Imasara desu ga, Osananajimi o Suki ni Natte Shimaimashita - Ch. 43 - The Pride of the Lecturing Girls

[GennArc]

He said he didn't want to hurt their friendship & that he didn't think she liked him

He didn't say he had thought she didn't like him.

Hikari also doesn't know what Yuu would interpret as mixed signals so she wouldn't know if he was only referring to the last year.

This is just an argument for the sake of argument. Hikari knows she was the same with him since their childhood, and that only changed one year ago, so obviously he could only be talking about the last year.

He'd have managed to skill up fast enough to get in via exam to a school she got into based on her very long record of being amazing (recommendation).

If he has to try his best to achieve what she gets almost effortlessly, it hardly counts as beating/reaching her level in my book. But even then it's not even a competition, like where is the competition from her side when she isn't even doing anything beyond what's normal for her? You wouldn't call it a competition vs a pro swimmer if a 5 yo child manages to swim 100m, whereas for the former it's just a small part of daily exercise.

The reason the exam is a victory & not a confession is b/c it's primarily Yuu thinking he has to/trying to level up to her league so that he has a shot with her.

If being in her league/having a shot with her is the same as enrolling in the same school as her, shouldn't he have been extra worried about all the boys who are able to enter the same school as her?

That's a stalemate in my books?

Yup.

 

[story645]

He didn't say he had thought she didn't like him.

Yes, I was imprecise, he said he was unsure if she liked

Hikari: "You thought I wasn’t thinking about you at all, Ta-kun?"
Yuu: "I didn’t think it was nothing, but... I wasn’t sure if it was that kind of feeling."

so obviously he could only be talking about the last year.

Not obviously b/c she knows all the mixed signals she got from Yuu the last year & she doesn't know about his timeline for behavior changes.

If he has to try his best to achieve what she gets almost effortlessly,

When does Yuu think/say she doesn't put in effort?

shouldn't he have been extra worried about all the boys who are able to enter the same school as her

I think it falls under his desperation to get into her school, but also he knows that she's been rejecting all the popular boys so far.

 

[peortega1]

Not obviously b/c she knows all the mixed signals she got from Yuu the last year & she doesn't know about his timeline for behavior changes.

She doesn´t know about his timeline but definitely feels with almost total security Yuu had an ex-girlfriend in some point after the failed exam, and that girl broke his heart so hard to the point he doesn´t even wants to talk about it even after the end of the relationship. This is the reason why she finally asks for Seki, as you and me had talked before.
And yes, this is other reason why Yami shows off the fact she was the first sexual time of Yuu to Hikari, to show off her total victory in the all senses of the word (and this is the reason why she also confirms she dumped Yuu). Maruto secured Hikari came late in any possible sense. There are not any first time of Yuu available for her now.
And again, this is important because role reversal, role reversal, role reversal...

I think it falls under his desperation to get into her school, but also he knows that she's been rejecting all the popular boys so far.

Not, this has more relationship with Yuu words about the "good memory" he wanted from Hikari. If Hikari dated other guy, he finally could get an appropiated closure and go forward. Is Hikari always available the thing who still tortures him even during the relationship with Ayami.
IMO this is the reason why he calls "four heartbreak" to the gym scene and not the previous actions of Yami, despite probably Ayami breakdown affected him more. Because Yami at least gave him an explicit goodbye.
For he side, Hikari in the gym is too ambiguous, is not even a true reject, is more like a "I dare you to say me the truth about Aya-chan" than a real reject.

 

[hinata2kill]

what what in the hell
I…what…..
Everyone is wrong?????
WHOS EVERYONE???!
NO REALLY WHO THE FUCK IS EVERYONE
THE ONLY THING HIKARI DID WAS NOT TELL HER FEELINGS AND BEING A GOOD PERSON
WHAT DID SHE DO WRONG
AW HELL NO IM NOT BEING GASLIGHT

 

[GennArc]

Yes, I was imprecise, he said he was unsure if she liked

Yeah, and in this quote he was talking about that last year only.

Not obviously b/c she knows all the mixed signals she got from Yuu the last year & she doesn't know about his timeline for behavior changes.

? But he is talking about her mixed signals, not about his own. And she knows she only started treating him differently one year before.

When does Yuu think/say she doesn't put in effort?

