IDCC ch.54 part 7 - Awkward

Seeing him smile in this situation is just 😭😭😭

Pame Ávila

i'm crying, litteraly

Marianne Charley

I’m not crying, you are

Christina B

I come here to find some comfort and now I’m sad 😭

Cony N

Btw, I wouldn’t even know where to begin with Arashi. Sure, maybe she’s just going after what she wants, but girl, get a grip🫠Honestly, it feels like she’s been taking advantage of Souta’s kindness—like, what kind of decent person accepts such expensive tickets from another student???! And all those favors she keeps asking for... I usually don’t throw shade at female characters, but Arashi is definitely the exception. I just can’t stand her. Sorry if I’m being too blunt, lol🤭😅

Mel

I keep telling myself this must be a nightmare... Every time Souta acts like everything’s fine, it *physically* hurts. I can't stand seeing him smile while he's clearly heartbroken 😭 I just wish he’d be a little more selfish—just once. It’s not healthy to keep bottling everything up like this. He needs to let it out and talk things through, even if it feels like a burden. I mean, I get both sides—of course it makes sense that Souta doesn’t want to “trouble” Nao after everything he’s been through. But still... I just really hope the truth about the tickets comes out soon, and that our boys can finally be honest with themselves—and each other. Even if it’s a messy, slow journey, I just want them to be okay.

Mel

I was prepared for Souta to cry but this is worse😭💔

AstridSkies

PAIN

Cecilia Araujo Costa

...Souta's a good person. 🥺🫂

JusBNMe

Pain

Octavia Liotine

Dont cry dont cry dont cry 🥹🥹🥹

Desire Torres

😞 These poor boys are both gonna hurt themselves in the process.

Chip Kelvin

Nao is looking concerned/annoyed? I think his trauma isn’t allowing him to feel what he wants and now that Souta is giving the appropriate space he’s double thinking it of not wanting Souta to be closed off from him… this doubled edged sword is deadly 😌

Lionheart8952

He’s defo gonna break down when he’s alone 🫩

BOOM890

Good he realizing something is still up but I still can’t DO this

Tenga

🙄

Kota_Kitsune

😔🤝

ublep

He is spiraling I feel it

Ari queenofcolor

i have no ideaaaa but the fact the chapter isn’t over yet worries me😭

mafusphere

What do we think is going to happen today 😥

choco_milk6969

I've been preparing myself for further heartbreak all week 😭😭

BiliousBecca

It is today… I hope something happens. I can’t take this anymore. See you guys later😭

Hermione

My heart is shattered, I re-readed the whole comic 😭 Don't worry about me though, I want to know what happens next 🫶

ublep

Ugh this is so true it hurts. Like as much as i just want them to be together ik the burn makes it so much more satisfying. When it finally does happen the emotions will be thru the roof.

c3c3

Here you go! https://discord.gg/idcc You'll have to submit a ticket with your patreon information to get approved for the patreon channel, but you can access almost everything else right away.

DearNeptune!

Hey! I remember someone telling me about a discord channel and I would like to go there. Can someone repeat the info fo me please? 🙏🏻 thank you!!

procra

QnA soon pls

vave

bro putting on a facade is so hard.

kay

I feel so bad for both of them being in this position. You can tell from past chapters that Nao really did like Souta in that way, and wanted to be in his presence a lot. Just the way he was looking at him when Souta was dressed as a clown and how Nao asked Souta if he wanted to practice kiss. You could even tell he would feel alittle down whenever Souta brought up Inoue. When the half confession finally happened I thought Nao would jump at the chance to be with Souta, but I think Nao was just as suprised that Souta could reciprocate his feelings and it scared him badly. In fact I think he made that facial expression during that scene because as much as he liked Souta he hoped it wasn’t true he could like him back. After all, Nao got to this point in his life because Souta was always by his side supporting him. I understand how Nao feels because imagine watching your parents have this toxic relationship and being afraid to ruin the one good thing you have. I think it’s hard on Souta aswell because in Soutas mind it must feel very one sided even though we all know Nao likes him too, but he’s probably seeing this more as a one sided rejection. I’ve read this comic since the very beginning and it’s been the best slow burn. Nao and Souta feel so real as characters because the author has taken so much time to develop them.

Neece

I'LL GIVE HIM ME FOR MORAL SUPPORT 😭😭🫂🫂

Oscar (Porusa)

I just want them to be happy!!!!

rin

I think Nao has just never had a friend like Souta and is so scared of losing his friend that he doesn’t want to risk it.

alimac

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly, that Nao needs a friend outside of Souta, especially if they should date later in the story - I have been there, and it's everything but a healthy relationships if your Partner is your only Person of trust. Souta sure is Nao's first step, but we don't want lasting emotional dependence. I'm reminded of Lauren Daigle's "You Say". To be emotionally healthy, you need to stop defining yourself through another. For Nao to do this, to become independent from Souta, he needs another Person he can confide in. Yuu would be great.

Nanani

Souta my shayla 😭😭

Amenvc

Someone give souta and Oscar STAT.

