Personally, i didnt need to know Aoi entire story just to know what happen with Kaede, like, i couldnt care less with what happen before that point, at least is clear she was scummy to begin with and falling for Kaede actually was good for her.
Tho, the side step is way too common with Kaede. Sure, u dont want to make things awkward, but indirectly rejecting has the same effect. Is better to deal with a rejection properly and trying to keep the relationship afterwards, otherwise the same way people disregarded ur feelings confessing u're disregarding theirs pretending it didnt happen.
But their past got me thinking, behavior wise, even with the unconditional support, Aoi wasnt that different from Nanami, so why would it work out now? Perhaps even back then Kaede was just scared and regret it but will make an effort now?