So, i just re-read 10 last chapters in a row... And when you read it LIKE THIS - it all clicks, it all make sense. But dragging this whole arc for a year... Yeah, that was not the best decision from the author's side - bcs while re-reading i caught myself on a ton of details that was 5-8 month ago and I totally forgot about at this point (for example - dialogue with the shop keeper on the bench at the park). I remembered the frustration from all the drama, but forgot build-up that lead to it.
So i recommend you too re-read it with the whole picture now out.