I thought I might as well have a separate author's note that explains their 'relationship'
Both Minami and Hatori want each other to be happy, whether that is with each other or not.
Are they in love? No, but they love each other. In Love vs Loving Someone: Wanting Them vs. Wanting them to be Happy. They want the best for each other. So for Minami if Hatori ends up with his canon partner, that's fine with her, same if Minami falls in love with someone else.
I like slow builds because they're realistic. 'Liking someone' whether that be a crush or other things, is much different than 'love'. Since Hatori has gone through a pretty bad heartbreak through Hana because of Akito, he's cautious. Minami is cautious because she knows the future and isn't sure if it's her place.
Also like... they have an age gap guys. It's not the biggest one, but it exists. Give Hatori some credit lol. Minami only gets hugs and that's because almost all the Zodiacs are guys and that's the first girl they can actual hug. Hatori kissed his girlfriend once and that's it, I'm pretty sure they were only together for three months (which is so sad).
The ring will only mean something more, if Minami gives him a matching ring in return. That's not happening for a long time. Since it still is Minami x Hatori~
Comment comments, that's what keeps me motivated and makes me update faster. Sure I see the reads, but until I see the moments, I can't say 'someone reads this and likes it'