The little moments in each chapter where Aoyama looks fondly at Chi-chan (sees bright lights, gets dizzy, windy breezes, etc) can be seen as endearing and representative of sapphic love: the build up of emotions, the yearning, the slow burn, the unpacking one’s unfamiliar feelings.

On the surface many of their interactions and dynamic can be seen as: “wow! witty banter and shared meals between two sapphics yay!” — yet, there is an unmistakeable power imbalance. Though things may be more nuanced than just “colonizer vs colonized” or “employer vs employee” all of these identities are irrefutable and serve as the base of this relationship.

Chi-chan only lets her guard down with Aoyama in very specific instances, and I think this is rightfully so. I’m also not sure if Aoyama is realizing how many lines she has / may be crossing with her privilege and status in relation to Chi-chan.

Falling in love and/or creating an intimate relationship with your oppressor/employer is … I don’t have the proper words to complete that thought, but I hope it continues to be interrogated in the story.