JaiAHHH

So, inspired theory/idea I now have thanks to all the comments I've seen saying that Ryu needs to come back into the story and be there for Souta (which, hard agree. Ryu is a sweetie and gives good advice) that I feel compelled to share: How great would it be if Yuu ALSO comes back into the story, and he ends up being the one Nao talks to/gets advice from about everything?? Cause they were friends back in middle school, until they had their falling out... and while I understand Nao's reaction to what Yuu said regarding his mom ("Did your mom ditch you?"), I feel Yuu wasn't asking with malicious intent. It honestly felt like a geniune, curious inquiry from a young kid who doesn't fully understand the situation, nor the implications of their question... since they're still developing emotional understanding and still learning the impact of words and all that. So I think it would be really cool if this is what would rekindle their friendship! Cause let's be honest, Nao DESPERATELY needs a friend he can confide in OUTSIDE of Souta...(as much as I love Keisuke, he is Souta's best friend...and while I fully believe he would try his best to be unbiased...he is fairly protective of Souta (as he should!)) and Nao also DESPERATELY needs a friend that has ZERO romantic interest in him (sorry Arashi). Yuu perfectly fits both those criteria, PLUS Yuu knows a fair amount about what happened with Nao's mom.. so Nao wouldn't really need to get into all of that for Yuu to understand how that whole mess is affecting Nao's feelings regarding the current Souta situation. Pluuuuus, remember at the end of the summer soccer camp, when Souta asked Yuu about what happened between him and Nao? Yuu reveals in that convo that he still remembers when Nao's birthday is...in fact, that's how Souta learns when it is. And after Souta leaves, Ryu tells Yuu that he should talk to Nao and try to reconcile with him. Yuu says that too much time has passed, but you can tell that he seems kinda sad. I feel like both these things might be slight hints that Yuu and Nao will become friends again?? Or, at least that Yuu wants to be friends again/misses Nao, and dosen't blame him for how he reacted back then. Wouldn't all this current drama be a good reason for Yuu and Nao to start talking again?...even if they don't initially talk about their falling out.

BiliousBecca

Oh...oh nooooo!!! Why would you point this ouuuut!! 😭😭😭😭

BiliousBecca

Oh, no... is Nao gonna get deja vu of when he was a child and had to watch his mom hide her pain with a smile and lies til she "abandoned" him and died 😭😭

Honey&Melon

does anyone remember happiness atp 😭

MoTheGhost

This is just so brilliantly written 😭❤️💔

Mojo

And I think Keisuke will clue Nao in to how much Souta’s over worked himself, and maybe we will get a background into Souta being sick and his hospitalization. That was a bit glossed over but it’s Souta’s arc now.

Dani

I've reread this chapter a few times now and I think it must be so debilitating to have the same person who let you feel safe expressing your emotions working so hard to hide theirs. Souta is clearly miserable at karaoke and Nao notices! So he downs his drink and goes out to find him looking miserable only for Souta to immediately put up a front with him. And really what I think that tells Nao is whether or not he wants anything to change, it already has. Also as much as I love the cliche "leave the concert and run to him" vibe, I really want Keisuke to be the one to make the pieces click. Keisuke is probably the only other person who notices as much as Nao, and I also think Keisuke will be fully transparent with how much Souta is hurting.

Amy

Oooh, I love your theory that Emi will come back and be the person Nao discusses Souta with 👀

Norin

Yup, I think Christmas is the next chapter.

Dani

Tbh I would be surprised if the last two years of build up Aina’s been leading for this specific concert didn’t result in something. Literally she’s centered everything around the soccer cleats and tickets.

Dani

Wise words

Mustela

When Souta blows up or breaks down, it’s going to be the most satisfying thing in the world. I too, and I’m sure we all were once at some point, like Souta. So selfless, always putting others first until you have that one final breakdown that ends it all and you start to realize that you really need to take care of yourself first and then find an equilibrium where you can be there for yourself and others. Finally the character arc we have been waiting for. This will be the most satisfying thing for Souta and it will hurt and there will still be a climb to be had but after reaching the summit, it’ll be an easier path to follow. I really do wonder how far away we are from Christmas…. But in this chapter, you can reallyyyy tell Souta is trying to out on a face and his reaction hurt a lot more than I expected. I was thinking it would be mellow but it was a lot more happy than I thought. I know that this could happen but really want it to happen. CAN KEISUKE AND SOUTA HAVE A SLEEPOVER?! I feel like it would be so cute, plus I feel like Souta needs that so much right now because I know if he goes home to his room all alone, he WILL lock that door and he WILL flop on that bed and he WILL CRYYYYY his heart OUT all alone and… HE SHOULD NOT BE ALONEEEE. 😭

Hermione

I feel like at some point, Nao needs to speak more seriously about what he wants. Now, let me explain that first. There are multiple instances where he has either never asked for what he truly wanted or he hasn’t asked for anything at all and people have been making sacrifices for him without him knowing that hurts them. I know people still maybe not like him, but his dad is an example of that. Don’t get my wrong, I still don’t agree with him not spending as much time with his kids because he needs to allocate time to his family, but on the other hand, if Nao’s mom isn’t working then it would make sense why he had to work so often to provide for three people and save up for his kid’s college. While again, it wasn’t right for him to blow off Nao’s mom and stuff it all still just doesn’t seem right to me unless I hear the story from his dad’s perspective. On that note, even though Nao doesn’t say it, I believe that he just wants to spend time with his dad even though he doesn’t like how things ended between him and his mom and doesn’t act like he doesn’t want him there. Hence an example of where Nao didn’t ask for something and it hurt him and without his dad realizing until he got older, it hurt his relationship with his son. A lot of families are indeed like this one and have different perspectives. My mom is a good example honestly where she would just work and whenever she saw me it was to lecture me or berate me because my smile was ugly or my hair looked like a monkey or something. So, I did and still don’t really speak to her and I close myself off in my room not wanting to see her, and the fact my parents always have a screaming match doesn’t help either. But I do appreciate that she does love me and work hard to ensure I have a future. I don’t think Nao understands that yet and I feel like he might when he figures out about the tickets too. The whole arc with Souta not being around as much because he needed to work, and taking a lot of shifts was when I was sort of hoping for some similarities to be drawn with Souta and his dad. And yes, I still want that arc to happen where Nao and his dad talk… but I’m just saying that in this whole thing I feel like Souta will meet Nao’s dad one day and they’ll have a talk that will encourage Souta to tell Nao to talk to his dad about his mom because things are a bit different from his side or something. Since of course, Souta can sort of relate to working. Of course not excusing his dad not making at least some time for his family. Now with Souta, he has given him the tickets but Nao never asked for it and it doesn’t seem like he wants it. Instead, all he wants is to spend time with Souta which he did express but Souta doesn’t remember it and didn’t take it too seriously after meeting Arashi. Still waiting for the Nao family arc!! ON THAT NOTE! We still haven’t met his sister yet, and Aina said we’d see her again. My guess is that she’ll come back with either her boyfriend or fiancé and Nao will ask her for advice on what to do about Souta. That will probably change his mind. Also sorry for the long comment😭

