Aina Palm
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IDCC ch.54 part 8 - Awkward
🕑 Added 2025-06-26 23:00:02 +0000 UTC
Comments
Amelia Collins
I want you to know this episode made me join Patreon 💖
Maddie B
Ok ok good he caught on at least
mia
I mean have been since the beginning i love my two babies!!!!
mia
THE WAY IM SO INVESTED
Que
OH WE'VE COME TO THE ENDDDDDD OFFFFFF THE ROADDDDDD
♡ icy ♡
THIS !!!
JH
I think Nao just realized he blew it with Souta. I am not sure he can fix this since he essentially rejected Souta. “Let’s just stay friends” usually doesn’t work out.
HellAngelVero
Not a cliff hanger!! Noooo!
Cony N
Omg! Aina don’t give me hope justo to destroy it next week 😭
Tenga
I know the feeling Souta has of not being at rest ever when something like that happens
TheTwistyTie
Whhhaaaaatttttt???!!! He made mistake, he go fix?
ioli markou
The art is soo good🙏
Belka
Ooof is he finally going to chase after him?
hades
rn is one of those moments where i’m like,,,, do i upgrade to the highest tier
PikasWife (•bruh•)
4 MINUTES‼️
Rossella Simeoli
Yee
mafusphere
one hour🥹
Jettah Woolf
Yall it’s happening.. am I prepared? Idk
choco_milk6969
in 3 hours lol
Arnaud
At what time guys ??? I need to know if I go to sleep or not 🤣🤣
BiliousBecca
Been blasting I'm Not Okay by MCR all day 😭
Hermione
Hahahah no no, you’re going to need a cup of tea like Keisuke😂
Hermione
It’s happening today and I couldn’t be queasier 😭
Silencio
I feel like I'm gonna need a glass of wine before today's episode 🤫
ublep
Patience pls, allow me your presence 😔🤝
Hermione
Same… I wish it was tomorrow already😭
procra
I can’t wait for tomorrow 😭
Dani
I came back in time for illumination ever since the broken bridge.
Diadia20
Will we be lucky to get a double update soon?🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Diadia20
My heart still aches re-reading these last few chapters over and over again🥲🥲🥲
Ruby_eyed_cat
Just 2 more days. I can't wait to see!! I kindoff which, that Nao sees Souta cry and realises how much he as hurt him 😢
Ebony Wiggins
It’s been so long since I last read this series. I came back just to be heart broken 💔 😭
Ari queenofcolor
Awwww
Hermione
So ready hahahaha, it’s time to see Nao chasing Souta
Ashamed.
Wooow nao... "fuck."... so poetic 😌
Rin Uzumaki
Depending on where you live in the world Thursday night or Friday morning
jen
fuck!
Pedro Pretti
Next part, when?
Angela Genel
cause he is the only one that knows all the tea LMAO
Kyndo
Fuck!
ACVM
i think i will break down in tears if nao doesn't find out souta bought the tickets sometime soon. please. i feel like that would help start to fix everything 😭
catto
when theyre finally together and chillin together, keisuke is soo gonna be on their ass abt therapy costs 😹 i mean i guess his compensation would be first row seats to this whole drama 🕺
River
BAHAHA THATS SO REAL😭
Emilie CHANTREAU
I just paid because I couldn’t wait but now I feel so sad 😭😭
Vai Russ
NAO. MY GUY. OK so I def believe at this point Nao also has feelings for Souta. However, there's a big difference between reciprocating feelings and being ready to be in a relationship (which is honestly an interesting dilemma that I wish was explored more!) But Nao my guy I know you may wanna explain yourself but seriously right now I think Souta needs space. You can discuss details later when/if Souta is ready. Right now he needs to process the rejection being said out loud. 😭😭😭💔💔
Wtfhp
We are getting somewhere!
Hermione
Omg I’m so sorry, you came at such an interesting time hahahahha😂
Ineffably Tired
I seriously have no self control, read all the available chapters on webtoons (and reread a million times) now that I finally have extra money I catch up on all the chapters here and I'm not ok 😭 ( I absolutely love this, it's a good pain )
Isabel Howard
My favorite activity is reading the latest Webtoon update comments and feeling both pity and jealousy for their naivety😭
K1w1
I don't know if my eyes can take anymore crying 😭💀.
Kingsley
I can't figure out what's gonna happen😭😭😭
Kobi
Leave Souta alone, he is literally doing the best he can, which is fucking brilliant. He asks for nothing, gives everything, and just needs some time to cry to himself.
Dani
Yup. And I bet he’s going to have a “cold” the next day!
Hermione
I think at this point, Keisuke knows that Nao has feeling for Souta too. It just makes sense since before he even mentioned that they were acting strange at summer camp and he thought they were lovers. And then before he was looking at how Nao has been acting around Souta during the amusement park where he dragged him into the Ferris wheel. We see him watching them interact when they were awkward and even encourages Souta to finish his confession which makes me think perhaps he has a further theory that he knows Nao likes Souta. And finally now where he sees Nao so saddened and knows that they both spoke since they both left the room and came back together… I think it’s borderline confirmed at this point. Now… what shall he do? Well, he can either allude to the concert tickets (which isn’t likely), stop Nao and talk to him about leaving Souta alone, or allow Nao to confide in him asking why he rejected Souta even though he has the same feelings. I think the third is more likely given the situation. As for Souta, he’s either going to run into Inoue or Ryu hopefully or he’ll go home and cry which I know we all hope will happen to get his feelings out but we don’t want to happen because we also hate seeing him in pain. I can’t wait to see Souta’s character development arc. It’s going to be so satisfying.