No, those were my own words. But it would most likely feel this way, when someone gets into a school by recommendation instead of exam, students are bound to feel this is more about natural abilities than about efforts.
I'm not saying that Hikari doesn't put in any effort, but she is also clearly naturally talented.

I think it falls under his desperation to get into her school

He never thinks about it.

but also he knows that she's been rejecting all the popular boys so far.

So isn't it a natural conclusion that being in her league/"level" doesn't matter to her?

 

[Yessir_Sama]

what what in the hell
I…what…..
Everyone is wrong?????
WHOS EVERYONE???!
NO REALLY WHO THE FUCK IS EVERYONE
THE ONLY THING HIKARI DID WAS NOT TELL HER FEELINGS AND BEING A GOOD PERSON
WHAT DID SHE DO WRONG
AW HELL NO IM NOT BEING GASLIGHT

hikaris an idiot

 

[story645]

students are bound to feel this is more about natural abilities than about efforts.

Or the opposite? That students have put in so much effort that the teachers have recognized it & encouraged the recommendation. Judging by tone/facial expression, Yuu consistently talks about Hikari's achievements with admiration, not envy.

So isn't it a natural conclusion that being in her league/"level" doesn't matter to her?

Hikari more or less confirms this during the confession, but an insecure person may think the exact opposite? She's not even giving these amazing dudes a chance, so there's no way an unremarkable guy has a shot (all that language about Hikari not seeing Yuu).

He never thinks about it.

Yeah, so I think @peortega1 is kinda right when they say it's about closure, but not at all for the reasons they wrote. Hikari's potential high school classmates don't factor into the equation for Yuu b/c the exam is the make or break - he passes, Hikari finally sees him and realizes his feelings, it's over one way or another.

And then, maybe this time, I’ll finally hear Hikari’s answer.
Whether it makes me happy or breaks my heart, I’ll finally get closure on how I feel.

The other guys might be a factor after he fails, but by then he's with Aya so it's not relevant.

And she knows she only started treating him differently one year before.

Going by this thinking, then all the years before "Yuu wasn't sure if Hikari liked him" holds even stronger b/c all the signals he would have gotten would have been "not interested". (Therefore, Yuu wouldn't need an explanation for any time before the last year)

So we're back to, what is Yuu masking by telling Hikari he feels inadequate?

 

[peortega1]

what what in the hell
I…what…..
Everyone is wrong?????
WHOS EVERYONE???!
NO REALLY WHO THE FUCK IS EVERYONE
THE ONLY THING HIKARI DID WAS NOT TELL HER FEELINGS AND BEING A GOOD PERSON
WHAT DID SHE DO WRONG
AW HELL NO IM NOT BEING GASLIGHT

Again, Hikari didnt nothing when she saw Yuu being slapped by Yami. She didn´t intervene, she failed to him in that moment even as a friend. And later she blames him screaming "I hate liars" instead ask him for the kiss of Yami.
Seems is just in her after meeting with Yami, Hikari starts finally to realize the re-meeting of Yuu and Yami was not a happy ex-couple re-encounter and this is the reason why she now defends him.
And not, a "good person" would be aware from Yuu feelings in middle school. All the fucking school knew, less her.
Hikari, she herself says to us, didn´t love Yuu in middle school.

 

[peortega1]

Hikari's potential high school classmates don't factor into the equation for Yuu b/c the exam is the make or break - he passes, Hikari finally sees him and realizes his feelings, it's over one way or another.

The other guys might be a factor after he fails, but by then he's with Aya so it's not relevant.

Your own quote gives me the reason. If Hikari would date other guy, he finally could got over her. He equally would confess, he would get a appropiated response from her, and he would follow forward.

 

[GennArc]

Or the opposite? That students have put in so much effort that the teachers have recognized it & encouraged the recommendation. Judging by tone/facial expression, Yuu consistently talks about Hikari's achievements with admiration, not envy.

That's usually not how people perceive others efforts, but well, can't really tell who's right here. But I think you will also agree that it doesn't feel like Hikari needs to put extra effort into studying well, she is just smart.

Hikari more or less confirms this during the confession, but an insecure person may think the exact opposite? She's not even giving these amazing dudes a chance, so there's no way an unremarkable guy has a shot

So why would she give him a shot if he gets on the level of dudes whom she doesn't give a chance?

