There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless...

There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless... (Japanese: わたしが恋人になれるわけないじゃん、ムリムリ！（※ムリじゃなかった!?）, Hepburn: Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wakenaijan, Muri Muri! (*Muri Janakatta!?)), also known as WataNare (わたなれ) for short, is a Japanese yuri light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima [ja]. Shueisha has released seven volumes since February 2020 under their Dash X Bunko imprint. A manga adaptation with art by Musshu was launched on Shueisha's Dash X Comic section of the Niconico Seiga website in May 2020. Both the light novel and manga are licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment. An anime television series adaptation produced by Studio Mother premiered in July 2025.

There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless...
First English light novel volume cover, featuring Renako Amaori (left) and Mai Oduka (right)
わたしが恋人になれるわけないじゃん、ムリムリ！（※ムリじゃなかった!?） (Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wakenaijan, Muri Muri! (*Muri Janakatta!?))
Genre	Yuri[1][2] Harem[1] Romantic comedy[1][2]
Light novel
Written by	Teren Mikami
Illustrated by	Eku Takeshima [ja]
Published by	Shueisha
English publisher	NA: Seven Seas Entertainment
Imprint	Dash X Bunko
Original run	February 21, 2020 – present
Volumes	7 + 1 short story
Manga
Written by	Teren Mikami
Illustrated by	Musshu
Published by	Shueisha
English publisher	NA: Seven Seas Entertainment
Imprint	Young Jump Comics
Magazine	Dash X Comic
Original run	May 15, 2020 – present
Volumes	8
Anime television series
Directed by	Natsumi Uchinuma
Written by	Naruhisa Arakawa
Music by	Yoshiaki Fujisawa
Studio	Studio Mother
Licensed by	Remow
Original network	Tokyo MX, Sun TV, BS11
Original run	July 8, 2025 – present
Episodes	7

Plot

Renako Amaori spent her middle school years as a non-attending student with no friends. In high school, she is committed to getting the most out of her time. To accomplish this, she approaches the most popular girl in school, Mai Oduka. As soon as the school year begins, she is successful in joining her group of friends. However, pretending to be one of the popular girls when she has always been a loner is mentally taxing, and so as Renako walks alone to the school's rooftop one day to unwind, Mai discovers her and believes she is preparing to end her life. The miscommunication actually ends with both of them opening up to each other, and Renako returns home ecstatic that she has finally met someone to call her best friend. At least until Mai confesses her love the following day and asks her out. Renako is puzzled by the sudden confession, but Mai suggests that they play a game to see which relationship is more suitable for them: "best friend" or "lover".

Characters

Renako Amaori (甘織 れな子, Amaori Renako)

Voiced by: Ayaka Ōhashi (PV),^[3] Kanna Nakamura (anime)^[4]

The protagonist and narrator of the series. A first-year high school student who seeks to reform herself as an extrovert after having been a socially anxious recluse in middle school, which she is embarrassed about. Renako is reluctant to engage in any romantic relationships, feeling that staying friends would be preferable.

Mai Oduka (王塚 真唯, Oduka Mai)

Voiced by: Azusa Tadokoro (PV),^[3] Saori Ōnishi (anime)^[4]

A teenage supermodel who is the daughter of Renée Oduka, a prominent fashion designer. As Renako's classmate, Mai is a highly popular student, known by the student body as the school's "super darling". She exudes a confident persona, but secretly is overwhelmed by her popularity and her mother's lofty expectations. Mai falls in love with Renako after the latter encourages her to take breaks from maintaining her persona.

Ajisai Sena (瀬名 紫陽花, Sena Ajisai)

Voiced by: Manaka Iwami (PV),^[5] Yukari Anzai (anime)^[4]

Renako's friend and classmate, who she admires for her beauty, kindness, and virtuous personality. Ajisai has two younger brothers who she is often responsible for taking care of while her parents are working, which she finds stressful. She harbors strong affections for Renako.

Satsuki Koto (琴 紗月, Koto Satsuki)

Voiced by: Kana Ichinose^[6]

Mai's childhood friend and longstanding rival. Satsuki resents Mai, and is often fiercely competitive with her, often losing out to her. She becomes girlfriends with Renako on a temporary basis in order to spite Mai by provoking her jealousy. Due to being poor, she also works a part-time job, a secret known only to Renako.

Kaho Koyanagi (小柳 香穂, Koyanagi Kaho)

Voiced by: Takako Tanaka^[6]

An enthusiastic girl who is considered the "little sister" figure of Mai's group. It is revealed later in the series that she was Renako's friend in middle school, previously known as Kaho Minaguchi, her family name having changed after her parents divorced and remarried. She has a significant online following as a popular cosplayer.

