Post "IDCC ch.54 part 4 - Awkward" by "Aina Palm"

Deary Me

Literally

Yesa

Nao, what are you looking so shooketh for, you came outside on purpose 😭

Lyria_Lavender

Just talk please 🥺🥹😭 this suspense is killing me

hades

KARAOKE JUST LIKE AINA FORETOLD YEARS AGO LETS FUCKING GOOO

Wiktoria Nikonowicz

How can I wait a whole week now that I know there's going to be a confrontation 😭😭😭

Que

i've been dreaming of this moment for so many years that it still feels unreal that we're actually here 💔

JH

Okay, Nao, it’s your move…don’t mess this up.

H_Abbott

ok guys be ready my bet is that's happening THE confrontation

mimi

dies. simply explodes . Boom 💥

catto

dude nao's cup was pretty full earlier how tf its that empty that quickly

ublep

Please please please 🤞

mafusphere

safe to say i’m scared for the next update

amy

anyone else just sat here rereading recent chapters and fully losing it like i’m tweaking tf out waiting for this next chapter 😭😭😭😭😭 HAS ME IN A CHOKEHOLD MAN

PikasGirlfriend (•bruh•)

35 minutes *vibrates*

Anako

This is gonna be the death of me

Heidi

I’m so grateful for IDCC days 😭 life can be hard and having a new chapter to look forward to every week keeps me grounded. Ty Aina! 🩷

BiliousBecca

I'm not okay 😭

Hermione

Today… is INDEED… THE day

Raven

bracing myself for the ‘i misunderstood that right’/‘i can’t accept your feelings’ talk. i just don’t want to see Souta cry 🫠

R3D

Also random thought but the song, You’d Be Stars by Sydney Rose and Chloe Moriondo is so Nao to Souta I think? Let me know your guys opinions it’s not completely exact but it’s enough! 🙂

R3D

Ahh I don’t want this to end ever

Mojo

Okay - I’m thinking they’ll talk, it’ll still be awkward and stilted. When one of them makes an exit/escapes (prolly souta), Keisuke will come looking for Souta/his tea and bump into who’s still there (nao) annnd✨boom✨ keisuke talks some sense into themmmm 😤😤😤

JayJay

I hope he sings stand by me or something !! Something personal if they stay!

Nikki Crumbley

What karaoke spoiler ?

Anna Mercedes

TALK PLEASE

Rishi

Nao is acting surprised for whatttt😭😭😭 hahaha you chose to follow him!!!

Nat

I’ve got two things to comment on. First, Nao’s glass was full before Souta left, so he really did drink it all in one go and then went after Souta. 🤔 Second, I thought of something. Ever since we found out about the karaoke spoiler, I’ve been picturing Nao (or Souta) singing a song to the other. But Keisuke has had so much focus this chapter that I just couldn’t help imagining him singing a song for them to act out or react to. Has anyone listened to The Little Mermaid’s “Kiss the Girl”? That song, but it’s “Kiss the Boy.” There’s even a line that says, “There, you see him, sitting there across the way 🎶.” I wish I could write fanfics…my imagination will have to do for now.

Mo

nah you can see keisuke’s mug :) the handle of it is poking out under the hot water dispenser

amy

the comments about nao chugging his drink have me cry laughing 😭 the comments every week are so fun to scroll through i love this community. the last few years i’ve been reading this comic have been the best—thursdays are my personal fav because of it and the comments/people make it even more enjoyable every week 🥹❤️

Laurenjedi

Remember when I said nothing would happen until Keisuke intervened? Keisuke has done this 😅

Eric Hernandez

well that checks out everything the author had planned 2 years ago. Was a word web of random story bits that make sense now. We are now in uncharted territory😶

Woiso

Maybe Souta forgot the glass and Keisuke told Nao if he could refill his drink ? That's why he was so surprised ? He didn't really watch Souta Idk

marsiano 🦇

Shin, its part of the team

So'

By the way who's the person cheering on Takeo ? (

Iona

I love how Nao both clearly intentionally came here, but also is as lost as before about how to act

Marzipan ♡

GUYS THEY NEED TO TALK IM GOING TO BE DRAGGED BACK TO THE PADDED ROOM.

lulu

no becuz there’s literally only one door his ass WATCHED Souta leave he knew he was gonna b out there 🤦🏾‍♀️

Nanani

I agree - but he had one week to choose his way of approching and words, I'm sure he can do it, whatever it is he wants to say ❤️

Sarah

I love the community in this story, I read the comments every time 🩷 very excited for next week ✨✨

Mina

please just talk 😭

Elisa🩷💜💙

Noooo what a cliffhanger 😭😭😭

Raiena Haque

I need them to talk things out 🥀 I’m too impatient for ts 😔

Allie D

NAO FOR SURE CHUGGED HIS DRINK FOR THIS 😭😭😭😭

Norin

I'm not sure chugging your soft drink is the way to gain liquid courage, but it's worth a try, Nao

