the only 'terrible thing' erika did in the past was make a wish that someone they are jealous of/angry at disappears lol. What angsty teen hasn't wished someone would disappear.

Yeah. Typical "What angsty teen hasn't done or said something" defense lol.
I can understand as a immature teen couldn't help her thought like"My life would have been much better without that fucker". But actually act on it, especially when "that fucker" is one of your best friends, for the stupidest reason ever like "oh, she steal my crush who l like first even though she has no way of knowing it cause my cowardice", is a totally different story.

Please be explicit. What do you mean by act on it? Beyond making a wish at Tanabata which no one would reasonably expect to be literally actualized, what did she do?

Well, well, well. Another Erika's defender showing up yelling "She has done nothing wrong" is indeed one of my enjoyment now lol.

Look. She not only has the thought of wishing someone disappear, she actually writes it on tanzaku and hangs it up on bamboo. The hint in https://dynasty-scans.com/chapters/how_to_break_a_triangle_ch17#34 is very obvious. She also apparently had a fight with poor Aya, who sincerely takes Erika as her best friend and has no way of knowing Erika's secret love. Considering Aya's good character, it must have been Erika's one side argument. Like hysterically screaming at Aya "l like her first", "Koto would eventually love me back if not for you", "You are just a stone between us", "l never consider you as my friend", "Why wouldn't you disappear?".
Yeah. What did she do? Ofc goddess Erika did nothing wrong ┑(￣Д ￣)┍

Like I said, this person is writing fanfic—the same fanfic over, and over, and over (although now with imaginary dialogue). Normal logic has nothing to do with the argument.

“Normal” would be understanding that lots of people wish for someone to disappear all the time without ever expecting that the person will actually disappear.

Like me. Right now.

You got me there, had a good chuckle x)

When people are so judgemental of others, for actions that most are deeming normal or at least understandable, I always wonder if they truly have really high moral standards or if they are just cruelly missing empathy. I won't say which one I think it is, but have my guess.

Because it was my turn to misunderstand someone, clearly. I missed that sentence, so the first time I thought it was referenced was Aikosaurus posting a disagreement to me. Though rosetammy has since acknowledged the reality of women's pants.

Apologies if I came across as scolding, in any case. I can go sit in a corner and scold myself instead.

Well, it's mostly my fault, sorry. I did misinterpret part of your post but I also didn't quote Rosetammy's post, even if I was mostly answering to that sentence in my post "We can switch her face with a man at any moment and wouldn't feel out of place.".

I never thought you had regressive thoughts about Japan, quite the contrary.

I have to admit, I have been a bit frustrated with that user because they are quite rude and condescending. But answering rudely on my side because of it is definitely not smart... My bad.

Btw, have any idea what happened on Kabocha recently? She haven't updated her Twitter nearly two months

She wrote about having a mental breakdown a few months ago on her Pivix fanbox. That's when the publication schedule changed from one chapter a month, to one every two months. At that time, she wasn't active on Twitter as well. My guess is that she had relapse (but I hope I'm wrong and she is just taking a break).

I think you are misunderstanding me. I am saying that to me being normatively feminine can involve pants, rather than precluding ("precluding" means "not being possible with") pants. Therefore pants being acceptable doesn't show a lack of pressure to dress femininely as I define the word.

Sorry, I misinterpreted the word precluding indeed.

I guess my standards for "femininely" aren't so strict as to preclude pants, so we can go with another word if we want. Implying women in Japan don't wear due to the supposedly alien culture was the type of thing I was wanting to avoid, but I do have the impression that beauty standards are somewhat stricter.

Most women are wearing pants in Japan and are still feminine. Even most office lady are wearing pants nowadays. It's 2024, even in Japan...

