Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wake Nai jan, Muri Muri! (※Muri ja Nakatta!?) (Zoku-hen)) • There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless... (Sequel) - Episode 17 discussion

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Renako goes mask off on stage about her feelings of love!

[](#woo)

Chooses both Ajisai and Mai!

Those tears of Renako hit me where she promises to make both happy. The three group hug while all crying.

Good thing Renako gets a new console that she accidentally broke in her sleep 3 episodes ago!

And now Satsuki wants to join the poly yuri harem. No objections from me!

Relevant post I made a few days ago: [https://www.reddit.com/r/yurimemes/comments/1pw5n4d/watanare\_modeled\_with\_math\_graph\_theory/](https://www.reddit.com/r/yurimemes/comments/1pw5n4d/watanare_modeled_with_math_graph_theory/)

Let's hope for K\_5 yuri! (the complete graph of size 5, meaning the 5 girls are all mutually in a poly yuri harem)

All 5 option is alive and well. Another challenger approaches ending with Satsuki.

I went into the episode thinking Mai would be the outright winner, but everyone wins! Is it everyone dating Renako or are they dating each other too?

Renako before: Umm... I'm not gay.
Renako now: Wow, ~~four~~ two cakes? Give me everything!!!

Your greed sickens me, Amaori Renako. Anyway, double confession on stage in front of a live audience is insane, glad things worked out for them. Renako really be putting the Amaori in polyamory.

The start of the episode really felt like it was trying to strengthen a future all-5 poly route, entangling Ajisai with Mai and with Satsuki. Honestly, the last few episodes were kind of too wholesome, and I appreciate this show getting back to its trainwreck roots.

Thanks to Renako for summarizing the moral of the entire story:

> Two-timing... It's not going to be easy. But just do your best, okay? Because if you do, little by little, you'll learn to love yourself.

It looks like maybe this show has covered until the end of Volume 4 of the LN, and they're currently on Volume 8? So there is sooo much more to go. Fingers crossed for a season 2, because I'm illiterate.

HAREM ENDING?!!!!

What a queen

Satsuki was my MVP with the instant 'she's trash' into the post-credit texts of 'can I join'.

Absolute peak yuri. Can’t believe you can watch this for free on YT man. Such an insanely good series, can’t wait for more!

Honestly, those 5 episodes were a roller coaster, but ultimately those were a really good current ending for the show (better than episode 12 leaving with a harder cliffhanger) and a really well done finale to anime in 2026. I would even go so far to say that this pushed Watanare to my top pick for best romance of the year, even though I had my issues before (and some of them still exist).

But maybe in order. I actually disliked in the beginning that the whole Ajisai confession got solved this way initially as I would have loved to see Renako in an actual relationship. Not one where she is forced into, but one she chose herself. So seeing them do the "Well, I decide in a month" felt a bit like a cop out originally to keep the status quo. And I guess that is halfway true, because most of the episodes were Kaho focused. But compared to the Satsuki episodes I really felt that the Kaho episodes had a bit more substance to Renako's character, giving her the understanding of going for the throuple decision instead of just choosing one. Though, this might have also been due to it having 5 episodes and not 4 like all the other arcs. But this is an example of the show doing something I dislike in the beginning to get to an actual better conclusion. Though, the series now has to prove that it can write these characters in a relationship.

Similarly, I was a bit annoyed by the "hypnotism" angle, but then I remembered that the show was always going for some extremes and since that hypnotism wasn't actually used to solve Renako's problem, I can take it as an okay gag and setup for Kaho. Sure, her losing her whole character with contacts is a bit silly, but then again, the whole show goes for a lot of silly routes. Would I have liked if they cosplayed not the typical bunny girl? Of course, but it wasn't a big point, so it was okay. But I have to say, I was a bit disappointed that neither Ajisai nor Mai had any reaction to Renako in a bunny girl outfit. Like come on, that part writes itself, doesn't it?

