after 30 chapters, kataoka says "i think i like her." he's finally flexing that big muscle in his skull.
I was thinking about that, I'm guessing that in the original he says something like "Suki da," which in this context is not as casual as just realizing that he likes her, which has been obvious since the beginning of the story. If that's what he said then a more apt translation in this context would be something like "I think I’ve fallen for her." or even "I think I'm in love with her" might be more accurate than "I think I like her" which to english speakers makes us go "well no shit you like her".
In Japanese culture, there is a significant emphasis on
honne (true feelings) versus
tatemae (public face). Kataoka's realization is the moment his
honne finally breaks through his own internal defenses.