Despite volume 2’s cover, Beauty and the Feast volume 5’s front features, in my opinion, the most couple-y image. Those who haven’t picked up this series would probably assume the pair are in a romantic relationship, and even those who have been following along might second guess themselves they haven’t skipped a volume with significant romantic developments. Or perhaps the result of the ballgame from volume 5 has brought Shuko and Yamato closer together?
Well, whether you like it or not, they are not a couple. But the shipteasing is certainly getting more blatant, and that’s causing the characters some embarrassment!
While several chapters of Beauty and the Feast have been from Yamato’s (and other characters’) perspective, the story has primarily followed Shuko. Volume 5, however, is more Yamato-focused than its predecessors. And first up for him is dealing with the fallout from the baseball game in which he struck out — repeatedly, in fact — and Yamato overhears some of his teammates blaming him, especially with his unconventional reaction to the loss.
But Yamato handles it in stride, and even though he needs to have a talk with his senpai, it’s more of a reassurance talk than a pep talk, and soon Yamato is ready to enjoy some summer activities — and Shuko in seasonal outfits.
Rui’s older sister and Shuko’s friend Yuri both bring up the main twosome’s relationship to each other, but in different ways. Ran advises Yamato about the age and experience gap between him and Shuko. It’s something he knows and he hasn’t acted upon, but he can’t help but be attracted to Shuko. And when he has to make dinner for himself in a chapter (which features some hilarious expressions and great improvisational cooking skills), it’s a nice reminder of Yamato appreciates not just Shuko’s cooking, but Shuko herself.
Yuri, meanwhile, puts the idea in Shuko’s head Yamato has dirty thoughts about his neighbor. Shuko tries to not act awkward around Yamato despite dismissing the idea Yamato likes anything but baseball — and an older woman like her would not be his type anyway. At one point, Shuko wonders if her feelings are like those of a mother’s. She also dismisses that thought as well, so yes, the possibility the manga does have the main characters end up together is still in play, but right now, the author is content with showing off Shuko in a bathing suit, causing Yamato to perhaps set a new swim record at a hotel pool.
Despite his unrequited feelings and teenage hormones, the author does well to portray Yamato as a good, caring young man, and the times he does things for Shuko never feels like he has a hidden motive. Volume 5 may be a little light on Shuko drumming up recipes, but Yamato more than makes up for that here.