But to not sound to negative, I want to actually give credit to the ending. I had the feeling that the story was leading to Renako wanting to date both but I was still holding my expectations back until the end. They could have gone back to the status quo by saying they are "trying what works best". Renako dates them both, but isn't in an actual relationship, but no, they made the confession. And I expect the story to actually go through with that. Show the good and bad parts of that decision and I am looking forward to reading the manga to see where that goes. Because now, there is no actual way for them to retract this decision like there was with episode 12 (and if they did, it would be dropped faster than anything else) so I will be checking out where this relationship ultimately leads.

Two last things. Not sure, I am liking the tease of Satsuki joining the harem. I really feel, at least the anime made no real effort to show chemistry between her and Renako. And I just hope the actual established relationship isn't taking a backseat for such a subplot. And I was a bit disappointed that there weren't as many ideas for Renako's thoughts. I think the only one was the Koala bit, but I felt, the original show had a lot more of that. I would have especially expected something with "Five-kun" but who knows why that aspect wasn't used more this time.

All in all, again, a really solid finale to the show. I still think that the show overall has some issues like pacing or putting Mai's development in the background while we have the Satsuki arc, but tbh, which show doesn't have issues? The fact that the show ended this way made me appreciate it a lot more and as I said, I would even consider it one of the better if not best romances of the year. And depending on how the series actually treats the relationship now, making it an integral part of the story and developing it, it could even become one of my favorite romances of all time. Because I feel, the boldness to go for it and then being able to deliver on it is something that few romance stories can achieve.

Not going to comment on every episode discussion so i'm just going to put my short drunken thougths here.

Kaho was my favorite character already from season 1 despite her limited screen time, and she is still now after these episodes.

And even if i wish we get a proper harem ending, i can't help but ship Renako and Kaho alone.

Also that damn confession to Ajisai and Satsuki reminded me of the first episode of Kanojo mo Kanojo.

I really hope we get more anime content for this.

We do love the harem ending. Especially with 5-kun and Satsuki being late additions to the polycule. It's going to feel terrible if Kaho is the only person not invited to the polycule, so I assume her addition is inevitable as well. And somewhere, far in the distance, Rentarou nods in approval.

Well you knew Mai was gonna show up to this party. That's just what she does... Least she brought Ajisai with her.


Even Satsuki is powerless against Ajisai's power of... loving innocence.


Heck of a show this audience is getting to see huh. Like sipping on fancy wine worthy of a show.


Well, if Archie Andrews can do the amicable double dating thing. No wait, triple dating... Did Archie ever do that?...


Well, that was a good arc. Kaho's whole character background was a surprisingly good. Not to mention how well it all paralleled Renako's whole thing, very interesting that was. Still not keen to get back into the source material, but man, Renako is such a delight in more ways than one. Ganbare Renako-chan.

So we get the answer to what Mai said to Satsuki in the post credits scene. I figured it was something along these lines. Episode 4 showed how over the top Mai is when she is in her feelings so this is perfectly in character for her. Also I love that Renako and Kaho got 7th but they aren't down about it, they did something cool and gave it their all.

I was spoiled by the ending but even if I had not been this is what I would have expected. Renako may carry a ton of self doubts but she's also a very greedy girl, she just had to convince the other two of her madness. Despite being two timing they did enough to make it feel sweet all the same and I adore that.

Part of me is sad they released it all at once, but considering the original release was a movie it makes sense. But I'll miss getting to have 5 weeks of conversations instead of 5 threads all posted at once. Still, while it could pretty easily end here I do hope we get another season + Shine to cover LN 5-8.

Omfg xd I had no idea this show would make the attempt to even go this route.

Lmao two timer trash! Lmao hahaha

And right on stage? In front of everyone?!

Insanity

I can't even. Wtf

I'm glad I wasn't spoiled.

I'm very shocked Ajisai and especially Mai even agreed to not be the only one in the relationship.

Those poor people on stage must be so confused

These past 5 eps were pretty fun. Its kind of fun to think about Mai x Ajisai or Ajisai x Satuki or even Renako x Kaho. I mean those two have that same Bocchi energy. It’s a potent mix of introversion + zero confidence lol.

Kind of hilarious Renako went with the yuri harem route. Girl’s channeled her inner Rentaro/Naoya lol. Why choose one or the other? Make a sandwich! Mai’s a piece of white bread, Ajisai’s a piece of white bread, Renako’s the baloney lol.

