I Want to End This Love Game Episode 3: Childhood Friend Seduction

Yukiya Asagi stands apart at his middle school graduation, observing Miku Sakura's easy popularity. He feels a sharp contrast between her outward momentum and his own perceived stagnation. His middle school years, he believes, were largely wasted. Later, as they walk home, Miku offers him a unique graduation message in his yearbook: a detailed, scathing list of his faults. This isn't a fond farewell; it is a profound observation of him, showing how deeply she understands his habits, both good and bad. He is annoyed by her criticisms but also surprised by her meticulous attention to him.

The transition to high school is swift, marked by falling cherry blossoms and new green blazers. Yukiya and Miku enter together, but Yukiya's internal 'love game' continues. He watches Miku's effortless connection with new classmates and feels the pressure to 'win' her attention. Later, a video call finds them both supposedly studying. Miku asks Yukiya for lunch recommendations, dismissing his simple suggestions in favor of something 'new, cute, and special' for a friend. This conversation leaves Yukiya with a pang of inadequacy and the growing sense that he is falling behind.

After the call, Yukiya turns to a stack of shoujo manga, specifically 'Koi Kyun', feeling his own plainness next to the idealized male leads. He visits Cafe Kanade and confides in Hinako Hanaba, who, between gacha game wins, offers him advice. She explains that 'cost' — the time, money, and effort invested — determines value in a relationship, much like her games. Yukiya takes this to heart, misinterpreting it as a challenge to make a grand, resource-intensive gesture. He fixates on the word 'cost,' believing it is the key to winning Miku's affections.

With renewed purpose, Yukiya resolves to plan an overwhelming date. He calls Miku, who is humming cheerfully while making curry. In an abrupt, overly mature tone, he invites her to meet him at the station on Sunday, asserting he will handle all the plans. He hangs up before she can object. Miku stands stunned, then erupts in joyous excitement, realizing this is a real date. She descends into a flurry of panicked preparations, wondering what Yukiya has in store.

Yukiya's bedroom transforms into a strategic command center, plastered with 'Koi Kyun' manga. He studies romantic tropes, top date spots, and dialogue, treating it like a serious academic pursuit. His focus is on maximizing the 'high-cost' impact on Miku. Simultaneously, Miku engages in her own frantic preparations: face masks, jewelry, and outfits spread across her room. Both are determined to make a significant impression, though for very different reasons.

Sunday morning finds Yukiya waiting at Sinju Station, attempting a 'cool guy' pose in formal attire. Miku arrives, nervous but excited, in a light blouse and skirt. Yukiya maintains his composed, distant persona, refusing to reveal their destination. Their first stop is a high-end boutique, 'Amery', where Yukiya has already reserved a dress for Miku. She is overwhelmed by the luxury and his assertive behavior, while he struggles internally to maintain his stoic facade, clutching a stress ball in secret.

Miku emerges in a stunning white dress, briefly rendering Yukiya speechless before he recovers his 'cool' act with a practiced wink. They then proceed to an upscale restaurant with a city view. Miku is visibly nervous about the formal setting and cutlery. Noticing her discomfort, Yukiya leans in and delivers a line directly from his manga: 'Don't worry about anyone else, only look at me. You are the most brilliant thing in this room.' Miku's face reddens, embarrassed yet touched by his exaggerated effort.

The date moves to 'M Dream Resort', an amusement park, where Miku's excitement replaces her earlier nerves. They enjoy crepes and rides, with Yukiya methodically checking off romantic tropes. A water ride leaves them soaked and Miku laughing. Later, when her feet hurt, Yukiya awkwardly attempts a 'princess carry,' but his intense expression makes it more alarming than romantic. Miku rejects the offer loudly, breaking his practiced persona and briefly bringing back their usual bickering dynamic.

As night falls, they stand on a bridge, overlooking the illuminated castle. Yukiya initiates his final, most impactful move: a 'kabedon,' cornering Miku against the railing. He asks her to close her eyes, then places a sparkling tiara on her head, declaring her his 'only princess'—another line from his manga. For a moment, the artifice fades, replaced by genuine romance. However, just as the tension peaks, Yukiya's eyes roll back, and he collapses into Miku's arms, utterly exhausted.

Yukiya wakes on a park bench, his head in Miku's lap as she gently strokes his hair. Mortified, he apologizes for ruining the date. Miku silences him, expressing concern and noting his late-night lights. She tells him he didn't need to push himself so hard, that she would have been happy with their usual udon spot if it meant he was well. Yukiya admits his desire to show her his feelings, referencing Hinako's 'cost' advice. Miku then discovers his 'Koi Kyun' manga in his bag, with its numerous bookmarked pages, revealing the source of his elaborate plan.

Miku bursts into laughter, teasing Yukiya as she reads aloud his bookmarked lines from the manga, matching them to the day's events. Yukiya groans in embarrassment, hiding his face. Despite the teasing, Miku's eyes convey warmth, touched by the immense, awkward effort he put in. They linger on the bench, their familiar dynamic returning, deepened by the day's events. As they leave, Miku keeps the tiara, a tangible reminder of Yukiya's grand, foolish, and deeply touching gesture.