For the moment, it looks like everything is going to go perfectly to plan…which is quite a surprise, given how endlessly convoluted and out-on-a-limb the plan for Operation Brokeback Climax has proven to be so far.
At first, the two subjects of the enforced kabe-don appear to be only confused by the whole situation…but then, a subtle shift in perception sets in. And it seems to shift just into the very direction the girls hoped and expected it to shift. The new and exclusive nonhetcam filter on the camera reveals that quite clearly. Both Youichi as well as Hiroki have started seeing the other in a light that’s definitely not conducive to sober and distanced perception.
I had to add “for the moment” to the first sentence, though, since I’m not sure how Akane’s vocal outburst in panel six is going to play in Peoria. Mopey and Megumi had told her that she had to show restraint while observing the goings-on…but apparently they didn’t stress enough just how much restraint she would have to show. Akane feels she’s already shown a lot of restraint by shouting “F***ing kiss already!” instead of “Kissing f**k already!”, which would have been her first impulse.
But I worry this kind of open-hearted support and encouragement from the outside might be a bit too much for the still fragile state of Youichi’s and Hiroki’s relationship.
More on Monday.
I approve of this violation of school uniform etiquette!