Responses
UPDATE:
Oh yeah, I forgot how obvious the consent actually is. I just reread the past two chapters because it's bEEN SO LONG between them that I forgot some details. Anywho, yeah. This isn't as "r*pe-y" as I first thought it was. I forgot Hiiragi literally broke into his house and sat on him pfffff-- oh and that Shizu asked multiple times and Hiiragi said yes.
We chilling. Good for them. Good for them. (▰˘◡˘▰)
shizu i- I mean hiiragi did say yes but the only way shizu would allow him to express his feelings was if he was forced into consenting to sex-
I do get the r*pe-y vibes, and I think the panels could be a little clearer and some lines could have been different (granted, translations will never be 100% accurate to the original meaning but yk) but overall I understand the point of Shizu's demands and the necessity for this situation in this particular relationship. Now, do I think this could have been clearer and would I prefer to have had this go a different way: of course! But that isn't who these characters are.
For those who may be confused, I'll explain what I believe the author's intention was and why shizu did this:
Shizu warned Hiiragi already. He pushed him away because he knew himself and what would happen if they continued into a romantic relationship. Rightfully or not, Shizu wanted to make sure Hiiragi KNEW WHAT HE WAS GETTING INTO, and ensure that he was aware of the line and boundaries for a relationship with him. This scene IS NOT, Shizu forcing himself on Hiiragi- but Hiiragi coming to terms and accepting the reality of a relationship with Shizu. SHIZU WARNED HIM THIS WOULD BE INEVITABLE- yet (for better or for worse) Shizu used sex as a means of declaring the 'truth' behind Hiiragi's feelings.
BASICALLY, SHIZU WAS LIKE:
"If we date, and if you truly love me, being with me means sex. For better or worse that's how it is, I can't help myself from feeling these urges- and thats a cost of being with me. If you are not alright with that, it's better for your safety and our friendship that we don't get involved romantically. It's your choice."
AFTER REFLECTING ON IT:
Hiiragi comes to terms with these demands, explores the depth to which he loves Shizu- decides if he's willing to do such a thing- and commits.
This, I believe, is the author's intention and reason for them having sex right away. It's the "true confession". Hiiragi now knows that to love Shizu and be with him, Shizu's love also includes sexual love.
I hope that made sense!! Either way, the morals of this particular scene are a little hazy, but I do think the author is expressing (if not completely clear: trying to express) that both Hiiragi and Shizu are indeed consenting. (￣∇￣")
(Anywho I'm really looking forward to Uenoyama performing that song for Mafuyu-- I miss those two so much and I kinda wish we could see more of them, their developing relationship, whether or not they have to hide it at school, and how keeping it on the DL while the band gains publicity is going! Also nothing makes me happier than the songs- I just want them to write one specifically for each other or one together. T^T)