I knew I related to Kanoko, but this was a little too much for me. I've been in that bubble. Being special to a friend that you have feelings for, and you don't want to ruin what you have...ultimately what happened with me is I confessed and thought I enjoyed my time with them when in reality it just wasn't how I pictured it, and I had a hard time actually vocalizing what I wanted because I was more afraid of losing them, then making things work for both of us. I idealized my relationship with my partner, thinking I was a special stone that fit in a slot that worked for their dynamic, when in reality, they considered it more a casual thing that they slowly wanted to build on.
I say this because I don't think Kanoko is going to go after Hime, this is more of a moment of clarity for her to realize she rejected Hime already because she didn't want to lose her as a friend, but she never really got to cry about it or understand what happened. I don't think Hime would have rejected her either tho, it's just a matter that Kanoko already built an idea in her head, without understanding the other person's feelings. In other words, I think Kanoko is ultimately going to be the one that shows Hime the truth of who she actually loves, and who she actually is.