Hermione

Ok, I kind of wish Souta had blown up at Nao, but when I think about it this might have been the best reaction: not causing more drama (which might have fed into Nao's push/pull coping strategy) but unintentionally giving Nao the impression that Souta's crush is not so serious and that he'll be fine either way. It may push Nao to think about what he really wants and reflect on why he's so disappointed now that Souta's sort of stepping back a bit. On a different note, this also feels like one of those updates where I'd love to read at least two in a row to get more closure 😅

Norin

Add On: If it turns out Nao is somewhere on the A-Spec then I’m gonna be so happy because I don’t see much rep but genuinely Nao gives me slight A-Spec vibes

TuttiFruttiSJL

I can’t help but feel like we are missing something. I think Nao does like Souta but didn’t Nao have a previous relationship if I’m remembering correctly?? Nao said he dated a girl (I think) but what if because of everything that’s happened to him he feels like he’s undeserving of being loved by someone and that might be why he’s reluctant to be with Souta. We know he WAS going to kiss him during the school fair but stopped himself, low-key I’m smelling something along the lines of low self esteem and whenever someone shows signs of affection he doesn’t know how to deal with it because he feels that he doesn’t deserve that persons love (I know this feeling all to well because I’m pretty similar so I thought I’d leave my opinion, aaa the joys of being AroAce)

TuttiFruttiSJL

I think you’re right, especially since Nao is a child of divorce, and a bad one at that, so his vision of romantic relationships are probably skewed because of it

Hibiscosaurus

Yeeees I’ve been looking at the playlist too and it helps so much to know we are getting closer to the love songs after each update !!! It also helps understanding the boys better which is really nice

Hibiscosaurus

I CANNOT DDBSNkdhhssj i wanna kms i love you souta my strong fake smile king

garlicBread

Can’t wait for clingy bf Nao🙏🏻

PikasWife (•bruh•)

NONO NO

Lala B

SIGHHH litteraly a sweetheart

Lala B

yeah, i think he's realising how much + how well souta is at hiding things. i mean before in the ferris wheel, nao was already getting on souta's case abt bottling things up and how "annoying you are when you're like this". putting aside how heartbreaking this has been, there's definitely a lot of development in their understanding of each other... specifically nao i guess? 🥹🥹

catto

that was a whole SLAP 😭😭 bro put all his strength into that ☝🏾

vivi

Souta is such a sweetheart...

tamar levy

GUH, when Nao finds out Arashi got the tickets from Souta.... it'll fix everything.... I'm delusional 😭😭😭

NIL

I’m just trying to imagine how satisfying it’s going to be when Nao regrets rejecting him. Hopefully that happens xD

Sasuna

stop it 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Cam Cam

yes I agree HAHHAHAHA

Cam Cam

Not the back pat I swear Souta 😭 Hhh conceeeeert already lets go to the concert now!!! Should’ve expected that but I always hope 🥲

Iona

Souta is so selfless and so kind it hurts😭 please be selfish for once and stop burying your feelings😭 gosh I love his character so much he is way too understanding and caring I would breakdown if I was in his position ☹️😞

Dylan

I think Nao is scared if they do this and it doesn't work he won't have Souta anymore and he can't risk that.

Alex

I think we’re gonna see it soon 😭

Red

Idk if a potential souta love interest / jealous nao arc is realistic atp i doubt it but it would be sooo satisfying 😭 WAKE IT UPPPP NAO WAKE UP

choco_milk6969

I think Nao needs to disarm Souta to the point where he feels safe enough to cry to him. Since Souta's been there for Nao before, I wonder if it’ll help Nao feel as though he wants to do the same for Souta (because he loves him) because he cares about him above all.

Heidi

I wonder if Nao is starting to realize how practiced Souta is at hiding himself behind a convincing smile. Because besides the romance, that might make him wonder about their friendship. It’s really uncomfortable to think you can’t trust your friend to tell you “no” when that’s what they’re actually feeling

ScuttlebuttScootScoot

Okay, either 1. It’s not in his nature to snap, so if he does it’ll be horrifying. 2. Him snapping or crashing out will be silent, quiet, which will be equally as terrifying. I hope it doesn’t come to him snapping, it’ll be heartbreaking to see him pushed to that point 🥹

Heidi

Such a great point! There are a lot of stories wherein the characterization can read awkward when moving between the friendship to lovers phase. The story forgets who the characters are in exchange for a speedier conclusion. This story hurts and it also reads so beautifully. I am so excited to continue reading this story as I know it’ll continue to be handled so beautifully and with respect to the characterization that’s been built up for us. It feels so natural, I love it 🙏🏼😭🫶🏼

Heidi

The way Nao says Souta's name feels so tender. He is in LOVE, I honestly think he just needs more time to process what’s happening. Based on how they talk I think Souta processes information and has responses faster than Nao. Souta is being such a good future bf by giving him space to process 😭 I love them SM they really balance each other out, Souta moves them along while Nao grounds them.

