From its earliest chapters, we all got absorbed by the drama Natsuo went through as he figured out his romantic relationship between his older sister and former teacher, Hina, and his younger sister and virginity-taker (if I could have found a less insulting word, I would have used it by now), Rui. Filled with common manga tropes (appearance of characters that solely exist to drive the plot forward, absurd events resolved by its equally absurd solutions, plot twists that eventually get overtaken by an even bigger plot twist), it's a no-frills formula in developing a chaotic fanbase that argues over every minor detail of its chapters. Yet this deviates from its predecessors through its relentless obsession over having too many dramatic revelations that it's never really given a moment to breathe. And because of this, everyone suffers.

First, let's get this out of the way: I have rooted for Rui as endgame, yet from the last chapters it seems like it won't be happening anytime soon. So I apologize if some of my anger shows throughout the review.

Rui is the type of character that everyone roots for as she goes through major character development throughout the series: from finding her calling in life as a gourmet chef to becoming the mother of Natsuo's child, it's understandable that many find her Natsuo's suitable partner. Yet from the start, a single doubt has kept on persisting throughout: an inferiority complex against her older sister Hina. The simple thought of being Natsuo's rebound or living with the guilt of taking away her older sister's happiness has led her doubt to destroy chapters of development and leaving her back at square one.

Hina, on the other hand, is the type of character that everyone fantasizes for, but knows will never happen. It's perhaps why those on this side base their arguments over whatever hidden detail or premonition they could gather from other chapters. Her flaw: a sense of maturity, and the inability to see Natsuo as an equal. As their relationship started as teacher-student, a burden is placed on Hina to be more responsible, one that carries through even as they get old. From the guilt brought on by Tanabe stabbing Natsuo to singlehandedly protecting the scandalous relationship they had, it's a trait that has led to very confusing and frustrating developments.

Finally, we come to Natsuo, the guy these two sisters go crazy for. His flaw might be the worst one of them all: his inability to decide. Well, it's the type of decision that's more long-term. As the story progresses, the sister's acts of professing their feelings have gotten bigger and bigger that it leaves Natsuo switching between both girls in this game of tug-of-war: Oh, Rui confesses when Hina's gone? Looks like I'll have to accept your feelings, even though I could just reject them and decide on committing to my true love! Oh, Hina suddenly needs someone to watch over her? Sorry we had to go through so much relationship development, only to be overshadowed by this horrible event that pushes me into realizing this feeling I kept buried for years!

Many have found several reasons to be frustrated by the latest developments, yet the one I choose to emphasize on would be the flaws of our main characters, and even with all their revelations and developments, it's this flaw of theirs that shines through each of these dramatic twists and turns.

And it's where I base this review on: Chapter 273. In a completely unexpected turn of events, Natsuo and Rui decide to call off the wedding amidst Hina's critical state. And they somehow come to the conclusion that they should take care of Hina instead of living their lives happily. "So you're telling me that whatever feelings Natsuo had for Rui to the point that he'd go to America and profess his love for her was just 'in the moment'?"

I could go on and find another reason to hate the eventual ending of the manga, but I'll leave it to whoever's willing to share their frustrations (or maybe even delight) at these developments. Here's my case: there's a reason why it's called character development. There's a reason why characters go through hardships and learn from their flaws: to become better versions of themselves the audience may root for. This feels like we're back at the beginning all over again: Natsuo head over heels for Hina and Rui accepting her inferiority and settling for second place. We've gone full circle.