The hit yuri romantic comedy anime series, “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” (WataNare), recently wrapped up its inaugural 12-episode season on September 23, 2025, with a much-anticipated finale. Fans, however, won’t have to wait long for more of Renako Amaori’s romantic entanglements, as a sequel titled “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~” has already been announced, set for a limited theatrical release in Japan on November 21, 2025, followed by a five-episode television broadcast.
The First Season’s Climax: Episode 12 Delivers on Yuri Comedy and Dilemmas
The 12th and final episode of the “WataNare” anime, which premiered on September 23, 2025, brought the first arc of Renako Amaori’s high school romantic comedy journey to a head. The series, animated by Studio Mother, aired from July to September 2025 and is based on Teren Mikami’s popular light novel series and its manga adaptation.
Throughout the season, viewers followed Renako, an introverted girl determined to reinvent herself in high school, only to find herself unexpectedly entangled in a love triangle (or possibly more) after receiving a confession from the glamorous school superstar Mai Oduka. The finale was expected to address some of the burgeoning feelings and the “friends or lovers” dilemma that has been central to the plot, leaving audiences eager for resolutions and potentially new cliffhangers. The episode’s script was handled by Naruhisa Arakawa, who also oversaw the series composition.
“There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…”: The Story So Far
Originally a light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, “WataNare” began publication in February 2020. It quickly gained a dedicated following, leading to a manga adaptation by Musshu in May 2020. Both the light novel and manga are licensed for English release by Seven Seas Entertainment.
The narrative centers on Amaori Renako, a girl who, after a lonely middle school experience, strives for a “normal” and popular high school life. Her plans are swiftly complicated when she forms an unlikely connection with Oduka Mai, a wealthy and confident fashion model. Renako initially cherishes Mai as her best friend, but Mai’s sudden love confession throws Renako’s feelings into disarray, leading to a comedic and heartfelt struggle between “best friends” and “girlfriends”. The story further develops with the introduction of other key characters like Ajisai Sena and Satsuki Koto, who also develop feelings for Renako, creating a complex web of relationships.
A Glimmer of “Unless…”: Sequel “Next Shine” Announced!
Immediately following the conclusion of the first season, a sequel titled “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~” was officially announced. This continuation will first be released as a restructured limited theatrical event in Japan on November 21, 2025. It will later be broadcast on television as a five-episode series at an unspecified date.
The sequel’s story is described as focusing on Renako Amaori’s journey of self-discovery and navigating her complex feelings. Having successfully made her debut in high school and joined the popular group, Renako now finds herself confessed to by two of the brightest stars: Mai Oduka and Ajisai Sena. Struggling to answer their affections, Renako agrees to help her friend Kaho with a cosplay event, hoping to delay her reply. This new arc promises to delve deeper into Renako’s internal conflict, exploring what she truly wants and whether her initial “no freaking way” to being a lover can, indeed, become an “unless…”. The sequel is confirmed to adapt the fourth volume of the original light novel series.
Fan Reactions and Future Expectations
The announcement of “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~” has been met with enthusiastic responses from the fanbase. The quick turnaround from season finale to sequel announcement highlights the series’ popularity and the demand for more of its unique blend of yuri romantic comedy. Viewers are eagerly anticipating how Renako will address her growing feelings and the confessions she’s received, especially with the added complexity of Kaho’s involvement in the upcoming story. The theatrical release also offers fans a special way to experience the continuation of the beloved series.
