If you didnt believe Laios was autistic before todays episode i hope it clears that up for you
we were first shown his special interest, a very autistic trait to have. We get to see him indulge in his interest, we get to see him happy.
but this episode contains the scene that makes it clear Laios cannot understand social cues, tone of voice, sarcasm, or subtlety. He actively suffers socially with other humans.
Shuro is pissed Laios didnt pick up on the fact that he hated Laios, because he was being passive aggressive (at best, Shuro bottled up a lot of feelings), and said verbally he was Laios' friend. Laios takes things at face value, if someone says "im your friend" that's what he believes is true.
He hates that Laios "gets to be genuine". I hate the way he says that "gets" as if its a privilege for Laios. It's a privilege for Shuro who is nobility and has his behavior and emotions stifled. Laios doesnt understand that others are NOT genuine. he's not from that world.
that's why Laios asks "why didnt you TELL me?" and Shuro says it should have been obvious.
it was NOT obvious to Laios, not at all.
And also, that was who Laios thought was his FIRST friend on the island. he thought he made a friend, something actively difficult for him to do.
it devastated him to learn that he was wrong the entire time.
as an autistic person Laois is so goddamn relatable it phYSICALLY HURTS-
especially with his interactions with Shuro just fUCK, MAN-
he is genuinely interested in and passionate about something others consider “weird”? Hell yea me too bitch!! He can’t pick up social cues and generally has a hard time with social cues? Twinsies!! Other characters in the series have negative perceptions of him because they think he’s weird or crazy when he’s being genuine and just trying to help and communicating in a way that makes sense to him? We’re in this together pal
something something neurotypical society portrays/views autistic men as creepy/perverted something something ryoko kui acknowledges this in relation to how other dunmeshi characters view laios and depicts how harmful that stereotype is
chilchuck going "sorry leave me outta this one. i cant fight" but then hitting literally every precise shot with an arrow or projectile he ever made in the story INCLUDING PIERCING A RED DRAGONS EYE BY THROWING A KNIFE WHILE LEAPING AWAY my bro is a rogue with dex 20 and wants no one to know biggest liar in history