Haruna Amaori (甘織 遥奈, Amaori Haruna)

Voiced by: Mayu Sagara^[7][8]

Renako's younger sister, a more outgoing and cheerful girl who helps Renako clean up her image before starting high school. Haruna generally has a more mature and collected attitude than Renako, and often bluntly criticizes Renako for her shortcomings.

Hitoe Hanatori (花取 単衣, Hanatori Hitoe)

Housemaid and chauffeur of the Oduka family, employed to look after Mai. Hanatori strongly dislikes Renako, believing that she is a poor choice of partner to Mai and that Satsuki would be preferable as Mai's wife. However, she only lets this on when she and Renako are alone.^[9]

Media

Light novel

Written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless... began publication under Shueisha's Dash X Bunko imprint. The series has been collected in seven volumes as of December 25, 2024.^[10]

The light novel has been licensed for English release in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment.^[11]

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	February 21, 2020[12]	978-4-08-631356-8	May 30, 2023[2]	978-1-68579-626-6
Renako befriends Mai and charms her by accepting her during a moment of emotional weakness. When Mai confesses her love to Renako, Renako is reluctant to accept. The two take turns being friends and lovers, with each trying to convince the other that their preference would be superior. They ultimately decide on being "friends with Rena-fits".
2	August 25, 2020[13]	978-4-08-631379-7	September 5, 2023[2]	978-1-68579-646-4
After becoming frustrated by Mai's inconsiderate behavior, Satsuki begins acting coldly toward her, causing tension within the friend group. Satsuki strikes a deal with Renako that she will make up with Mai as long as she can date Renako for two weeks. During this period the two become closer and learn more about each other. Eventually Renako, Mai and Satsuki agree to a three-way Esports match with the winner getting to marry Renako. Renako wins and successfully convinces the two to reconcile.
3	April 23, 2021[14]	978-4-08-631412-1	December 5, 2023[2]	978-1-68579-948-9
Tired of constantly caring for her two younger brothers, Ajisai decides to run away from home. Renako worries for her safety and decides to accompany her on the trip. The two stay at an inn for a few days as they grow closer and learn more about each other. Mai tracks down where they are staying and joins them. Ajisai realizes at Mai's prompting that she also is in love with Renako. After returning home and making up with her family, Ajisai confesses her feelings to Renako.
4	October 25, 2021[15]	978-4-08-631439-8	May 7, 2024[2]	979-8-88843-443-7
Renako realizes that Kaho is actually an introverted girl she once knew in middle school, Kaho Minaguchi, who has also changed her image to become popular in high school. After the two reconnect Kaho reveals that she is a well-known cosplayer online, and she convinces Renako to join her in a cosplay photo shoot. While this goes on Renako also struggles to decide whether to date either Mai or Ajisai, admitting to herself that she likes both of them, but worrying about hurting whoever she doesn't choose. Kaho is invited to participate in a prestigious cosplay event with Renako, and the two help each other overcome performance anxiety. After the performance Renako confesses to both Mai and Ajisai, asking them both to go out with her. They accept, and the three start dating.
5	February 24, 2023[16]	978-4-08-631480-0	September 10, 2024[2]	979-8-88843-873-2
6	November 24, 2023[17]	978-4-08-631528-9	February 11, 2025[2]	979-8-89160-878-8
7	December 25, 2024[10]	978-4-08-631568-5	December 23, 2025[18]	979-8-89561-728-1
SS1	July 25, 2025[19]	978-4-08-631610-1	—	—
SS2	August 25, 2025[20]	978-4-08-631613-2	—	—
8	September 25, 2025[21]	978-4-08-631617-0	—	—

Manga

A manga adaptation illustrated by Musshu began serialization on Shueisha's Dash X Comic section of the Niconico Seiga website on May 15, 2020.^[22] The series has been collected in eight tankōbon volumes as of June 18, 2025.^[23]

The manga has also been licensed for English release in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment.^[11]

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	October 16, 2020[24]	978-4-08-891719-1	April 11, 2023[25]	978-1-68579-463-7
2	April 19, 2021[26]	978-4-08-891891-4	June 27, 2023[25]	978-1-68579-590-0
3	October 19, 2021[27]	978-4-08-892126-6	October 3, 2023[25]	978-1-68579-931-1
4	April 19, 2022[28]	978-4-08-892321-5	February 6, 2024[25]	979-8-88843-400-0
5	March 17, 2023[29]	978-4-08-892654-4	June 18, 2024[25]	979-8-88843-650-9
6	December 19, 2023[30]	978-4-08-893110-4	October 22, 2024[25]	979-8-89160-506-0
7	September 19, 2024[31]	978-4-08-893432-7	June 24, 2025[25]	979-8-89373-323-5
8	June 18, 2025[23]	978-4-08-893790-8	—	—

