After #026 Side Tsubaki & Yusuke: [ For the rival beyond the smoke ] Tsubaki has always

ys thought that one can never have too many holidays, but recently hes starting to see that its not really true. Today, Ema said that shes going to clean up her room. Before, hed definitely tell her to play with him instead but today, he only asked her to call him if she ever needs help. He feels that its something Natsume would say, not to mention she ended up going out with a friend after that. After the memorial event, Tsubaki went to talk to Azusa and Natsumejust as he promised. They both listened to him and stopped doing things which would trouble her, but at the same time this also made it hard for him to ask her out. Everything he said would be pointless if he does that, and Azusa would warn him that its called cheating LOL. Tsubaki ends up spending the day doing nothing, and he heads to the 5th floor to find Yusuke lying on the kitchen tablehalfdying from hunger. The fridge is empty, and earlier Ukyou called to say that hes going to return late today. However, this gives Tsubaki a nice idea. Since Yusuke already has a driving license, they can go out and eat grilled meat. ( ) *: At first Yusuke is suspicious, but Tsubaki explains that he wouldnt be able to drink if he goes alone. Yusuke only has to drive, and Tsubaki will pay for their meal. Tsubaki could ask Natsume instead since he only needs someone to drive, but he doesnt want to be alone with Natsume because the topic of Ema might come up. He really wants to avoid that for now. Tsubaki thinks its safe to bring the tame Yusuke, but soon he realizes that he completely underestimated Yusuke because Yusuke is a carnivore. Literally. As Yusuke continues ordering meat to their table, Tsubaki remembers that Yusuke is madly in love with Ema as well. He starts wondering if their current situation isnt painful for Yusuke, so he decides to ask about thiseven though Yusuke is still stuffing meat into his mouth. When Tsubaki asks if he loves Ema, Yusuke smiles saying he does and that feeling probably will never change. This obviously surprises Tsubaki, since he was expecting Yusuke to get flustered as he admits it. Yusuke also knows it would be difficult to have his feelings returned, but when Tsubaki asks if it doesnt make him sad he answers thats probably what it means to be in love. Yusuke doesnt think having a relationship is the main point of loving someone. Love doesnt need a reason, and its not something they can erase either. If they give up just because their love is onesided, it means they probably have no rights to fall in love in the first place. Tsubaki is shocked. This isnt the Yusuke he knows, but it also makes him realize that loving someone and dating someone are not necessarily connected. Tsubaki sighs saying he understands, then he calls Yusuke cheeky and walks to the toiletleaving Yusuke to order more meat. After leaving the restaurant, Tsubaki gets into the car and calls Yusuke. Tsubaki says he forgot his wallet, so he asks Yusuke to cover the bill for him. Of course Yusuke panics since he has no money, but Tsubaki only says hell be waiting in the car. If all else fails, they can always call Ukyou for help. After ending the call, Tsubaki sits back on the passenger seatwhispering that he wont lose. Soon enough, Yusuke calls to protest since Tsubaki actually has paid everything with his credit card. ( ` ) Tsubaki says thats because Yusuke went ahead of him for a moment, so he should just bear with the prank. Of course Yusuke doesnt get this at all, but Tsubaki doesnt explain and tells him to come to the car already. Once again, he whispers that he wont lose. No matter what happens.

Wow, Tsubaki and Yusuke grew up a LOT in this volume. As we can see from the extra chapter, Tsubaki is still himself but hes much more considerate towards Ema compared to before. I feel bad for Ema during the event since its not really her fault. In fact, its not her fault at all. Its just things were so tense between the triplets, especially with Azusa and Natsume. Still, I was impressed that Tsubaki actually helped Ema to resolve this issue. ( ) Meanwhile, Yusuke has become much calmer by the end of this volume. Maybe because he has finally confessed? His rivalry with Subaru seems healthy too, and Im looking forward to see further development in the next volume.