@loppxi I think the bigger problem is that Kiyo's feels more relegated to a prop rather then a side character now. Like, yeah, she's simple and the problems are rarely specifically about her, or how she focuses on her problems, but at least she was a person. She had a backstory and motivation (however simple it was), she had a love of cooking (probably to feel closer to her granny and maybe even her late mum) and making others happy.
But this HUGE focus on Sumire and, specifically, about this dumb love triangle that very suddenly just popped up after 100+ chapters of established characters and relationship dynamics makes it feel like Kiyo is just a prop. Kiyo almost feels like an almost faceless obstacle in Suu's path to having a relationship with Kenta (though I'll be perfectly honest, I have my doubts Kenta would return Suu's feelings anyway, even if Kiyo wasn't there). Even the cooking aspects and the comfort of food has taken a back seat in comparison to Suu-chan fawning over Kenta. It diminishes Suu-chan's character as well, because instead of overcoming all these other obstacles (maiko training, perfectionism, her guilt over Kiyo not being able to become a maiko too, her parents clearly putting her on a pedestal and expecting other things for her, her relationships with her sister maiko and geiko, etc.), she's instead fawning and blushing at every little mention of Kenta before realising that Kenta barely even notices her and getting vaguely depressed about it.
I don't see myself dropping this new manga, but my enjoyment of it has gone from a solid 9/10 to a 6/10 at best.