Hermione
I love the Ryu idea, that would be so cute and heartbreaking but also needed.
Dani
I honestly was thinking about it and it would be so odd if at the end Arashi and Nao went to the concert after all with those tickets. TBH I think it may be their first date instead. It’s years of build up around this concert and it would definitely be a let down if they went together and not Souta and Nao
Norin
That makes sense to me.. One thing is Nao's avoidance/abandonment issues and childhood trauma, but I guess he might have handled the confession differently - and tried to consider Souta's feelings to a greater extent, if he knew how deep Souta's feelings also go.. Can't deny that Nao's a little bit clumsy in his choice of time and words here
Dani
Aina dear aina we beg you our savior just this once
benson boone’s first cyborg clone
i love the detail of souta looking happy but bouncing his knee and fidgeting with the napkin.. baby you are too good at this (real)
Pau
Also, I'm wondering if part of the reasons why Nao rejected Souta is because from his perspective, Souta's feelings aren't something serious? I mean, not that long ago Souta said he liked Inoue, and Souta had done things that from Nao's point of view just reinforced the idea that he likes her (like going out with her to the ghost tour and being alone with her at the illumination or giving her his jacket), and just now Souta smiled and said he would be over him in a jiffy? Maybe Nao just feels insecure about Souta's feelings, and needs to realize that he's serious before moving forward.. hence the importance of the tickets and potentially seeing Souta break down over his rejection
Pau
I'm not sure if Nao going after Souta is a good idea, unless Nao feels ready to accept his own feelings now (which I doubt), then he can't really do much for Souta.. saying sorry again would only make him feel worse, and being comforted by the person that just rejected you sounds painful.. but who knows, maybe Nao needs to see Souta breaking down to understand things have already changed between them, or to realize Souta's feelings are genuine..
Myri
Imagine Souta accidentally meets Inoue…I mean she has also been rejected by Nao. She can relate the most I think 🙈
Silencio
I read your comment in Lisa's voice inside my head 😊
alimac
Idk what I want at this point. I think I want Keisuke to intervene but not to like warn/get angry with Nao, but more him to check on Nao and then when Nao is like “yeah I’m ok” while clearly not being ok (because we know our boy has issues with letting people in), Keisuke will like gently let Nao know that Souta really cares about their friendship. Even to the point of giving Arashi the tickets he bought just because he wanted Nao to be happy. And that if he wants to stay friends with Souta, he just needs to give him time. And that will make Nao reflect and see it’s worth the risk.
ScuttlebuttScootScoot
Yeah I’m thinking Souta needs space. How’s Nao going to comfort him? The only thing he can do is change his answer but idk that he would do it for the right reasons right now.
ScuttlebuttScootScoot
I think he changed the position of his head. You can see the lines in his hair have moved too
So'
This is crazy because we never really know what's gonna happen next ... It's so entertaining thank you Aina !
Ash
i remember once when i used to open these updates and laugh. now all i do is cry
Danielle Taylor
Things have already changed my love 😓🫶🏻
Tarandra
Not Keisuke being the only one with a cup of tea ! He seems really affected tho. Very happy that Nao is stepping ! You may not be ready for a relationship bou, but you can still be here for your friend
Meepers
I am so excited for next week aaaaaa please let it be a good interactiooon but I feel like it will be extra drama... btw Aina, I think there is an error in the 2nd to the last panel. Nao's jaw is missing.
Iona
We’re never gonna catch her 😭
Iona
Yeah I feel like Souta didn’t understand the implication behind Nao not rejecting him because he doesn’t feel the same, but because he doesn’t want things to change. That, to me at least, implies Nao care so much about Souta. But Souta didn’t understand it for now. He’s pretty heartbroken 😭
Nanani
The only comfort is, that these idiots aren't suffering month like us, 'just' weeks... Listening to IDIOT! by Taylor Bickett. Shoutout to Nao 🥲
Mimiis
I literally hid the patreon app on my phone so that I would forget about it and could come back once this torture has calmed down. Well, silly rabbit, Trix are for kids, cuz here I am week after week still being tortured and unable to look away🫣
PikasWife (•bruh•)
That’s why I’m 90% sure Keisuke will intervene and talk to Nao
PikasWife (•bruh•)
Wait your mind >>>
#FreeSoutaFromHimself
Can we have a double update…..
#FreeSoutaFromHimself
Oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes oh yes
#FreeSoutaFromHimself
Oh yeah chasing arc rn
ublep
I'm torn between Nao seeing Souta breaking down in front of him and finally see how much he means to him and Keisuke stopping Nao from chasing Souta and let my boy break down in the way to his home 😔☝️
ublep
Yes, Souta has been holding for too long
lenawithapen
Usually Nao masks and hides his emotions really well. He must be close to his breaking point too, if this much is showing through.
