Post "IDCC ch.53 - Illumination" by "Aina Palm"

EmilyEden

Or the tenth 😅

Fyo

I reread the whole story and have to say, even if the individual parts are sometimes really hard to read (because the suffering is hard to bear), the development as a whole is simply amazing! Such a beautiful flow—nothing seems fabricated or unfit. I love this story so much 🥰

HellAngelVero

Doesn't get less painful the second time I read it.... 😭

yana

LMFAOO

Sarah Vencio

The end of this chapter makes me want to change my social security number status to inactive

Samuel Ulu

Where Is the next episode!

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

By the way, after rereading the whole thing and having (sadly) forgotten many things, the moment where Souta is looking through the window and you can only see the stars, is again like a reference to that astronaut song, like he's floating in the void, and watching the Earth from afar without being able to come back... I know being in love like that really feels like floating in the void. And so lost. It's just too painful this chapter 🥲🥲🥲

catto

yknow, arashi kinda accidentally wingman'd/pushed souta into confessing lmao

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

Also, I fell. I leveled up 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤩🤩🤩 and my heart was exploding like a crazy shit the whole screening down, I'm so embarrassed 🙈🙈🙈 but damn, I love this.

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

But this is half a confession because Nao's answer is missing (IMO), because just the one Word is missing from Souta's... At least if I heard something like that I think It would be obvious the rest of the sentence and its meaning... No? Nao, you know what I mean, right? RIGHT??

ableaelle

AHHHHHHHHHH

Mina

there we have it. half a confession. poor Nao looks so confused though lololol I want to know what's going on inside his head

JayJay

Sameee

madness.managed

Guys this is the first time I've been refreshing and checking the time for an update I'm sooooo excited!!!!!!

JayJay

Love how we are all anxiously waiting just watching the time tick down😭

Mojo

I’m so freaking excited 😤😤😤

Cory

I wonder who will dramatically exit the ride first. One more hour till update!! 🙌 🤭

Cory

I have been ill for the past few days so my sense of time is so off. I woke up today and realised it's update day! I feel healed 🤧 (not really, I'm still very sick, but this update to come will be a blessing still)

Nanani

Cannot wait! I'm feeling like I'm 17 again, waiting full of fear for my crush to answer the damn text message

_Star_ Flight_

Ahhhhhhghuj8gj8fgfs Update is tomorrow!! Is anyone else going crazy? I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all week!

Heidi

Brb crying

_Star_ Flight_

WoOooOooo 🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭 look at the ~spirals~🍭🍭🍭 Nao did understand Souta's confession🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭yes, he did understand the confession🍭🍭🍭 OoooOoOoooo

Nanani

You know what hurts the most? Half an hour or so ago he told Inoue that he won't and do not want to tell Nao how he feels because Souta does not want to risk their friendship and now he cannot take the pressure anymore. So, someone wrote a very good comment about how Nao now might be afraid of several reasons, one of them is that Souta/Souta's friendship is Nao's only Support. That hits me really hard, because I think Souta's worries were right.

Angela Genel

CONFESSIOONNNN

Heidi

Aina, the way this chapter physically hurt me (in a good way). It’s so bittersweet. Souta finally being able to confess his feelings (though I fear Nao may not fully understand yet) the gorgeous background. The facial expressions. UGHHHHHH 100/10! I literally came from webtoons to subscribe because I KNEW this was gonna be good. Will be looking forward to the next chapter!

Taeya Holmes

uh it’s endgame lol

Hermione

Omg… I didn’t even think about that as a possibility😭

thedistortedeye

I can’t believe I reread it all in just over a fucking day. And now I’m back at this pain. Just strike me dead. Like look at Nao’s face– I can’t with this. He really is so hard to read.

samantha

reread the whole story and i can’t wait any longer still thursday!!!

Rachel Winters

Ah, I so can’t wait for the next episode. Although all I can picture is Souta running off now that Nao has realized who he likes. But idk. Wish the next chapter would start asap.

Atlanas E. Kildarin

Out of *all* scenes I’d love to see a Japanese translation for, it’s this confession scene from Souta I’d want to see the most. There are several different options for “you” in Japanese, and each one can potentially change the tone and context here. I’m so curious to see how Souta would say it in his own language.

Jo Haris

i’m just scared nao will end up telling souta not to have feelings for him…🥲 ight im worrying too much.

