Sheizu ☆~(^w^)

I realized…

But Key is a uniquely despicable deuteragonist because he, too, picks a fight like a girl, with his words and insults, to disguise himself and manipulate others. With temptation and seduction, on purpose... kinda.

He’s so disappointed in the world around him, just like the girls are. His first action was to combat the girls with his own complaint and critique. Why don’t they just shut up about it?!!

… he’s as much mirror as love interest. I doubt he reads “realistic” to most men, and maybe not to women, either. It could be true to his upbringing and widowhood to an older woman, too, as masculinity might be something he ‘lost’ or ‘never quite attained’ without realizing it on the way to adulthood. He comes across as rather androgynous despite being unusually and pointedly aggressive - but in a very feline manner. He seeks maturity, but also craves nurture and support. But he wants to mentor rather than be mentored this time around.

Rinko displays both extreme inner feminine traits (wishful denial, wanting to be treated with gentleness, the GIRLPOWER of Friendship!!!) as well as extreme masculine external ones (strong opinions, loud sharp tongue, hard drinking, firm body language).

Both he and Rinko were locked into boyhood and girlhood whilst seeking their adulthood (and manhood and womanhood, respectively). She’s full-gender, he’s null-gender. He’s a cultural misfit with clout; Rinko is a skilled chameleon with no clout currently.

Confusion. Trigger. Cage match. Fight!