I'm in a lot of other fandoms right now and am a major WLW shipper. I have to say Kouhai reminds me of those entitled fans. Stalking, expecting, and demanding things from someone they hold in esteem. Wonder if this is inspired by those stories about V.A.'s, that when someone gets engaged or something the fans suddenly turn hostile and start hate messaging their loved ones or the actor themselves.
I see now why Nagisa wishes to communicate with Mashiro and why she was frustrated that Mashiro wasn't being responsive to her questions. She wants to become better for Mashiro's sake but without Mashiro's input, she can't move forward. She's frustrated because the only way she can learn, attain the knowledge she desperately seeks, is to gain Mashiro's insight. Does Mashiro like the way she is now? Is there anything she'd like to change? She's asking not only for concern but because she desires progress. She wants to deepen their connection but doesn't know Mashiro thinks telling her woes will only shift the burden onto Nagisa.
Still don't like Kouhai. Even if her story feels very much like a gay awakening, like when someone becomes obsessed with an idol, puts up pictures and posters everywhere thinking they want to BE that person and later on realizing they actually want to be WITH that person. I still feel her inclusion is unnecessary. There were other methods that could have been effectively used to achieve the same drama and emotions without resorting to the creation of such a petty individual.
Wonder if the author is a fan of Citrus because this reminds me of the arc with the 1st year who got on Mei's case about the changes she wanted to make. Sure she didn't really admire Mei, just didn't want change, but she was also a character created just to incite some drama and has no bearing to the current story right now.
Though I guess the one good thing that came from this chapter is that I understand the friction between our mains. Nagisa's reaction, walking away from Mashiro, makes more sense now. Kouhai took her weakness, her thirst for knowledge, and unwittingly used it against her. Only this time, Nagisa knew she couldn't turn to a book to figure things out. She turned to the source, to Mashiro, and was rebuffed. She was denied that which she wanted.
It makes sense that this hurdle would be exacerbated. They still don't know how to navigate around each other, are still in the early ages of their romance, still getting to know the ins and outs of each other. They still have to learn how to be with someone and communication is key. It's their first relationship and they haven't even been together that long?
I would have liked for their issue to have been resolved before we see any of the other couples advance but I guess that's the way it's gonna go? Not all couples can be happy until we get to the very end I suppose...
Eagerly waiting the next update and so excited that this is getting an English Translation!!!!