The Guy She Was Interested In Vol. 3: 5 Shocking Developments That Change Everything For Aya And Mitsuki
The highly-anticipated third volume of Sumiko Arai's hit manga, *The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All*, is finally on the horizon, promising to deepen the emotional stakes for its central couple. As of today, December 22, 2025, fans are counting down the hours until the official English release, which will deliver a pivotal chapter in the relationship between the fashionable gyaru, Aya Osawa, and the mysterious, music-loving clerk, Mitsuki Toga.
Volume 3 shifts the focus from the initial crush and mistaken identity to the complexities of self-discovery and pursuing one’s dreams, all while navigating the delicate dance of a budding yuri romance. This installment, published in English by Yen Press, is set to be a breakthrough volume that moves beyond the initial comedic premise and into a more serious, heartfelt exploration of identity and passion.
The Guy She Was Interested In: Character and Creator Profiles
To fully appreciate the developments in Volume 3, it is essential to understand the journey of the main entities who drive this beloved story, which won Best Web Manga at the 2023 Next Manga Awards.
- Title: The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All (Japanese: Watashi ga Oshi Oteiru Kare wa, Otoko ja Nai)
- Author & Illustrator: Sumiko Arai
- English Publisher: Yen Press
- Japanese Publisher: KADOKAWA
- English Release Date (Vol. 3): December 23, 2025
- Japanese Release Date (Vol. 3): February 20, 2025
- Genre/Themes: Romance, Comedy, LGBTQ+, Yuri, Slice of Life, Music, Identity
- Main Character: Aya Osawa
- Role: High school student with a vibrant, gyaru-inspired fashion sense.
- Personality: Upbeat, fashionable, and head-over-heels in love with the "guy" at the record store.
- Conflict: Her crush is actually her quiet, reserved classmate, Mitsuki Toga, who is trying to keep her music-store persona a secret.
- Main Character: Mitsuki Toga
- Role: The mysterious record store clerk who Aya believes is a "cool older guy."
- Personality: Reserved, often wears a hoodie and face mask while working at her uncle's CD shop to avoid being recognized [cite: 12 (from first step)].
- Conflict: She struggles with her identity and the courage to pursue her passion for music openly.
5 Pivotal Moments in Volume 3 That Define Their Future
Volume 3 marks a significant turning point, moving the narrative from the initial comedic misunderstandings to a mature exploration of the characters' individual lives and their connection. The central theme revolves around Mitsuki finding the confidence to be her true self, a journey heavily influenced by Aya's unwavering support [cite: 1, 9 (from first step)].
1. Mitsuki’s Earnest Pursuit of Music
The most crucial plot development in Volume 3 is Mitsuki Toga’s decision to seriously pursue her passion for music [cite: 1, 9 (from first step)]. Previously, her work at the record store was a private escape, a place where she could express herself through her love of the DGC beat and various music genres without the scrutiny of her school life. The encouragement she receives, primarily from Aya, pushes her out of her comfort zone. This shift is not just about a hobby; it is a profound step in embracing her identity, which is one of the manga's core themes. The volume explores the practical steps and emotional hurdles of a young artist trying to make their mark.
2. The Transformative Music Festival Experience
A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the music festival that Aya and Mitsuki attend together [cite: 1, 6 (from first step)]. This setting serves as a powerful catalyst for Mitsuki’s development. Surrounded by live music, creative energy, and a crowd celebrating self-expression, Mitsuki finds the inspiration she needs. This shared experience is vital for their relationship, moving them past simple infatuation and into a deeper, shared understanding of each other’s worlds. The festival becomes a symbol of the freedom and authenticity that Mitsuki is striving for.
3. The Deepening of the Yuri Romance and Relationship Dynamics
While the first two volumes established the "girl crush" and the revelation of Mitsuki's true gender, Volume 3 focuses on the development of their genuine romantic bond. The narrative explores how their personalities—Aya’s bold, outgoing nature and Mitsuki’s quiet, artistic soul—complement each other. Aya’s role shifts from a starry-eyed admirer to a devoted supporter and muse. This volume solidifies the manga's standing as a heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance, focusing on mutual support and emotional intimacy rather than just the initial confusion [cite: 9 (from second step)]. The translators, Ajani Oloye and Brandon Bovia, play a key role in bringing the nuances of their dialogue to English-speaking audiences [cite: 11 (from first step)].
4. Confronting Societal Norms and Self-Acceptance
The manga has always touched on the theme of identity and societal norms, particularly through the contrast between Aya, the confident gyaru, and Mitsuki, who hides behind a mask and 'guy' persona at work. Volume 3 intensifies this theme as Mitsuki begins to step into the public eye with her music. This forces her to confront her anxieties about being seen and judged. The narrative beautifully explores the pressure of high school life versus the freedom of the music scene, highlighting how a supportive relationship can empower someone to shed their inhibitions and embrace their true self, regardless of social expectations.
5. The Introduction of New Entities and Challenges
As Mitsuki ventures further into the music world, Volume 3 introduces new entities and supporting characters who will inevitably complicate or enrich their lives. These new figures—perhaps rival musicians, industry contacts, or new friends who understand the music scene—will test the foundation of Aya and Mitsuki’s relationship. Will the pressures of a burgeoning music career put a strain on their delicate romance? Will the new characters challenge the way they see themselves and each other? This infusion of fresh perspectives ensures the story remains dynamic and avoids the stagnation that can sometimes affect slice-of-life manga.
Why Volume 3 is a Must-Read for New and Existing Fans
Sumiko Arai’s unique art style, which is both bold and soft, perfectly captures the emotional intensity and gentle humor of the story. *The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All* has been praised for its fresh blend of romance and music, moving beyond familiar tropes to deliver a truly unique and relatable story [cite: 5 (from second step)].
Volume 3 is the culmination of the emotional groundwork laid in the previous installments. It’s where the "will-they-won't-they" tension fully blossoms into a committed partnership, focusing on shared dreams and individual growth. For readers who appreciate deep dives into character identity, music culture (record store, CD shop), and authentic LGBTQ+ representation, this volume is an essential addition to their collection. Mark your calendars for December 23, 2025, to witness Aya and Mitsuki's biggest emotional leap yet.
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