Woiso
What if he saw Ryu and he can't handle his emotions anymore ? He cries on his shoulder and Nao saw that ... Or maybe when Nao come to Souta, he says : "I'll go with you" Souta : "no it's okay, just enjoys the birthday.." Nao :"No I prefer to come with you" Souta :"No I ...*begins to cry* just ... I need to be alone ..." I don't know... my heart can't handle next week 😭
mimi
he looks so saddd 😞💔💔
nat
oh my sigma ligma
Ava
HE SAID "FUCK"!!! OMG IT'S HAPPENING! EVERYBODY STAY CALM! STAY FUCKING CALM!
flash_lover21
Enough with this torment please my heart can’t take it 😭😭
Leticia Sáez Ferreras
I think, as much as Keisuke is worried about Souta being his bestie and knowing what 's going on, in here he's as worried or even more so for Nao's sake. He's the one he's looking at when he makes that super worried face, and I think it's because he knows how Nao feels and that he's hurting himself and Souta. If Keisuke intervenes it's going to be for Nao's sake, and maybe not so much for Souta's, as he already did/said what he could on that side.
Laura
AFSGFLHLLDKSJ YES NAO FOLLOW HIM
Leticia Sáez Ferreras
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Taytorade
I have a theory: Nao goes to Souta and says something that causes Souta to snap/partially break down. Keisuke, having been worried about these two, had followed and sees the tail end. Souta leaves upset, and when Nao goes to follow, Keisuke stops him and tells Nao to leave him alone for now cause he's hurt. Maybe Keisuke will ask Nao how Arashi got the tickets? I'm not sure, but I think they'll come up and Nao will ask and it'll be revealed somehow that Souta got them for him. My fanfic brain is going crazy, so this scenario popped up and it's not leaving lmao
Heidi
This development is EVERYTHING. Nao cares why TOO much about Souta to just leave him alone. The words “Souta… you and me… I just can’t.. I don’t want things to change between us” are occupying so much of my brain space because bro tell me that does sound like “I love you too much to risk losing you.” 😭😭😭😭😭🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Heidi
Please how will we survive until next week 😭😭😭😭
Heidi
Souta's eyes welling up with tears the second he leaves the building. Nao catches up to him as he’s about to head down the street or maybe at a bus stop. “Souta…” Souta looks up, startled. Roughly wiping the tears off his face, hresponds, “oh, Nao, what’s up? Are you guys done already?” He forces a smile. Nao notes this and approaches him with a slowly. “I was,” he pauses, “worried about you.”
TweetyG
I love it loll thats how Aina gets us shes edging us every week to tears at this point
Rishi
I hope something happens but it’s hard to tell 🥹
Rishi
Aina their emotions are portrayed so well!!!😍
Rishi
Wow this is just sad😔
Diamond
We have reached new levels of delulu to cope lmao. Someone make this a fanfic to tide us off for the week 😩
Diamond
Do yall remember when this was a comedy 😭 now Aina has us a death grip and drinks our tears every week 😔 (I love this comic and it’s the highlight of my Thursdays thank you for the meals Aina💕💕💕💕)
mixhelle
Maybe I‘m delulu again but I‘m still holding on to that hand holding picture where Souta is crying… maybe it’s time and we are finally at that point? I don’t really understand all the comments hoping for Nao to be hurt and sad (which he obviously is already) and too late… I think he has been already hurting A LOT and his reactions are more than understandable - especially for a boy that has been hurtig for a long time at this young age. I know we all feel for Souta but let’s not make Nao the villain here 🥺
Diamond
Yea mans def needs to figure out his intentions and wants very clearly before going after Souta again cause otherwise that just ain’t fair 🙂↕️
EmeraldMoth
Oop
TweetyG
Holding out hope hereeee😭 what if he runs into arashi hanging out with friends and she Thanks Souta out loud for the tickets, not knowing Nao is around the corner listening?? Then he finds out that the tickets are from Souta and rethinks his feelings??😭😭😭
cat reynolds
YES GO GET HIM
HighFlyer
One fuck too late ⏰
KjGoAway
My prediction is that Keisuke will talk to Nao, but Souta will get back home and finally let go. I think someone in his family will be there waiting and see something is wrong.
Marisa Arambula
Nao run to him! Make this right please 🙏🏻 I beg you
wendalize
At least Nao has the guts to move, even if it ends well or not
_Star_ Flight_
Yeah! I just want him to see how much he means to Souta😭
em
waiting a whole week for the next one might kill me😭😭
_Star_ Flight_
Fuck is right
Elise Tencniv
I really really REALLY hope that this is the time that Souta finally does something for himself. For example I hope he says what he really feels about the whole thing to Nao and maybe says he needs some distance (then this would make Nao confront this own feels as well lmao plz). praying for my boy Souta rn :')
Dani
Honestly I don’t think Nao is straight in the slightest and I wonder if he’s totally oblivious to how every girl is crazy over him lol
Mac
wait Im getting ahead of myself. Im just glad he’s gonna check on him. 🌸
Mac
Fuck Yes!!!!
