To the audience is clear what their feelings are but to them the clarity and reassurance is probably nice.

Except for the part of the audience that says, "I wondered if they were dating."

Their feelings being clear and them officially dating aren't necessarily the same thing. I don't think anyone thought they didn't like each other. Hearing them verbalize things means something to a lot of people and to Mitsuki, apparently. I love Futaribeya, so I've seen these discussions before. I'm not in the camp that always needs words but I get why people feel that way, especially after all the build up.

last edited at Aug 25, 2025 4:43PM

To the audience is clear what their feelings are but to them the clarity and reassurance is probably nice.

Except for the part of the audience that says, "I wondered if they were dating."

Their feelings being clear and them officially dating aren't necessarily the same thing. I don't think anyone thought they didn't like each other. Hearing them verbalize things means something to a lot of people and to Mitsuki, apparently. I love Futaribeya, so I've been in these discussions before.

That was my original question: what exactly does it take for two fictional characters to be considered "officially dating"?

Apparently the answer is: a public announcement consisting of the words, "We are dating."

To the audience is clear what their feelings are but to them the clarity and reassurance is probably nice.

Except for the part of the audience that says, "I wondered if they were dating."

Their feelings being clear and them officially dating aren't necessarily the same thing. I don't think anyone thought they didn't like each other. Hearing them verbalize things means something to a lot of people and to Mitsuki, apparently. I love Futaribeya, so I've been in these discussions before.

That was my original question: what exactly does it take for two fictional characters to be considered "officially dating"?

Apparently the answer is: a public announcement consisting of the words, "We are dating."

I don't think it has to be public, a private verbal exchange is also fine. Along with any variety of words that can be used to confirm that they're dating. I thought before that they were a couple and technically dating without saying it, however I do think the verbal confirmation and communication is important. Their relationship is now further defined via an exchange of words where they know for a fact that they are on the same page.

To the audience is clear what their feelings are but to them the clarity and reassurance is probably nice.

Except for the part of the audience that says, "I wondered if they were dating."

Their feelings being clear and them officially dating aren't necessarily the same thing. I don't think anyone thought they didn't like each other. Hearing them verbalize things means something to a lot of people and to Mitsuki, apparently. I love Futaribeya, so I've been in these discussions before.

That was my original question: what exactly does it take for two fictional characters to be considered "officially dating"?

Apparently the answer is: a public announcement consisting of the words, "We are dating."

I don't think it has to be public, a private verbal exchange is also fine. Along with any variety of words that can be used to confirm that they're dating. I thought before that they were a couple and technically dating without saying it, however I do think the verbal confirmation and communication is important. Their relationship is now further defined via an exchange of words where they know for a fact that they are on the same page.

IDK why people are being difficult about this. It's a lighthearted thing. Now that everyone knows they're dating I wonder if that'll change anything moving forward. The series doesn't have a strong direction right now, right? The move to america is still on the table? I forgot. And the music career? Is that still a strong focus? I'm fine with whatever.

last edited at Aug 25, 2025 5:15PM

The move to america is still on the table?

I really hope they don't move to America. I'm sure it would be a fictionalized America that's not falling apart right now...but I still think they should consider their options carefully if they want to leave Japan...

Yooo homegirl got no filter, loving this so much

My himejin in christ, this is exactly what I was talking about. At WORST these girls were having a situationship while supporting each other emotionally like a partner would. We're supposed to believe neither of them spoke in private about this? Not private away from their friends and classmates, I'll extend it to away from the camera too. If they hadn't already established that, why would Mitsuki be all suave and nonchalant as she left? We know these girls, she would've been doing a whole "YIPPIE!" routine.

Terryrory: marked!

Man, people like to read way too much into things...

eh, this is just another Tuesday

Man, people like to read way too much into things...

eh, this is just another Tuesday

Totally disagree: it’s Monday. Lol

Man, people like to read way too much into things...

eh, this is just another Tuesday

Totally disagree: it’s Monday. Lol

Brb flying to Japan just so I can say it's Tuesday lol

Sometimes you just want to clear things up, to put a name on how you feel and have a common ground of understanding in you and and your partner's relationship (and this case, more precisely gf) so you ask if you're dating or a more open couple or whatever the hell floats your boat so no one gets hurt by a misunderstanding
When you care about someone you do that

You ever laugh but you can only inhale-laugh and it sounds like a seal barking?

I just did that. Jesus, Koga. Right for the throat.

Man, people like to read way too much into things...

eh, this is just another Tuesday

"For you, the day Twiz graced your comment section was the most important day of your life.

But for me, it was Tuesday."

I know I'm late to the discussion, but I felt the need to chime in about Koga's intervention between Aya and Ono.

For context I watched something that was in regards to US and Japan differences in website design philosophy and how the cultural quirks define how things are designed, including food menus. To further explain how the different cultures figure out how to design these things the person talked about low-context and high-context cultures. In low-context cultures, for example if you have a noisy neighbor making noise at night you'd directly confront them, knocking on door or the such, and say "Hey, could you keep the noise down at night?". In a high-context culture, for the same complaint, you'd say to your neighbor in passing, possibly an accidental meeting in public or the like, something like "You have a good choice of music".

Because Japanese is a high-context culture Koga's question was perfectly fitting with how they go about these kinds of things. Tell the person in a way that isn't directly confronting them about the issue.

I know I'm late to the discussion, but I felt the need to chime in about Koga's intervention between Aya and Ono.

