Countdown to Yes (With Animate Bonus Manga)

The relationship dynamic here is very similar to the couple in Long Period. Wataru has been in love with his friend for years but has kept it to himself despite all the obvious signs Minato was giving that he loved him back. It does feel a little different in that Minato is and has been even more oblivious about his feelings so now we're spending the whole book waiting for Wataru to stop being stubborn and see that.

While I was annoyed by the obliviousness in Long Period, I think I'm less annoyed about it here because it only lasted a chapter and didn't string me along for two whole fucking books. There's still a hint of "are we really gonna have this song and dance?" because Minato was not subtle at all in high school about his interest. It's just not as bad here since it's we're not reading about Wataru being an idiot. We're reading about him being stubborn to preserve his friendship based on past romantic experiences. I love slow burns but ignoring the signs for two books and then act all surprised when you do find out they like you back was definitely my limit. So I'm glad this is more about seeing them be cute together and Wataru slowly taking Minato seriously after chapter three.

Ya know what I did find much more annoying, though. Chapter two page 26. "I'm grown up now" "I'm the grown up Wataru" The hell are you, 15? What the fuck is this dialogue right now?

Bonus points for Lil' Boss. We respect Lil' Boss in this house.