>>2338940I see you've been swayed by those who admonish the critics of the ending by claiming they're just mindless shippers and that KnK is not a romance, but a story of growth.
Here's the problem with that, while it is true that KnK's main goal was not romance, the fact remains that throughout the chapters Ooima underlayed a romantic plot that was hugely emphasized.
ShouxShou is constantly teased by other characters, and Shouko even confessed and was seen practicing to confess again. The fact that that open thread was not closed up is a sign of that plot being mishandled.
While it is true that she threw in hints that they'll get together in the final pages, the fact is that that tiny babystep in their relationship does not resolve all of the emphasis she put into the relationship.
You have two options, have a subtle romance with a subtle end, or have a prominent romance with a prominent end. If you end a subtle romance with a prominent end, it feels rushed and out of place and, similarly, when you end a prominent Romance with a subtle ending, it's unfulfilling.
So, in short, those critics are exactly as tunnel visioned as you believe yourself to be.
The disappointment is just.