Heidi

the way every queer comic i’m reading is in the arc of horror and despair during pride month is diabolical 😭😭

vivi

I’m crashing out 2 weeks in a row 😭 I love Souta so much, he deserves the world. I just KNOW Nao is just scared. They both just need time to process and to have a real and open discussion. One where Souta isn’t burying his feelings and Nao internal dialogue is externalized.

Heidi

I need to know how every other character is feeling about this scenario, like would they pull an intervention cos everything is so awkward?

MrMonochromatic

💭 Nao's internal thoughts: get over it? What if I don’t want him to get over it, over me

Heidi

SO REAL

Em

This is really first webtoon that made me feel this way after all the years... first one that made my heart ache so much

Lyana224 .

I feel like my heart is breaking into pieces. I feel so sad for Souta and it hurts so much seeing him bury his emotions like this. I hope Nao regrets turning Souta down asap.

Rachel Winters

…… ………. …………….. ya know what? This is fine. That just means Nao’s gonna treat Souta like the king he is when they get together. Yeah. This. Is. F I N E .

ALICE

I think someone said this earlier, but fr Souta needs to crash tf out PLEASE let my boy be selfish for once :(

Elise Tencniv

I….am unwell

Cyan134

im literally sweating & my heart is beating so fast goodlord

mimi

It's amazing that for every cliffhanger, my writer brain thinks it knows what happens in the next panels and it's wrong every time. Because my writer brain is basing its prediction from all romance I've read and seen. But my immediate assumption is usually the "most dramatic" option, but not the "best writing choice" option. (my only correct prediction was guessing that Nao would pull Souta onto the ferris wheel)

Reese J

nao’s expression in the first panel tells me everything i need to know he is so upset bro. aina i love this pacing and what direction this is going, i always tried to imagine what it would be like when they finally got together but i could never find something that felt right. it being bumpy and complicated makes so much sense, i always worry that an author will make their characters change when romance is on the brink, but they are so true to who they are right now. that isnt good! but it is wonderful to read. nao just makes so much sense to me, i think that his character is so comforting for people who have grieved before. i genuinely get him so much it makes me sad and happy. GOING STRONG ON THIS COMIC FOR 6 YEARS BAYBEEEE

benson boone’s first cyborg clone

That’s gonna hurt quite soon 👍

Adrianna Lopez

im calling it… theyre gonna be awkward until Nao discovers Souta payed for the tickets, and then he’s going to realize how much he fucking loves him

Vickzzz

I'm dying 🥲 💔

MsNutLover

Same time next week guys? 🥲

Somnolent

'I love you' by Billie Eilish continues playing 🎵🎵the smile that you gave me even when you felt like dyiIiiiIinnng🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵 Catch my dying at the club💃🥲

_Star_ Flight_

Seeing Souta minimizing his feelings and pretending he is fine broke me more than i thought. It literally made me cry

laralala

Hey, Aina! Just wanted to say I love the narrative's pace. It's top notch, it keeps the reader entertained while still giving your characters the necessary space to grow. The story will unfold at a beautiful rythm for future readers who will discover it after its conclusion. As a current reader, the weekly wait really hightens the emotional impact of the latest arc. It's a delight each week to discover a bit more and to be forced to savor it (instead of blazing through the whole story in a few days). You're such a great author and artist. P.S. Loved all your soccer chapters!

Abricot

Yeaahh like my inner fanfics could not have prepared me for thisssss

WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕

Ok but like I can't stop thinking about the injustice with the fxxxxing tickets that he bought with all his money and then didn't get to give. This poor self-sacrificing idiot dude...

WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕

Exactly I'm sorta proud of him for even being able to look so carefree right now

WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕

NOTHING IS TURNING OUT LIKE I EXPECTED!!! AINA!!!🫠

gnabnahc9706

Stay strong Souta 😔 poor kiddo. Nao can you maybe fix this somehow? Please? Idk like if he doesn't like him (unlikely) that's fine but it's not healthy to leave things like this.

WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕

He is so much better that me 💀

awphinesse

I could not blame him though, I am the same 😔🫶

ublep

bro hiding everything and iT WILL bubble over just like what happened with Nao :(

adzie✨

This was more heartbreaking than Souta snapping out on Nao 😭

ublep

Holy shit 😭

awphinesse

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

ublep

Exactamente

ublep

Me lleva la chingada 😃

awphinesse

Trying to not crash out on the bus station 💕

awphinesse

I second this 🙋‍♀️

L. Miller

i'm crashing out. even souta is taking it better than me at this point😭😭

alais

It's going to be some eventful Christmas this year... (for him, for them both) 😭😭😭

Kairricane

I wonder when souta will finally snap

EmeraldMoth

Ok I tried, they are very literally doing themselves a disservice by not using every opportunity they could to talk about it. I still think it’s a miscommunication who knows at this point. I’m liking where this is going tho. I’m hoping one of them will slowly start to go nuts and letting some feelings out😭😭 either way Nao needs to let some of his thoughts be heard and Souta needs to stop faking like he’s ok It’ll be good for the economy😍💗 Also Ik Nao sees through Souta’s bs!! That’s why he said his name like that!!! But they really need to get it together bc it’s pride month and we miss them💔

Rishi

He gonna lose it on the way home and get sick I bet

Dani

reading this at the club byeee

hani

SK8 THE INFINITY!! *AHEM* yes yes, I do agree Nao: “Souta, my love… of soccer, is because of you” 😭

Hermione

BEFORE I FORGET AGAIN TO ASK!! Aina, can we please get another Q&A??? It’s been long!

