Episode 4 of the anime series There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…, also known as WataNare, aired on July 29, 2025, and plunged protagonist Renako Amaori into a frantic pursuit of Mai Oduka, who, heartbroken, considers attending a suitors party. The episode, titled “Mai?! No Freaking Way! (…Or maybe?)” (“Mai Nante, Yappari Muri Muri! (*Muri Janakatta!?)”), saw Renako racing against time to confess her true feelings to Mai, culminating in a dramatic swimsuit confrontation.
Recap of Prior Events Leading to Episode 4’s Drama
The previous episode, “You Can’t Freaking Force Me,” left Renako grappling with a whirlwind of emotions after her unexpected kiss with Mai. Mai then briefly left for France for work, but not before another rooftop kiss, leaving Renako in a state of confusion and longing. While Mai was away, Renako found herself in an awkward situation with both Mai and Ajisai in her room, which was diffused by her sister, Haruna, joining them for games. However, just as Renako and Mai were left alone and shared a hug, Haruna re-entered, catching them in an intimate moment, causing Mai to leave red-faced. This incident, coupled with Mai’s feelings about relationships, set the stage for the dramatic events of Episode 4.
The Heartbreaking Revelation and Renako’s Resolve
Episode 4 opens with Renako worrying about Mai’s absence from school, feeling that she might have pushed Mai too far. The narrative soon shifts as Satsuki Koto calls Renako to the school roof, revealing that Mai had come to her house in tears and confessed the entire story of her heartbreak. Realizing Mai’s regret, Renako becomes determined to make amends and chase after her.
The Suitors Party and the Swimsuit Showdown
The central conflict of Episode 4 revolves around Mai’s decision to potentially join a suitors party, a desperate measure after her emotional turmoil. Renako, learning of this, rushes to the hotel venue where the party is being held. In a surprising turn, Renako and Mai confront each other while both are in swimsuits. This unexpected setting provides the backdrop for Renako’s urgent need to articulate her feelings to Mai, aiming to prevent her from seeking a new relationship. The episode is a pivotal moment for Renako, as she finally confronts her true emotions and attempts to convey them to Mai.
Production and Broadcast Details
There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… is an anime television series produced by Studio Mother, with Natsumi Uchinuma directing and Naruhisa Arakawa handling series composition and scripts. The series premiered in July 2025 on networks such as Tokyo MX, Sun TV, and BS11. Episode 4 specifically had Naruhisa Arakawa on scriptwriting duties, with Kenta Kushitani providing direction and storyboarding. The anime is based on the yuri light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, which began publication in February 2020. A manga adaptation by Musshu also launched in May 2020. Both the light novel and manga are licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment.