Jo Haris

4 years and now he’s half confessed😭 i feel so conflicted rn like im happy but so sad it happened like this.. the anxiety of what’s to come after this ahhhhhh!!!! you’re an amazing author, the expressions are everythingggg the stars in the back🤌

Yozha

IIRC, most of them have already happened. We had rival, amusement park, half-confession. Waiting for the karaoke. I think I'm missing one other keyword, but I can't think of it from the top of my head

Peaceful Nature21

Does anyone remember the different pinpoints the author mentioned would happen throughout the story?

Rin Uzumaki

Where do I find this playlist?

_Star_ Flight_

I'm so glad people mentioned the playlist. The playlist is the only thing holding me together at the point😭

ZerroStarrs

This is effectively murdering me

DearNeptune!

The way this chapter makes my heart ACHE! It's a good ache, but it's also giving me a chapter hangover. I'm in a fog. I can't see which way is up or down. All I know is what's happening in this story and I can't even tell you what's going on in their brains at the moment. Send help! Love this. Love them. Hate that I'm not sure which side to lean on as far as Nao's thoughts and feelings.

Norin

Ok, wait a minute: so we got two romantic spoilers here - the amusement park and half a confession. But so far, has anything significant happened romantically in the amusement park apart from the confession? Which is a separate spoiler? Does that mean we're still waiting for a peak park moment? Or was it the build-up of frustration leading Nao to confront Souta?

Diamond

I feel like the title “Illumination” really makes sense now 😭. Like Nao has finally been enlightened to Souta’s feelings. And with the stars behind Nao, when he realizes. *chefs kiss*

Jesse Blaise

Sorry Aina not Anita, my bad. I’ve completely burnt my hands so touch screen is very hard for me to use.

SavageWolffSoul

Right?! Like I got cozy and everything before I joined in on this.

Kassidy

It doesn't even seem like Nao likes Souta like that. It just seems like he's a kid with rejection fears who doesn't want to lose his friend...

choco_milk6969

I was also thinking nao’s POV leading up to the climax / them getting together would hit soooo good in terms of pacing 😩 hope we get that fr like I need to know his thoughts

Reese J

This is the part where I now need a flashback of Nao's POV for all the important moments until now. The one time we almost got his POV of Souta was after the "you want to try it?" scene. We still don't have his thoughts. Honestly, for the sake suspense that kind of pacing really excites me. Give the second side of the story before the ultimate 'will they or won't they' moment.

emms

I NEED TO BE CONVINCED THAT NAO UNDERSTOOD SOUTAS CONFESSION!!!

Jesse Blaise

Ohhh, does this mean the next chapter is the one scene I’ve been waiting for since 2023? The one where Nao is holding Soutas hand and pulling him forward in what I think looked like snow. It also looked like Souta had been crying. I hope it is, I’ve been excited for it since Anita posted it.

Beanie

WHAT A CLIFFHANGER. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FALL ASLEEP AFTER THIS?????

Kappathefish

ouughh the "bullied Souta into confessing" bit is something I didn't even think about. I'm so nervous for next week 😣

Norin

I think you're right. At the same time I also think he's interpreting Souta's unwilling and angry confession as he's not happy about his feelings at all. And on top of that Nao is probably afraid of being in a relationship due to his family background.. Uuuugh, I hope they'll talk at least a little bit more soooooon

Atlanas E. Kildarin

I think Nao understands. 😮 There are stars 🌟 in back of Nao after Souta says “It’s you. Don’t you get it? You’re the one I—” Aina I might be using it like a light bulb “aha! I get it” moment. Aina has used stars in the past to hint that Nao has feelings for Souta. (It might just be the positioning of the window, but I don’t think the stars would be there in that panel if Nao was reaching the wrong conclusion. At least, I hope this is the case. 😅

lovely_bitterness

I think my heart can’t take any more of miscommunication, come on guys😭

Raven

That’s a ‘please don’t tell me you love me’ face. Nao is NOT ready for a relationship (plus with his self-worth issues, the fact that he accidentally bullied Souta into confessing is just going to confirm in Nao’s head that he not good for Souta, no matter what Souta may think). Souta is not going to take this reaction well, and they will be distant. I see lots of angst in this webtoon’s future before any kiss lmao.

