'Y'know Hiroto... Maybe there no such thing... ...as it being too late to try something new.'
For some reason, I found this volume to be slightly less engaging than the previous volumes but it's still a very solid read that moves the overarching story ahead in somewhat unexpected ways.
The first chapter is about Natsumi having to think about selling points and not just her art anymore, which was something Hiroto could relate to from his actor days. I found it thought-provoking in the sense that feeling cutoff from something you have a passion for is such a universal feeling and can definitely make someone feel alone.
Seeing Yomogi work her magic at her workplace is truly a sight to behold, I love her. This time, she successfully finds a place for a novelist who seems too awkward and quiet but has actually ended up falling in love with Yomogi at first sight. The way he pushed the book at her to borrow it aljdks. I actually loved that there's a chapter focusing on Ishikawa's way of life because dude is truly unique LOL. I also loved the chapter on fate and Yomogi being upset at meeting Hiroto over and over. In true Hiroto fashion, he is in a love triangle and doesn't even know it LOL.
On the other hand, Natsumi trying to figure out why she also doesn't have a crush on Yamada like her whole class was so amusing to see because her conclusion was that it was obvs because he's too similar to Hiroto aklsskfjs. I really do get a feeling that Natsumi is queer but I guess we'll see 👀
We finally meet Hideki's wife, Saki, and baby, Tsumugi. At first, it seems like we're finally seeing a different side of Hideki but it turns out to be a scam and I was right there with Natsumi wondering just what Saki saw in Hideki to marry him especially since him trying to help with the baby read like weaponized incompetence.
I actually love that every volume has at least one story involving Granny because they always provide such deep insight into how much of an impact Granny has had on Hiroto. Their dynamic is also truly one of a kind because Granny clearly doesn't like people and sulks all the time, heh.