Hermione

Souta is always taking care of other people and their feelings, I really just want someone to take care of him so he can fully feel the heartbreak. I’m glad he has Keisuke but if Souta doesn’t stop hiding how he feels no one can really help him

Jenelle

Souta's defense mechanism is impressive. The way he so quickly put up that happy front for Nao's sake it pretty painful. But I can sympathize with him not wanting to make Nao uncomfortable and bringing more pain for himself in the form of Nao's rejection. I'm curious about Nao's expression with Souta's "carefree" demeanor.

Zarrytan

Literally, it’s already begun. I’m sure Keisuke is going to come in clutch again, comforting and holding Souta as he breaks down. As we all know, Souta tells Keisuke everything and it may not be immediate, but he will tell him eventually. Hopefully Keisuke pushes him to look after himself more because he’s so fed up seeing his best friend break himself.

Hermione

RYU OMGGG I AM WAITING FOR HIS RETURN!! Because genuinely, he is a lot like Souta I think and a bit of vulnerability that he needs. Plus, if you did the event with the coins, you see him say something like, “Being everyone’s friend sometimes feels like you’re nobody’s friend” which I feel like Souta can kind of relate to since he bends over backwards to the point of hurting himself without seeing any love in return.

Hermione

souta rejecting nao who was lowkey into the idea just didn’t want to ruin the friendship (souta is literally me)

Hannah

This is genius and much needed for him and this fandom. I hope at some point Souta says that if he wants Nao and him to stay friends, he’s going to need space from him first to get over his feelings. His heart and mind can truly only take so much

Hermione

Oh this boy is gonna break down 😭

Taytorade

What..??????????? Are we… serious right now?????🫩

Veiwan

Nooooo god dang it boy stop bottling everything up!!!!

Billy Maz

I’m just gonna keep my mouth shut😑

Rishi

SOUTAAAAA 😭😭😭😭

kal

Souta being the one to reassure Nao after everything makes me wanna cry he’s too kind for his own good 💔

Ells

i think nao is just scared of what it means if he accepts souta’s feelings. like maybe he thinks if we are friends we can be together forever, whereas a relationship can end at any point. i think he is aware that the feelings are mutual, but is just scared of change

arh24

I think this is setting us up for some really good character development for Souta. We saw him gain more confidence in the soccer camp arc, but I don’t think that was Souta’s main character-arc. At every single turn, Souta chooses to “help” others at the expense of his own comfort and feelings. He exhausted himself running around like a maniac during the school festival helping everyone, he volunteered to sing for the band (and, as he thinks, humiliate himself) so that they could still perform, he got a part time job and worked his butt off to buy Nao a gift when he maybe should’ve been studying or resting, he gave Arashi the tickets and let her walk all over him, and now he’s putting his feelings aside to make Nao feel comfortable regardless of the fact that being around him is painful and what he really needs to heal is space. Now, we’ve seen some fantastic character development for Nao already. He learned, in large part due to Souta’s support, how to properly grieve his mother’s passing, how to be more compassionate to others, and how to open up to others. It’s SOUTA’s turn. I really hope this is leading up to a breaking point where Souta decides once and for all to be SELFISH. I want to see him act in his own self interest for once and do and ask for what he really wants/needs. It would be even better if Nao, after a breakthrough, encourages him to do so.

july

"True love is putting someone else's needs before yourself." If this is true, then Souta is the most loving character in this entire freaking comic. All he's done is put everyone else before him. He is self-sabotaging in the best way and the worst part is, we can't tell him he's wrong for it. Everything he's done is for Nao's benefit...and now that Nao has asked the impossible, Souta still puts Nao's needs first and does the impossible. But he can't keep this up forever. It's all going to come crashing down around him, and I am HERE for it! PLEASE!! Someone take care of Souta's needs for once!!

Rvn

Yeah Souta is definitely going to have a huge crash out at some point bottling everything up like this

BK

SOUTA MY LOVE YOU ARE TOO PRECIOUS 😭😭

hannie

“Gee willikers, Nao. I’ll get over it.”

The Urge

I know Souta is hiding his pain behind the false smile and wink, but I kind of love him for his reaction in slapping Nao on the back and telling him not to be so serious... Because he's trying to make this easier for Nao, even as his own heart is breaking... And I love him more for that goodness. (Could never be my hot-tempered ass but I love to see it 💅🤣)

Elisse

"i'll be over it in a jiffy !" Almost make me laugh 🥲

So'

Souta honey 🥺

Dug

Oh... No... Souta my baby boy... I'll make a hot coco and set the most comfy sofa spot for you, you need cuddles

Yaya

THIS IS SO REAL 😭

Sutton

Si YO estoy confundida, estresada y triste, imagínate ELLOS

Ari Yez

I’m so sad and bummed 🙁

Nikki Crumbley

He’s communicating at least a bit.

