I enjoyed this. I like manipulative, even somewhat sociopathic characters who are completely aware of their awfulness, and do not strive to change at all.
Besides, while we are never actually shown Itsuki's side, judging by the conversation at the hot springs, it is not like she is blind to the situation, so, in a sense, Mao is not stringing along a thoroughly unwitting person. In fact, one might even say that the actual power here lies with Itsuki, because she can either confess, or decide to move on on her own, both scenarios going against Mao's interests. And, if she decides to stay with Mao, as I said, she seems to comprehend the dynamics between the two of them, so it is not like Mao is trapping her, it is more like she is letting herself be trapped. Which can also be interpreted as selfishness, in a way. She suspects she can not get what she actually wants, so she settles for a somewhat twisted version of a friendship, instead of trying to either progress their relationship, or dissolving it entirely, giving both a chance to perhaps find someone new. One can never know for certain another person is not waiting right behind the corner, with a potential to make them truly happy, but as long as the two of them are locked onto each other, albeit in different ways, that prospect seems remote.
Then again, who is to say this unspoken arrangement they have will make them (or rather, make Itsuki, since Mao is actually getting what she wants) unhappy? Sure, she has unrequited feelings, but people are different, and some out there prefer to at least be friends with those they harbour romantic feelings for, if a romantic relationship itself is out of the question. That is at least some happiness, to be close to the person one is attracted to. It is not like there will be any heartbreaking scenarios where Itsuki is forced to watch Mao in a relationship with some male, since Mao is determined to devote herself entirely to Itsuki, even if not in a way her friend truly wants. No potential for jealousy, and similar unpleasant feelings. Besides, one side being in love with the other does not preclude them from having an actual friendship (think Nanami and Saeki, from 'Eventually, I Will Become Yours').
One has to keep in mind these two are both adults, Itsuki can just leave whenever she wants.
I mean she said she finds the thought of touching Itsuki's v disgusting. I lol'ed there tbh. Naoko sensei has some guts to write this type of stories for a yuri magazine haha xD
I found that to be perfectly fine. If she is not into it, she is not into it. It is not as if the story is anti-lesbian, Mao is just a non-flexible heterosexual. More amusing was that ex-boyfriend. 'Well, as far as two women dating goes, since it's pure, it's still fine.' He seems alright with the idea of Mao pursuing another girl, though, so it was not that bad.
last edited at Sep 5, 2016 5:30PM