I think you are using Brave browser. Or browser which automatically block the href link and popup. Try to use Chrome.
Because "Add a comment" and "Signin" are <a> tag , not actual button. So, browser those are not allow external link and popup for those browser it will not work and page is reloading because the link referring to same domain.
Hashnode Developer Solution is, use <span> or <div> or <button> instead of <a>