But some readers seem to be devoted to what amounts to a contemporary version of medieval canon law—only the overt depiction of mutually administered orgasms can qualify as consummation of a relationship in the eyes of God and (well, usually the term is “man,” but that’s at best awkward here), a modern version of a traditional “bedding ritual” that is required before these de facto spouses can be truly said to be “going out.”
Ahhh, now those people's comments of how the MCs aren't a couple yet make a bit more sense thanks to your explanation. Seriously, though, why do such old ideas (or, at least, slightly modified versions of old ideas) have/need to persist. It's dumb.
I believe the author never intended readers to view Kasurako’s relationship in a typical manner and I don’t believe we will ever see them depicted in that light.
The inclusion of the two other couples almost makes certain this level of explicitness will never be a part of Kasurako’s relationship.
Shouri is what usually happens when we place two very different people together. There was an awkwardness to them in the beginning, a sense of disconnect because they regarded each other as strangers, and of course the way they come together is what should have happened with Kasurako if Kasurako were a normal couple.
Koruka’s relationship almost feels like a direct response to those that are questioning Kasurako’s relationship. They actually have the conversation of whether or not they cross the line of friendship toward coupledom.
A lot has happened between Kasurako in the six volumes.
I don’t see either of them making a move to have that defining conversation and if they do, I imagine the person posing the question whether or not they are indeed a couple will just be met with a resounding ‘yes.’
And if Kasurako outright state that they’re romantically involved, people will always question when exactly they established that. Is it when they first met? Or when Kasumi first referred to Sakurako as her wife? Maybe it’s when they first kissed?
Simply questioning/addressing their status won’t be enough since so much development happened.