I'm really confused because first I understand both their reactions. I agree that was not the best way to respond, or not respond, to Nodame's sudden pettition but somehow that is the only way, the expected way, Chiaki would have reacted. I mean, he is not specially openly caring, even for what traditionally is portrayed of a Japanese man.
Then some chapters before the fatidical day, I got the feeling Chiaki was really confused about playing with Nodame in the sense that he felt if he granted her her wish, then she would stop seing him as someone she want's to be with. He doesn't say it, of course but that's what I read from his expression. Then he has that amazing mental analogy of the horse and the carrot but it's already too late and everything is moving towards what ended happening. That's what I felt and if that's the case then it's ironic that what he feared happened anyway.
Now, I would love, after all, if Nodame traveled a little before going to Japan. She once said she wanted to do so. I know I'm being unreasonable since, sure, she is mad and heartbroken but there's still that part of me who expects her to recover sooner or later and fly. That's what everyone has always hoped from her. To stop doing everything because of Chiaki.
