I honestly feel so conflicted over this latest chapter (9). I love the character development it provides for both Kuze and Kusakabe, especially regarding the latter's enormous emotional strength. However...
Given the former chapter (8), I can't find myself to support Kuze/Kusakabe in the light the manga is portraying right now. Sure, it's not all fluff and happiness-- the author clearly understands that Kuze did something wrong, and did not hesitate to show us Kusakabe's disgust to it. However, it almost felt like Kuze's backstory was... an excuse for his behavior, something that almost condoned it. And compared to Karino/Azusa, this relationship is definitely portrayed in a much more positive light.
But the thing for me is that I find it very difficult to look at a couple in which one person completely betrays the other's trust, and think of it as a mutually favorable relationship, which the manga pushes-- they're both supposed to protect each other. Here, it almost feels like Kuze is a victim of his past, and Kusakabe is his savior. (I know I'm simplifying this a bit, but bear with me.) On the other hand, all Kuze is providing Kusakabe is with a bit of "reality check" from his idealistic notions.
I'm sorry, I understand that my opinion is extremely biased given the events of Chapter 8, which still lingers in my mind. I don't think I can ever find it in my heart to truly embrace this couple.
If anything, Chapter 8 made me support Kusakabe/Azusa. I was hesitant in the beginning (when some people shipped it) because of Azusa's condescending attitude towards Kusakabe, but the chapter showed us that Azusa would not betray Kusakabe's trust. Azusa isn't some god-- he's not going to live above societal expectations and treat a stranger Kusakabe with respect; hell, he'll do the opposite, especially as a King. But when Kusakabe becomes his friend, he's willing to set aside his own pride and comfort him. Honestly, given Azusa's mostly asshole'ish behavior, Chapter 8 Azusa came as a huge shock for me.
...But I'm completely digressing from my original point and merely proving that I'm a biased shipper, so I'll just end the comment here. ^^;;
I honestly feel so conflicted over this latest chapter (9). I love the character development it provides for both Kuze and Kusakabe, especially regarding the latter's enormous emotional strength. However...
Given the former chapter (8), I can't find myself to support Kuze/Kusakabe in the light the manga is portraying right now. Sure, it's not all fluff and happiness-- the author clearly understands that Kuze did something wrong, and did not hesitate to show us Kusakabe's disgust to it. However, it almost felt like Kuze's backstory was... an excuse for his behavior, something that almost condoned it. And compared to Karino/Azusa, this relationship is definitely portrayed in a much more positive light.
But the thing for me is that I find it very difficult to look at a couple in which one person completely betrays the other's trust, and think of it as a mutually favorable relationship, which the manga pushes-- they're both supposed to protect each other. Here, it almost feels like Kuze is a victim of his past, and Kusakabe is his savior. (I know I'm simplifying this a bit, but bear with me.) On the other hand, all Kuze is providing Kusakabe is with a bit of "reality check" from his idealistic notions.
I'm sorry, I understand that my opinion is extremely biased given the events of Chapter 8, which still lingers in my mind. I don't think I can ever find it in my heart to truly embrace this couple.
If anything, Chapter 8 made me support Kusakabe/Azusa. I was hesitant in the beginning (when some people shipped it) because of Azusa's condescending attitude towards Kusakabe, but the chapter showed us that Azusa would not betray Kusakabe's trust. Azusa isn't some god-- he's not going to live above societal expectations and treat a stranger Kusakabe with respect; hell, he'll do the opposite, especially as a King. But when Kusakabe becomes his friend, he's willing to set aside his own pride and comfort him. Honestly, given Azusa's mostly asshole'ish behavior, Chapter 8 Azusa came as a huge shock for me.
...But I'm completely digressing from my original point and merely proving that I'm a biased shipper, so I'll just end the comment here. ^^;;