Bring tissues. And whatever you do, don’t side with Subaru or Yuito just yet. Ririka’s choice is yours to judge. Are you rooting for Subaru to open up, or do you think Ririka belongs with Yuito? Drop your theories in the comments below—just keep it civil. Remember, they’re fictional, but their pain feels very real.

If you are a fan of mature, introspective josei romance, you are likely already hooked on Soredemo Ashita mo Kareshi ga ii (Even So, I’d Rather Have a Boyfriend Tomorrow). This manga, written and illustrated by the talented Kazuki Rai , has carved a niche for itself by rejecting fairy-tale tropes in favor of gritty, psychological realism. It asks a painful question: What do you do when the “perfect” relationship feels like a slowly tightening cage?

According to the author’s recent interview in Josei Manga Lab (Vol. 7, Oct 2024), Kazuki Rai stated: “The next three chapters are about the difference between ‘being treated right’ and ‘feeling right.’ Sometimes, the healthy choice feels like poison.”

Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming chapter, including raw scans, spoilers, and a deep dive into the narrative stakes. Before dissecting Chapter 12, let’s revisit the wreckage of Chapter 11. The previous chapter focused on Ririka’s birthday. Instead of a grand romantic gesture from Subaru, she received a cold, expensive watch—a gift chosen for its brand prestige, not its emotional weight.

Chapter 11 ended with Ririka lying next to a sleeping Subaru, staring at her phone. A message from Yuito glowed on the screen: “I know I hurt you. But I still know what you need better than he does.”