"We can't just hug for no reason..."
That statement really only applies to strangers. I mean, I've seen free hugs be a thing in certain places. Something I hope he'll learn sometime is that hugging for no reason is a privilege enjoyed by most couples. Yes, Zagan. You and your lover Nephie can hug for no reason.
Trading places giving lap pillows are a pretty good start though. Although what they've already been doing before is pretty much lover-y things already. I hope that plot point about Nephtheros's origins doesn't just get forgotten, while I don't expect her to be Nephie's sister I'd still want to know the answer.
It's not often that I see kemonomimi characters having 4 ears get pointed out, and I'm always surprised when it does.