gouda

This part was also a bit confusing to me because Katagiri says 'oshikatta na,' which could mean either 'that was close' or 'too bad.' The verb ‘oshii’ usually means regrettable, disappointing, or falling short of a goal. However, because the image in the previous panel shows Miura's footsteps, I assumed Katagiri was more concerned about being caught conversing with the girls rather than actually wanting to get their numbers. This might just be hopeful thinking on my part that he’s completely loyal to Hasegawa.

This is crucial additional info, thank you for explaining it so well.

You’re right, ‘Oshikatta na’ can be quite nuanced. It might not also be about getting their numbers. But what really strikes me is how Muira seems to get under his skin in this scene. Katagiri, the man who is irritatingly self-assured, unflappable, and socially intelligent (an absolute lifer as they say), is unsettled enough by the only person who is privy to his relationship with Hasegawa. So much so that he seems to dropwhatever he was about to say to the girls and completely deflected the conversation with an excuse that feels improvised on the spot for Miura’s benefit. Up until this point, Katagiri didn’t seem like someone who’d do that, just to remove himself from an awkward situation or misunderstanding.

I wonder if, on some level, he knew what Miura was getting at. He definitely did, right? Especially when he deflected Miura’s ‘Oshikatta na’ by throwing it back at him all vaguely, almost as if to play dumb. I’m scared. What is Miura’s role this late in the game.

<3