After reading more comments and after translator's input, I think, probably probably the afterword is lacking something in translation, and it confuses readers (no hard feelings to translator, I'm thankful and I don't have any problems personally. And I can "catch" the feelings of characters somehow)
What could possibly be misinterpreted in afterword is a detail about not starting dating.
But page 11, middle pic shows clearly that they are going out like any other couple, even watching movies together. It was just not verbally addressed. They developed some physical closeness, and it's just like very slow burn.
Another thing, I think "they did not start dating" is a little bit a sarcastic remark from the author (according to mentioned page 11, middle pic). Because author said after it, that Konno is a type who is testing waters and she checks everything before "signing the contract". It means, as in her professional life, she is the same in her emotional life
That's why I said she is not a player, but a little bit playful (a very subtle level of teasing) and she have her reasons for it (I gave 2 reasons in my previous comments).
Woman 42 yo would not spend 6 month connecting with someone on very personal level if she is not seriously interested. It's just very very slow burn. At the end, Konno-san is going to "take care" about Kise-san, and it's obviously an allusion to where they are going and what they will do.
Also, I observed expressions of both characters, and both of them look pretty honest to each other. They are beautiful. And matching couple.
I did not care much about afterword, my observations and comments are based on manga itself. I think intention of the author was not to mention EXPLICITELY some things, just like Konno-san said:
"Did you think I did not notice how you feel?... Enough talk. I want you to show me how you feel through actions"
last edited at Mar 4, 2023 9:03PM