Quint James
GO GET YOUR MAN NAO!!!!!
Pwola
Nao is not even ok with what's going on, he rejected him based on previous trauma i think so i cannot even blame him... i hope he realized but i also think it's too late now to apologize
ALICE
AAAAAHHHH WHAT IS HAPPENING!!! Nao is heading for disaster right now!! Help!! I can’t look!! 🫣 🫣 🫣 🫣
Maisan
Go after your man!!! 🏃
Alpha C
Please please please don't let my baby be crying 😭😭😭😭
Kazemi / かぜみ
“Fuck.” Thank you Nao, you summed up how I feel. Will say, did not believe Souta to up and leave the party, but at this point I can’t blame him. Poor baby. As for Nao, what’s his plan? The first time he chugged an entire cup of juice and rejected Souta with no plan. If he catches him, then what? More rejection? Some failed attempt to comfort Souta when he doesn’t want it? And I don’t even think Souta wants to talk to Nao right now so good luck. Unrelated to all this Taka is the cutest nickname ever and I will be using it to refer to him from now on. Thank you.
charlie
i totally agree, i want them to fully and honestly talk to each other!!
charlie
LMAOOOO this is so freaking real 😭😭 i'm scared
buthowboutno
*laughs* I’m in danger
Ludmila Juarez
SOUTA NOO😭 KEISUKE AUTHOR PLEASE SOMEONE DO SOMETHINGG !!
Abraham Smith
I think it needs to be messy.
Jentle
You go get your boy!! Tell him how you REALLY feel PLEASE 😭😭😭
MsNutLover
YAAAAASSSSS BABYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it might not happen but NAO CARES SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!! 🥹🥹🥹
lenawithapen
I think I might be the only one here, but I actually really hope that Keisuke doesn't intervene. He's played the best friend role perfectly. He's clearly there to listen and support Souta through the good and the bad, come hell or high water, whether he agrees with his choices or not. (We should all be so lucky to have a Keisuke in our lives. 🩵) On the other hand, both Souta and Nao need to show that they can communicate and that they're actually ready and mature enough for a real relationship. If one of their friends has to step in to meditate their problems for them, then (as much as it pains me to say it) they're probably not ready yet. 🫠 Of course, I'm here for all of it! Can't wait to see what happens next.
taimeow
Okay so hear me out. Nao only said that he didn’t want their relationship to change, not that he didn’t care about Souta. What if seeing Souta put up his facade made Nao realize that it’s too late, things have already changed and there is no going back. He knows Souta well, and I think he knows how he feels. Maybe those panels of him looking sad are him accepting that he will have to face the change one way or another. Souta was there for Nao in his most vulnerable moments and I think if Nao is following Souta, he wants to do the same.
Tortiebelle
Wait is it happening is this happening?? Will he change his mind????? Guess we will find out!!!
Lou
my patience is running out omg
Kahto
A WHOLE WEEK.... I CAN'T DO THISSSSS
Kahto
aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh
Dusti
wait…
BiliousBecca
GAAAAHHH you can tell from Nao's expressions and reactions to Souta fleeing that Nao KNOWS Souta is running off to cry/break down... and he so badly wants to be there for him like how Souta was there for him when he broke down after his mom died... but he also knows that he is THE DAMN REASON, so he's debating whether to go after Souta... and it looks like his concern and desire to be there for Souta won out. Part of me really REALLY wants Nao to witness Souta FINALLY break down... like, Souta has been repressing his emotions for Nao's benefit for so long...and I think Nao's kinda of realizing that, but I don't think he realizes quite the full affect it's been having on Souta... so I want Nao to SEE the affect it's been having.. so he can see and realize just how much he means to Souta... but at the same time, Nao didn't ask Souta to do all that for him..so I don't want the result of Nao witnessing Souta's break down to be to feel guilty and blame himself... GAAAAAAHHHHHHH 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Emmy
I'm with the comments family, I think Keisuke should stop Nao and make it clear to give Souta space cause I feel like he's just gonna blow up again. He's already made his feelings clear and he needs to give Souta time to adjust if Nao's determined to just be friends (although we all know that isn't what they really want 🤭) Unless ofc he wants to get to the kiss kiss fall in love 👀
Yozha
I wonder if, with everything that's happened, Nao didn't realize that Arashi has a crush on him too, because rejecting your best friend while going out with a girl he knows likes him on Christmas of all days is another level of context that adds salt to the wound
madness.managed
Oh god keisuke pls do something!!!
