we need to look this in different point of views, first, their culture. as we all know japanese culture is very polite, let's leave it at that. second, it's work related stuff. Shizuma tries his best to be aware, and that can be seen from his train of thoughts whenever he's interacting with his boss. But, since it's his boss, and most of the stuff they're doing are work related, then there's nothing shizuma can do, or else it would be rude. Shizuma is striving for his dreams, and these interactions of having a good and positive relationship with your boss can help him achieve that dream smoothly.
Now, I think the issue is Minato. Minato has severe trauma from his past, and so much trust issues that he himself is aware of, but cannot do anything about it. Shizuma is a reassuring partner, and minato knows that too. It's just that minato and his mind, clashes all the time. Minato knows it's nothing, but his mind can't help but think the worst case scenarios, because it's his way of defense and preparation of the worst outcome. But minato's mind, is always wrong, it's just him simply overthinking..
If you've ever been in a relationship, especially with a person that has severe trust issues, it can be hard, and it will take a lot of explaining to do. but it also requires communication, and understanding, which both of them are practicing.
Let's be happy that both of them are trying their best to make this relationship work.
I know Minato has his own trauma. ..
He always tends to overthink.
It wasn't that bad at first But Shizuma's actions have a role in this.
Respecting the boss and building a good relationship, I understand that.
But he exaggerates this.
He himself knows what is happening with Minato and that he always feels insecure, and he agreed to enter into a relationship with him despite knowing that.
Minato tries to change, but what is Shizuma doing?
He makes things worse with his behavior.
He really puts work first and makes Minato feel lonely. This is what made his ex-girlfriend leave him.
He doesn't try to learn from his mistake and change, and because Minato loves him so much, he always puts the blame on himself.
Loving your job and being ambitious is a good thing, but you were the one who got yourself into a relationship with someone who had a lot of trauma.
You were the one who gave him hope to love someone and stay with him, and try to change..
Then take responsibility , don't make him feel like this , and also make your effort to change for his sake..
stop with the work culture :'> I get it but it is NOT A MUST to hang out with your boss. I'm not Japanese but FR who in their right mind would allow your boss to drag you to places you don't wanna be OUTSIDE of working hour?? And Minato and Shizuma literally just made up, for like 2 or 3 days ago. He could have something like "oh I'd love to but it's outside of my working hour now, how about I'll drive you to this shop next time". BUT NO. The author is making really clear that Minato could have declined, could have said no, could have reacted differently but instead he chose to follow along and acted chummy with the boss.
As for Minato, I agree with what you said. The problem lies with the both of them OK? Don't blame it all on Minato.
This is really annoying..
Why is Shizuma acting like this?
Didn't he learn from his previous experience?
Why does he act so nice to everyone, especially the boss, even though he knows how upset Minato is about the matter, but he just doesn't learn?
allowing him to talk about his relationship and his lover in this way,
Is he an idiot or what?
Does he have to get hit on his empty head to wake up? Or is he so relaxed because he knows how much Minato loves him?
Just imagine the roles being reversed, and Minato doing this, smiling at everyone, acting extra nice, spending time with his boss, and showing up to their date with his boss. How would Shizuma's reaction be?
I just feel bad for Minato. He's really very nice and loves Shizuma a lot and always supports and encourages him and tries to change better for him, but all he gets is constant fear and anxiety because of that idiot's actions.
Fuck this relationship