The Urge

Okay gotta get this out first, WHO SAYS JIFFY IN THE YEAR 2025 SOUTAAAAAAAAAAAA anyways. I feel so bad for both of them here. Souta is clearly suppressing his feelings and thinks he’s reassuring Nao that he’ll get over it. Meanwhile hearing that Souta is gonna try to get over him is probably devastating to Nao ☹️. I know we keep saying they need to talk but honestly, how? They clearly have different ways of talking (one of the common ones is literally fighting). I do feel that Nao does wanna talk more but Keisuke’s tea and Takeo’s encore are waiting I guess. Poor thing. Aina pls free the babies

Kazemi / かぜみ

Can someone come out of the karaoke room and accidentally bump into Souta to spill some drinks? It’ll give him an excuse to go to the bathroom and cry out his heart😔😫😞

Diadia20

I can’t be mad at either of them. This is just so…. frustratingly sad😖🥺 I am devastated.

Eternally Random

✨my heart's already breaking baby go on twist the knife✨🥹 (Sorry for the one direction quote but yeah… trying not to cry just like Souta ✌🏼🥹 (and probably Nao))

mixhelle

Right?!😢❤️‍🩹

Diadia20

Use your words Mister, you already solved the Arashi problem that way. The results weren’t ideal, but the alternative was completely ignoring it.

The Urge

Alright… there needs to be a scene later on where that old soccer friend from the other school come and steal Souta away or something. Maybe then, Nao will start to feel something 😤

Diadia20

wow kudos to souta hes so strong and good at hiding his emotions deadass i could never hide my emotions that well like him 😭😭 but i know this facade of his is going to become harder to pretend he’s fine… plz crashout souta 🙌 LET IT OUT!!

jen

The pain in that smile, dude… it’s killing me 😭

The Gone Angel

i mis-hit enter, so time to retype my reply LOL i was gonna say. i'm not looking forward to an eclipse hitting our sunshine boy fully - aka, when he hits his breaking point where we can see it (because imagine how he's feeling behind the scenes when we don't!). i want him to let it out but it's gonna hurt so much worse for him and us when he does finally hit that breaking point :'D just like it hurt/hurts seeing nao hit his low points, it's gonna hurt seeing souta hit it/hit his low points, too.

Eden Jay

Aina you really know how to twist the knife lmaooo. This writing is so good!

BK

Souta might just be the most selfless character in existence omg he's a saint 😭

Sutton

Angst aside, I just wanted to say that I really appreciate the subtle ways emotions have been conveyed lately in the comic. And the nuances of this story too!! It feels like such a realistic portrayal of a queer teen romance story, and I really appreciate the space for complexity you have given it Aina! So often, with queer romance particularly, audiences want things to be simple bc of how much trickier it is irl… but it’s nice when queer romances are allowed the same level of complexity and nuance that straight romances aren’t even asking permission for. It allows for the story to resonate so much more to our experiences and find comfort in such similarities. This may have gotten a bit ramble-y for a comment but my god I wish I wasn’t too shy to comment sooner bc I cannot emphasis enough how much I love your storytelling!!

Bryn E

Aw man I hate being right...I knew souta was gonna bottle his emotions up

Sutton

Why can I relate to this so easily man 🥲

Susannah Read

I know I say this every week but I need more!!!!! I can’t go on like this 😭

Marisa Arambula

Bro has earned a crash out tbh. Working himself to the physical and emotional bone. In my fanfiction beehive brain this is building up to the great burnout, where Souta gets really badly hospitalized sick again (in his monologue about how he doesn't get sick he said he'd used up years of illness, not not the rest of his life. It could be time). Drama and emotions and coming to terms with true feelings ensue

koffine

;(

stalbread

The fact that we can all feel the actual pain in his chest while saying all of that and smiling and.... ugh it's devastating... I adore this.

North Willows

Souta is so precious😭 He’s doing his best to smile and holding back his tears&pain😭😭😭

Diadia20

What in the actual……

Wtfhp

Noooooo😭😭😭

Diadia20

Ive been in exactly this situation, feeling sm pressure to get over your feelings and having to constantly reassure everyone and yourself they're nearly gone when it might not be the case so things can go back to normal SUCKS 🥲🥲🥲

Kiera _Klark

AINA THIS IS KILLING ME 😭

:P

Gahh this is gonna put sooo much stress on their relationship... cause Souta's gonna be putting all his effort into acting like he's okay, while Nao is gonna be anxiously waiting and watching for Souta to break... 😩😩😩

BiliousBecca

y'know what this hurts more than thinking this was gonna be him crying/tearing up actually!!! after i talked the episode before last about how much he's been sacrificing himself lately (not just for nao, given how much running around he did during the school event stuff and, although it was a bit of self sabotage, considering how much he's given up to help arashi - he's been giving himself up in many situations lately), it hurts to see him continue to smack on a mask and act as though it's all okay! it would hurt less (for us AND him, probably, he needs that bit of crying relief again) if he cried. but we're here for the pain :'D (thank u for the episode as always aina! i love how many/most of us can never fully tell what's gonna happen/get our expectations subverted in the most wonderful and painful ways lmao)

Eden Jay

I feel so nauseous right now. I need Souta to be happy pleaseeeee

Sorenha

Aww it’s so sad to see Souta hide his true feelings inside. It is interesting that Nao seems down about it, and can probably tell that Souta is hurt despite the happy cover. Wow Ainaaa I’m loving the ups and downs of the story so far!! It adds to the connection of the characters and emotions!! ❤️ also happy Juneteeth to any American fans of this comic!!

jojo

Don't take it out on your poor kitty! 😭

BiliousBecca

Yeah I agree with you ! 💔

So'

I really thought Takahashi had come out to find them.