adzie✨
*steven universe voice* why don't you talk to each other 🎶
Tina Gomez
Ok Keisuke I need you to be Mr. wingman now please. Stop watching from a distance like you have been. You haven't meddled at all yet which is good, you're letting them take care of it themselves...but now we need you to meddle. Please tell Nao Souta worked hard af to get him tickets for a Christmas "date," please tell Nao Souta has had feelings for him for a while now, please just be their wingman. Also, I wonder what Nao is feeling, does he regret rejecting Souta? Does he realize they don't have to change just cus they're dating? Like what's his plan for going after Souta? I hope not to further hurt his feelings, he doesn't need another I'm sorry. Also, idk how Nao expects things not to change between them for a long time cus Souta would need hella space to get over him. And even then things will have changed because things won't be the same. My mind is just going and going. I need it to be next week ugh😩🩷✨
Kaylynn Bousman
Keisuke stopping him and going out after Souta sounds like our best course of action
So'
Ahhhh omg. .. as much as I want them to talk again people in the comments are right this is not a good idea that Nao chase after Souta right now ... Souta need a friend who's not part of the problem now ... And There's no way Nao change his mind about the rejection ... Here it's either he's gonna run into Souta crying or be mad at him ... Or Keisuke ... Our great Keisuke will talk to Nao ... I don't know what's best or what I want ... But the angst is so good right now ... As always thanks Aina !!!!!
pop xcikkle
FRRR
Magspie
Keisuke plz step in Nao is about to make this even worse somehow 😭 (but tbh I would be happy to see Souta snap a bit he deserves it)
Diadia20
I wish there was a patreon to the patreon🥲 I can’t wait all week for the next updates😭
Sophia
GO FIND HIM PLEASE
Diadia20
Yup. That’s the right response, Nao😤🙌🏻 Go get your man!
Raiena Haque
tell me why I sat here and read through all of that (I agree completely though)
Veiwan
yeah FUCK is right. now think about what you've done and suffer.
Ximinnie
You are all so right, and I absolutely get it. I am just trying to deceive myself to avoid suffering 🥹
DearNeptune!
Couldn't let him leave knowing they're not okay. Nao is apparently not a fan of going to bed mad. 🥹 Even though his head is empty, he's got no plan. He just couldn't stand it and I love that!
Braylin
Oh, and thank you for the update Aina💜🫂💜
DearNeptune!
No no! I'm also in favor of Keisuke stopping Nao, or Nao missing Souta by just a second or so. The only thing that can happen if they talk now is more damage to both of them. Keisuke telling Nao to take a breath and some space may help a lot. He may be a big fan of letting people make their own decisions but he also doesn't stand back and let his friend(s) be miserable either. He just wants the best for his best friend and at this moment, Nao isn't it. Even if he knows they should be together and want to, you're right he knows whatever they just talked about didn't go well. They need some time.
The Urge
I can't help but wonder how aware Souta is of Naos feelings here. Like this makes just as much sense either way for Souta's choices. But if he's not already aware, it would be great to see his realization.
Braylin
I need it to be next Thursday NOWWWW😩💔
Mo
YES!! Go after your man!!
Diamond
Call me crazy but I feel like with the Keisuke panel here, he is gonna intercept Nao and prevent him from running after Souta. Since we know that Keisuke knows about the confession and how he told Souta to talk about it, I’m sure he knows that Naota talked, and it didn’t go…great. So, knowing Souta, I feel like Keisuke is gonna tell Nao to give Souta some space and ask about what happened. Maybe our Naota therapist Keisuke can help Nao talk through his feelings. Cause I feel like it wouldn’t really make sense for Nao to just run after Souta and be like “..sorry..” again. Or maybe I’m totally off the mark lmao.
Amenvc
aina dont play with my heart😣 pretty please
jen
SAMEEEE
Dani
I’m wondering if she’s going to do a surprise update on the 30th 😭 she did a surprise one for illumination so I mean.. maybe
ublep
YEEEEEES, GO AFTER HIM 🫶
Cory
Okay.. you got me.. I'm bought back into this cliffhanger haven 🫣 i love seeing Nao actually react to things, it gives me so much more to cling onto. I feel his expression so deeply. As well as the pain in Souta's dead stare and smile. Next week could not come sooner!
Adrianna Lopez
muehehehe
ublep
AAAAAAA I have been refreshing since the day started, let's goooo
Dug
OMG NAO
ableaelle
ITS HAPPENING SOMETHING IS HAPPENING OH MY GOSH
The Urge
Shutting him up with a kiss would probably be a bad idea.
Mimi
YESSS GO AFTER UR soon-to-be BF !!!
