When I finished Antique Bakery, I came away wishing that Ono and Chikage had explored their relationship further. I knew Ono's dream of being with Tachibana was impossible, but Chikage seemed to truly adore him. I had no idea this DJ existed until this morning. While I'm pissed at Ono for what he did to Tachibana following his assault - absolutely fucking not okay - I get why it happened for the story.
I was happy that, even though he harbored feelings for Tachibana, he chose a healthy relationship with Chikage and (eventually seemed to) stop sleeping around. Despite what he says about Chikage being a substitute and that he really loves Tachibana, I think he's lying to himself to keep himself safe. He does love Tachibana - a part of him always will - but he cares for Chikage, otherwise he would've slept with him without thought and never worried whether Chikage was hurt or not.
The flannel pajamas he buys him solidified this for me: something left at Ono's house that belongs to Chikage, making him part of the space. Ono didn't say he'd bought pajamas that would fit Chikage or buy a cheap pair of sleep pants. He'd bought a proper set of pajamas for him, and he tells him that. It indicated a desire for something stable and long-term, not just sex, whether Ono realized that at the time he bought them or not.
I also like the way that Ono treats him. Of everyone in Chikage's life, Ono is the one who treats him like an adult. While Tachibana was content to make him breakfast and fix his buttons, Ono taught him to cook and how to do up his own shirt. He doesn't look down on him. He treats him as an equal. He cares for him (and was extremely kind to Chikage's daughter in the last chapter, graciously supporting her dream to be with Tachibana when she is older). That's love to me.
We can't all be with our first or greatest love. Finding love later, or while you have feelings for someone else, or finding love that is comfortable but not explosive doesn't make it illegitimate. I think they will be happy together.
antique bakery dj you're not even human