Day 1 of 2026 and we already got Anime of the Year

Holy shit they really went for the lesbian polycule ending, and the three of them even declared it on stage in front of hundreds of people at a cosplay event. Also, turns out this was a secret cosplay anime the entire time.

If not for that text message from Satsuki (I think) at the very end this easily could have been the ending, and it would have been a pretty satisfying place to leave it.

Nice to get a yuri adaptation that's really quite strong after the disaster that was Whisper.

look, it's great she got both girls she loves (and potentially one more) but lets face it: the sure-fire bet is Five-Kun!

Five-Kun will not judge you. Five-Kun will not betray you. Five-Kun, when powered on, warms you up. Better than any girl, I say!\*

\**just don't fall alseep with it.*

Hopefully the fact that this got an additional 5 episodes + theatrical release is enough to support the possibility of a season 2. This show is too good to end now

Renako going with the Yuri throuple/Harem route. What a legend.

https://imgur.com/a/VnyspKF
OMG are those Norn Ace, Mini the Lady, and Rudy Lemono cosplayers?!
(I wonder if the other cosplayers are references too(the girl in red reminds me of Berry Blossom from Acro Trip but that could be stretching))

THEY ACTUALLY DID IT

Impossible... RENAKO BEAT THE DENIAL ALLEGATIONS

That was absolute cinema. Really appreciate the choice of scenery for the confession by the author. Stealing two darlings in the most public manner possible really drives home how Renako is not being shy about wanting to two time them, and it definitely has nothing to do with chasing the "normal girl" award. It also hit hard to see the usual scene flipped and it was Renako saying "please go out with me". Again really making that character growth tangible.

Now that I think about it the confession at the end of the first season visually foreshadowed this one on a smaller scale by taking place under a streetlight. The author really planned this through. There's so much substance here. Can you say this much about most romance anime confessions scenes because I think not! (Common Yuri W, it is simply superior I don't make the rules)

Satsuki called Renako trash but in the end she really saying "y'know where two fit three fit" lmao

Finally I have to give kudos to the seiyuu here because those were all some incredible performances. What a way to end the year, with two Goated Yuri seiyuu performances and adaptations between _Watanare_ and _Watatabe_. Really showing off the wide spectrum of the genre here. Here's hoping for an even better 2026 and beyond! Happy New Year everyone!

Satsuki's message at the end could be:
- her trolling Renako for two-timing
- her genuinely wanting to join the harem, since there are hints she actually likes Renako (begrudgingly)
- her wanting to join the harem to be with Mai

All three are actually in character and thus plausible explanations.

Pretty solid 💪

This series is just pure concentrated happiness.

Had to laugh at Rena's logic: "Gayness and polyamory seem about equally weird to me so if I'm gonna do one I might as well do both."

Insane episode. I really hope they will make season 2.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I absolutely **HATE** that [they're doing this publicly in front of a huge audience](https://i.imgur.com/apDM9C9.png). Don't get me wrong, [I'm happy that we're getting a harem ending](https://i.imgur.com/vR8fhGo.png), but they could've just waited for Mai to get off the stage and deal with this privately. I was genuinely cringing so hard during the second half of the episode that I couldn't even watch it properly. >_<

But I guess, congrats to them for turning this into a throuple? Despite me physically recoiling with that public confession scene, I still think this episode was fun. It really does look like they're going for the harem ending, so I hope we get to see more from this series. I hope there's enough material for another season or two.

Honestly, I didn’t expect Renako to choose both because I thought she was going for Mai. But then, she made it clear from the start that she really liked Ajisai. I also really like Kaho’s character and I’m glad that she finally had her time to shine. I’m glad they released this sequel sooner because that cliffhanger really made me want more. I hope there’s more in the future especially since Satsuki also wants to join the harem.

where are the staff? they're just gonna let this happen?! lol

Without any plan or any idea, she just stumbled into polyamory

Hopefully she does some research now

And so one last Yuri Yuri for the road.

Oh, Mai and Ajisai are here too?

And now Satsuki has seen her too.

