I have an interesting analysis of IDCC that connects his behavior in relation to "A kid I met once" and all of the chapters. Even though Souta is one of the few people that cheered him up during his depression, he is very mean to him early on. I think that was a defense mechanism to an extent. For example, during the chapter "old habits" he tells Souta, "You're not important enough to hurt me" and I went back to verify, and he literally laid in Souta's bed and watched him sleep to comfort him from a nightmare. Like Nao is so obviously lying why he says this.
The closest explanation we've gotten as to why he hated him at the start is that Souta thought he was super weird at that point after his mother died, and that really mean comment in old habits was given in response to Souta going too far in a way that would make Nao doubt the future of their relationship (“You don’t have any friends”). I think his anger and meanness was to an extent a defense mechanism from rejection, fronting like he doesn't care that much rather than admitting his heart was broken. Just like how he clearly has this sense of sadness in their earliest interactions whenever they're not arguing. Even when they get along he does this a little bit, like when he feels the need to downplay their relationship as Nao "tolerating him" rather than them being friends.
AHHH! WE DID IT!!
100% FUNDED so Souta plush will become a reality! Thank you so, so much! I'm over the moon that this project became a success and it still feels a little unreal that this comic would get to the point where plushies would be made.
What a way to end 2022!
THANK YOUUU!!
Hello! Today's episode is scheduled but I think it was overlooked by the staff. I've notified them and hope it'll be uploaded as soon as they see my message. Sorry to make you wait!