It’s not romantic. It’s honest. And for Rinko, who has been lied to by her own fantasies, that honesty is terrifying. Chapter 12 is a “filler” chapter in plot only. In character, it’s essential. It doesn’t advance a love triangle or introduce a new suitor. Instead, it forces both the protagonist and the reader to ask: Do you want a boyfriend who looks good on paper, or one who actually shows up?

Tachibana buys her a crepe without asking what flavor she wants. It’s the exact one she mentioned liking in Chapter 4. He was listening. Rinko realizes that his brand of affection isn’t loud; it’s archival.

Rinko doesn’t know which is better. Tachibana watches her hesitate. He doesn’t get jealous. He just says, “I’m going to the bathroom,” and walks away—leaving Rinko alone with the “ideal” boyfriend candidate. 1. The Absence of Drama Most romance manga would have Tachibana punch a wall or Aoyagi confess again. Chapter 12 refuses that. The drama here is internal . Rinko’s greatest enemy isn’t a love rival—it’s her own addiction to the idea of romance. She keeps looking for shoujo manga moments in real life. Tachibana refuses to perform for her.