Buddy was on the way to letting himself get NTRd (I know it won't actually happen) because he's that much of a tsundere.
Just fucking get with her you dumbass.
But I did like this chapter. I typically hate love triangle baiting, but I don't think that's what's happening here. I think this is the proper use of a temporary "rival" that pushes the main to actually think beyond their mental blocks. Because it's clear Kotarou has a lot of issues he's been working through and avoiding giving in or acknowledging his feelings for Hime. So this is just something that helps him get there. I really doubt there will actually be a love triangle of any sort.
I hate stuff like this but it was done pretty well. Very subtle yet we the reader knew intention along the way, allowing our ML to be the one to facilitate the meet up and essentially follow along was done well too. Especially enjoyed the purposful textbox covering his face time to time so we didn't get a peak at his discomfort. Stuff like this will help make feelings under the surface more known, I just hope he doesn't go overboard on correcting behavior instead of letting his feelings known.
Thanks for the chapter! I wonder if stuff like this happens in real life. I don't mind the trope, but maybe it's because I haven't read or watched a lot of media that have this trope. Will enjoy it while I like it tho
If this was a weekly series the author could have dedicated a couple of chapters for the same effect, but we have to waste almost 50 pages, 3 weeks worth of pages on a montly timing, on this.
What a shame.