Awkward

Awkward (ブキヨウ, Bukiyou) is the one hundredth and ninth chapter of the Nisekoi series written and illustrated by Naoshi Komi, and published weekly in the magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump.

Summary
Haru asks Raku whether he is her "prince", to which the latter expresses shock at. He then hastily denies it, stating that the "prince" is only a good friend of his. Raku also says that the "prince" is somewhere abroad, which makes Haru comment that is is very awkward. She then asks him why he did not compliment her yukata, to which he replies that she got mad the last time he complimented her. Haru has a flashback of the time when she was in the bath with Kosaki, where Kosaki told her that Raku isn't a bad person, and that he's selfless and brave. Haru finally sees what she meant, and thinks that Kosaki was right.

Just then, the fireworks go off, with the first one in the shape of a large love heart. Whilst Raku comments about the fireworks, Haru realises that Raku really is her prince and notices her feelings for him. When Raku asks her what the matter was, she smiles, and says it's nothing. She takes him by the hand and leads him to many festival stalls. While enjoying themselves, they find the others and reunite with them. Kosaki and Suzu run to Haru, whilst Raku explains to Chitoge about what had happened. They then continue to have fun at the festival, with their last activity being sparklers. Haru looks at hers, and thinks of it as a symbol of her discovered love.

Back at the Onodera household, where Haru and Kosaki are taking a bath, Kosaki talks about the fireworks and how she was worried about Haru, but was relieved that she was with Raku. Haru apologises for not being able to let her watch them with Raku, where Kosaki says it's fine. Haru then asks about Raku's pendant, which Kosaki replies that it is very important to him. As Haru gets out of the bath, she asks Kosaki again whether she likes Raku or not, to which she answers by blushing and quietly saying she does, although her indirect confession is muffled.

After changing into her clothes, Haru thinks that she probably does like Raku, but she likes Kosaki just as much. She assures herself that she will be able to give up on her feelings if Kosaki and Raku get together, but silently cries to herself.

The next day, when Raku arrives as the Onodera Japanese Sweets Confections' first customer, Kosaki welcomes him happily as Haru slams the door closed on him. While Raku yells at her to open up, she realises that even though she decided to give up on Raku, she still has lingering feelings for him. On the other side of the door, Raku wonders why Haru isn't letting him in, stating that they got a bit closer together yesterday and that he didn't understand girls at all.

Character Revelations

 * Haru realises that Raku is her "prince".
 * Haru notices her feelings for Raku.
 * Haru gives up on Raku and decides to get Kosaki and Raku together instead, although she is pained to do it.

Trivia

 * Haru knows something about Raku's pendant, but does not say anything about it.
 * Haru looks at her sparkler and smiles, hinting that she is most likely thinking about her discovered love.
 * After Haru realises her feelings for Raku, she is unable to speak to him normally.