It seems like things are slowing down on the Mai-Ajisai front as Renako distracts herself with Kaho's reemerging identity.
As an introduction to what I think will be a Kaho-centered arc, this does pretty well so far. Kaho hasn't really been in focus, but she's been mentioned enough that the audience has perceptions and assumptions about her character. We did not expect her to potentially be Renako's childhood friend- which is what Renako is going through right now.
Also, because she's potentially Renako's childhood friend, we can explore the origins of Renako's behaviors- and more secifically why she can't return an answer to Ajisai and why she doesn't know what she wants from Mai.
I think this arc comes at a perfect time. The future of Renako's relationship(s) is no longer dependant on Ajisai or Mai, but on Renako herself- and to move foward into a future with either Mai or Ajisai (or both) she needs to confront the past which has led to her current shortcomings.
These are my current thoughts right now. Might change with a reread or two
Thank you for the chapter!!