Thank you for the POV clarification
I want to briefly thank the translators for fixing the POV for me, because it highlights how I feel Tadase's little mermaid's one-sided love for Amu.
As well as how I remember the outrage with people believing it was Amu being wishy washy because I get it. Amu being indecisive is part of her Libra sign, but I like how this clarifies to me that this is Tadase's POV.
That we really are picking up right where we left off that Tadase had fallen for Amu but is at the phase of wrestling his feelings and accepting her decision.
While also establishing how in technicality, Amu and Ikuto haven't solidified their relationship as it's highlighted in many previous chapters that Amu prioritized Ikuto fulfilling his dream before having an official relationship with her. (Which is the healthiest decision too for both parties to come together when their dreams come true)
Because they never made it official, he HAS TO ASK her if she missed him. To know if she still feels something for him after he's travelled away for a while. To know he still has a chance.
Yes, I am an Amuto girly, but as an adult myself I know the importance of making things official so there is no room for misunderstanding. Especially at my age where I need the other party to clarify if they want to be with me, if their dreams and goals align with mine, etc or if they don't know. It's very necessary to really put it all out there in honesty.
Ikuto confessed to her, but he very much stated that he'll come back for her to try and win her heart because he is the LAST person to ever want to tie someone down with empty promises. Poor Ikuto has already been at the brunt of Easter, his parents, etc taking away his options that he would never want to do that to Amu.
He knows he's a choice, and he wants to know that she'll choose him. Because she's free to do so.
This smug cat boy also knows he's so far number 1 for Amu and fights to defend it. He'll stand on business against Tadase and Niya.
I very much appreciate that Tadase has this moment of going into the healthy post-confession part of wrestling his feelings that I think more men should be exposed to.
It is second male lead syndrome, yet it's borderline. Usually the second male lead is put in a very heart-wrenching position of "why not him?" that makes a viewer question why the main male lead is chosen. However, this chapter sets it up that Tadase understands that he may not be chosen by Amu, but it doesn't make his feelings less precious. Nor does it invalidate his friendship with Amu. he doesn't go woe is me, he goes "Just because I'm not chosen, doesn't mean I have to believe I meant nothing or that I have to be bad/petty. I can still be a good person even through heartache."
And I've only really seen this in Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame where Quasimodo takes Esmeralda's rejection with grace and support for her.