jen
I LOVE THAT NAO THOUGHT ABT IT AND CHOSE TO GO AFTER SOUTA 😭💕 THE GUILT IS EATING HIM UP INSIDE I JUST KNOW IT
Elisse
🚨 ILLEGAL CLIFFHANGER 🚨
UnicornSwag52
YEAH YOU GET UP NAO
Taytorade
Bruh fr
Charlie_Chole
Well dang, I was not expecting him to get up at the end! I have no clue how this is going to play out. I just want our boys to be happy :')
Am (distracted)
Once again, when I catch you, Aina... 😭
Hannah
if they kiss a week after pride month ends that would be funny af
Eden Jay
ahh yes time to receive my weekly dose of heartbreak! ough :( i wonder if this is bothering nao a bit not just that souta isn't being real with him/open about his feelings on the matter, although i'm sure that's especially bothering him, but i wonder if it also bothers him that it seems like souta's drawing back a little. he's not only bottling it up, but he's cutting hangouts short. it wouldn't technically be the first time and i'm sure nao is beginning to see that - as souta pulled this when arashi showed up when it was them two hanging out the day they went to the arcade and when arashi came in the music store and whatnot. souta withdrew then, hurting; it was just confusing to nao at the time but i'm sure he sees why *now*. although souta ended up having company with inoue at the illumination, he withdrew then too - and would've slinked away by himself had it not been for inoue saying she needed a break, too (i'm so glad she did and that souta had a bit of comfort from another friend/ally). and now this is technically a third time nao's seen that souta has just covered up and withdrew. i wonder if it's inching into uncomfortably familiar territory for him because it would remind him of himself and what he did in the past, prior to meeting souta, prior to the soccer club, and prior to his mom's death and learning to grieve. reclusing inward and sort of shutting off from talking to anybody, about it or anything. we know souta likes to help and is a bit too selfless sometimes and he loves his friends so i doubt he'd ever go full recluse, but i wonder if the actions/recent dipping-outs remind nao a little too much of himself back then. and the fact souta's bottling it up/hiding it, even from him after all the comfort/support souta offered him when he was deep in his grief, is eating at him a little now alongside the guilt of rejecting him to begin with (even if that's not something either of them are really happy about) not saying he has to be/that it is, these are just mindless rambles/thoughts about what-ifs/wondering-ifs, haha. thanks for the updates as always aina :)
Zarrytan
On one hand, I'm a little peeved that Nao has the audacity to look hurt after "softly" rejecting Souta, but on the other hand I'm really looking forward to the outcome of his late spur-of- the-moment reaction.
Jamie Elizabeth Eva
i came here to say this! i think people are getting their hopes up prematurely, we’ve had a misunderstanding, but we haven’t had a big blowup yet, and i think that’s where we’re headed unfortunately :(
Novicity
Ngl I feel like whatever encounter they have next, they need a mediator like Keisuke... I think the only time I've ever seen them be vulnerable and NOT argue was when Nao broke down after the news about his mom. They do need to have a conversation but their style of confrontation with each other is not very healthy at the moment. Here's to hoping things can slowly get better and that they can learn to be more honest with each other again. I'd love to see a moment of realization that their ways of trying to sort their emotions out only shuts the other out (and we know that's not the result either of them want). Honestly, I would find it extremely funny if we had someone point the obvious out to them again, like back in the early days where were forced to work on a school project together and couldn't think of a topic until someone suggested soccer.
KBird
Now we’re talking, let’s communicate some more boys! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Babycha
I don't think Nao is blind, I think maybe he's just in denial about his feelings? or scared to ruin the friendship 😢
Aud
After reading some of these comments, I actually do agree that Keisuke should stop Nao from going after Souta. I mean he JUST rejected him in a way, and Souta needs the chance to crash out. I hope Keisuke kinda implies to Nao that Souta is the one who bought the concert tickets. Ugh I want him to go after him sooooo bad but I know it’s probably too soon!! Wonderful chapter as always!
july
Lmaoooo not the customer service smile 😭
McKynzee Pivonka
A bundle of nerves every time I see a notification for this, in the best way possible. I see Keisuke there, me thinks my boy is getting ready to do something. Stop Nao, talk to Nao, talk to Souta, talk to both them, do nothing, look fantastic, sip tea. Idk, but things are not going to get patched up so quick like this, don't get hopes up!
taty am
Can I pay a patreon of this patreon? 😆
hannie
OH MY GOD ITS HAPPENING.. EVERY BODY STAY CALM
Oriena
I might be a pessimist but I feel like there's a chance that souta may deny any advances Nao tries to make at the moment. He's hurt, and with the rejection still fresh it might lead him to believe that Nao just feels guilt/pity for him. I'm definitely expecting tears or at least another argument but I'm hoping for the best.
miso.miso
Ooo! What if Keisuke gently confronts Nao and asks him what the hold up is? Or explain that it’s not just a baby Crush Souta is going through but it’s actually very genuine like “why are you scared?” And Nao has to confront his past? Or family/friend trauma?
Ximinnie
am I being delusional for STILL BELIEVING that Nao misunderstood Souta as something else other than a confession? Please tell me I’m not the only one thinking this, because there have been so many hints at Nao also loving Souta… I refuse to believe that he could be so blind to his own feelings and that he (loving him so much) would react like that to a confession 😭😭😭
catto
jesus this entire arc is gonna be angst fuel until we get through the concert or something huh 😭😭💔
taty am
Can it be a double uptade? I can't waitress a week 🥲🥲
awphinesse
If he actually gets to him, after all that suffering I mean, there is no way Souta isn't gonna snap at him omg
Taytorade
YES NAO GOT GET HIM
Megan Ferguson
The panels with the back of his head, looks like he’s tilted down as if he’s contemplating and upset, but once he lifts his head (second head panel) I felt the determination in that panel!! I hope he knows what he’s doing so our boy Souta doesn’t keep getting his heart broken 🥲
JayJay
Go get your mannnnn💃🏽💃🏽
James Wearing
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!!!! I will never not let this comic get my hopes up.
awphinesse
Keisuke has his tea and it is fucking hot bruh
WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕
FIX IT NAO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
choco_milk6969
Also omg nao can’t hide his feelings for shit 😭 he’s def in love
Megan Ferguson
GO GET YOUR MAN!!!!!
