^^ totally. IMO LN 3 - while weak plot wise - makes the series by letting the pair settle into a more equal and collaborative relationship.

And I do believe Kasumi loves Sakurako, and any part of a relationship may leave something unsaid or unsatisfied. But Sakurako felt sort of static and not changing, even with her talk of interdependence, while Kasumi had more of an arc. It makes it hard not to read Sakurako as insecure and hurting, although that’s very much subject to interpretation. Maybe I just place a lot of weight on super clear communication and boundaries in relationships, but this one definitely got under my skin. Not a bad thing, but perhaps not a happy story per se.

last edited at Oct 28, 2024 4:15PM

I read the whole thing (inc chapters 77 and 78) over a couple of days. I enjoyed the first several volumes a lot, but the last couple sort of frustrated me and hurt a bit as it seemed to me that Sakurako wanted some things from the relationship that just didn’t seem to be in the cards - maybe it’s enough for her, and maybe something gentle in the degree of understatement in the storytelling, but too close for me to time I spent in a relationship with a girl who ultimately decided she was straight (??) and that our time together, for all the words of love, was just not actually love. Hard not to project onto a character the degree of “maybe this is enough” self-deception in that sort of relationship? Yeah, yeah, projection is a bad way to read, etc., but last volume was actually outright anxious for me, once the author at least dropped heavy hints that Sakurako wanted more than she was getting, at least in some terms. Her specific thoughts that acceptance is enough for her to feel satisfied makes me really nervous about her sense of self-worth.

So I’m unsurprised this kicked off so much forum drama. It seems written at first as wish fulfillment, stays fluffy on the surface throughout, but plays a lot with ambiguity and expectations in some complicated ways. Much may depend on the individual reader. In any case, being uncomfortable and reflective with something isn’t a bad thing even if I struggle with Sakurako’s emotions and perspectives in the context of their relationships (this is different than yuri vs subtext, and I find Kasumi much more relatable a character).

It certainly did bug me enough that I am trying to sum up my thoughts here. In any case, Cats and Sugar Bowls was great and more my speed.

Final thought - Sakurako’s Kasumi worship and generally character dynamics reminded me a lot of Rae in I’m in Love with the Villainess, at least before Rae has a chance to grow out of it. There’s a lot of parallels in behavior saying ridiculous things, thoughts on acceptance as “enough love” emotionally, age of meeting their partner, focus on cooking, general fantasy competence, etc. The character designs from the college years here are also similar enough that I can’t now unsee it as a weird AU thing.

last edited at Oct 28, 2024 8:58AM

I do want to briefly apply a personal and realistic lens to this story.

In my opinion, Asumi’s relationship with Nanao has power dynamics that I wouldn’t be comfortable with for my part (living it, not reading about it). Asumi is living in her house, getting paid by her, and would become overly reliant on maintaining a relationship that is very new, very fast, and both of their first “serious” relationships. It’s also a relationship where Nanao seems more into Asumi than vice versa. The situation is cute and funny, but in Asumi’s shoes I’d be a bit freaked.

Having a sugar mommy may sound fun, but when I was offered something like this in grad school, even with someone I liked, I declined without really considering it. It was clear that it would have meant subordinating my dreams (which were more career oriented than prostitute oriented). Maybe that sort of kept woman dynamic is more common in hetero relationships… I would still find it scary personally.

Recently, I had a partner leave because she felt her financial dependence on me was destabilizing to our trust. I should have seen it coming but it totally surprised me at the time. To be honest, trying to puzzle out why the Nanao arc bugged me really helped me process this and understand it, hence the long post.

Ultimately the series is about Asumi having one hell of a hot girl summer. Nanao, Mai, Ouka… none of them need to be the One. If she does date Nanao I hope it ends up on a more even footing in terms of power and desire.

Again, this read is definitely informed by my personal take. Don’t sweat it if yours is different please.