Sasaki & Miyano, From Friends to Lovers
The difference between SasaMiya's relationship before and after getting together is smooth yet subtle. Miyano himself comments on this difference after Tashiro asks what kind of things Miyano does with Sasaki now that they are dating (in chapter 33 "What 'Normal' Is"). Miyano replies with "normal things," but the thought gets stuck in his mind. What's the difference between his romantic relationship with Sasaki and their previous friendship? They keep doing most if not all of the things they used to do before. Let me answer that question: hugging, kissing, texting and calling, and visiting each other's houses.
Chronologically, the change in their relationship starts with Sasaki's question right after Miyano's confession (chapter 31). Sasaki asks if he can touch Miyano. Back in volume one, Sasaki was physically affectionate but stopped because it made Miyano uncomfortable. Throughout the story, his desire to touch Miyano never disappeared or lessened. It stands to reason that Sasaki has been holding himself back. When Miyano finally says yes to physical touch, it removes the stop in Sasaki's brain to the point he kept hugging Miyano as the latter calls Hirano about that thing Sasaki supposedly forgot. Even Miyano was even a little embarrassed, but he didn't act against it, lmao.
Secondly, they share their first kiss and continue to kiss since then. Miyano's words (I can't find the chapter for the life of me) when they had lunch after the third-years stopped coming to school implies Sasaki always kisses Miyano seconds before the bell rings. There's also the peck in "Sick Visit" and other moment in volume the seven extra. And don't forget the floor scene in chapter 36! Even Sensei's fanbox (a Patreon-like site where fans can directly support creators) also includes kissing.
Right, in that same volume seven extra, Sasaki also mentions they are now each other's boyfriends, and he's so happy saying that. . . He's so embarrassing!
The third clear difference between Sasaki and Miyano's relationship is finally exchanging numbers. Chapter 32 is dedicated to this, "Texting." There's a whole scene with Hirano, Sasaki, and Miyano about why they kept forgetting to exchange numbers. This finally happened with Miyano's confession, so they are in contact much more often as a couple.
Lastly, a new development in their relationship is visiting each other's houses. Before Miyano visits Sasaki's place for the first time in chapter 34 "Sick Visit," all Miyano knew was that Sasaki's family owned a bakery, but it seems he didn't know which. On Sasaki's side, his first visit to Miyano's is as his boyfriend when he went to make sweets for Valentine's Day for each other (in chapter 35). It is also the same day Miyano told his mom that the person she would meet was his boyfriend.
Sasaki and Miyano’s relationship as boyfriends include hugs and kisses, texts and calls, and visits to each other's places. With volume eight right around the corner, there might be more of these scenes on their way!
If you enjoy this analysis, please consider supporting Harusono sensei through Yen Press's official SSMY English release or subscribe to her Fanbox (Japanese Patreon-like site; accepts PayPal).
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