her body but her heart too.
They put everything on the table here. All the messy confusion. Wondering if they even work together right now or if they're too codependent and need space to grow as individuals. Questioning whether what they feel is genuine love or just desperation born from fearing abandonment and an overwhelming need to protect.
Even though the author is clearly trying to wrap this up, this definitely be executed well in the remaining three chapters.
Thanks for the translation!