This chapter was rather frustrating. Probably because it started by dropping a bomb only to turn out to be a dud.
I think it should've taken this seriously. At least the same level when Manbagi and Komi were talking to each other at the stairs during the 2nd festival arc. Because this chapter just felt like the author doesn't care about the love triangle nor Komi's development.
What we get from this chapter that is meaningful is that Komi doesn't like Manbagi getting a leg up on her, but won't do anything about it because she doesn't value herself at all.
I'm not saying that Komi should've sabotaged Manbagi or backstab her and confessed to Tadano first. But at least take it bloody seriously. Does she like him or not? Is she not interested in having a romantic relationship with Tadano?
Ase and Isagi is just the worst part of this whole chapter. Their antics takes the majority of the chapter without adding anything meaningful at all. Why are they here? What purpose do they serve other than "D'aww look at all these cinnamon rolls"? If you take both of them out it changes nothing about the chapter. Those pages could have been used for Komi contemplating on what she wants and how she feels if the relationship will go towards Manbagi's way. Instead we only got the whole gang making stupid faces.
Did the author even know what he's doing? Did he add Ase and Isagi because he honestly doesn't know how to fill the rest of the chapter?
Don't get me started on Manbagi's attitude. Why is she asking permission to confess? Does Komi own her? Does Komi own Tadano? Why should she have Komi's consent to confess to Tadano? Is she an inferior to Komi? What if Komi said no? Well shit guess you can't confess now huh, maybe try again in a few years. Or better yet find someone else, maybe mistress Komi will approve.
I'm just so frustrated on how this whole thing is being handled. If it just take this seriously, actually have the characters have conflict with each other and then try to sort it out. I wouldn't be so harsh on it. Instead we only got this wet noodle of emotion. Gaaah.
Fuck it, I hope Manbagi wins.