PikasGirlfriend (•bruh•)

You’re so real for this

koffine

I… read the update on WEBTOON before bed. A few hours later I got the galaxy brain idea to do something I’d never thought of before - check the Patreon. Little baby curiosity. Didn’t think anything would come of it. Then saw mention of Taptas and began a journey to madness that went something like: “oh I’ll just pay early access on the rest of Freefall and be done. Oops I’m in a whole new chapter now oops again this is going to take months to catch up to WEBTOON. Oops a third time this is really good maybe I’ll just sneak into Patreon just this once. OOPSIES DID HE JUST TELL HER THE SECRET. OH MY GOD IS HE GOING TO- HE IS OH MY GOD- WHAT- HE-“ tdlr, I am all out of ways to fast pass send help.

Norin

What a beautiful chapter! Here I was thinking we'll finally get some relief after the half confession that's been occupying us for years, but do we? I have no clue what Nao's thinking right now, but a lot of hypotheses 😅

PikasGirlfriend (•bruh•)

AAAAAA

Aina Palm

Wow! What a thorough breakdown of your observations! I love it! (And dang, I knew I had forgotten to add the keychain to some panel. Thanks for pointing it out!)

cat reynolds

HIS REACTION OH MY GODDD

empty

omg we’re so close 😭 can’t wait for next friday to arrive

Nik

y'all i think he gets it now 🫢 amazing storytelling as always, aina. thank you so much for sharing with us!

Ilma Tuka

I hope to god Nao is just making that face cuz he's just extremely confused for the moment. And maybe they can go for another round to talk it out if they don't snap back to reality in the next few seconds idk👉👈

Kappathefish

Augh god this chapter was such a roller-coaster, no pun intended. As always, I can't wait for next week!!

Elisse

HELLO?? Can I just say this chapter was beautifully drawn and my heart ACHES for Sorta. Also, love the clever chapter title between the actual Illumination of the park and, Inoue learning about Souta's crush and Nao ALSO learning about it. Getting these updates is ALWAYS one of the best parts of my day ♥️ Keep up the amazing work, Aina! Can't wait til this is in physical print!!!

Rishi

Also I literally love a cliffhanger!!! Like yesss keep me on the edge of my seat😆

Rishi

Wowww Aina!!! This story just gets better and better, All these years and I’m still hooked! One hundred Thank you’s😊🩵

Kazemi / かぜみ

Now that the chapter is over, there’s a convoluted list of things I noticed on the read: * Souta and Inoue never got cotton candy. Rude. * Inoue, while she never mentions specifically what she was thinking about when Souta came out, I can deduct that it might refer to the ghost tour hang out when Souta expressed the same feeling about needing time away from all the Arashi stuff. * Arashi's face when Souta and Inoue come back almost looks like she isn't pleased they came back lol. * The way Nao looks on the sad side when he sees Inoue with Souta's jacket. * Nao being completely uninterested in everything Arashi tells him. * The guitar keychain is missing from Arashi's bag; Though that might be the angle. * Arashi actually never asks Nao's opinion on the Ferris Wheel, she only lets him know they're going after she asks everyone else. * The absolute audacity for Arashi to use 'hogging' and 'dibs' to refer to Nao. * He's a human not an object. Good riddance. * That said, she is right that Takeo got on every ride with Nao the entire day and really needs to let it go. * Still doesn't give her the right to call dibs. * The absolute audacity (2) for her to turn to Souta to save her from the argument. Girl please fight your own battles. Takeo is annoying, but showing puppy eyes to Souta is not the move. * At this point in time, Nao is never given a choice to ride with at all. My boy really had no say the entire time. * It's pretty hilarious how Arashi whispers thank you, unaware of what will occur. * Also why is she gripping Nao? * Before he runs, Nao seems to shift from the right to the left, but I think he shrugged off Arashi before bolting. * The mental image of Nao blasting through Keisuke and Inoue to get to Souta is hilarious. * The reason Arashi is in the middle of that panel is because she definitely ran after Nao. Lol. Lmao even. * A reminder that Nao is strong. * The hilarity of Nao literally throwing Souta onto the seat lmao. * I don't blame Souta being scared out of his mind, Nao is *beyond* pissed. * If you zoom in on the overview of the cars, Arashi is right below them. * From here on out, I’m taking that the dark pages are a representation of both Nao and Souta being angry. * Nao was so close with the jealousy observation. * The absolute audacity (3) of Nao assuming Souta is a player??? I’m sorry, what gives you the right to think Souta is trying to two-time Inoue and Arashi??? And the nerve to say you’ll hook them up and give Souta “some clarity”?????????? * …Of course this part starts with math references. Never change you two. Never change. * Side Note: Because of the above, I did the quadratic equation for the first time in 3 years. Thanks IDCC. * That said, Souta using the word problem here is exactly how Nao ends up taking it a lot worse than it should have. * When Nao asks “what does he want from him”, his panels, and in turn, Souta’s, turn static. * This goes away once Souta confesses (Sort of) * And is replaced with stars. * But the bottoms of the panels are static. * Anyways, Nao certainly was on the verge of tears in the subsequent panels. Considering Souta had said this is a problem, and Nao wanted to know what that problem was, saying “IT’S YOU”, helped exactly…Nothing. * The detail of the ride employee trying to get their attention at the end really shows how much that outburst affected them. * RIP to the boys. * End Note: I had claimed this is my favorite chapter before it ended. I can confidently say this is my favorite chapter.

