
Concept is good but execution let it down. If I brush the rape/assault aside (there's no saving that), this could have been great character development for Kaede. His interactions with Azusa (non-manipulative) could have slowly changed his preconceptions about gender and take the stance to be better than his dad. The intro of fated mates could have been a defining moment where he overcomes it and shows that he is more than his pheromones. But alas, he was portrayed as hapless to "fate".
Other glaring issues were the garbage side story to justify Hikaru's adultery actions, Azusa's poor char development (insecure for life), and the friends being VERY okay with anything and everything (trash extras). Ugh, such a god damn waste of a possibly good plot.
I can't even with authors trying to force some contrived bullshit drama EVERY DAMN TIME. Thanks for the spoilers you angels. I'm out!