Episode 11 of “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” (also known as Watanare), titled “Is There No Way We Can Stay Like This?”, plunges its central characters into a mixture of festive fun and profound emotional revelations. This pivotal episode, which premiered on September 16, 2025, or September 15, 2025, depending on the source, serves as a significant turning point, especially for Ajisai Sena, as the complexities of friendship and burgeoning romance reach a head amidst a vibrant hot spring town festival.
A Summer Getaway: Hot Springs and Hidden Histories
The episode opens with Renako Amaori, the series’ protagonist, embarking on a delightful trip to a hot spring town alongside Ajisai Sena and Mai Ouduka. The trio engages in classic festival activities, from exploring quaint candy shops to capturing memories in photo studios. During their excursions, Renako stumbles upon a surprising detail from Ajisai’s childhood. This discovery adds a layer of depth to Ajisai’s character, hinting at a past that has shaped her gentle yet reserved demeanor.
The girls don traditional yukata, immersing themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of the evening festival. Fireworks light up the night sky, creating a picturesque backdrop for what appears to be a carefree summer outing. However, beneath the surface of dazzling displays and shared laughter, crucial emotional undercurrents are at play, particularly between Ajisai and Mai, which Renako, engrossed in the festivities, initially fails to notice.
The Shifting Sands of Affection: Ajisai’s Internal Struggle
As the episode progresses, the narrative skillfully builds towards an “emotional crescendo” centered on Ajisai’s feelings for Renako. Ajisai, who has often been depicted as an “angel” by Renako due to her kind and soft-spoken nature, grapples with her romantic feelings for her friend. In a significant internal monologue, Ajisai candidly confesses her love for Renako, revealing that Renako provided her with the courage she needed at a difficult time. This personal revelation underscores the profound impact Renako has had on Ajisai’s life, likening Renako to an “angel” in her eyes.
The episode highlights Ajisai’s internal conflict and her tendency to prioritize others’ happiness over her own. Despite her deep affections, she finds herself stepping aside, reluctant to disrupt the budding dynamics between Renako and Mai. This selfless act, while demonstrating her compassionate nature, also suggests a familiar pattern of sacrificing her own desires, leaving her arc at a bittersweet point.
Mai’s Intervention and Clear Intentions
Adding another layer of complexity to the developing love triangle, Mai Ouduka makes her intentions “abundantly clear” to Ajisai. Mai, a supermodel classmate who shares a unique bond with Renako, intervenes during a private moment between Renako and Ajisai. This action, while perceived as an interruption, serves to “mark her territory,” signaling her own romantic interest in Renako and attempting to avert future conflicts.
Reviewers noted a surprising maturity in Mai’s character during this episode. While the show’s adaptation might have condensed some of her development from the original material, Mai displays restraint and sensitivity to others’ feelings, a marked shift from her earlier, more entitled persona. Her conversation with Ajisai at the episode’s conclusion further illustrates this change, as she insightfully conveys her feelings and acknowledges the complex emotional landscape.
The Unaware Protagonist: Renako’s Perspective
Throughout the emotional shifts and confessions, Renako remains somewhat oblivious to the deeper romantic undercurrents brewing around her. For Renako, this hot spring trip is the realization of a long-held dream: enjoying a summer vacation with friends. After spending her middle school years as a loner, her desire for a “sparkling high school debut” and genuine friendships is being fulfilled. She is genuinely having the “time of her life,” enjoying the simple pleasure of companionship. The episode effectively contrasts Renako’s blissful enjoyment with the intense emotional turmoil experienced by Ajisai and Mai, highlighting the different perspectives and desires at play within their intricate relationships.
Production Details
Episode 11 was directed and storyboarded by Toshiyuki Yahagi, with Natsumi Uchinuma also contributing to the storyboard. The script was penned by Naruhisa Arakawa, and Hiroaki Matsushima shared directorial credits for the episode. Studio MOTHER is responsible for the animation of the series, which is based on a light novel by Teren Mikami with illustrations by Eku Takeshima. The voice cast includes Kanna Nakamura as Renako Amaori, Saori Onishi as Mai Ouzuka, and Yukari Anzai as Ajisai Sena, among others.
“Is There No Way We Can Stay Like This?” sets the stage for a dramatic finale, leaving viewers to ponder how Renako will navigate the increasingly intertwined and romantically charged feelings of her closest friends.
