Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose Episode 12: Childhood Girlfriend

The episode opens with Sakaki declaring his childhood friends irreplaceable, a sentiment met with exaggerated shock from Akari, Shiho, Haru, and Runako. Sakaki then questions if it is 'weird' for childhood friends to become a romantic comedy, a query framed by his unsettling, wide-eyed grin. Each girl, in turn, reflects on Sakaki's character, oscillating between annoyance, shyness, arrogance, and affection, hinting at deeper, unspoken feelings for him. Their inner thoughts reveal the tangled web of emotions defining their relationships.

At the school sports festival, the announcer playfully suggests romance might blossom in the mixed-gender three-legged race. Sakaki is forced to pair with Akari after his original partner is injured, much to her initial annoyance and embarrassment. She protests their height difference and her slow running, but Sakaki insists, using the 'important childhood friend' line that both flusters and disgusts her. His wide-eyed, smug grins only amplify Akari's discomfort.

Sakaki's promise of 'anything' after the race triggers Akari's romantic fantasy, imagining a tender, almost-kiss. This daydream quickly shatters as she finds herself physically pressed against him at the starting line, lamenting her racing heart. When Sakaki reassures her, suggesting they just enjoy the race at their own pace, Akari is overcome, a surge of emotion prompting a vivid flashback to their childhood. We see them bickering and playing basketball, a dynamic where young Akari is constantly exasperated by Sakaki's competitive spirit.

Recalling their childhood, Akari suddenly gains a burst of energy, pulling Sakaki forward at an incredible speed. She shouts at him, furious that he is not challenging her, contrasting his current gentleness with his typically stubborn and arrogant nature. In a moment of raw honesty, she confesses, 'I like you just the way you are.' Their intense pace causes them to fall just before the finish line, but Akari, determined, pulls Sakaki back to his feet, and they cross together, winning the race.

After the morning events, Sakaki attempts to invite all four girls to lunch, a move met with cringes and excuses as they disperse to eat elsewhere. Left alone, Sakaki questions why his 'normal' attempts fail, lamenting his inability to act naturally around them. His inner persona, the 'Kimo Hero,' materializes, a manifestation of his 'disgusting' true desires. The 'Kimo Hero' bluntly accuses Sakaki of being 'horny' for his childhood friends and confronts him with fantastical, alluring images of the girls in animal costumes, forcing Sakaki to acknowledge his unspoken feelings.

Runako finds Sakaki alone and offers him a homemade bento, a sweet gesture that further entangles Sakaki in his internal conflict. She innocently feeds him a spring roll, a moment that sends his 'Kimo Hero' into a panicked frenzy, reminding him that Runako is a middle schooler and his 'sister.' Despite Sakaki's internal turmoil, Runako draws close, her face blushing, and begins to tell him something important.

The final event, an obstacle course, presents Sakaki with a 'borrow item' challenge. He pulls a red card revealing the item he must 'borrow' is his 'most, most, most favorite loved one.' The four girls watch, their expressions a mix of surprise and anticipation, each wondering if they will be his chosen one. Sakaki looks contemplative for a moment, then, with renewed determination, sets off to make his choice.

Sakaki first grabs Runako's hand, pulling her along, much to the shock of Akari, Shiho, and Haru. However, he does not stop there; he proceeds to pull each of the other three girls into the race, ultimately crossing the finish line with all four of his childhood friends. His 'Kimo Hero' persona looks on, seemingly satisfied with this unconventional victory. This act of pulling all of them into his arms at the finish line becomes a recurring motif, with Runako repeatedly hugging Sakaki and asking if his heart beats faster, a question that leaves him perpetually shocked and confused.