Same. Even in TV series that mizore-nozomi arc was really boring for me, not even okaish.

Majorly because while the story's background and conflict originates from mizore-nozomi relationship. The plot was entirely about Asuka, and we watch everything from Kumiko's perspective. Also kumiko hardly interacts with Mizore or Nozomi. So we get pretty much every information from 3rd parties like Asuka, Yuuko, etc.

That mismatch b/w plot and story was really jarring. Plot was about Asuka and Asuka has literally nothing at stake in the given story. The entire drama lose its weight when neither Kumiko or Asuka has anything at stake.

The choice by Naoko Yamada to make Liz with Mizore's perspective is a really great call. She really is GOATED.