Anime

An anime television series adaptation was announced on November 19, 2024. It is produced by Studio Mother and directed by Natsumi Uchinuma, with Naruhisa Arakawa handling series composition and scripts, Kojikoji designing the characters, and Yoshiaki Fujisawa composing the music. The series premiered on July 8, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks.^{[4][32][33][a]} The opening theme song is "Muri Muri Evolution", performed by Akari Nanawo, while the ending theme song is "Mayocchauwa" (迷っちゃうわ), performed by The Dance for Philosophy.^[7] Remow licensed the series globally for streaming on It's Anime YouTube channel.^[35][36][b]

Episodes

No.	Title [37][c]	Directed by [37]	Storyboarded by [37]	Original release date [a]
1	"Girlfriends? No Freaking Way!"[38] Transliteration: "Koibito toka, Zettai ni Muri!" (Japanese: 恋人とか、ぜったいにムリ!)	Natsumi Uchinuma	Natsumi Uchinuma	July 8, 2025 (2025-07-08)
Embarrassed by having been a socially anxious loner in middle school, Renako Amaori seeks to rehabilitate her image as she starts high school. She befriends her classmate, popular supermodel Mai Oduka, and joins her clique. However, her social anxiety causes her to panic during lunch one day, and she flees to the school roof. Mai follows Renako and, mistakenly believing she is about to jump, rushes to intervene. Startled, Renako slips and falls. Mai jumps to catch Renako and redirects their fall into a tree, saving her. Renako explains her social anxiety to Mai. In turn, Mai admits that trying to live up to her popularity makes her feel as if no one knows her real self. The two become closer after confiding in one another. The following day, Mai unexpectedly confesses her love to Renako, surprising the latter as she simply wishes to be friends. The two agree to take turns being friends and lovers, with both vying to convince the other that their preferred relationship would be better. On their first date, Mai gives Renako a kiss on the nose, flustering her. As she leaves, Renako vows that she will convince Mai to be friends.
2	"First Kiss?! No Freaking Way!"[39] Transliteration: "Hajimete no Kiss Nande, Muri!" (Japanese: 初めてのキスなんて、ムリ!)	Yuto Nakamura	Natsumi Uchinuma	July 15, 2025 (2025-07-15)
Renako invites Mai to her house, where they play video games. The next day, Mai visits again and challenges Renako to another game, on the condition that if she wins, Renako will accept one request from her. Mai wins and asks Renako for a hug. The hug surprises Renako, as she realizes the depth of Mai's affections. Later, after school, Mai and Renako write lists expressing what they would like to do as girlfriends and friends, respectively. Mai's list is overtly sexual, which flusters Renako. She invites Mai to a friendship outing, and they visit DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. As they are leaving, it suddenly rains, soaking Mai. Mai takes Renako to a hotel to wait out the rain, where they take a bath together. Renako tells Mai what her ideal friendship looks like, and Mai is surprised, saying that her ideal romance with Renako is similar. Mai advances upon and kisses Renako on the mouth. Fearing she will be seduced into fulfilling Mai's sexual desires, Renako panics. Renako tells Mai that the kiss does not count, as they are currently friends. Mai responds by "friend kissing" Renako again, reaffirming her affections.
3	"You Can't Freaking Force Me!"[40] Transliteration: "Muriyari Nande, Dame Muri!" (Japanese: ムリヤリなんて、だめムリ!)	Daisuke Inoue	Daisuke Inoue	July 22, 2025 (2025-07-22)
After their kiss, Mai and Renako both find themselves unable to stop thinking about one another, though Renako denies this. While Mai visits Paris for modeling work, Renako goes shopping with Ajisai. Renako feels insecure due to her attraction to Ajisai, but tells herself it does not count as cheating on Mai since they are not officially dating. Ajisai makes plans to come to Renako's house. Later, Mai calls Renako, and Renako tells her about her outing with Ajisai. Mai is upset and jealous, leading to an argument. Mai arrives unannounced to the Amaori house during Ajisai's visit, surprising Renako. Ajisai leaves, and Mai comes onto Renako, pinning her to the floor and removing her shirt. Despite enjoying being touched by Mai, Renako feels conflicted, reasoning that if the situation escalates, they will not be able to remain friends. Aroused, Mai ignores Renako's pleas to stop. The encounter is cut short when Renako's younger sister Haruna walks in. Embarrassed, she immediately leaves. Renako slaps Mai and admonishes her conduct. Downcast, Mai apologizes and departs. Afterwards, Renako regrets not having been more firm in asserting her boundaries, but considers that she may have wanted to go further.
4	"Mai?! No Freaking Way! (...Or maybe?)"[41] Transliteration: "Mai Nante, Yappari Muri Muri! (*Muri Janakatta!?)" (Japanese: 真唯なんて、やっぱりムリムリ!（※ムリじゃなかった!?）)	Kenta Kushitani	Kenta Kushitani	July 29, 2025 (2025-07-29)
