I actually just read Strobe Edge for the first time, and as an adult. I get why people find Ninako frustrating, especially when you look at her from a more mature perspective. But honestly, I think her actions make sense for her age and where she’s coming from. She’s not really being selfish — just young, inexperienced, and trying to understand her feelings the best way she knows how. Being friend-zoned doesn’t mean your emotions instantly disappear, and it’s normal to feel sad or confused when someone you care about suddenly puts distance between you. What I like about Strobe Edge is that it doesn’t romanticize love too much — it shows how relationships can drift apart naturally as people change, like how Ren and his girlfriend grew distant because of priorities and time. Ninako’s way of handling things isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes her feel real to me — she’s learning how to love, let go, and respect boundaries in her own messy, human way.
I actually just read Strobe Edge for the first time, and as an adult. I get why people find Ninako frustrating, especially when you look at her from a more mature perspective. But honestly, I think her actions make sense for her age and where she’s coming from. She’s not really being selfish — just young, inexperienced, and trying to understand her feelings the best way she knows how. Being friend-zoned doesn’t mean your emotions instantly disappear, and it’s normal to feel sad or confused when someone you care about suddenly puts distance between you. What I like about Strobe Edge is that it doesn’t romanticize love too much — it shows how relationships can drift apart naturally as people change, like how Ren and his girlfriend grew distant because of priorities and time. Ninako’s way of handling things isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes her feel real to me — she’s learning how to love, let go, and respect boundaries in her own messy, human way.