DearNeptune!

i wanted to see souta crash out for once😔

Lou

Save Souta from himself.

DearNeptune!

Wahhh Nao’s expressions in this chapter have been so good. So much emotion. My heart 💔

Halee

I should’ve known by now something like this was gonna happen

Ariiaa

It hurts knowing how much souta is hiding his pain, but I get that souta needs some normalcy right now. The last thing he wants is to lose nao because of his feelings for him, so souta is trying to give nao permission to be normal with him and not worry abt the rejection (bc no matter how nao feels and whether we like it or not, nao has rejected souta in this instance)

Bryn E

You make these boys happy together or I stop petting my cat. Your choice.

Nikki Morrow

😭🧎🏻‍♀️

Kat

Souta is like… the definition of that happy friend who always helps everyone and like… God, just- poor guy

thedistortedeye

Thank you for sharing because this is really stressing me out and reading your theory helped 🥲

Kat

what did i expect honestly 😭😭 of course he'd do the same thing and hide everything as usual. and nao can see that but he doesn't know what to do

catto

Noooooo, my Souta💀💀💀💀😢😢

Ana Zecchin

AKDJHEJEJDKEJJFKEJEJDBDJDHHFBDBSKDHRHHEHFHFJ

catto

Bingo. Leave the party, gets sick from the cold and stress for the first time in years, Christmas concert in some ?? Days and Nao realizes

Dani

You mean Ryu?

Valeria

Aina what are you doing to us 😭💔

Asher Starner

Souta is breaking my heart. Because I've been there before and I know that feeling oh so well. I wanna hug him so bad.

The1Phoenix

I was just telling my husband how we have gotten married and had two kids sooner than even one of these ding dongs confessed 😭

Dani

I don't know what to say.... Of course Souta was going to deal with this this way but ... I wonder how much he can take ...

So'

Omg my heart

Sarah

This actually hurts more!

Quinn

"thank you, Aina" we all say, with tears in our eyes and empty bank accounts ☝️😔

Am (distracted)

What the heck ... No Souta .... 💔💔💔

So'

LITERALLYYYY😭 this cliffhanger hurts BADDDDDDD💔

Braylin

I just fell to my knees at a karaoke bar

Tired And bored

i cannot handle it anymore it’s been 7 years PLEASE

Marzipan ♡

This was definitely way less painful than the last multiple updates for me, since they've at least aired some of it out! So thank you author, for giving my heart a break this week :') <3

Charlie_Chole

I still go back to the clown chapter whenever these chapters get too hard for me 😞

Charlotte Brown

Well, when it comes to salvaging a friendship when unrequited love is involved communicating and working to get over feelings is the best solution. So Souta is kinda making the right move here even if its painful. It shows he values their friendship and wants to make things work. The issue is, I really don't think the feelings are unrequited at all. I get the feeling he's gonna do that thing where he decide he does want to be with him as soon as Souta starts to move on. (Though it'd be great if he could figure his stuff out before that point, bc idk if I can handle the stress T_T)

Charlie_Chole

I’m not surprised this is Souta’s reaction. He already believed he didn’t have a chance so he’d rather keep Nao as a friend than lose him altogether

alimac

Nao just got bro-zoned, kind of satisfying to see🤭 (I love them both, but I also love the painful yearning) being bros with a few extra steps

Sweetish

Thanks, I hate it 😭 Our hurting boys

Maisan

Okay but Nao knows Souta is just pasting on a smile. He knows Souta does this and he realizes that Souta wouldn’t have told him except for the fact that Nao forced it out of him. I think that realization will bother Nao and he will think more about how he really feels and maybe explore some of the fear of their relationship looking different.

taimeow

Nao can sense the pain in Souta and I should've guessed he'd shrug it off! I wonder if he'll leave the party early? It looked like he was going to cry last week so that's what I think might happen a bit later

Tink

I need a time machine or something cause this is not it

Ang

NOOO

mars

Especially Nao's face at the end, the last part showed him genuinely sad, so I think he was preparing to hear Souta cry afterward. His face isn't a "thank god he's taking it well" face, that's a "why are you taking this so well?" face

SleetMage

Alright, remember that’s one dude that befriended souta that I don’t remember his name right now, I think Nao is gonna get jealous of him and realize he likes him. Maybe even say something like “so, is he your boyfriend?” Type situation

Anako

Souta is so strong, but I don’t want him to hurt anymore

Nat

Wait I just noticed the static in Nao’s last 3 panels AAAAAAAA

PikasWife (•bruh•)

Can I kidnap Souta from this comic??? He would get all my attention and have the best life while he heals.

SavageWolffSoul

I want Nao to witness Soutas crash out

Emberling

So my theory is that Souta is going to continue this act. I think we’re going to see him just so stressed/down that he finally catches a cold. Nao and Arashi will be at the concert, and somehow Nao will find out he’s sick along with Arashi letting it slip that Souta had won these tickets. Also I think it’s clear Nao bought those soccer cleats for Souta for Christmas, so I think they’ll make up one way or another by Dec 25th.. now.. getting there..

Dani

Oh boy. Oh, boys. Oh boy. We've got a ways to go, but things are out in the open. You know what's out in the open? Oxygen. You know what loves oxygen? Fire. (Slow) Burn, baby, (slow) burn.

Nik

Having answers finally, feels good. At least I know where the story is going again.

Cory

ohhh souta, this is gonna put some strain on their relationship and i think our boy is gonna reach his breaking point pretty quickly (possibly when nao goes out with arashi to the concert that souta bought tickets to? 🫢)

rae of sunshine

UGH he obviously came out there to talk to you so QUIT BRUSHING EVERYTHING OFF !!!!! and listen!!!! he didn’t say he didn’t have feelings for you, he said he didn’t want things to change UGH!!