The next day, Renako finds that Mai has not come to school. Satsuki calls Renako to the roof, and tells Renako that Mai came to her house and tearfully told the full story. Realizing Mai regrets her actions, Renako resolves to make amends. Ajisai invites Renako to her house. Wanting to accept but unable to, as Mai is a higher priority, Renako enthusiastically tells Ajisai she really likes her and would like to hang out another time, leaving Ajisai flustered. Renako heads to a hotel where Mai is hosting a "suitors' party" to which she has invited everyone who has previously confessed to her, seeking a new partner after having decided to give up on Renako. Renako confronts Mai and admits that she has developed romantic feelings. The two kiss, and Mai cancels the suitors' party. Later, when they are set to decide whether they are friends or lovers, Renako says she is still not certain she wants to be girlfriends, but offers an alternative of "more than friends, less than lovers". Mai accepts, but declares her intent to convince Renako to commit to a proper romantic relationship before their graduation.
5	"Girlfriends? No Freaking Way! (Round 2)"[42] Transliteration: "Koibito Toka, Zettai ni Muri! Sono ni" (Japanese: 恋人とか、ぜったいにムリ!その２)	Yihan Shu	Takao Kato and Natsumi Uchinuma	August 5, 2025 (2025-08-05)
Since Mai came to Satsuki's house to vent about her relationship with Renako, Satsuki has been irritated at Mai and the two have not spoken to each other, creating a rift within the group. In order to spite Mai, Satsuki asks Renako to date her. Despite Renako's reluctance, she ultimately agrees on the condition that they only date temporarily until Satsuki and Mai reconcile. Satsuki takes Renako to a shrine where she and Mai met as small children, and declares her intent to "defeat" Mai. The two spend some time together, drawing Mai's notice. Mai takes Renako aside privately and assures Renako that as they are not dating proper, she does not need to worry about cheating with Satsuki, as Mai will be satisfied so long as Renako ultimately ends up in a relationship with her. Later, Renako and Mai encounter each other at school, and Satsuki approaches Renako intimately in front of Mai in an attempt to provoke Mai's jealousy, prompting Renako to reflect that she has been caught in the middle of their feud.
6	"Too Many Freaking Secrets!"[43] Transliteration: "Futari Dake no Himitsu ga Osugite, Mou Muri!" (Japanese: ふたりだけのヒミツが多すぎて、もうムリ!)	Koichi Tamura	Natsumi Uchinuma and Takao Kato	August 12, 2025 (2025-08-12)
Satsuki helps Renako study to improve her mediocre grades, and reflects on how she used to struggle academically, until she noticed Mai's academic aptitude and was motivated to improve. That evening, Haruna takes Renako out to get donuts. Satsuki is working at the donut shop and introduces herself as Renako's girlfriend, confusing Haruna, who assumes Renako is cheating on Mai. After Satsuki's shift ends, she takes Renako to her home. There, Renako learns that Satsuki lives in a small apartment with her single mother and that the two both work to support each other, which embarrasses Satsuki. In return, Renako admits her introverted nature, but Satsuki is unsurprised, noting Renako's low self-esteem and anxious attitude. Upset by this, Renako flees the apartment, but is found by Satsuki, who offers to let Renako stay the night. Satsuki bathes with and washes Renako, eager to "even the score" with Mai. Renako is flustered and aroused by Satsuki's nudity, irritating her. That night, Satsuki asks Renako for a picture of them kissing to have proof of their relationship to show to Mai. Renako kisses Satsuki on the mouth, flustering Satsuki, who assumed the kiss would be on the cheek.
7	"No Freaking Way I’m Surviving This Mess!"[44] Transliteration: "Shuraba Toka, dō Agaite mo Muri!" (Japanese: 修羅場とか、どうあがいてもムリ!)	Tomoaki Takatsudo and Yuto Nakamura	Atsushi Otsuki	August 19, 2025 (2025-08-19)
Renako's interactions with Satsuki at school are awkward after their kiss, although Satsuki denies that she feels any affections for Renako. Meanwhile, Ajisai expresses interest in spending more time with Renako, but Renako is unavailable due to her obligations to Satsuki. Ajisai speaks with Renako by phone, and they discuss Mai and Satsuki's feud. Renako expresses that she would like them to make up, prompting Ajisai to encourage Mai to do so. Mai asks Satsuki to clarify what offended her, but Satsuki refuses to do so and instead provokes an argument. Mai deflects by saying she will marry Renako, and Satsuki claims that she and Renako are in a relationship, showing the photo of their kiss as evidence, despite Renako's protests. The argument escalates, and Satsuki and Mai declare that they will battle for Renako's hand in marriage. Renako insists on competing as well, on the condition that if she wins, they will all return to the previous status quo as friends. She stipulates that they will play a match in an FPS game to decide the winner. Later, Satsuki comes over to Renako's house to practice her gaming skills.
8	Transliteration: "Kanzen Shōri Suru Nante, Muri Muri!" (Japanese: 完全勝利するなんて、ムリムリ!)	Pei-Ni Hong	Junichi Sakata	August 26, 2025 (2025-08-26)