Yeah, so I think @peortega1 is kinda right when they say it's about closure, but not at all for the reasons they wrote. Hikari's potential high school classmates don't factor into the equation for Yuu b/c the exam is the make or break - he passes, Hikari finally sees him and realizes his feelings, it's over one way or another.

Even if it's make or break, the existence of dudes would've been an extra motivation. In POV chapter 3 he thinks

Why didn’t I realize it sooner...?
That there was no reason for Hikari to purposely choose a public school that someone like me could get into.

That once we graduated from middle school, our relationship would inevitably change.
And probably not for the better.
...In other words, in the worst way possible.

So basically that they will grow apart (and he's kinda right, judging by her never learning about him dating another girl for half a year), and nothing about her finding someone other than him..

Going by this thinking, then all the years before "Yuu wasn't sure if Hikari liked him" holds even stronger b/c all the signals he would have gotten would have been "not interested". (Therefore, Yuu wouldn't need an explanation for any time before the last year)

So we're back to, what is Yuu masking by telling Hikari he feels inadequate?

"What did he do before she started sending him mixed signals", "how did he probe her reactions before" etc.

 

[Supcolors]

I commented way back then, I'll repeat the same thing:
Yes, Yami is at fault, but she's also a victim of horrible parenting and a dysfunctional life.
Does that excuse the amount of pain she's causing Hikari and Taa? Fuck no, but it's not like she's an evil homewrecker.
She's an emotional train wreck, she's self-sabotaging and highly destructive...
She needs adults who care, good friends, and therapy.

She can be a victim and perpetrator at the same time... and she is an evil homewrecker. She tried to destroy her parents marriage(yes the dad was the one who destroyed it but we have seen the mother actually got destroyed not by his cheating since they had sex right after the argument they had but him divorcing) and she intentionally kissed the crush of her best friend right in front of her, no excuse here. So you can say the first time she was a "good" homewrecker but the second time? hell naw, evil.

 

[story645]

But I think you will also agree that it doesn't feel like Hikari needs to put extra effort into studying well, she is just smart.

Frankly, I think this says more about you then the characters. In universe, we've gotten a consistent "Hikari diligently puts in effort for the things she cares about" characterization and nothing in text indicates that Hikari's coasting. I also think this is backed up by Yuu consistently saying that the reason he failed the exam was lack of effort, not natural abilities.

So why would she give him a shot if he gets on the level of dudes whom she doesn't give a chance?

I think Yuu's thinking here is incredibly dumb, but basically if he can get to that level - stand by her side - then he'll move from little brother -> boy & then maybe she'll then consider him more seriously than those guys because of their relationship.

"What did he do before she started sending him mixed signals", "how did he probe her reactions before" etc

Didn't say anything b/c friendship, the same way he probed her to recognize that the signals were mixed...

Which "you're out of my league" doesn't answer either question and instead calls back to the "why did you take the exam" conversation.

Even if it's make or break, the existence of dudes would've been an extra motivation.

His thinking is that the relationship is either made or broken before she starts school. But also if anything, I think this line of argument supports my point more than yours. Yuu doesn't care much about potential rivals b/c the exam is about boosting Yuu's self-confidence more than it is a play for Hikari.

 

[peortega1]

I think Yuu's thinking here is incredibly dumb, but basically if he can get to that level - stand by her side - then he'll move from little brother -> boy & then maybe she'll then consider him more seriously than those guys because of their relationship.

Yes, this is the point. Without Ayami, he would return to his home, cry a lot and think about other options of make possible this "maybe she will consider me more seriously"
The point is why he had to risk everything for that "perhaps she would love me in the future, even if right now she doesn´t see me even as a boy", when he had literally Ayami before him, offering not just sex, but a serious relationship too -or at least, that is he thinks-
And would be very fun see the restaurant date from the Yuu PoV, how Ayami really acted with him, and see how in this point Ayami is self-denying to herself that she is really caring and bothering for Yuu more than she originally intended, as the good tsundere what she is
All this, again, being Ayami much more compatible with his real likings that Hikari couldn´t or didn´t want fulfill it
And again, maybe it was for the wrong reason, but he had right, only a big change -and this change ended being the relationship with Yami- could give him a chance with Hikari.
Again, you are ignoring the DISTORSION deliberately introduced by Yami.

