Nagatsuki, see that bag over there? Don't open it. Really. Don't open it or you'll let the cat out...
And, for Igarashi, the seeds of doubt have definitely been planted...
As I've been saying for years (literally), Igarashi and Chiyo's relationship will not last the test of time until Chiyo becomes open and honest with Igarashi, particularly about her relationship with Ookuma.
Aside from being stressed from not actually knowing what type of relationship Chiyo and Ookuma had in the past, Igarashi might even wonder if they are even continuing their relationship behind his back. He will probably continue to wonder if he is being constantly compared to Ookuma so, like in this chapter, he will try to imitate him. He might even develop a severe inferiority complex. All of which will negatively affect their relationship.
Wow, Igarashi's sending out sorts of signals, but Chiyo's not picking up on anything. Bet he pops the Ookuma question in the next couple of chapters (probably after the trip, to be safe). Seems in character.
I'm gonna be honest, I don't even read the manga, I just pop in to read your ever present and often hilarious commentary on the slowly declining relationship.
I'll bet they're going to milk the Igarashi, Chiyo, and Ookuma drama for all it's worth. Hell, the two haven't been able to properly communicate to each other even though most of it is on Chiyo's side for the past +100 chapters. Plus you got factor in the friend who's got the hots for Ookuma. It's not going to end anytime soon.
Going by the thumbnails of 173 and 174 I'd wager Chiyo and Ookuma are going to get lovey covey some more. Could be wrong since thumbnails can't be taken at face value. Damn, pay wall...
@Sem Not sure if that was a compliment or not since, more often than not, I get people complaining about my posts. Nonetheless, I can understand why you don't read the series. Even to me it sometimes feels like an albatross around my neck scanlating it week after week after week. Especially recently with all the Nagatsuki - Ookuma hullabaloo...
Sorry if it came out ambiguous! I do actually enjoy your comments. I tried reading Koi Inu I think some time last year and I got super frustrated with it, between the actual bad relationship in the comic itself, and the people tearing each other to shreds in the comments over whether Chiyo or Igarashi was in the wrong in their latest petty fight.
I clicked on it again out of curiosity recently and found your commentary on the endless drama more entertaining than watching it unfold myself.