Chapter 6: We left off with Hashimoto and Aoki having a heart-to-heart conversation about their “mutual” crush. Except, Hashimoto drops a bomb.
The next day at school, Aoki is chastised by the teacher for only scoring a 5 on the quiz. Meanwhile, Ida scored a 98. Akkun (Aida) suggests that Ida tutor Aoki. Ida tells the group he is only good at math and science. Hashimoto chimes in that she is good at the humanities. It’s settled. Aoki, Aida, and Hashimoto are going to Ida’s house to study. On the way to the house, Hashimoto explains to Aoki why she likes Aida. During the study session, Aoki is feeling self-conscious. And, he’s also really bad at math. While Ida is getting drinks, Akkun grills Hashimoto about her crush. She admits it is NOT Ida. It’s getting time for everyone to leave. Hashimoto tries to get Aoki alone with Ida. Aoki is trying to get Hashimoto alone with Akkun. Hashimoto and Akkun leave together while Aoki stays behind to continue studying. Things are awkward. The topic is broached and they talk about their relationship. Ida is still mulling things over. Ida’s mom comes home and Ida introduces him as a classmate. This upsets Aoki a little. As Aoki is leaving, Ida asks him if they’re friends.
Chapter 7: Ida is still mulling over their relationship. He doesn’t know what it is like to “like” someone. Aoki was serious at his confession, and Ida wants to give back that same consideration. In art class, Ida and Aoki are paired up to draw each other. However, Aoki can’t handle the face that Ida has to stare at him the entire time. Akkun, playing around, says Aoki was cute. Ida immediately responds:
Akkun puts things together and tells Aoki that Ida is out to get him. Aoki admits to Akkun that everything was a mix-up. They tell Ida and Ida isn’t even upset. However, now Aoki is between two hells. On one hand, he does like Ida. On the other hand, he doesn’t want to weird out his friend. He tells Hashimoto what happened, however, Hashimoto is not letting it rest. She knows Aoki’s feelings are real and that he shouldn’t pretend they’re not. Aoki, distraught, runs away and says he is going to hole himself up in the mountains. In a panic, Hashimoto goes to Akkun and asks what they should do. Akkun is pretty harsh about the situation and gets slapped by Hashimoto.
Chapter 8: Aoki comes to the decision that he is going to forget about his feelings for Ida. However, that is proving difficult. In class, they changed seats and he is far away from Ida. In gym class, all he can do is stare at Ida. Tests were passed back out and Aoki got a 95. He is called to the staff room and accused of cheating. Ida comes to the rescue.
Aoki thanks Ida and realizes that despite being apart from Ida, his feelings are budging. After Ida goes to his club, he runs into Akkun who drops the bomb. He knows that Aoki really does like Ida.
Chapter 9: Akkun decides he is going to help Aoki. He suggests that he goes on a group date. At volleyball practice, Ida obviously has something on his mind. The volleyball club talks him into going to a group date. When Aoki arrives, guess who is there?
During the group date, a girl zeroes in on Ida and confesses that he is just her type. She starts showing up at the station and is even there are the end of his club activities. Meanwhile, Aoki is still trying his best to forget his broken heart. Seeing that something is distressing Aoki, Ida is doing his best to comfort him. Aoki swats at his hand and yells at him that he’s being annoying. Hashimoto sees the whole thing and wonders what got into Aoki.
Later that day, Kokoro (the girl from the group date) is waiting for Ida. She convinces him to go to Starpucks with her. Of course, Aoki and Hashimoto are at the Starpucks. All Ida can think about is what Hashimoto and Aoki are talking about. Kokoro asks Ida to date her. Ida knows that the only reason she wants to date him is because he looks like her real crush. Kokoro admits it and then asks who his crush is. She tells him she saw him looking over at someone in Starpucks. It is then, he realizes that he has feelings for Aoki.
On the train, they run into each other again. Aoki congratulates Ida on his relationship with Kokoro. Ida tells Aoki that they aren’t an item and that she likes someone else. Aoki is relieved. He bundles himself up in his hoodie and tells Ida he’s going to sleep. Somehow, he ends up on Ida’s shoulder.
THOUGHTS
Isn’t it funny how feelings can creep up on you? I was also clueless like Ida growing up. I had no idea who liked me and who didn’t. I really like Ida. He approaches things logically and head on. Unlike Aoki who is wishy-washy and can’t be honest with his own feelings. I am not entirely sure Aoki deserves a guy like Ida, but it may be too early to tell. Aoki does seem to bite the bullet for his friends, and that is a redeeming quality. He just needs to be more honest with himself. Looking forward to the next volume. Will continue to monitor.
Filthy Casual for Life 
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