This chapter was like having a bucket of cold water dumped on you, but in a really nice, refreshing way? I don’t think I’ve felt this way about any other “coming out” scene, especially in yuri manga. Personally, I think it’s because I’ve never read this series in a light that seriously couples Ise and Shima in a romantic sense, so it feels less like something I expected (though I was totally rooting for it). More like suddenly being able to identify and relate more closely to a beloved character in a beloved series that isn’t necessarily yuri-focused. It feels super nice :)
About their future dynamic, I don’t think I’ll mind at all whether or not they take their relationship to the next level. Hell, I probably won’t even be bothered if Ise is completely straight. What they have right now is already so precious, I hope you guys can come to appreciate it as much as I do! They just make me feel so comfortable. This is definitely going on my ‘all time favorites’ list haha.