Reception

Light novel

Sean Gaffney of Manga Bookshelf gave the first light novel a mixed review, saying that although he could "understand the appeal", he was put off by Mai disregarding Renako's lack of consent to her advances and the "very, very panicky teenager" tone of Renako's narration. Gaffney additionally was disinterested in the harem premise of the series, saying he would prefer that the series focus on Renako and Mai's relationship development. He concluded his review by saying, "this isn't bad. It just has a lot of things I personally dislike."^[45]

Manga

The manga adaptation was nominated for the 2021 and 2022 Next Manga Award in the web manga category.^[46][47]

Reviewing the first six volumes of the manga adaptation for Anime News Network, Rebecca Silverman gave it a positive review, praising the art, humor, character arcs, and complexity of the harem romance dynamics, but expressed discomfort with Mai's lack of concern for Renako's consent in several scenes, despite acknowledging it was "clearly being done in a spirit of humor". Silverman said that readers looking for a yuri harem story would likely enjoy the series.^[1]

Anime

The first episode of the anime adaptation received mixed responses in ANN's Summer 2025 seasonal previews, with reviewers generally praising the visual presentation and animation, but divided on the premise. Caitlin Moore praised the color palette of the series, calling it "bright in a pleasing way", but was put off by Mai's characterization, describing her as "a creep".^[48] Despite this, Moore acknowledged that fans of the source material would almost certainly enjoy the "energetic" anime adaptation. Christopher Farris felt similarly about Mai, saying she was "all but pressuring", but described Renako as a relatable protagonist and expressed interest in further episodes. "Bolts (MrAJCosplay)" expressed similar sentiments, saying that they were "a bit conflicted" on the romance plot, and that they felt the episode abandoned the relatable plot thread of Renako's social anxiety in the second half.^[48] James Beckett gave the most positive review, praising the first-person perspective scene showing Renako's social anxiety at the episode's start, and called the story "a cute premise for an adorable show", saying that although it risked portraying Mai as predatory, "she and Renako would make a superstar couple".^[48]

The second episode also received a mixed response in ANN. Farris enjoyed the story's exploration of the "blurry lines" between friendship and romantic relationships, but disliked the episode's kissing scene on account of Mai continuing to further push Renako's boundaries. "Bolts (MrAJCosplay)" expressed a similar opinion. James Beckett, in contrast, acknowledged that Mai's behavior would constitute "big red flags" in reality, but opined that this was not an issue "in the universe of a cartoon rom-com."^[48]

Vrai Kaiser of Anime Feminist gave the first episode a positive review, praising the "neon edge" of the visual presentation and the premise, but commented that some viewers might not enjoy the fast pace of the series.^[49]

Notes

1. Tokyo MX listed the season premiere on July 7, 2025, at 25:00, which is effectively July 8 at 1:00 a.m. JST.^[34]
2. In selected territories for a limited time only.
3. All English titles are taken from Remow's official YouTube uploads of the series.

See also

• Whisper Me a Love Song, a manga series written and illustrated by Eku Takeshima
• Flower and Asura, a manga series illustrated by Musshu
• Link! Like! Love Live!, a multimedia project that is part of Love Live! franchise, with the main story written by Teren Mikami