OP here because we can’t edit comments.
I read some things elsewhere why these are side stories, and while I don’t know of they’re true, if they are, it’d be bittersweet.
Wait why?! Please spoil
I mean, one could guess. Would you be satisfied if the story ended at chapter 16? Probably not. That's why I read the author is making more chapters to placate the crowd.
Definitely not. I need something more ╥﹏╥
Usually side stories would be quite smaller or not as intense. I don't know why the author decided to make "side stories" when they feel like proper chapters because clearly even they feel the story's not done.