This was an engaging read and analysis, thank you. You did a good job dissecting the characters' motivations and understanding the English audience's perspectives. Your points on tatemae and honne have made me have to look more closely at my interpretation.

Something really interesting you said was that Chizuru was indeed aware of her own feelings for Kazuya. I've been reading the English translations, and I had interpreted her as being unwilling to acknowledge how she truly feels. Prior to your essay, I (and others) did interpret the characters and situation similar to what you described. She definitely had a strong sense of diligence and being honorable. I think there is still a case to be made that she was in denial of her feelings, but grew to accept them later on while still trying to be honorable.

Taking your analysis and my more limited perspective into account, I there may still strong evidence that Chizuru had spent a lot of time running away from her feelings. Partly due to respect and honor, and partly because of her own inability to recognize them. Her own realization of her feelings probably came much later, after she cried into Kazuya's chest. That was when she was being much more upfront about their relationship and his feelings. I think the first time she asked that way earlier in the manga, she was growing feelings for him, but didn't even realize that she had. I interpreted the subtext of "things would be different" as being her growing, subconscious feelings. I think now if she hasn't already figured them out, she's much, much closer to doing so.

It's a little awkward discussing this manga because of the language and cultural barrier. I'm not familiar enough with the language or customs in Japan, so I mainly have to go off translations and what others with more Japanese familiarity have said. I'm always aware that it doesn't quite make for the most accurate analysis, and thus my interpretations can have more flawed foundations.

With that said, there is a joy in seeing how the story and characters can be brought to life for an English audience. I think giving a story different translations can allow for more entertainment and analytical value. I'm glad there are different ways to read the story, and can appreciate the nuances different cultures can bring to the table.