I see this and I can't let it slide, this is NOT bait as Yuri Bait would mean the Yuri is manufactured with no intent on following through yes? As for it to be bait it would need to not actually be Yuri, yet at the point of this chapter there is no evidence to the contrary
Note that subtext is not a confirmation on anything, it's merely an interpretation based on the given information, subtext doesn't require anything, the point is nothing is confirmed therefore it sits in limbo
So it could be be merely platonic or it could be more than that, that's the glory of subtext, some can see it as such or not
It is strange your argument against it not being bait appears to just be lumping it together with subtext when that's not how that works as they can exist as separate concepts
Ironic you use this example when it's in basically the same boat as this manga only it introduces actual bait
Like if this is bait then you have acknowledge there are strong vibes yet you also argue the Yuri interpretation is a flawed interpretation which is an odd contradiction
But since through calling it bait you acknowledge strong Yuri connection in this here Yuri which would put it in the same boat as euphonium, see that would mean euphonium is actually bait by your own logic and thus a false equivalence because as the previous person pointed out, akebi has no male love interests unlike euphonium who has the childhood best friend, who is the end game showing a lack of commitment with what's shown in the anime at least
And so in conclusion the Yuri interpretation is not that far off an interpretation, taking it as it is and reading the subtext
Id say I'm surprised most haven't tried to actually argue yer points since it's been here for so longer
But most people aren't me soooo, Though I'm not currently caught up yet, if it is but delusion and you are caught up yer welcome to lemme know
Hope yer having a nice day