Kastiro

😭 ahhhh

What If

Ah... Yes ! Author crushing our expectations... But mostly our HEART !!! I LIKE IT SOMEHOW, BUT PLEASE MAKE THEM HAPPY 😭😭😭😭

Pandyakuza

NAURRR happy birthday😔✊🏻

PikasWife (•bruh•)

now what 😭 we’re at a weird stand still now 🤧

Koda

i called ittt i knew he was gonna bottle it up again💔 but i want him to crash out so bad

mafusphere

okay but also, nao looks absolutely devastated

Reki

my heart is pounding so hard just reading this, omg

charlie

Souta should be an actor, seriously, he could win an Oscar for that performance 💔😭

SnowWrite

I think Aina is setting it up so he has a pretty bad breakdown and gets pretty sick again during the Christmas concert. Nao will be too stressed to enjoy it when he finds out, then it’ll somehow slip that it was Souta who bought the tickets. That’ll be enough for him to finally snap into it

Dani

my heart hurts

Mo

i would’ve MEANT that slap on the back, souta better than me

churrry

Alright, back to the gym I go I guess

Anako

NOOOOO AAAAAH

Alex

bro is definitely gonna bottle this up 💔

Nightsuna

This is definitely going to be painful, huh...

The Last Tree Star

We need Nao's POV! 😭

AmiWarai

Yeah, that's cool, just break my heart like that ToT

Nova Camellia

This is horrible 😭

Ada Goose

souta, imma need you to crash tf out, right the freak now 😡

Reki

souta nooooooooooo!!!!!!

jami lyn

I ran to this episode and then when I read it I almost wanted to cry for Souta😭

Braylin

My Shayla 💔

Daniela Espino

My heart is achingggg for Souta right now because I know the EXACT feeling of feeling crushed but acting like everything’s fine so no one worries ;;; I’d be crying in bed at night to get it all out and wouldn’t be shocked if he did the same ueee

tsunderephant

He's gonna bawl so hard as soon as he has a moment alone 🥺

Stacy Price

He’s better than me I would’ve crashed out

Aaliyah

HHHHHHH POOR SOUTA HE NEVER GETS A MOMENT TO JUST CRY

Monty Mon

It hurts

Parranda

It’s going to be during the Christmas concert and I’m not ready 😭

Dani

Bring on the Nao angst

Alexis

Yes! One microscopic step forward!

PikasWife (•bruh•)

wdym

Zack Quinn

My heart is aching 😭

feeeeee

Also not Nao’s fuckass ‘…’ making a return

PikasWife (•bruh•)

Omgggggggg it’s never what Im expecting 😭 Keep dragging my heart through the mud.

JayJay

I’m with you😭 I feel like bawling my eyes out too

Braylin

Souta bb it’s okay to cry pleaseee 😭🙏

Mia

this is even worse than a crash out

Alessandra Angiuli

This ain’t a slow burn it’s not even a cinder 😭

Goshdarnit

SOUTAAAAAA 😭🤬🫠 WHY CANT YOU BE HONEST WAAAAAAAA

Diamond

Souta baby 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

bugfurb

Oh Souta 😭 the amount I can relate to him is actually scary sometimes lmao

Roy

PLEAS SOUTA NO. CRY! You need to 🥺

Ximinnie

Happy fucking birthday to me 🥲🥲🥲

#FreeSoutaFromHimself

always thinking of others till the very end…oh souta 😞😞

vivi

Souta is gonna cry and I know because I am crying so I just wish I could hug him

Pwola

Saw the notif and bolted to start reading 🫡

Raiena Haque

Finna throw up I’m so tired

Goshdarnit

Yeah, I think Nao is noticing that Souta is lying, because he is acting TOO accepting here.

SleetMage

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm……..

july

if we see him breakdown in secret next episode.... you guys will never see me again.

levi!

I’m happy he mentioned how he didn’t want to say it and basically how it slipped out because of the moment. I think it shows how he’s grown emotionally

Milo

Nao can totally tell Souta's putting on a brave face...

BiliousBecca

I've never needed the next chapter any faster this is diabolical😭

Graham C

Lowkey

PikasWife (•bruh•)

AHHHHH I CANTTT

😴

I wanna hug Souta.just let my boy cry

Hime

Souta slapped the hell outta his back. 😂😂 Glad he said something about not bringing it up though.

DearNeptune!

isa beesa

Noooooo. My babies. 😭😭😭

Patron-Kun

Why are you sad??? He’s trying

Gutokun

PAINNNNNN

Prince ⚜️

my boy 😭😭

OliveOil

Alright CHRISTMAS CONCERT BREAKDOWN LETS GOOOO

Dani

my nonchalant king

levi!

oh man; false jovial behavior incoming

Diyoza (Fletcher)

I’m not gonna lie… no one deserves Souta. He’s too good for everyone

candyflossnfp

Im gonna bawl my eyes out

c3c3

This is killing me 😭 souta’s such a good friend

eevieyeh

Thought someone else had arrived bc of the second panel😭

PikasWife (•bruh•)

I KNEW HED COVER IT UP WITH A SMILE.

Dani

First

Michaela Johnson

Souta should be an actor bro convinced me 😭😭

lulu

NO

Asher Starner

Poor Souta

André Dircksen

SOUTA PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP PRETENDING YOURE OKAY😫😫😫

PikasWife (•bruh•)