Saying that just because she is wearing pants, we can switch Erika's face with a man and it wouldn't be out of place is nonsense. You can be plenty feminine while wearing pants... Pants for girls are not cut the same way as the one for guys, same goes for Tshirt, shirt or any other type of cloth. Erika is definitely feminine in her way of dressing up. Not overly, but she is. Honestly, both her style and Koto's style are pretty standard if you are looking at women in their 20ties in Japan. In contrast, it is true that Aya is dressing in a more childish way.

last edited at Dec 27, 2024 9:17AM

Childish might be going a bit far for Koto to me (maybe because I dress like that lol), but she does dress very simply, like a stereotypical college student I suppose. The exception is the planetarium date with Aya when she was dressing more stylishly. That means she knows how to do it and simply doesn't bother, which is indeed very different from Erika.

I think there's also more pressure for women to dress femininely in Japan, so it might be a bigger departure there. I might be misunderstanding though. I don't mean to be one of the people exaggerating 'cultural differences' like often happens on here.

I wouldn't judge their clothing style too seriously. University students are very different from one another and you can see a lot of different styles. You have to think about the fact that people have been wearing uniforms for their entire life up until now, and this is the time when they can express themselves, especially before confirming to society when entering the workforce. So this is the period in the life of a typical japanese where you are going to see the most diversity of clothing style. The pressure to dress femininely does come later, when entering the workforce though.

As for Erika, of course she has to maintain her image of a feminine, well dress person. She is both a model and an actress.

Have Yuni and Nanase actually ever had sex yet? Or did Yuni lose her 'first' to Fuuko?

They did. When Yuni had sex with Fuuko, she compared Fuuko's body to Nanase's body. There are even some images about it as I remember.

At this point, I'm not sure why you guys keep engaging with that person. They clearly won't change their mind about their unfounded assomption, won't admit this is just a personal view about the characters (which would be fine) and is clearly condensing about the fact that not everyone can read Japanese (congratulations btw, about trying to win an argument in an English forum while posting hints in Japanese, very fair and mature). There is no discussion possible.

I'm not sure why everyone is saying Yuni should have therapy now. Not saying she doesn't need it, but this is the first chapter since the beginning in which she seems to be pretty honest with herself, and with Fuuko. It looks like she is starting to sort out her feelings, which is a good thing. Of course she is going to be even more a of mess while doing it, she has so much to unravel.

You'd almost believe Erika is the MC.

She is thought, among Aya and Koto. The whole story is about resolving their triangle situation.

And while she is not my favorite character, I think she is the most interesting one. Koto is easy to read, she needs to get past her trauma. I definitely wants to see her evolve past that but at the present time, she is too consumed by it. Aya appears to be too perfect on the surface (not saying she is), which makes the whole trio a bit unbalanced, as it looks like she is the only one not affected by her disappearance. She just live her life, dealing with the issues she's having, but she doesn't seem trouble by it, or very little. Erika on the other hand is the most conflicted character of the trio and seems to be the more self aware of the three. And she is hiding something, which has yet to be revealed.

We don’t know how the supernatural element in this story works or who caused it, so it’s theoretically possible that Aya’s disappearance will somehow turn out to be Erika’s “fault,” but anyone who claims that it is for sure at this point is simply irrationally ranting.

But even it was due to Erika's wish, it's not like it makes her a bad person. Most people have at one point of their life wish for someone to disappear, die or another other thoughts like that. It's quite normal, especially as a teenager. It doesn't mean people truly wish for those things to happen, but having those thoughts is quite normal, as long as it's not an obsession. And if Erika did wish for Aya's disappearance, I think we all can agree that it was probably on the spur of the moment and not something she did obsesse over. It's not like suw thought it would really happen either... She was a rival, both in life and in love, wishing for her to vanish was honestly quite normal...

I actually really like that side of Erika, because she is portraited as a realistic human. She can see her inner thoughts, so of course we know all about her dilemma and trouble. When she suggested to Aya to reevaluate her relationship with Koto, it was honestly a good advice. The reason she felt bad was because the reason she gave that advice was probably for her own selfish reason, but this is totally understandable. The fact that she is feeling bad/is conflicted about it shows that she is not a bad person. We have to keep in mind that this is not something normal. In real live, if we were to see that person do those actions, we would only see a supportive friend doing what's best for them.

