Damn, the look Mizudori gave him was ice cold. But it makes sense—she probably feels like she can’t take on anything else right now. With her mom in the hospital and her basically having to “raise” Rei, her plate is already full.
I don’t even think the issue was Miharu springing the confession on her. If anything, she seemed a little receptive at first. It wasn’t until Rei called out to her that she pulled back, which says a lot about where her priorities are. And honestly, I think Miharu had enough rapport with her to ask her out like that without needing some big sit-down. Their relationship already has a level of familiarity and trust where his feelings wouldn’t come out of nowhere. So the problem wasn’t how he confessed, but when and what it conflicted with in her life.
It feels less like rejection and more like hesitation. If they did start dating, I don’t think it would actually disrupt her life as much as she fears—she could still spend time with Rei and maintain that dynamic. But right now, she can’t see past that responsibility. Until she figures out that she doesn’t have to choose one over the other, that fear of leaving Rei behind is always going to hold her back.
I need Ayaka to be like 2018 LeBron and carry this ship on her back.
Thanks for the translation.