There's no question in my mind that the best Asami/Akihito moments are in the side stories. But the main story is what gives them substance, which is why their lighter and comedic (and sexy) moments are that much more enjoyable.
Agree!
I love the shorts, too (though I also want more of the main story because I'm greedy like that.) I agree that the shorts are full of wonderful moments. I think you especially get important glimpses into Asami's feelings in the shorts that don't always come through in the main story, like the fireworks story. And I think the Love Surprise short is a little masterpiece of structure and pacing.
But I'm always puzzled by this short:
http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/you_re_my_loveprize_in_viewfinder/mh/v06/c035.2/
This isn't just bits of character development. There's a key piece of plot and major character conflict where Akihito is forced to consider whether the darker aspects of Asami's lifestyle are compatible with his own morality. It's a dark little story and doesn't really have a resolution. Akihito seems to have set these objections aside for volumes seven and eight.
What is Yamane Ayano saying with this short?
Also, unless I'm somehow missing it, this short never made it into the English language print releases. It ought to be at the end of volume six, but it isn't there. Not in volume seven, either. Anyone know why?
And what is the significance of the cake and candy?
http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/you_re_my_loveprize_in_viewfinder/mh/v06/c035.2/17/
A lot of the extras aren't in the English releases. They've been bundled in nice limited edition booklets available for every language Finder is printed in... except English (3 of the extras in English are sold in digital format only and the translation is really bad). Some languages get more booklets. Guess we must be the ugly step-child.
Anyway, I have pictures of the extras booklets in my Finder Covers album if you're curious.
This one in particular seems like it ought to have been included since it contains an actual plot point in the death of the stalker.
How can we have access to the extra stories that were not included in the english version?! I would die if I miss any of their stroy development : /
is it weird that I wanted more of short stories about asami and Akihito rather than the main story? For example the drugs one. It is more prev and lovey dovey... hahah