Norin

Keisuke is an old soul 😭

Oleksandra Matviienko

I'm sinking in misunderstanding 🥲

KawaiiCringe

This better be the angst payoff, pleeeaaaassseeee 😭😭😭

Ava

IT'S SHOWDOWN TIME LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO

Heidi

I wonder if Nao had to work up the courage to follow Souta (it was def, 100% intentional) and the closer he got to Souta he started to lose his nerve and then Souta looks up at him and bam, little scared puppy eyes. Nao might not feel ready whether he understood the confession or thought it was something else. All he knows is he needs to reach out to Souta because he misses him. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Heidi

Seeing them in the same room *across* from each other made my stomach DROP. How did they choose seats? Who arrived first? Are they making accidental eye contact? Can others aside from Keisuke sense their vibe is off?

Lydia Hickling

aina, in this world of instant gratification you are teaching me patience again

UDENZE_ANNIE

You can't leave me on this cliff

Stacy Price

Ah I'm so excited but scared at the same time! 🥹

Holden

Nao sings to Souta and then propos- I mean. They’ll probably be awkward little critters again.

River

AINA YOURE KILLING ME WITH THE SUSPENSE

Siri

Okay another week we got this

Siri

!!!!!!!

Zarrytan

I can't stomach Souta's expressions because he just looks so miserable 😔 it's not in his style to be confrontational, so I'm hoping Nao went out there with a purpose

emms

He’s not beating the NPC allegations

Raven

Nao.exe has stopped working.

MrMonochromatic

We hang from this cliff like birds on a wire 😭

Diamond

What I would love to see once everything plays out is Nao explaining exactly what was going through his head in that moment. Did he understand? Was he scared? Was he hurt? Confused?

marsiano 🦇

he definitely did

BlackkFoxxes

AH

eleanor

Saw Souta leave and chugged it LOL

Elisse

Aina, you're killing me!!! 😆

Yvonne

Please a longerrrrr update your killinggg meeee 😭

Meepers

I have a theory that this is gonna lead to another argument and souta will run away and nao will go and chase after him!

ALICE

……. Aina. The update is broken. Why are they just staring at each other? We were SUPPOSED to see them talking in this update, right? Right??

Ivy

Omg the final hint, we’re at the end

Ranny

Can I take a second to mention Naos cup was full when they were sitting did he just chug it all 😭

Nosy Bobcat

Taaaaalk boys

flash_lover21

That’s it- 😀

ScuttlebuttScootScoot

This would be the perfect opportunity for them to talk! …. Which probably means they won’t…

madness.managed

I literally screamed lmao

Lou

couldnt have described it better🙏🏻

lenawithapen

Any theories on what happens next???

DarkCosmic Jhin

This was a lvl of torture equal to what the CIA does 😭😭

Angel Wolf

YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME LIKE THAT?!?!

😴

AHHH i wanna see more😭😭

Jummy Akintola

Time for that chat!!!

SnowWrite

Okay, interactionnnn is finally coming!!! in a week… lol the waiting is killing me 😭 it’s so good! 🥰

Midnight Mandu

I dont know why but Soutas arm behind Keisuke on the couch is so cute! Nao that shoulda been you! Also Nao where did your drink go huuhhhh 👀

Kazemi / かぜみ

First: Nao, chugging your drink and instantly running is not a good idea. Please consider avoiding such choices in the future. But I’m letting you off because your brain wanted Souta and brought you here. Second: KARAOKE !!KARAOKE !!! We’re gonna see the romantic progress trust (hopefully). And I’m glad Takeo is singing his heart out. Good for him. Third: Seeing as Nao went after Souta, I feel he’s yearning for any sort of interaction with him despite the awkwardness. This is probably his first chance all week. am rooting for my boy. and his boy. and his tummy because good lord his tummy is going thru it with that cup of juice.

daniela

aina you're playing with our poor hearts this slow burn is killing me 😭 thanks for another update<3

laralala

so nao's cup was full, did he drink it all really fast just to have an excuse to follow souta 🧐

SavageWolffSoul

I didn't gasp, you did XD

Bryn E

I just wanted to say I have been loving the updates since the end of the amusement park update. I wasn’t sure how things would play out until then and was like “how is this gonna work out” and then that update happened and I have been 100% in the “nao understood the half-confession” camp since then. And I still don’t know exactly how things will play out but we just need to be patient with it (smth smth I trust aina’s vision). I love the anticipation being built and it’ll be so worth the wait to see how this arc fleshes out… anyways Ty for your service aina keep doing what you’re doing I see your vision (or even if you’re reading this thinking I’m way off base, at the very least I trust you with the writing bc your character work is so good and delicious and juicy and I just love how realistic and resonating the way youve fleshed out the different arcs so far)

Emmy

Offering my nonexistent firstborn that we get the resolution we all want for our babies 🙏😭😂

Amber

Not Nao mega-chugging his drink to make sure he was at the soda fountain at the same time as Souta

Junai04

Dear Universe/Deity/Master of All/ Santa Claus, Please let time sweep past like hay bales in the desert 🏜. Let it flow by like a night after too much taco bell 🌮🔔. Let it fly by like quadratic equations 🧮 do for Souta... just let it be next Thursday already!!

