"someone" "that person" "they" "a coworker"
I couldn't pinpoint the gender of the one Chiaki has fallen for. I figure it was written like that on purpose?
It would really add insult to injury if she plans to marry a man... ᗒ_ᗕ
That's exactly what it is. Even if she doesn't say "him" the way she talks about her crush is 100% typical Japanese girl describing a potential bf.
Clearly she thinks of Ayane as a very dear friend, one with whom you'd even celebrate the anniversary of meeting for the first time. But for serious stuff, like marriage and living happily forever, she wants a breeder.
Saddest thing is: I can't really find any fault with the solidity of this plot... unless being too realistic is a fault.