Silencio
😱😱😱
Nosy Bobcat
OH COME ON DON'T DO ME LIKE THAT!
choco_milk6969
WOOOO OKAY i mean this is good. i don’t feel like the cold hands thing logically makes sense rn bc nao just gave the most ambiguous response rn so it doesn’t make sense for him to turn around and be like NVM! but i do think souta might blow up on his ass and force nao to critically think which I would love to see
Teddy Chanel
HOW CAN WE?!?!?!
Teddy Chanel
WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT OMG
procra
And keisuke…what can I say? Perfect as always 👌🏼 (but really, how can you do this to us 😭)
miso.miso
What if Nao is stopped? And told to give him space?…..OR WHAT IF HE TAKES HIM SOMEWHERE?? And Souta tries to tell him again that he’ll get over it but Nao shuts him up with a kiss????? A GIRL CAN BE DELUSIONAL AND DREAM RIGHT???
Nikki Crumbley
I agree
Weebatron
PH SHIT EVERTBODY STAY FUCKING CALM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!
awphinesse
I hate these idiots! I say as they occupy every inch of my brain 😔 In all seriousness I love this comment, you put my exact thoughts into it.
Tink
I have a feeling that it's going to be a while of Souta and Nao being hurt and I'm not sure if I'm glad Nao ran out after Souta or if he should've given Souta some space to process everything but either way <\3
SnowWrite
Always 😭😭
july
Honestly kinda manifesting that Keisuke will stop Nao and go after Souta himself instead. I don’t think Souta needs Nao to go after him rn… he needs to crash out in a friend’s arms
mafusphere
gosh im praying🙏🙏
Dani
I think that this is exactly what will happen with how we saw Kei’s reaction and concern
SnowWrite
GAAAHHHH MY FEELINGS RUN NAOOOO
daws
ANOTHER WEEK?
Wiktoria Nikonowicz
YES GO AFTER HIM PLEASE 😭😭😭
SnowWrite
If they don’t I will blame you 😂
Dani
No def not lol
procra
😭😭😭😭😭 I LOVE THEM SO MUCH Thank you Aina. I know i already said that but this is your best episode! (But it should be illegal to leave us on a cliffhanger like this one 😩) thank you, it makes my day ❤️
SnowWrite
Noooo i can’t wait another week helpppp
tsunderephant
my heart feels cold and sad hahaha 😭😭
churrry
i read this too fast DAMN
Maki na łące
Can we get our hopes up? I’m debating with myself 😭
catto
tbh i feel like it would be more helpful if keisuke went after and heard out souta first?? souta and nao do need to talk ig but idkk i think soutas gonna snap and he needs some comfort 😭?? idk
Joeba
I agree, I would much rather see Souta cry, he needs it
Nikki Morrow
RUN AFTER YOUR MAN. PLEASE.
blayke
I READ THAT TOO FAST!!!!!
Mo
i kinda hope keisuke intercepts nao as he leaves, talks to him, finds out nao rejected souta, and then tells nao to give souta space bc like…… yes i want nao to check in but also it is soooo so inappropriate to do that after you reject someone. let souta process his disappointment in peace
André Dircksen
I'll keep my expectation low.... BS! ITS HAPPENING!!! KISS IN THE NEXT CHAPTER 😆😆😁
Becca P.
I AM SO AFRAID TO HOPE BUT I’M DOING IT ANYWAY even though I KNOW these boys will hurt me again next week 🥲 just gotta keep chanting “it works out eventually” and steel myself for every update until we get there 😭
catto
JLSUSTKKYSUOSYKAKHAAFHKRY maaan their expressions man the way theyre fidgeting 😭😭... soutas got the most customer service smile ive ever seen plastered on his face wow
july
rubbing my hands together like an evil villain
PikasWife (•bruh•)
Y’all what if cold hands happens today in their time after all and we were just duped by the outfits
Parranda
I don’t know how to feel about this. If he’s going to chase him again only to reject him again, I’d rather he didn’t
Kari Stoltenberg
OOOOHHHHHHHH. I don't think we are quite there, but a turning poiint is delicious right now. 👏👏👏
Ana Zecchin
Let the suffering begin (but please, let them be togetherrrrrr Im crying here)
mafusphere
i thought the same waaaa
DearNeptune!
The way Souta was ITCHING to get outta there. He couldn't hold it together any longer. You did so good, Souta! You're amazing! Now go as the Black Eye Peas say scream and shout and let it all out.
lulu
I love the difference in which they cope. Nao is very obviously quiet, shutting down and ignoring things around him, trying to process his own emotions, lamenting, essentially drowning in them. Souta however, will do everything and anything to not think about it, doing things to distract or occupy his attention so he won’t have to think about his pain. Nao who drowns himself in his emotions, and Souta who tries to push them away I HATE THEM SM.
Ty Waldrop
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
Ghostie
Why do I feel like Shouta left because he is actually going to cry
awphinesse
AAAAHHGRRHAAAHGGHAAAARFRGAAGHRAAAAHGGRRHHHHHAAAAARFFGGGG ‼️‼️‼️😫
daniela
HELLO? IVE COME BACK TO LIFE MAYBE?
july
Souta is this close to the breaking point 🤏 and I’m preparing myself to see him break next week. Maybe Nao will catch up to him and Souta will snap and yell at him to leave him alone?
