Hello!
As another commenter noted, I'm really surprised we haven't seen more characters bring up Harold and Maude in-universe and that it hasn't been used as a film poster spoof for the titles as well. Kai and Umiko aren't quite like Harold and Maude, but they do share similarities in that they both enjoy relationships that transcend their age differences; in how the characters broaden their perspectives on life; and in their openness to participating in new experiences together. I think I say this every chapter, but I really do enjoy their relationship and I'm very glad that they both have each other.
Umiko's daughter is very cool. I respect how she makes the effort to be there for Umiko physically and through supportive, straightforward messages while simultaneously juggling her own motherhood, marriage, and career.
Like Umiko, I also enjoy peeking at people's reactions. I can imagine how disheartening it must have been for her to see people bored and/or unappreciative of a movie that means so much to her, especially as she is an aspiring filmmaker herself. I also enjoyed Umiko and Kai's meditations on the artistic process and audience reception. They can really get through to each other.
Thank you for sharing yet another beautifully scanlated chapter! I really appreciate all the work that goes into cleaning, translating, and typesetting these chapters! No worries about the wait, but I'm glad things are settling down for you. I hope your road smoothen out from here on. Have a wonderful day!