Tortiebelle

Okay rereading the whole chapter together, I think maybe Nao is conflicted because maybe he’s not ready for a relationship? He only recently started to get in a much better place and most likely decided to make Souta happy by helping him win the girl. So his whole plan of working on himself and trying to find someone for Souta is like suddenly thrown out the window? He’s probably just shocked because he’s already been trying to get over Souta for him sayin he liked Inoue ??? Idk please make his face turn into something better 😭 no more misunderstandings!

Somnolent

GAAAHHHHHHHH just got off a longgg shift and THIS CLIFFHANGER IS KILLING ME!! Amazing work like always tho 😭

Raven

I’m reading this back again and, wow, Nao seriously screwed up here and Souta is not going to react well.

The Urge

Maybe it's neither and he misunderstood it.

Atlanas E. Kildarin

Welp. I will be rereading the comic ‘cause I am thinking Nao, if he actually understands, is processing everything that’s been said between them for the last year. 😂 “When?! Why?! What?! This was an option?!”

Em

poor buddy totally took it the wrong way

Yaya

I'm going to pass out

Susannah Read

Being able to read this all in one chapter compared to the weeks in between reading the chapters actually helps a lot in understanding what’s happening and going through everyone’s mind . That was a diabolical cliffhanger though 😭

Vai Russ

HUZZAH FULL CHAPTER!!! But good god ohhhhh oh no there are so many misunderstandings that could come from this ;;;-;;; Both of em feeling backed in a corner, then Souta accidentally implying that it's Nao that's the "problem" and not so much that it's Nao he's got a crush on... No wonder Nao looks so upset oh god oh no and ofc Souta's gonna take that to mean Nao's upset at him for his confession oh gOD OH NO-!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔

BlackkFoxxes

(;-;)

AutumnInAprilArt

*SCREAMING*

nico

nah bro what was that face Nao. Was it all in my head when he tried to kiss Souta or is he making the worst gay panic face known to mankind?

BK

I can’t believe this I’ve literally been a day one on this story and it’s finally happening omggg

Stephanie

I’m so happy he finally kinda said it 😭😂

Yozha

LMAO it is the funniest option haha

Raven

Well… Souta did want him to puzzle it out lmao

Kat

WHAT IS GOING ON IN NAO’S HEAD 😭😭😭

emms

Omfg so true

Halee

Funniest option: this is actually Nao’s Gay Panic face

Little Lyttle

Oh my god help me

Ivy

The way Inoue understood from the word “Same” and Noa with a million context clues chooses the worst conclusion.

Ells

GUYS. GUYSSSSS HOLY SHIT

Rvn

Yeeeaaaaah can we slam that door shut and let them go around a couple more times? Please?

Billy Maz

Ahhhh holy shmokes!!!! It’s happened!!!!! 😭😭😭😭

BiliousBecca

I like the way you think! I'm gonna think like this too, so I don't freak out until next week 😅

na_marie

my heart can’t take much more of this :’)))

hanaa

couldn't have put it better myself

Kita

So exciting!

hanaa

:,( what an expression

Cory

The cliff hangers have beeeen illegal :^: it has been never ending. My poor little soul.