Skylar
GO AFTER HIM GO AFTER HIM OMG OMG
Vickzzz
GO GET YOUR FUTURE HUSBAND RN
Pandyakuza
please teleport me to next week 😭😭😭😭😭 When angst arc over ?? Give me comfort already 🥲
Lyana224 .
Oh Nao! Go get him! 😭
Gabriel Pereira
OMG!!! NAO PLEASE GO AFTER HIM, KISS HIM, HUG HIM, SAY YOU LIKE HIM TOO 🙏🏽🙏🏽
BiliousBecca
YEEEESSSS!!! CHASE AFTER HIM!!! CATCH HIM CRYING!!!!
Rhian
CHAT MAYBE WE WILL GET A W WAIT A MINNN 😂🤣☠️👀👀👀🥹🤷🏽♀️🤞🏽
Dani
Please aina bless us like you did a few months ago with a second update we might all suffer 👉👈
Ayumi
Ohhh i though it was so over for a while, Nao please save us
rae of sunshine
I AUDIBLY GASPED!!!!!
flarebear
OH MYYYY GOOODDDDDD!!!!! I CANT WAIT WHATS HE GONNA DO??!!! WHATS GONNA HAPPEN!!?????
Yaya
I'M HYPERVENTILATING
Anako
This is unfair cuz I can’t scream cuz I’m at work
thedistortedeye
Goooood. Happy to tag along for this long drawn out torture because I love these idiots
Ariiaa
COMMUNICATE PLEASE
Dani
I SCREAMED WHEN I READ THE LAST LINE OMGOMG
Ayumi
WHAT
rafaa
AAAAAAAAAAAA
Cyan134
Nao, buddy, I get that you’re concerned. But I dunno if you should go to him right now. (But I won’t lie that I am excited that you are lol)
mafusphere
GO GET HIM WOOO YOU GOT THIS
Kaido
crying, YEAHHH YOU RUN NOW RUN 😭💔
UDENZE_ANNIE
Yeah. Not that he should feel bad for not returning the feelings though. It's a personal choice..
Jester🫧🩷✨
YES GO AFTER HIM
The Last Tree Star
Ugh. I live for Thursday's at this point. I need EMOTIONS boys. True emotions.
Madeleine
GO GET YOUR MAN!!!
thedistortedeye
He’s never gonna give him up- I had to, your pfp was right there-
Marzipan ♡
YES PLEASE GO TALK TO HIM. P L E A S E
Kastiro
AHHHHHHH
Pikturit
Nao, don't! You're only going to make it worse. A rejection is a rejection - let Souta come to you when he's ready! Love the slow burn, really
Khxb12
AAAAAAAAAAAA ITS HAPPEMING MAYBE!!!??!??
Am (distracted)
"fuck" is right- go get him..!! 😭 Souta needs someone to tell him eveything will be okay and give him a big hug 🥲
boldandbrash
YES GO AFTER HIM KING
eevieyeh
I’m gonna think about this everyday till next week omgggggg
Nik
FUCK!
stalbread
🥺 please please please end my suffering
Bushclam
I hope Souta gets some type of closure for now
Sekai
Every week is a gamble 😭
Cyber
YESSIR
Cyber
WAIT A DAMN MINUTE
Cyber
WAIT
mars
GO GET YOUR MAN
rwbq
PLS TELL ME HE IS GOIN AFTER HIM
Jup1terian
AEEE CARALHOOOOOO
Milo
Well well well… I wonder what’ll happen next
Dani
GET YOUR MAAAAN NAOOOOOOOO GO GET HIMMMMMMM
Patron-Kun
GO GET HIMMMMMM!!!!!
Aniripsi 28
Go for him!!!
july
GO GET YO MAN
Diamond
GO GET YOUR MANNN OMG!!!!!
candyflossnfp
I’m not gonna lie I’m glad Nao feels bad
AmiWarai
YES PLEASE GO AFTER HIM AND JUST KISS HIM ALREADYYYY
Maycea
YEAH THATS WHATS UPPPPP
Bella
OH MY GOD IS IT HAPPENING?? IM SCARED AND ALSO HOPEFUL😭❤️🩹
amy
THE WAY I AUDIBLY CHEERED WITH THAT LAST PANEL OF NAO GETTING UP TO FOLLOW HIM. WE ARE SO BACK 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
Stacy Price
Ahhh yes go talk to himmm
Jenelle
Oh my gosh no not the cliffhanger I can’t do this!!
Nova Camellia
Go get your man!
PikasWife (•bruh•)
Also Souta calling Takahashi ‘Taka’ is the cutest thing ever😭 that’s his big bro fr
Diyoza (Fletcher)
fuck
Stacy Price
Guyyyyysss
SleetMage
OH! HE'S GOING TO GO SEE HIM!!!!
Mo
i need the next update now pleaseeee this is torture
mimi
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO
Dani
THATS RIGHT GET HIM
PikasWife (•bruh•)
AAAAAA
Mo
OHMYGOD
