@dancingoncrocodiles
Yeah, it's disappointing in the sense that clear queer representation in a manga like this would be pretty groundbreaking, but also not entirely disappointing because queer-coded *villains* specifically are not very groundbreaking at all, haha. It's a weird paradox in the world of queer representation.
That said, I still whole-heartedly believe that Takoha is supposed to be gay (not based on future knowledge, just headcanon), and I'm genuinely hoping for a moment where Takoha teaches Deido to open up his heart because they're both gay for each other lol. THAT would be really incredible, for a main character like this to be canonically gay. (and I've been sure he is ever since the first convo with Deido)