The type of inner thoughts Erika has makes her the most "advanced" character in terms of personal development, because she is aware of her own flaws and feels bad about it. This is the first step towards overcoming oneself and becoming a better person. She still have to resolve her feelings towards Koto though...

Citing specific evidence from the text rather than speculation or headcanon, please explain exactly what Erika did seven years ago.

No need to explain it to you.
@Aikosaurus knows what I'm talking about lol.

No I don't... That's exactly what I was saying about how some people are choosing to interpret characters in this manga.

There is nothing indicating that Erika did something bad. We know that we had a talk with Aya, and she seems to have some remorse about it (but it could be for a lot of reasons), but that's is. All the things you are saying about her is just fabulation based on very little evidence. If you chose to interpret that way, that's your choice, but don't force your interpretation on other people saying this is based on facts.

last edited at Dec 16, 2024 10:25PM

It's quite funny how in this manga, some people are very passionate about making some of its characters look like terrible people (to the point of saying they should have a painful death), while the author clearly didn't wrote any of those characters as inherently bad. But in "My girlfriend is not here today", people are defending with passion characters that have been written to be terrible people.

I know those two manga have very little in common, but it just makes me chuckle to think about that paradox.

Saying Kanna would have to give up her life in LA to be with Joe is a bit of stretch. As far as I remember, we don't know much about her life there, if she truly enjoys it or if she would feel like giving up something if she was to go back to Japan. It is also entirely possible that she would like to be back, but doing so, while not being able to be with Joe would be too hard for her, so she prefers to be far away.

I do agree with others though, that if Joe finally confessing or having them talk at the airport is enough for them to be together and resolve the situation is also too much of a stretch. They clearly need time and proper discussions about it, but at the same time, we shouldn't assume what Kanna truly wants out of this.

The reader doesn't normally have to make unfounded assumptions about this stuff, because a drama plot normally tends to set up the stakes in a timely manner so the reader has something to go on when trying to predict outcomes.

In other words, it's actually reasonable to assume that Kanna was not unhappy with her life or career overseas if this detail has not been brought up so far, given that her subplot seems to be right on the cusp of its climax.

You do have a point. It's not super clear if her life in LA is satisfying for her or not. But the fact that Kanna went back to Japan, not just for visiting but for a few months, the fact that she tries to get Mitsuki to go to LA with her and the fact that she left in a hurry after what happened with Joe are enough hints for me to at least suspect her life in LA is not ideal. I guess we will find out pretty soon.

Saying Kanna would have to give up her life in LA to be with Joe is a bit of stretch. As far as I remember, we don't know much about her life there, if she truly enjoys it or if she would feel like giving up something if she was to go back to Japan. It is also entirely possible that she would like to be back, but doing so, while not being able to be with Joe would be too hard for her, so she prefers to be far away.

I do agree with others though, that if Joe finally confessing or having them talk at the airport is enough for them to be together and resolve the situation is also too much of a stretch. They clearly need time and proper discussions about it, but at the same time, we shouldn't assume what Kanna truly wants out of this.

I do think it's reasonable for "don't show your genitals to a non-lover" to be considered common sense. Like yeah there are exceptions for doctors and such, but Makino blowing up is not crazy, even if how she expressed it was Bad.

Essentially what I think about that situation. And the issue is not only that. Imagine entering your apartment, when your partner is supposed to be alone, but they are not, they are with a friend you were wary about, while showing their genitals to that friend... Most people would not react rationally in that situation.

Annnd the author makes Makino say something mean to make her the unambiguous bad guy in the argument so we don’t have to deal with Mashiro essentially going behind her back when Makino SAID this girl made her uncomfortable and outright just showing her pussy to said girl. I’m gonna be real that pisses me off quite a bit. Mashiro was unambiguously in the wrong at the end of the last chapter and now she’ll be treated as totally justified because the author had Makino say mean things.

