I want Nao to back off a little to trigger a change in their current equilibrium, it might act as a catalyst between her relationship with Aoi. Like how Aoi will notice it then get sad, until she misses Nao so much it hurts.
agreed, and especially now Chihiro's threat, if Nao actually does back off, then we should see more panels where Aoi feels more tightness in her chest, or scenes where she expects a kiss from Nao that never happens.