Chapters 3-12 of the light novel detail the tumultuous unraveling of the protagonist, Sakamoto Yuji's, long-held feelings for his childhood friend, Himeda Airi, and the subsequent complications that arise. The narrative begins with Yuji's shock and disbelief when Airi confesses she is now dating Ishida. Yuji, who had confessed his own feelings to Airi two months prior and received a request to "think about it seriously," is deeply hurt and confused. Airi explains that she doesn't feel romantic sparks with Yuji, seeing him only as a childhood friend, while she experienced them with Ishida after they bonded during volunteer work for the entrance ceremony. She also reveals her intention to keep Yuji's confession "on hold," which he interprets as her wanting to keep him as a backup option, a pattern of convenience he now recognizes from their past.
This revelation shatters Yuji's affection for Airi. He decides to end his confession, seeking closure to move forward. Airi readily agrees, relieved to maintain their childhood friend status, which further solidifies Yuji's realization that her initial request to "think about it" was likely a polite dismissal. His feelings for her cool considerably, and he offers insincere congratulations.
The following day at school, Airi asks to visit Ishida's class, which Yuji permits, though he finds her continued reliance on him bothersome. He resolves to distance himself from her to avoid conflict with Ishida, a popular student. Yuji's close friend, Usui Kyosuke, notices Airi's absence and expresses surprise at Yuji's seemingly quick emotional recovery, which Yuji attributes to the severity of the rejection and a desire to move on.
Later, on his way home, Yuji is unexpectedly embraced by his underclassman, Nakagawa Yoka. Yoka, a petite but well-endowed girl who claims to be a "home-club junior," playfully flirts with Yuji. Sensing his distress over Airi, Yoka offers to listen, and Yuji confides in her. Yoka is outraged by Airi's behavior, calling it "despicable" and "shameful" for keeping Yuji as a "keep." She then proposes a surprising solution: they should pretend to date. Yuji is taken aback but, considering his desire to avoid Airi and the awkwardness of their shared commute, eventually agrees to a temporary arrangement.
The next morning, Yuji intentionally oversleeps to avoid his sister, Yuuka, with whom he has a contentious relationship, and to prepare for his "plan" with Yoka. Yuuka, a delinquent type, teases him about his breakup with Airi, which he confirms, though he is annoyed by her perceived pity. He also learns his mother, Anna, whom he despises for a past betrayal, has returned home early. Yuji avoids her, preferring his room, and later asks Yuuka to retrieve a specific, expensive pudding he wanted but she had already eaten.
The following day, Yuji is intercepted by Airi before he can meet Yoka. Airi insists on walking to school together, despite Yuji's attempts to explain his new arrangement with Yoka and his desire to avoid conflict with Ishida. Airi remains insistent, even suggesting a trio, which further frustrates Yuji. Just as the situation escalates, Yoka arrives, dramatically embracing Yuji and confronting Airi, pretending to be his girlfriend. A heated exchange ensues between Yoka and Airi, with Yoka skillfully defending Yuji and asserting their "relationship." Yuji, though initially surprised by Yoka's intensity, is grateful for her intervention. He later learns from the student council president, Takamiya Shiina, and the student council secretary, Mishiro, that Yoka is actually dating another boy named Machida, implying Yoka's actions are part of a complex deception.
The narrative concludes with Yuji continuing his daily routine, now navigating the complicated dynamics with Airi, Yoka, and his own family issues, including his strained relationship with his mother and his sister's delinquent behavior. The chapters establish Yuji's emotional turmoil, his growing disillusionment with Airi, and the introduction of new characters who will likely play significant roles in his life.
