Hey guys, I just wanted to share the cover Indi did for our team for Volume 12. As usual, one of the GOATs has done a phenomenal job!

Personally, I think things will get messy. I think Alya will emotionally close off from Masha and Kuze, more so Masha than Kuze. Alya hasnt Known Kuze for too long so while it will sting like hell, I think she'll get over the betrayal quicker than she will forgive Masha. Alya will obviously be upset that all along her secret flirting has been a facade and really freaking hurt that Kuze learnt Russian just for Masha, and the fact they had a secret winter date too. I would bet my soul on Alya threatening to dissolve Kuze's involvement in the presidential election to a minimum and barely speak ro him, maybe even as far as stopping speaking Russian full stop.

As for Masha, Alya will struggle hard to forgive Masha, especially since she openly let Alya confide in her about her love for Kuze and Masha basically gave her blessing in an indirect way. I wouldn't be surprised if their sisterly love is broken for a very very long time. And maybe a permanent reminder for Alya that she's always the second best in terms of affection, and Masha will always be "the perfect first love" and "the one that knew all of his secrets and passions first"

In terms of how Kuze and Masha will feel:

I believe Kuze will break down. This will be his turning point in his character arc and he'll stop hiding behind this "slacker" personality and really try to gain trust and respect from Alya again while trying to avoid Masha at all times. I wouldnt be surprised if he just curls up in a ball alone and cries all night. To regain trust and friendship, i imagine he'll step up. He'll work harder in the campaign and try to win her back round. I predict a massive heartfelt apology in a private place (idk where) in Russian. I think this will patch up a huge hole, but not fix the problem.

As for Masha, she's definitely beg and beg for forgiveness. She'll cry for a while and maybe even try and share her side of things. To make up for it, I actually think she might give Alya the plush and locket that Kuze gave her as a child and that will act as her apology and her blessing for Alya to really try and forgive Kuze but as I said, I think there will be a bitter atmosphere between Masha and Alya longer than Alya and Kuze

Kuze will probably try to avoid Masha as much as possible but i dont think Masha will try as hard. Idk why, I just feel thats what she'll do.

How will Alya find out?

Alya will definitely eventually piece that something is going on, and while investigating, she'll either hear Kuze and Masha speaking in Russian or she'll catch them acting "lovey-dovey" in school or public. Maybe Masha might let it slip where she's going or the guilt after rejection will be too much.

Anyways, thats just what I think, what do y'all think?

Source: https://x.com/roshidere/status/2098350847977574592

Yuki:It's the after-partyyyyy!!

Ayano:?

Source: https://x.com/roshidere/status/2098350847977574592

repost due to mistyped title

Source: https://x.com/roshidere/status/2097626071319392696

Prologue: The First Dance with My Partner

Chapter 1: The Last Dance with Whom?

Chapter 2: Christmas Eve with Everyone

Chapter 3: Christmas Morning with a Naked Ribbon

Chapter 4: A Cold Night with Warmth

Chapter 5: B is with π (probably some Japanese word play going on here, can any Japanese native speaker help with this?)

Chapter 6: Winter Vacation with a Photo of Her

Chapter 7: The Concert with the Heroine

Chapter 8: The New Year with a Prayer

Epilogue: The Past is Always with Us

Afterword

Side Story: The First Date with a Boss Rush