Responses
it seems like you just wanted an age gap relationship and didn't actually understand the characters and their motivations. If you thought they would get together in the end from the start of reading you should've just stopped reading all together idk...
There is a things called expectations, assumptions and wishful thinking. Different people have different reasons why they got hooked on the manga or anime. The plot, the what ifs. This is regardless of the motivation of the character? How about the motivation of the reader?
I watched the anime recently.. but I felt like there's something missing. So I read the manga.. and low and behold.. there's not much difference. (〜￣△￣)〜
Might be a cliche for a lot of people, but I actually was hoping the relationship flourished somehow.. I know, I know, the age gap is kinda.. irk. But from the character development of Akira herself.. she seems to prefer Kondou's personality. Must be an old soul she is.
Anyway, after watching (the anime) and reading (the manga), here are some thing I like and dislike:
Anime:
I like that:
- they toned down Kondou's appearance as an old fart (i.e. the 10cent bald spot, the hairy legs, the lame sweater, hair tonic fragrance)
- they ended the scene with them making a promise to fulfill their goals and priorities first then maybe... see eye to eye again later as love interest (?)
Manga:
I like that:
- they kinda gave a lot of hints what Akira likes about Kondou
- that Kondou actually starts writing again
- that there's a scene of 'what if we were the same age in high school'
- that Kondou actually admitted that he has fallen for Kondou
I hate that:
- Kondou really is like an old fart. I mean, come on Chihiro is also 45 right?
- that Kondou didn't confess to Akira or if there's any hint of them atleast being in contact in the end.
ANYWAY, probably the author really didn't want it to be a romance novel. And the age gap as well.. too big I guess. I mean the story is really nice. The message is loud and clear. Just that.. well... just wishful thinking.