I felt that way as well. What Mashiro did was out of line, but Makino is bearing the whole fault. It doesn't excuse what Makino said, but anyone in that situation would react poorly I think... Honestly, the whole university arc is not really interesting and I haven't really been engaged with the story anymore. This whole situation is a bit ridiculous in the first place is it looks like the author is running out of idea to bring drama in the story. As any other drama in the manga so far, it will be resolved quickly but still, I'm really not fond of this story arc.

I re-read the whole thing from the start and I can say with certainty thal all four girls in this are bitches in their own way.

Yuki is, in appearances, the only innocent character in this, but she's actually the source of many of Nanase's troubles with Yuni. From dragging her around in the festival, indirectly kissing with her, constantly hovering around Nanase and meddling in her life, confronting Yuni about the cheating in Osaka, thanking Nanase loudly about the accessory, at every turn Yuki has been "innocently" breaking Nanase's relationship. I think it's been a while since she's been attracted to Nanase, but didn't acknowledge it to herself. In the guise of being the "best friend", she effectively participates in ruining Nanase's love life. I'll call her "Self-righteous Bitch #4".

So in the end, no one here is good, as intended by the author. It's a clusterfuck of relationships between girls with issues. All characters are indefensible in some ways, making bad and dumb decisions.

This train wreck is both ugly and beautiful and if you can't see it, then it's not for you.

Thank you for pointing out that Yuki is a bitch as well in some way. Given how people are still defending Fuuko or Nanase, while they are obviously pretty bad in their own way, I didn't want to make a case for Yuki, but your summarized the situation pretty well (also, not relevant, but I also think she have a bitchy face a well).

To had on the "emotional cheating" of Nanase, I've also noticed that when Yuni sent her a picture of herself asking her is she was cute, Nanase answered "you look different". But when Yuki asked her how she looked, she directly answered "you look cute" with a warm smile. I think this was a call back as to when Yuni asked her, when she was in Osaka.

As you say, it's fun to read because this is a giant mess.

last edited at Nov 25, 2024 8:59AM

Just don't read it then :)

Not really a fair response when the maybe-incest surprised us after like 40+ chapters. It's different when the incest is an obvious premise from the beginning.

Indeed. That reminds me of Usagi drop. Never felt that betrayed by a manga before (even if after taking a step back, the signs were there).

Incest is weirdly normalized in manga. I was told it's because there are a lot of single child in Japan, so they fantasized having siblings (in a weird way). I don't know if it's true, but it always disturbs me, even if I'm able to look over it when it's minor in the plot.

Reading the comment section is always as entertaining as the manga's drama.

I kind of get it, that people wants to defend the girl being cheated on, but Nanase is just a terrible girlfriend. First of all, she is the one who confessed. Which doesn't makes any sense, because she never makes time for her girlfriend, nor does she is showing much affection to her. Since the beginning, the fact that she is busy with her club is comprehensible, but she not only takes a lot of time for her club activities, but also spends tons of time with her club members, going out and celebrating. On top of that, she is also very close to her childhood friend and spends a lot of time with her. Yuni is just never on her mind.

None of the things above are problematic, but when you get yourself a girlfriend, and still doing all of the above, making no time for her, WHILE expecting your girlfriend to support you (like taking a round trip to Osaka which is super expensive, just to see your game, while not spending time with your gf outside of that)... This is just super selfish. Did she get a girlfriend just for emotional support when she needs it while not wanting to give anything in return? Because it does look like this to me. Just stay single if you can't chose between all of your priorities, there is nothing wrong with that...

