estar

i get that when these movie(s) were made, the tsundere personality was very "in" & depicted in almost every manga, web novel, animation etc... so every adaptation would have a main character with an initially harsh personality who gradually reveals a warmer, friendlier side over time & as was never a fan of this personality type - maybe that is why i aint 'falling in-love' with this series like others have, idk....

what i know is that Arata who came off as a cold, but good guy (in the previous movie), where in the description he is made out to be Gii's love rival, who is gonna steal Takumi away. turns out to be a good guy with a rough exterior, that came to "shake-up" Gii into rethinking his strategy & approach with Takumi, given the new obstacle's that appeared & would keep coming into his life, given his family & their statues in society.
didn't like his relationship with Takabayashi, but i preferred it to what we got in this movie between him & Shingyouji, cause at least Takabayashi didn't come off as a naïve, love-sick puppy that was in over his head. Shingyouji cause of his personality seems younger, more childlike & thus the whole relationship felt exploitative to me. adding to these misgiving, was the fact that Shingyouji, in his own words says that the only thing he has got with Arata is a psychical relationship, one that is always initiated by Arata. this romance/love - how?!??

the fact that Arata kept Shingyouji hanging on, throwing him bit's & pieces of affection doesn't mean love. Shingyouji was an after thought & am sure his constant adoration was a great ego massage for Arata - who on his part didn't need to do a thing, just take what was offered & use Shingyouji when he wanted.
the fact that at some point Shingyouji had enough - made me sigh in relief, cause sorry Arata is toxic & has nothing to offer Shingyouji, as he doesn't love him IMO.
even though i didn't like Gii & Takumi's relationship - at least there, Gii warmed up & showed his affection, he didn't treat Takumi like a booty call & after they finally got together they were a couple (the fact that is hasn't been smooth sailing is neither here nor there, as there no relationship without some turmoil). but with Arata there was No declaration of love, no confession other then ownership & telling Shingyouji he was Arata 's dog.... if anyone told me that, i would bite him leaving a scar for life & then leave.

but cause of the kiss/es (which admit were the hottest to date - including all movies, also admit that Arata is the best looking guy so far) everyone gaging over the "romance"?!? ok, i guess... not my cup of tea - so idk what awaits in the next movie with these two - after this movie, not that thrilled to find out lol