beta
I truly can never like semes like Tachibana. Sleeping with someone else just to "test it out" or "bury their feelings" is a personality trait, not a one-time decision.
I understand the era they were in, the homophobia was sky-high, but he keeps claiming he's always been in love with Asakura/keeps saying he's still in love with Asakura AND YET none of his actions show it. He says a few flowery words to Asakura but readily sleeps with other women. It's giving "I like you but not enough to fight for it." Even in the end it was Asakura who decided to fight for their love first.
I completely understand Tachibana disappearing because he thinks he doesn't deserve Asakura, but he's so finicky with every decision he makes it's infuriating.
If you enjoyed this story hats off to you, no need to defend it by replying to me. I'm not here for discourse, I just wanted an outlet for my thoughts on this.