Well, this volume really did a good job at putting you on your toes. We knew that Inoue-sensei was more than likely a huge fan of Natsuki. But it is a shock to reveal that she is his ex-girlfriend. Still, it is quite tragic how she was his biggest supporter for so long, and one accident destroyed their relationship. It does make sense why Natsuki is so lazy and demotivated because it appears that he never truly wanted it.
Though despite their falling out, Inoue-sensei stays as his biggest supporter, and her not recognizing him was out of courtesy. After idol culture is very real, where idols hearing of past relationships can kill their status as idols. Of course their relationship is much more than idol and idol fan, but this allowed Natsuki’s heart to heal a bit, and I am curious how things progress for him going forward.
This also ties in with Uta & Tamon’s relationship because Uta has had a huge effect on Tamon that goes beyond any idol fan has with their idol. At last she realizes her feelings, but much like with Inoue-sensei, she knows how dangerous it is for Tamon’s career. The way this differs from Natsuki’s situation is those feelings were in the past. This is the present where, while it is the proper thing to do from Uta’s end, this will have a negative impact on Tamon. So curious what happens next as a result.
