Felt like the story became more contrived near the end. It had so much potential to become something far more better than what it turned out to be.
Ngl, I hated those frustratingly tropey drawbacks, like that dreadful arc involved Itsuki. I swear, never have I ever saw such an awfully one sided love rivalry in my life, to the point that Rui calling him her ex was painfully hilarious and came off as deadpan trolling. Could've been much better without that subplot.
Although, one of the most satisfying thing about this series is that it has actually subverted a lot of toxic cliches through main characters' breakthroughs.
Loved the main pair's dynamic. If only, those regresses and repeats hadn't happened a lot, instead a couple more satisfying developments were to made through. Then, this would be a Diamond, instead of being a Shining Silver. But hey, the ending didn't disappointed at least. Albeit rushed (curse the axe-kun), it was touching, a little bittersweet but heartfelt nonetheless. Makes me want to read more about Rui-Kyousuke's life together, though not with any crappy forced dramas but those sensible ones.