Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru- Episode 3
Mixed Signals, Heartfelt Confessions, and a Shocking Twist!
This week’s episode of Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru was an emotional rollercoaster packed with playful teasing, unexpected revelations, and a confession that left us all reeling! Let’s dive into the highlights of Episode 3:
We pick up right where we left off—Aoshima straddling Yukino on the floor of her apartment after catching her from a fall. Just when Yukino braces herself for another unexpected kiss, Aoshima squeezes her cheeks and teases her instead, leaving her red-faced and flustered. With his signature smirk, he casually tells her he should get going, leaving Yukino both relieved and annoyed at his playful attitude.
The next day at the office, things heat up when their manager scolds Tanizaki for failing to store promotional materials properly. Yukino, always the reliable one, steps in to help, and in the process, Tanizaki spills some juicy details about Aoshima's school days and his effortless popularity with girls. Before Yukino can escape the conversation, Aoshima catches her trying to avoid him, leading to yet another awkward encounter.
Later, Tanizaki and Aoshima head out for drinks, and amidst their usual banter, Tanizaki drops a bombshell—he’s never seen Aoshima act so seriously around a girl before. This revelation catches Aoshima off guard, forcing him to confront his own feelings and wonder why Yukino is different from anyone else he’s ever teased.
Meanwhile, Yukino is at home, frustrated with how casually Aoshima acts despite their many close encounters. Why does he say he “counts on her” when it's just a fake relationship? Conflicted, she later admits to her friend that Aoshima is constantly on her mind, but she still values her peaceful single life.
Back at work, Yukino finds herself stuck delivering drinks to each department alone after Tanizaki is called away. Just when exhaustion is about to get the best of her, Aoshima appears and catches her before she collapses. In a rare display of kindness, he takes over the deliveries for her. Later, they have a quiet moment together where Aoshima insists she doesn’t always have to do everything on her own and offers his help. However, Yukino, still wary of his intentions, dismisses his words, convinced he only said it in front of Tanizaki to maintain their fake dating cover.
Aoshima later seeks advice from his "moms"—his father’s ex-wives who continue to dote on him. They’re delighted that he seems to have fallen for someone but warn him that teasing alone won’t win Yukino over.
Just when Yukino is ready to call it a day, she receives a sudden call from Aoshima, who sounds weak and sick, asking for her help. Concerned, she rushes to his place, only to discover it was all a prank. Furious and hurt, Yukino tells him, “This wasn’t a well-meaning lie at all,” tears welling in her eyes as she storms out, telling him not to call her again.
Realizing he’s crossed a line, Aoshima chases after her and apologizes sincerely, admitting he never thought his joke would upset her so much. In a heartbreaking confession, Yukino reveals that she can’t fully hate him, and that’s what hurts the most. Disappointed in herself, she insists they should finally put an end to their fake relationship.
But just when it seems like everything is falling apart, Aoshima grabs her from behind in a desperate back hug and whispers, “What if we don’t act?” With his heart on the line, he confesses that he likes her and asks if she would date him for real.
DramaZen's Opinion
Wow—what an episode! The emotional stakes have never been higher, and Aoshima’s confession was the perfect payoff after all the teasing and misunderstandings. Yukino’s inner struggle between her desire for solitude and her undeniable attraction to Aoshima felt incredibly relatable and well-paced.
Aoshima’s growth in realizing his feelings was beautifully portrayed, and the scene with his “moms” was both hilarious and touching. The prank scene added much-needed drama, pushing the story forward in a meaningful way. And that final back hug? Pure drama perfection!
