I wonder if the mermaid plot will ever make a comeback

Such a long, lovely chapter. What a wonderful way to start off the weekend.

In addition to Shou's sensitivity issues with touching and temperature, this chapter drew attention to Shou's reaction to their male teacher and how his speaking volume is a bit overwhelming for her.
But of course Umi noticed. They're always watching each other.

last edited at May 24, 2025 11:07AM

Yep, Shou getting turned in by Umi has continued to be a thing. Their living situation being what it is, they seem to have very little 1:1 time to talk and figure things out, so good for Shou to communicate clearly that she does like being touched towards the end.

Shou’s hypersensitivity to light caresses and the message chair and also her lack of sensitivity to temperature are again very consistent with the idea that she is autistic and has different ways of processing sensations. Maybe Umi should try a firm hug and deep pressure instead?

It was only from this chapter that I began to think that. Now that I’m getting more aware of the characteristics, hypersensitivity for a lot of stuff is a big giveaway. Were these things always present? Getting bullied and liking specific unique hobbies may have been one of them too but I thought it was just a personality trait. I think in Citrus that Mei is also autistic, given the limited range of expression (or maybe just not knowing how to express). Stimming too, Mei likes her stuffed animal teddy bear. I don’t think I’ve seen Shou stim before?

I kind of wish it was pointed out as such, like putting it in a manga and showing that “people with these traits can be successful and happy too” is good for normalizing. But also pointing it out how effective communication is not just for this specific relationship but for people in the community would maybe be taken well. . . Maybe? Like I’m glad they mentioned “asexual” in Bloom into You explicitly, but I also wish they pointed out Demisexuality, which is what Yuu was.

last edited at May 24, 2025 11:43AM

Ohh man, this is still so cute and awesome.

Damn Segawa, the thirst is strong
Let's hope it gets her to do something

Yeah, other users had mentioned an interpretation that Shou is autistic early on around special interests, and I’d mentally put it into a “huh maybe interesting” sort of bucket. I think when I hear that type of theory around a character I tend to assume projection, or that the author won’t have the skill to do more than stereotype. (Personally, I am not autistic, but I can definitely project BPD onto characters who are probably just intended to be insecure.) But in the case of Shou and Blue Star I think it’s been consistently presented in nuanced ways from the start, and I trust the author’s intentionality and skill at this point to believe the interpretation. I like that it appears to be representation without explicit naming of a condition - it is realistic that Shou wouldn’t be diagnosed, she as an character isn’t “defined” by neurodivergence vs portraying it realistically, and it keeps the story from turning into something more reductive.

last edited at May 24, 2025 2:23PM

i'm so glad i read this today, and equally glad i'm not the only one here reading shou as autistic. it's a really genuine portrayal too. if the author isn't ND themself, they clearly know and empathize quite a bit still (maybe a loved one or something). and normally i dislike the word wholesome, but in this case it truly does feel like that without any of the negative connotations. their love for each other is infectious, and even more i really enjoy the wide supporting cast of friends. it's so warm!!

definitely saving this to keep up with. i hope umi and shou have lots more happiness ahead of them <3 and that they're able to tell umi's friends soon. i want to see nae's reaction especially! she's such a sweet person

The author might be thinking 'autistic', or might just be writing personality types she knows (possibly her own).

Comments:

82 a good mark for Umi, credits Shou. Ibu feels betrayed, headbutt. We never saw it but I think Shou said waaaay back when that Ibu headbutted her before she changed rooms, for as-yet-unexplained reasons.

Nae clings to Umi for 'warmth'.

yuri movie available, but they choose dinosaurs.

I don't think the US typically has that kind of educational movie in theaters.

Don't worry, Umi. The problem is that Shou likes it too much and wanted to pay attention to the movie. Pick a boring movie next time, then you can have all the handsex you want.

last edited at May 24, 2025 3:27PM

No, but this manga gives me the sense that a sad arc is coming, since Shou seems afraid that their relationship could disturb the friendships she’s formed or lead Umi into the same kind of bullying too. AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY HORRIBLE AT HIDING IT. LIKE BRO, KISSING IN SUCH AN EASY PLACE TO BE DISCOVERED. I WAS SO ON EDGE.

Shou was afraid in Okinawa, but then told Umi she wanted to come out in the previous full chapter. Which detail seems to have been put in limbo, come to think, didn't come up this time. Though the prior fear is probably valid: I don't trust all of Umi's friends to be supportive (not even Nae, despite my wanting her to be bi), and I wonder why exactly Zumi is so hellbent on getting out... especially since she complained about nosy neighbors last time.

god its so sweet im dying
the last page makes me so nervous though i dont want anything bad to happen to them ToT