Chapters 3 through 12 of the light novel introduce the protagonist, Arata Orimura, and his childhood friend, Kurusu Amagi, who is a popular high school student and model known as "Ouji" (Prince). Arata acts as Amagi's unofficial attendant, managing her schedule, preparing meals, and assisting with her daily life for a substantial salary. Amagi, despite her cool and aloof demeanor, relies heavily on Arata, appreciating his understanding and care.
A significant turning point occurs when Arata reveals his father is remarrying. He introduces Amagi to his soon-to-be stepsister, Yoina, a five-year-old girl he finds incredibly endearing. Amagi reacts with uncharacteristic jealousy and anger, becoming visibly upset by Arata's praise for Yoina's cuteness and the fact that Yoina confessed her feelings to him. This emotional outburst leads to an accident where Amagi spills her drink, drenching herself and the car's interior.
Later, Amagi's manager, Botan Izumi, expresses concern about Amagi's mood, which Arata attributes to the conversation about Yoina. Izumi hints that Amagi's pride is easily wounded and that her actions could jeopardize the agency. Amagi, still fixated on Arata's newfound affection for Yoina, decides she must act. She invites Arata to her apartment, intending to use aphrodisiacs to make him hers. However, she accidentally consumes the entire dose herself, leading to a flushed and flustered state.
Arata, misinterpreting Amagi's condition as a serious illness, becomes determined to stay by her side, recalling how she supported him during his difficult childhood. He rejects her plea to leave, vowing to spend her remaining time with her. This declaration, however, is interrupted by the sudden appearance of Amagi's stalker, who has broken into her apartment. Arata, enraged by the threat to Amagi, quickly subdues the stalker, revealing that Amagi is not terminally ill but that he had misunderstood her earlier behavior.
The incident makes Arata a minor celebrity, drawing unwanted attention from his female classmates. Amagi, meanwhile, is frustrated by Arata's obliviousness to her romantic feelings and his continued lack of romantic interest in her, despite her efforts. She resolves to make him see her as more than a friend.
The narrative then shifts to a luxurious hot spring trip planned by Amagi as a thank-you to Arata. Amagi, still determined to make Arata see her romantically, attempts to create opportunities for intimacy, including sharing a room and bathing together in the outdoor hot spring. Despite her efforts and revealing swimwear, Arata remains largely unfazed, attributing his lack of reaction to their long-standing friendship and his desire not to make her uncomfortable. He is more concerned with her well-being and ensuring she feels safe. Amagi, however, is increasingly frustrated by his platonic view of their relationship and her inability to elicit a romantic response. The chapters conclude with Amagi realizing she forgot to pack clean underwear, adding another layer of complication to her romantic aspirations.
