Seeing as Chika is the last remaining losing heroine to lose, I kind of figured Episode 3 would center around her. She definitely has the lion’s share of attention compared to Anna and Lemon though, I do find this episode to be more balanced between the three heroines than I expected.
Episode 3 kicks off with Koto announcing that the literature club will be holding a training camp over the weekend, where everyone is expected to write web novels, in order to get the student council to get off their backs regarding club activities. The funny thing about this plot is that it doesn’t really pan out. About the only one who does any writing during the camp is Chika. For the most part, the trip is your obligatory training camp and beach episode. Funny how Lemon tags along. I know she joined the club last episode but it would not have surprised me if no one forces her to participate. In fact, the club has slapped a picture of her on a standee in case she’s absent. Even funnier is Anna joining the club, simply so that she can tag along for the training club and avoid a barbecue gathering between her and Sōsuke’s families. I swear, the show is at its funniest whenever Anna is around.
As a quick aside, I’m really liking all the random scenes with Kauzhiko’s younger sister Kaju (Minami Tanaka). I don’t think Kaju is important to the plot but the running gag that she’s hoping that Kazuhiko has made friends with someone and is barely convinced when he actually does is very funny. It’s a genuine concern that’s hilariously executed in a horribly blunt manner. I’m very curious what will happen when Kaju finally sees her brother with one of the losing heroines. The part where Kaju and one of the local shopkeepers discuss Kazuhiko having friends is funny enough but I think the better joke might be the implication that Kaju later gives free food to the club offscreen. It’s probably coincidence but I like to think that Kaju is trying to help her brother out in some weird way.
The beach part of this episode is about as you’d expect; some goofy antics here and some fanservice there. The latter is more excusable here because, well, the gang is at the beach. I’m kind of surprised at how much of pervert Shintarō is. That’s kind of at odds with the reliable senpai image that Chika has of him. Koto constantly bonking him for being horny is pretty entertaining, however.
There is actually a more dramatic moment partway through the beach section. While heading out to buy food for the club, Kazuhiko asks Lemon how she’s doing after Mitsuki friendzoned her. How kind of Kazuhiko to check up on Lemon. Understandably, Lemon is still disappointed but she appears to be coming to terms with the fact that Mitsuki doesn’t see her in a romantic light. I was a little worried that she might be comically upset like Anna is about Sōsuke. It could be funny but it would also be repetitive. It’s refreshing and relieving then that Lemon is a bit calmer and more mature about her situation. At the end of the scene, Lemon tries to get Kazuhiko to run with her and when that fails, Kazuhiko fails notice that Lemon wants him to spoil her by helping her up. I find Lemon’s reaction pretty interesting. She’s annoyed with Kazuhiko but she seems to also appreciate how straightforward he is. I still think Anna has the best chemistry with Kazuhiko but this scene does a good job encouraging a potential romance between Kazuhiko and Lemon. I really enjoyed back and forth between them in this scene.
At the end of the episode, everyone plays around with some sparklers. Chika accidentally brings one too close to her face but fortunately, Shintarō saves her in the nick of time. Touched by how much the club president cares about her, Chika musters the courage to confess her feelings to him. Well gee, I wonder what will happen next? I mean come on, it’s in the title of the show. I think we can safely assume what the end result will be. That said, the episode cutting to the credits right when Chika confesses suggests that things might be a little more nuanced than that. At the very least, it’s a good way to make me think so. To be frank, I think Chika’s timing is very questionable. I get that she’s swept in the moment but I don’t know if it’s a good idea for her to confess with everyone else around. That puts a lot of unwelcomed pressure on Shintarō and it could create a lot of embarrassment for Chika if things don’t go as she hopes.
Watch Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! on Crunchyroll
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