Amanda S.

Knowing Nao he misunderstood…again. He might vent to Arashi and say he ain’t know Souta had a problem with him,maybe she’ll be like huh, he helped me give you the tickets as a gift and also helped trying to set us up, and maybe it’ll click in his brain like OH WAIT!?! Or something. Because idk I feel like he reallyyyy misunderstood. He looks like he was about to cry. 😭

Maranda Ray

This cliff hanger is illegal 😵😵😵

Cory

It's always nice to reread the whole chapter together when it comes to and end ^^

Halee

“Solve this problem!” “No tell me what it is! “It’s you!” Coulda been a wee bit clearer there souta my boy. I fear we are still deep in the Misunderstanding Trenches, comrades

lenawithapen

Oh wow. Nao is shoooook, and not in a good way. I really didn't expect that. 😰 This was such an incredible chapter... but poor Souta. Can we all somehow give this kid a group hug?? He needs some love. 💕

Kaila

I mean Nao has been very clearly in love with Souta thinking Souta was super straight all this time only to find out that they’ve both been missing chances and misunderstanding and pussyfooting around each other. He’s probably making that face cause he’s realizing how hurt Souta must’ve been with arashi hanging off his arm every second of the day. Ugh boys just need to be more honest

sleeption

this chapter is a masterpiece 💫💖🤌

Sarah

Oh okay full heart attack. Got it got it. *dies*thank you 😭👌❤️💔♥️😱thank you

adzie✨

i think this is gotta be one of my favourite chapters aaaahhhh the build up and tension is EVIL but amazing and feels like a good foundation for them both to realise where they are at 😭😭😭

Lo Ry

I am NOT okay 😭😭

Nikki Crumbley

Omg I really hope Nao doesn’t misunderstand and take things the wrong way. I’m so worried that he won’t get that souta is confessing he likes him. Plz plz let him finally realize souta likes him and not misunderstand and think souta is saying he is the problem. No dios lo Mande.

Destiny16

Reading it back is more stressful

jupiter

im scared nao thinks souta was saying HES the problem and misunderstood that it was a confession 😬

HardPointz

I never thought the day would come 😭

Avery

My heart can't take this!!!

Chip Bianco

Yeah it's time to get off alright!!! 💦

Marn

AINA YOU CANT HAVE HIM CONFESS AND JUST LEAVE IT ON A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THATTTT 😫

Dani

Right like no pressure but girl it’s been years we’re all screaming

charlie

i didnt realize before, but this is a long chapter!! thank you aina, i loved it so much. i always love reading the whole thing because the tension builds so much better, and i remember bits and moments that i had forgotten!!

Laura YUC

I AM STRESSED

StarS

🤯

Laura YUC

COMPLETELY VALID CRASH OUT

Emily Lazo ortiz

MY GAWDDDD ITS HAPPENING 😩😩😩

haley

hey so im gonna crash out

Alex Richmond

this was such a good chapter but I'm so stressed about what happens next

Mustela

Omg I need to know what happens nextttttttttttttt

Sorenha

THE PAIN IN HIS FACE MY HEART

Pikturit

The truth is out. Nao didn't see it coming. And the ride ending still can't break the tension. There's no going back now. Can't wait for next week!

justsomedude

Why do i feel like he still doesnt get it 😭

Braylin

When I tell you I RAN to this notification👀🏃🏽‍♀️ But I don’t like how Nao is looking at Souta😭 but I get it, it’s a lot to process and he didn’t even know that he liked him😭😭😭 I can’t wait till next Thursday. I’m on the edge of my seat P.s. thank you for the update as always and keep up the great work💜💜💜💜

Lyn

Yay! So happy to read this as a completed chapter now 💜

Kaylynn Bousman

Aight someone hit me with a shovel I don’t want to be conscious until this time next week

Vivi

OMFG my heart!! I’m so happy it finally happened but I’m so nervous 💀 What is his reaction gonna be like?? Aaaaah I’m scared

Mr.Nobody

STOP THIS MADNESS 😖

Red

Idk how to read Nao’s faceeeeee it looks like he’s about to cry pls say he didn’t misinterpret that again and think Shouta was about to say that he’s the one he doesn’t like or something 😭😭😭😭😭