Don't get me wrong, cheating is bad, and Yuni is a terrible girlfriend too. I will never justify cheating. But damn, Nanase is also an asshole, just not the same kind.

can you make more excuse harder for the dumb beloved Yuni? you spend a wall A WALL of text making excuses for way Yuni did what she did! Nanase is not an asshole but sure in your head all victims of cheating has to have a blame in the OTHER person cheating first, and continue to cheat and continue to be the biggest asshole ever

Damn, people can sure become emotional with this title (this is the kind of comments I enjoy reading lol). I've never said I excuse anything Yuni did. I was just making a case of why I think Nanase is a terrible gf. Both Can co-exist at the same time. The whole post is about Nanase, not Yuni. I don't justify in any way Yuni's action. Just because of is a cheater doesn't mean the other party is a good person...

Not that you care, but my moral standard for cheating is actually pretty high. I actuality don't think I can make a case for justifying cheating, not matter the situation. Because for me, cheating is not only breaking the trust of your partner but also breaking your self trust in the process. This is also about self respect.

Still, I stand by the fact that Nanase is a terrible girlfriend. Nya-chan's post is also making really good points about it as well.

Reading the comment section is always as entertaining as the manga's drama.

I kind of get it, that people wants to defend the girl being cheated on, but Nanase is just a terrible girlfriend. First of all, she is the one who confessed. Which doesn't makes any sense, because she never makes time for her girlfriend, nor does she is showing much affection to her. Since the beginning, the fact that she is busy with her club is comprehensible, but she not only takes a lot of time for her club activities, but also spends tons of time with her club members, going out and celebrating. On top of that, she is also very close to her childhood friend and spends a lot of time with her. Yuni is just never on her mind.

None of the things above are problematic, but when you get yourself a girlfriend, and still doing all of the above, making no time for her, WHILE expecting your girlfriend to support you (like taking a round trip to Osaka which is super expensive, just to see your game, while not spending time with your gf outside of that)... This is just super selfish. Did she get a girlfriend just for emotional support when she needs it while not wanting to give anything in return? Because it does look like this to me. Just stay single if you can't chose between all of your priorities, there is nothing wrong with that...

Don't get me wrong, cheating is bad, and Yuni is a terrible girlfriend too. I will never justify cheating. But damn, Nanase is also an asshole, just not the same kind.

Every few months, I'm stopping by one of the library in Tokyo with the largest yuri selection to buy some of the latest yuri release, and I was gladly surprised that the first volume of the manga was out in a physical release! I completely miss any announcement about it, but I remember Kabocha mentioning that a physical release would only happens if the ebook had decent sales, so I'm really happy for her!

The first volume has a few exclusive extra pages at the end. The ebook version as well, but the extra pages of the ebook are not in the physical release and the one in the physical release are not in the ebook version.

Support the author if you can!

last edited at Nov 21, 2024 8:35AM

I'm not sure why a lot of people are saying it's too late, while the fortune cookie tells otherwise. It's clearly a hint that Joe will do something about that situation.

Joe better step up his game, or he will forever regret this, him not doing anything and being a pussy, taking everything for granted.

Yeah, for sure, but at the same time, she is the one whom left. We don't know much about what happened back then but from the little we know about Joe, I think he could have considered them becoming a family. But it's really difficult to impose that on your partner if your partner never really hinted that it was something they wanted.

As always, communication issue at it's best. I hope they can resolve their issues now and from a happy little family :)

Funny, that's not how I read the situation at all with Kanna. For me, she is telling Aya something like "if being her friend is enough for you, don't dwell on it and enjoy the thing you wanted to do with her, without her.".
Basically, get over it and continue your life (like she did with Joe).

I still see her as an obstacle for them becoming a couple. She was the one pushing for Mitsuki to go to America. She will probably push her to follow music rather than a relationship with Aya. Of course, Mitsuki can do both. But I don't think Kanna wants to think it's possible. Otherwise, it would mean that maybe it could have been possible for her and Joe to find a way to stay together.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but that the impression I have of the situation.

last edited at Nov 10, 2024 7:09AM