#ive always loved it but i try to hold back on getting obssessed since theres no chapters translated often

[iwillbefinewith-god]

Skip and Loafer chapter 31:

Shima excitedly holds out his hands for chocolate from Mitsumi as she stares into the chocolate bag to specifically give him a ♡ shaped one. Shima thinks of it as mere obligatory chocolate "for sure" and seems to be slightly bothered/disappointed with a twisted face he makes all while with blushy cheeks.. more signs that point to love...!

I really loved this chapter! (Even though I can't understand most of it and have to infer from the images and google translate's rough translations)

Also, for those that remember in chapter 28 when Shima gets Mitsumi a present for Christmas as thanks for all she's done to help him the past year, he is notably kind of disappointed in a similar way after giving her the gift when she didn't react as the guys made it seem she would. He starts to question a little bit his intentions in giving it to her if only for his self-satisfaction.

And so based on that, I think this last little frame in chapter 31 subtly shows how Shima is noticing his feelings towards her more. Mitsumi has already come to terms with her realization of her love for him but deciding maybe it's not necessary to act on it for now as she's happy with just being able to sit next to him and be friends (and also since she'sso focused on her goals and school while being a little bit of a late bloomer/naive. Also how refreshing is that?? In how many shojo manga (I know this one isnt a shojo but same romcom feel) is the heroine so focused on love we forget they're in school and we start to wonder when are they studying?? Pretty sure that was a gag in gsnk once too. Ok tangent over.)

Anyway, for the upcoming chapters I think we are going to see clear signs of Shima's growing affections in a romantic way for Mistumi although he hasn't fully realized it. This last bit of panels and short inner dialogue with how excited he was for the chocolate even though it wasn't homemade like all her friends had brought in (I love that the author knows when to keep her in character, she easily could have made this generic and had her put in some crazy effort even though she is shown not to be ready for that step, and made this out of character just to provoke something but didnt), he still wanted one.

(Also just love how yet again she sees him as her family dog. I love that the author referenced that point again)

Overall, I'm excited to see where the mangaka takes it as she's done a remarkable job not falling into any cliches with this very sincere and earnest story. (Even if I'm focusing on and excited for points that seem generic for sure, I assure you this is just me being obsessed with how precious all the characters are after reading for so long and now I'm being self indulgent in their super healthy friendship/relationship bc I'm drowning in work and school and need a distraction orz)