The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Teren Mikami’s popular yuri romantic comedy light novel series, “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” (WataNare), wrapped up its inaugural season on September 23, 2025, with an emotionally charged Episode 12. The finale saw Ajisai Sena reveal her long-held secret feelings, culminating in a direct confession to protagonist Renako Amaori amidst her ongoing romantic entanglements. Adding to the excitement, a sequel was swiftly announced, set to premiere theatrically in November 2025, ensuring that Renako’s complicated love life is far from over.
The WataNare Phenomenon: A High School Yuri Comedy
“There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” is a Japanese yuri light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, which has also spawned a manga adaptation. The anime series, produced by Studio Mother, aired from July to September 2025. The story follows Renako Amaori, an introverted girl determined to reinvent herself and make “normal” friends in high school. Her plans are quickly derailed when she catches the attention of two of the school’s most popular girls: Mai Oduka, a glamorous model, and Ajisai Sena, a soft-spoken sweetheart. Renako finds herself in a bewildering love triangle, or perhaps even a harem, navigating fake dating, real dating, and competitive romantic pursuits.
Episode 12: Ajisai’s Heartfelt Revelation
The season finale, titled “No Freaking Way Summer Break is Over!” delved deep into the emotional turmoil surrounding Renako and Ajisai. Leading into the episode, Renako was shaken after witnessing Ajisai in tears, prompting her to seek answers from Mai Oduka. Mai, showing a surprising degree of maturity, initially withheld details, suggesting that Ajisai’s issues were hers to resolve.
However, the climax arrived when Ajisai herself called out both Renako and Mai. It was during this confrontation that Ajisai finally unveiled her secret—her deep romantic feelings for Renako. In a poignant confession, Ajisai expressed that Renako had given her the strength to move forward and openly asked Renako to be her lover. The episode concluded with Renako left in a state of confusion, reflecting the series’ central theme of navigating complex emotions and relationships, perfectly encapsulated by the ending theme’s title, “Mayocchauwa” (I’m Lost).
Renako’s Ongoing Romantic Dilemma
Throughout the first season, Renako has struggled to reconcile her desire for genuine friendships with the intense romantic confessions she receives. While initially aiming for a “normal” high school life, she has found herself caught between Mai’s persistent affection and Ajisai’s more reserved but equally profound feelings. The finale’s direct confession from Ajisai adds another layer of complexity to Renako’s already tumultuous romantic journey, leaving viewers to wonder how she will respond to such a heartfelt plea.
What’s Next: A Theatrical Sequel on the Horizon
Fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter of Renako’s story. Immediately following the anime’s finale on September 23, 2025, a sequel was announced. Titled “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~,” the sequel is slated for a limited theatrical release in Japan on November 21, 2025. It will subsequently be restructured into a five-episode television broadcast at a later date. This continuation is expected to adapt the fourth volume of the original light novel, promising more romantic comedy and character development as Renako continues to navigate her unique high school life.
The announcement of a theatrical and subsequent television sequel highlights the series’ growing popularity and the audience’s eager anticipation for Renako’s decision in her complicated love life. With ~Next Shine~ on the horizon, the drama and heart of “WataNare” are set to continue unfolding.
