The mother said "your aunt". She would say Aunt in both cases (she is the sister of Minori's mother or the cousin of Minori's mother). If she is a cousin then the boys are second cousins. By law second cousins can marry, so I do not get the issue you all have. Since it is vague just say that the mothers are cousins, the sons are 2nd cousins and all is well in life
they’re still related
Yes but there is not an issue even if they are married and have children. Both genetically and legally. If second cousins can get married with the blessings of medical science and state I think we should not have an issue with it. Also you can be related to someone with no blood link. You can still marry them. For example brothers can marry sisters. When the first couple marries the siblings are related, but with no blood relation, so if they fell in love good for them
i’m just saying that the whole “cousin” thing is completely unnecessary. the story could have gone fine without them being related. even if there is no legal issues i still find it disgusting since they are related in some shape or form. i don’t really have a problem with relationships with no blood relations.
would it have been so bad for them to be childhood friends?? the cousin part was so unnecessary