As someone who started reading this for the yuri, I don't hate this ending and I think it's quite fulfilling. In the end I get the impression that they are soulmates. Soulmates are not limited to 'lovers', even 'friends' and 'families' fit that category so this is quite beautiful in its own way...
I honestly don't mind a rival character despite her showing up this late to the show, but can the author make her at least likeable😔 her bitter personality gives off impression that this plot is simply to create additional drama for the sake of prolonging the manga
Just reread this manga, but it seems like the kouhai's appearance has been planned early since she made a cameo on chapter 24 page 18 (if my assumption that the mob is her is correct)
Looking at the rage in these comments I started to wonder is skin color issues are common in Japan considering their homogeneous society? Rather than being insensitive aren't they just simply unaware? Or worst, the author just too lazy to add the skin tone.