Ok seems like Kaho is back to her extroverted self even without her contacts.

Yeah no Ajisai is here with Mai.

And now they all realised that too.

And so they're all going to watch her.

Mai is leaving?

And so they're going to crash the stage.

Ok... And this is all on stage.

Ok then... Por que no los dos!

Meanwhile the other 2 backstage are waiting for their turn lol.

Well, that's one way to interpret that.

And so, polygamy.

Also _all this is still on stage_.

And so her saying that finally flipped the switch.

And there come the waterworks.

I'm surprised the other 2 aren't also part of this too considering they were there too.

Yep there we go there's Satsuki too.

Overall, starting 2026 off with what may well be a contender for the best romance of the year already. 8/10.

ngl this show should be show to western showrunner
japanese yuri show bring lesbian in good way
they still have a character outside being lesbi
still being cute and attractive as usual women (really dont understand how some western lesbian trying to look like guy in the show)

Ok I accidentally watched the last episode first no wonder why I was so confused but I guess Renako will be a two timing girlfriend and then maybe three timing?

Thinking back the poly ending makes a lot of sense, and the addition of Kaho's arc really improved everyone's characters. This feels like the proper sendoff for Watanare Part 1. It's interesting just how much better poly was handled in this show compared to a certain P.A. Works original from last year where they literally invented a new type of marriage to allow for it.

Anyways I would definitely watch another season, and it was been amazing to see Renako's character journey. Last year I said she was my favorite girlfail MC of the year and I stand behind that even more after these five episodes. Her anxieties were never just an aesthetic but a core aspect of her identity that colored all of her decisions. It was easier to runaway, to think of herself as not worthy. Slowly though her time with each girl gave her more insight and love for herself until Kaho gave Renako the final push she needed to vocalize that love to Mai and Ajisai. That's why Renako is a good romance protagonist who is her own person and not just an audience stand in.

Lastly, I ended up liking Kaho much more than I expected but everything clicked for me when Renako said her strength was being honest about what she loved. It would be cute seeing her cosplay with Marin, Gojo and friends.

I binged all 5 episodes so I am to lazy to comment each one. Will post the overall impression here:

- I actually like this ending. Yes, Renako, date them both. But no need to drag other two in the fray. This is why I am not sure iof I want further LNs to be adapted (as I presume status quo won't hold till the end).

- Kaho would hsave been my favorite girl if her extravert personality was the real one. Gap moe is cool but I am a sucker for genki girls, not danderes.

- Overall it was the best arc of the show so far, glad they finished the season with it.

So Mai's work is not compromised after that stunt on stage with the randoms? lol

It's funny because even though they were making out all of that to be a confession to both girls and they actually are dating, I kind of thought that is was a circle back to her just wanting to be friends with all of them, and just using the term "dating both" just to like put the "having to pick one and hurt the other" thing to rest, which would bring it back to her originally wanting to be Mai's friend vs girlfriend in the first place.

But like, I did not expect them to just full on have them follow through with all 3 of them dating lmao....and then the ending text just further pushes the idea for me that they'd just remain a group of friends that get to bathe and kiss each other, which they all did with each other already. And if that goes through, than other girl has no choice but to be involved as she's the only one left out lol.

I guess I like the idea that the label is pointless here and how much crisis the label has caused for everyone, even in season 1 with Mai and Satsuki. BUT it's the label that they all want because they just love each other OR "value each other's friendship so much".

I really enjoyed season 1, this arc didn't feel as epic, but I understand it's necessity for development. I hope there is more?

This episode has confirmed to me that in a world without Renako Ajisai would have been the protagonist and all the girls in the quartet would have fallen for her. The way Mai is talking to her and the way she can easily control Satsuki show she would already be 2/3’ds of the way there and Kaho wouldn’t be that tough to have fall for her as well.

Now you see the true power of this series. It isn’t merely yuri, or a half hearted “harem yuri. No, it’s POLY YURI, and if anyone doubts the accuracy of that statement, Mai and Ajisai mentioned multiple times to each other in this set of episodes how they’d be open to dating each other.

Confirmed yuri AND a true harem route? What a time to be alive.