[Archon_Wing]

Shin's mom was a bitch because she suspected cheating was going on in the past. It was done in a rather subtle way, but yes, the sudden rubber band resolution was underwhelming.

Hiromi was hostile to Noe because Noe had rejected her attempt at friendship. Granted, she wasn't completely sincere but it's not like Noe was completely innocent here.

As for Shin basically ditching Noe, I always saw that kind of a pacing problem, but he's definitely the show's weakest link.

True Tears is Noe's story; it's not a simple romance-- that's why it came off as such to make her more sympathetic. Hiromi and Shinchiro were people she affected, but the story will first and foremost be about Noe giving away her tears and eventually having some of her own in the end after so many years.