DearNeptune!

It's time for the final romantic spoiler, team! We're getting another solid something here soon. Let's goooo!!!

Yaya

I feel yoooou! I'm the same! I can't handle it anymore

Rice

Just make them hold has for a panel and I’ll be all set for the upcoming angsts 😫😭

Junai04

What is the dead treed about? What'd I miss?

Wtfhp

I know they’re finally gonna get somewhere after this…. I just KNOW IT

Milo

I just know when we clear up this misunderstanding I’m gonna enjoy it sm. Like they’re our characters especially following them and their story after all these years. Thank you Aina for creating and illustrating their story. It’s been wonderful seeing them grow ❤️

Lou

i can NOT wait another week i‘m actually getting psychosis PLSSSS😭

laralala

Can they like kiss a little pls then they can continue with their awkwarness or wtv

Hermione

Oh lord… it is time. So once again, it’s the Karaokeeee scene and there are dead trees once more in the beginning! I saw people saying that Nao emptied his cup to be with Souta… WHICH IS SO CUTE! But then I was thinking, what the hell is Nao so surprised for because he looks like he walked upon Souta’a ghost or something. Then I tried to rationalize it and all I could come up with is that, Nao did indeed empty his cup to follow Souta but he’s surprised because he didn’t expect Souta to be going back to the karaoke room so soon. You can see Souta already filled his cup and make Keisuke’s tea and it looks like he was reaching it to bring it back to the room. So Nao is probably surprised for that reason??? Also, Keisuke has the tablet to choose songs if I’m correct? So what I think either Souta is singing next which means he might sing the song that he sang with Nao that was mentioned in the Illumination chapter. I believe it’s called Stand by Me but I don’t remember haha. Also I have to sayyyyy, Nao’s sweater looks SO COMFYYYYYYY! Also, happy birthday Takeo!!!

T Mcnugget

His drink was literally full when he left Nao you followed him 💀

Airy

X2 … TAAAAALLLLKKKKK

Nat

That’s right, we’re almost there then

Milo

I hope so

Skylar

TALKKKKK

jami lyn

if yall don’t kiss and make up soon so help me god

Alessandra Angiuli

LAST HINTTT

Ari Yez

Ay Nao como si no lo hubieras escuchado, por qué te sorprendes 😩😩

Vai Russ

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE TALK 😭😭😭

stalbread

👁👄👁

Tink

Souta is just so done! I wonder how awkward this will get...I'm weirdly looking forward to it because they've got to talk at some point!!

Mo

Also! it doesn’t look like nao is surprised. it looks like he’s gearing up to say something.

Maddy ♡

I have a feeling Nao will bring it up and from what he’s saying Souta will realize that he misinterpreted (Nao thought he was gonna say “it’s you I can’t stand” or “have a problem with” or something lol). And Souta will probably casually confess like, “oh my gosh no it was so obvious I was gonna say ‘you’re the one I like’” to which they will have an awkward moment where Souta realizes what he said and Nao will just be like “oh.. 😳” (I can only dream 😔🫶)

Lou

MY SHAYLAS😓😓

Hannah

why does nao look surprised like bro didn’t u literally follow him

So'

Arghhh... Souta is so sad all the time ... It's concerning 😟... I hope they talk !

Rishi

Nao your drink was just full😭😭🤭

Rishi

Did Nao follow him?👀🥹

Cyber

PLEASE THIS IS UNBEARABLE

Cyber

ONG TALK IT OUT GUYS

BiliousBecca

That means their conversation will be interrupted when Nao suddenly has to pee really badly 😭😭😭😭😭

Taytorade

Aina pls, don't make me wait 😭 (I'm actually so excited, I'll wait as long as I'll need to)

Pwola

I'm so scared about other misunderstandings... please someone save us

Jup1terian

PLEASE TALK PLEASE TALK 🙏🏻

procra

I’m so excited! They are so perfect 😭

Rishi

I think we made it to all of the romantic spoilers now

Maddy ♡

OMG HAHAH FR

Mo

ahhhh!!! this tension is too much i needs to know what happens🥲

FeyFlower004

Man’s shocked like he didn’t watch Souta walk out that door💀

hannie

GUYS PLEASE TALK I CANT DO THIS ANYMORE😫😫

Myri

Haha ur new name tho xD

lenawithapen

We're here!! We've finally arrived!!