For context I watched something that was in regards to US and Japan differences in website design philosophy and how the cultural quirks define how things are designed, including food menus. To further explain how the different cultures figure out how to design these things the person talked about low-context and high-context cultures. In low-context cultures, for example if you have a noisy neighbor making noise at night you'd directly confront them, knocking on door or the such, and say "Hey, could you keep the noise down at night?". In a high-context culture, for the same complaint, you'd say to your neighbor in passing, possibly an accidental meeting in public or the like, something like "You have a good choice of music".

Because Japanese is a high-context culture Koga's question was perfectly fitting with how they go about these kinds of things. Tell the person in a way that isn't directly confronting them about the issue.

Thanks for the info, that's interesting to think about.

It just boils down to Japanese people not wanting to be confrontational. It's cultural. They prefer to keep things implied.

That's why they don't say "No", they say "It's going to be difficult", "Now is not a good time", "I'll think about it"...

And that's why westerners are often confused, because they don't get a clear refusal and think there's still some hope and it's immensely frustrating for everyone.

I know I'm late to the discussion, but I felt the need to chime in about Koga's intervention between Aya and Ono.

For context I watched something that was in regards to US and Japan differences in website design philosophy and how the cultural quirks define how things are designed, including food menus. To further explain how the different cultures figure out how to design these things the person talked about low-context and high-context cultures. In low-context cultures, for example if you have a noisy neighbor making noise at night you'd directly confront them, knocking on door or the such, and say "Hey, could you keep the noise down at night?". In a high-context culture, for the same complaint, you'd say to your neighbor in passing, possibly an accidental meeting in public or the like, something like "You have a good choice of music".

Because Japanese is a high-context culture Koga's question was perfectly fitting with how they go about these kinds of things. Tell the person in a way that isn't directly confronting them about the issue.

thx so much for the explanation.
my autistic ass would spontaneously combust trying to understand non-literal things like this on a daily basis
so i really appreciated this chapter with Koga being so direct

I know I'm late to the discussion, but I felt the need to chime in about Koga's intervention between Aya and Ono.

For context I watched something that was in regards to US and Japan differences in website design philosophy and how the cultural quirks define how things are designed, including food menus. To further explain how the different cultures figure out how to design these things the person talked about low-context and high-context cultures. In low-context cultures, for example if you have a noisy neighbor making noise at night you'd directly confront them, knocking on door or the such, and say "Hey, could you keep the noise down at night?". In a high-context culture, for the same complaint, you'd say to your neighbor in passing, possibly an accidental meeting in public or the like, something like "You have a good choice of music".

Because Japanese is a high-context culture Koga's question was perfectly fitting with how they go about these kinds of things. Tell the person in a way that isn't directly confronting them about the issue.

thx so much for the explanation.
my autistic ass would spontaneously combust trying to understand non-literal things like this on a daily basis
so i really appreciated this chapter with Koga being so direct

She was direct for us but as for the guy, she let him down indirectly (nicely). It was a two for one (maybe even three for one), so you gotta respect her quick thinking.

last edited at Aug 27, 2025 1:01PM

Don't know why people have to read so much into this. This is just a chapter fully establishing Mitsuki and Aya's relationship in front of everyone (As if the official peak art by Arai Sumiko isn't enough) it doesn't have to get any deeper than that, it is still a fantastic chapter though. :)

last edited at Aug 27, 2025 2:01PM

Don't know why people have to read so much into this. This is just a chapter fully establishing Mitsuki and Aya's relationship in front of everyone (As if the official peak art by Arai Sumiko isn't enough) it doesn't have to get any deeper than that, it is still a fantastic chapter though. :)

The original question was not about "why did the characters within the story announce that they were dating?", but "What exactly did readers who, before this chapter occurred, were somehow unsure if the characters were actually "dating" need for the story to show in order for such readers to be certain that the characters were dating?"

Don't know why people have to read so much into this. This is just a chapter fully establishing Mitsuki and Aya's relationship in front of everyone (As if the official peak art by Arai Sumiko isn't enough) it doesn't have to get any deeper than that, it is still a fantastic chapter though. :)

The original question was not about "why did the characters within the story announce that they were dating?", but "What exactly did readers who, before this chapter occurred, were somehow unsure if the characters were actually "dating" need for the story to show in order for such readers to be certain that the characters were dating?"

Ah, okay, but still I want to be able to enjoy a chapter in peace. I hope you understand. It is an interesting argument though.

last edited at Aug 27, 2025 3:22PM

"he's making his move again" so he's tried multiple times to get with Oosawa. Letting him know that the person he is currently flirting with is already in a relationship isn't toxic at all. How could anyone see it that way? Imagine you're flirting with someone and they hide the fact they are in a relationship, that's significantly worse than being open about it. A simple "sorry she's in a relationship already" is the best thing you can say.

"he's making his move again" so he's tried multiple times to get with Oosawa.

This is just the second time—Ono previously complimented Aya on her dress at the prom, then Mitsuki arrived and he was left in the dust. It’s implied that the reason the Aya-Mitsuki Protective Squad even notices what’s happening is because Ono is known to be shy and bit oblivious.

"he's making his move again" so he's tried multiple times to get with Oosawa.

This is just the second time—Ono previously complimented Aya on her dress at the prom, then Mitsuki arrived and he was left in the dust. It’s implied that the reason the Aya-Mitsuki Protective Squad even notices what’s happening is because Ono is known to be shy and bit oblivious.

Most likely. Tho, with how Nakajima expresses it, Ono may have approached Aya other time off screen as well.