That's not the way I took it. Wa-san felt bad about hurting Ayame that way, hitting her weak point about being inferior to Ibuki, but he was able to pinpoint what her issues actually were in a remarkable display of insight.

Rather than sympathizing with her, he actually insulted her more by calling her a coward who gives up before she starts because she thinks she might lose. He gives her a gift then by running off with Ibuki. He satisfies his objectives, and gives Ayame a hand in her crush.

From Ayame's standpoint, I don't think it is a matter of love no matter what. This was more an issue of her inferiority complex towards Ibuki than matters of love. She was more shocked by the fact that the confession wasn't for Ibuki, and crushed when she found out it was. Then she was surprised that he apologized for it, and gave her a little advice. I doubt she'll be falling in love with him any time soon. For how embarrassed she still gets over Yoichi, she's got a long way to fall for Wa-san instead. He basically called her out for declaring a loss before the race started. I think that her push for Yoichi's affections may finally start in earnest.


As much as Ayame is still my favorite, the best part of this episode was Sexy Catgirl Angie.