Realistically speaking, either Mao has ulterior motives or in case he got some karma, is actually concerned about Nagi, we still don't know yet.
Even if he is on a path of revenge, at least Reiji has a soft spot for his oniichan and the readon he lied to him about his grandma was to protect his future and not make him go back to the town.
Ngl, Chako with short hair may be the cutest she has been ever. Reiji getting a haircut only means that moment from ch1pg1 is nearer than we thought.
Since the previous chapter it looks like Ryou is set into freeing Reiji from all the reasons that made him stay in The Town™. First by killing grandma off, and now, Chako's reintroduction, and bringing a letter from Gen too is also pointing towards that direction. Gen is gonna free Reiji from him and spare him from having to wait forever. Maybe both him and Chako will encourage Reiji to leave town and do what he wants. And what Reiji wants the most is to die with Nagi, just like Esemori did in 160. Doubt she will be back on the competition for the Reijibowl, so ReiKo/ChaAby shippers, don't get your hopes up.
Yuri and Yuko are the only 2 remaining obstacles then. Snd Esemori may be doing the impossible to reach Yuko in his state, that's maybe why he is having pre-death deliriums.