ryo and natsumi finding their footing in their respective careers and building towards their ideal career paths ( whether it be starting a business on the side of a main job or changing jobs while juggling the responsibilities of being a mother for the first time ) is very human, they have fears and many uncertainties but they challenge themselves. they have the resolve to change and take their fate into their own hands and become better versions of themselves, do what their heart really wants. moreover, their connections are willing to pitch in and help them in their lowest/times of need and ask for nothing in return. "trust makes the world go round." I think this is what the two stories have most in common thematically

though I didn't like how ryo snapped at hina and their instant reconciliation ( very unrealistic imo but 🤷 ig the author wants to wrap the chapter up quick ). the part in which he revealed that he looked down at her bc she is younger gave me the ick. I don't wanna justify his actions but based on the story it comes from a place of jealousy as hina is mainly doing what she loves while he doesn't have it figured out yet

"you managed to find employment, you go to work every day and you can feed yourself. that's a fine achievement." komachi what if me and tomoka burst into tears rn.

this book hits too close to home for comfort 😭 I'm only a few pages in but ohhh tomoka GIRL you're too relatable

this is terrifying... especially for the neighbours