a surprising development with Makio and Shingo that likely won’t renew their romance but at least should take down some of their walls

I don’t know about that. Makio seems hesitant to get together with Shingo because she probably doesn’t see herself as someone who can coexist well with another person. But she’s coexisting with Asa. Maybe by doing so she’ll learn more about herself and how she can deal with constantly being around others. Shingo seems like an incredibly understanding person who would absolutely respect any requests she made to accommodate her. Even just living in a bigger place where Makio has the space to be alone could be the difference it takes, and I think he’d be willing to extend himself financially to try it. That might terrify Makio, but lots of things terrify Makio. Could make for some good drama much further down the line.