I don't really think we're near the "endgame" yet, whatever that would be. I could see this running on until we reach 140 chapters or so. There's basically only one or two "more serious" arcs per volume that really drive the plot forward, after all, and there are still quite a few outstanding plot points (and tropes) to be explored.
Thinking about it, I feel they're basically just doing things out of order. At this point they're basically pretending to not be in a relationship, despite both of them having a good enough understanding of the other's perspective. At least Koguma is pretty acutely aware of what's going on, only Hino might still honestly be somewhat on the "she's just being nice" train of thought, even though that facade has long since started to crack.
Most of the things they've and are doing done would also fit quite naturally in if they actually did commit to a relationship. Their dynamic wouldn't change all that much, they'd still be the pushy delinquent and the timid, straight-laced class rep. It would be a bit more earnest and less based on excuses and ludicrous premises, but the cautious tentativeness (I wouldn't even call it reluctance anymore) and pace would still fit the bill. I guess that might make the series less attractive to some, but I personally might enjoy it more that way.
Either way, that's not really a knock on the series, I just re-read the entire thing and it's still gold.
Also why isn't there more of it yet. I really wouldn't mind having more of this.
last edited at Feb 4, 2021 1:06PM