Rishi

Bro Souta is not himself and it’s making me so sad 😭💔

Rishi

I’m so exciteddd!!!

Rishi

Cliffhangerrrr😍

AzulFire

Aahhhh!!!!!

Martha M

if “karaoke” was one of the hints aina gave about their romance developing (2022 q&a), this has GOT to lead to something!!! souta please my boy finish the confession

BiliousBecca

This comment just made me feel so much better about being 30 and obsessed with this story 😂😂

mafusphere

THIS CLIFFHANGER IS ILLEGAL

Ty Waldrop

OMGOMGOMG THEY'RE GOING TO TALK. omg I'm so invested it's ridiculous.

Sutton

Chat I am actually gonna crash out

Silencio

😱

Veiwan

Ok genuinely what is going on let’s just sit down and have a nice chat guys

WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕

Great... Aw my heart breaks for him dude. As much as I want this resolved, I want NAO to be the one to try and fix it because Souta just needs that I think.

Carola S

Souta, sweet sweet boy, you haven’t been yourself in ages :( my heart!! Hurts!!

Emil

Communicate morons!

Ash

ALSO peep the fact that Nao’s cup was full all the way in the earlier panel😭 and he must have emptied it to have a reason to follow Souta

Jettah Woolf

I can’t wait another weekkkkk😭😭😭😭

#FreeSoutaFromNao

Can we get a my heart will go on titanic reenactment from Souta and nao

Anako

I’m glad I read that in my car cuz I just lost my voice from screaming

taimeow

Nao’s drink was so full…. I’m going to imagine that he saw Souta get up, chugged his drink, and followed him out.

july

Aina literally posted that list of spoiler words YEARS ago, it’s so cool to see it finally be complete. What a fun way to keep us engaged all this time 😭

#FreeSoutaFromNao

KARAOKE CHAPTER ?!!?!?? MUHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHA

Kaitlin Rafalski

I'm 36 years old. Should I be this invested in this story at this point? Probably not. Am I going to kick my feet like a prepubescent girl every time they have a moment. Absolutely.

feeeeee

My heart is aching 🫠😭💖

Nathan

The story is devastating but Souta is devastatingly handsome also

Quinn

Karaoke was the last hint of plot points from the 2022 Q&A😭

Koren

IM BEGGING AT THIS POINT, just talk to each other 😭

Cyan134

Ok ya’ll are alone, it’s literally just the two of you. It’ll be really hard to get over the awkwardness of it…But I hope ya’ll talk it out.

Bean

UUUGH IM DYING 😩😩😩😩

Rebecca R

He must have really chug that drink 😉

Ash

I’m going to bed before i can process this and freak out over the fact that this has left me on a huge cliffhanger. goodnight

Angelina Aleman

TALK😩

UnicornSwag52

OMG THE KARAOKE!!!AHHH TALK

Martha M

this is excruciating please just talk to each other

Goshdarnit

Back to Naota crumbs chat I’m so tired

amanda

Omg omg karaoke is one of the words that aina left us as a tip 🥹

Lisa

These cliffhangers are actually just torture 😭

Graham C

I SWEAR if souta fumbles this i can't watch😭

rwbq

nao had to have done that on purpose right.. RIGHT?

kay

really is awkward…

BiliousBecca

I was just about to comment about this!!! Like, Nao totally did this on purpose, right???

OliveOil

I was summoned

Roy

Resisting the urge to scream with every update. TALK PLS 😭😭

Victor Perez

This burn is so slow it's frozen

taimeow

KARAOKE LETS GOOOOOOO

marsiano 🦇

ITS TIIIIIME

benson boone’s first cyborg clone

I CANT WAIT ANOTHER WEEEKKKFNEOSHDOSHSISNS IM GNAWING ON THE WALLS OF MY ENCLOSURE

PikasGirlfriend (•bruh•)

I cannot believe Keisuke is drinking tea at karaoke😭😭😭😭

Myri

Let’s goooooooo

Nik

This. This is very kara-OK with me. 🖤

mars

manifesting that this resolves this week

Ximinnie

Omg the karaoke is here….. PLEASE TALK I CANT DEAL WITH THIS ANYMORE

Kiera _Klark

Why is he surprised surely he saw him get up to go lol

july

KARAOKE???? THE LAST WORD ON THE LIST!!!

Jenelle

Pls I can’t handle these looks between them! I just want them to talk to each other Also… originally Naos cup was full but suddenly it’s empty… is he trying to find a way to talk to Souta alone??