 

[peortega1]

She tried to destroy her parents marriage(yes the dad was the one who destroyed it but we have seen the mother actually got destroyed not by his cheating since they had sex right after the argument

Source?
In chapter 27 definitely there wasn´t any proof of her mother having sex with her step-father after the fight

she intentionally kissed the crush of her best friend right in front of her, no excuse here. So you can say the first time she was a "good" homewrecker but the second time? hell naw, evil.

She has the excuse of being the ex-girlfriend of that crush... until she herself says to Yuu she already knew from a time before he was "Taa-kun"
But yes, there is a reason why she ends crying just after robbed kiss Yuu and repenting for her impulsive actions, we saw in her PoV in chapters 40-41.

 

[GennArc]

and nothing in text indicates that Hikari's coasting

I'd say, at least her always hanging out at Yuu's kinda indicates that, at least for her HS. Again, not saying that she doesn't need any effort, just that she doesn't need extra efforts, she is just good at it.

I also think this is backed up by Yuu consistently saying that the reason he failed the exam was lack of effort, not natural abilities.

The lack of effort doesn't mean he was slacking off, we do see him being dilligent; it just means he needed to put in a lot of extra effort to be able to get in.
And even in his new school, which is not as high level as hers, he needed remedial classes (as told in ch. 26 and 28) and he said it was tough to keep up.
So, all in all, I'm pretty sure he needed that extra effort to compensate for his lower natural abilities.

if he can get to that level - stand by her side - then he'll move from little brother -> boy & then maybe she'll then consider him more seriously than those guys because of their relationship.

But why would she consider him more seriously than those guys?

Which "you're out of my league" doesn't answer either question and instead calls back to the "why did you take the exam" conversation.

Why, I think it either answers those questions perfectly or makes them unnecessary. "You were out of my league so I didn't try to do anything, but once I started seeing you sending those mixed signals, I realized that maybe I do have a chance after all".

His thinking is that the relationship is either made or broken before she starts school. But also if anything, I think this line of argument supports my point more than yours. Yuu doesn't care much about potential rivals b/c the exam is about boosting Yuu's self-confidence more than it is a play for Hikari.

You say this as if they will never meet if he fails the exam. Even if it's make or break, they will still be friends and they will still live nearby. So if he fails and she finds a boy "on her level", he'd be in even more pain, because giving up doesn't mean your feelings disappear immediately.


By the way, I think there'll be a new .5 chapter (26.5 I guess) in the next ten hours or so. At least that's how I read this tweet.

Spoiler

 

[GennArc]

In chapter 27 definitely there wasn´t any proof of her mother having sex with her step-father after the fight

To be fair, manga was a bit unclear about what was happening there, but yeah, the novel version says explicitly those were fighting noises, not sex noises

The chaotic noises downstairs are getting worse and worse.

"Oh man, those drunks are out of control. Looks like the cops finally showed up."

-snip-

The crashing and screaming from the living room grows louder.

There's a siren in the distance now. Looks like a neighbor called the cops.
People are gathering in the street, not drunks, but spectators.

 

[story645]

I'd say, at least her always hanging out at Yuu's kinda indicates that, at least for her HS.

In Yuu's POV she's helping him w/ his homework during one of those hangouts, so presumably they're studying at least some of the time. And that's on top of what's going on when they're not hanging out, given I think Hikari isn't in any clubs.

So, all in all, I'm pretty sure he needed that extra effort to compensate for his lower natural abilities.

Or b/c he was already behind Hikari academically? Sure he was diligent, but not as diligent as Hikari (ch 4)

In the mornings, he'd still be snoozing long after I was ready for school.
And at night, he'd be fast asleep, snoring as usual, as I stayed up late studying.

Well, about six months before high school entrance exams, our roles kinda flipped, I started seeing a hardworking yet slightly laid-back boy in my window.

But why would she consider him more seriously than those guys?

Because she knows him better because he's her beloved childhood friend - which basically are the reasons she's considering him now.

"You were out of my league so I didn't try to do anything, but once I started seeing you sending those mixed signals, I realized that maybe I do have a chance after all".

Why would Yuu say that over "I didn't think you liked me so I didn't do anything, but once you started sending mixed signals I realized I had a chance" if he didn't mean it?

You say this as if they will never meet if he fails the exam.

B/c that's how he's playing it out in his head. I think Yuu is characterized as kinda impulsive and so he's not gaming out past the exam. I also think that's why failing is so catastrophic and he's got no "if I fail" plan.