"That's why honestly... I never wanted something genuine"

This single line from the latest episode, holds so much weight to me. It's truly incredible. So I wanna talk about it a little bit and share my own interpretation of it.

In order to explain why I love this line so much, I first have to go back to the infamous S2 finale. Personally, it was always my interpretation based on the ending scene, that Yui did value the service club's current dynamic as a group, but she also wanted to get with Hachiman.

This creates a clear problem as these are conflicting desires. How could they all remain friends and preserve their status quo if Yui and Hachiman started dating? It is impossible for these desires to coexist, as Yukino would have to abandon her feelings for Hachiman.

And the way I always saw it, is that Yui actually attempted to make this happen. She was making her feelings to Hachiman known, and even discouraged Yukino from doing the same thing, as you can see when Yukino shakes her head after reaching towards her purse.

Furthermore, Yui is aware that if the each member of the club were to be upfront with their feelings, the status quo between them would break for one reason or another. It's just impossible for them to go back if they did that, because their present state isn't genuine.

This is why she is trying to act before that happens. If it's going to crumble sooner or later, she may as well try to steer it in the direction she wants. And this is where she brings up the service club competition that Hiratsuka has, in an attempt to act on her desires.

Yui takes advantage of this competition and states that she knows the answer to Yukino's problem, which will in turn be the answer for the group. Is it an answer? Yes. Technically it is. But it's fucked up, and it's not the right one.

If Yukino were to give up on Hachiman, she wouldn't be following his shadow like she had been doing for all this time. So by Yui's logically sound but tragic definition, Yukino's problem would be answered. Yukino would become more independent and wouldn't invade on Yui's romance.

What's important to consider from this point on when trying to decipher Yui's intentions, is the fact that she knew, or at least believed that Hachiman would intervene. She knew beforehand that he wouldn't let Yui go through with this. So why did she try to do it anyways?

Was she genuinely trying to help Yukino confront her inability to act on her own, knowing Hachiman wouldn't let Yui take advantage of Yukino's fatal flaw? Or was it just a last attempt because it was what she wanted, and she figured any chance is better than nothing at all?

Interestingly enough, I feel like the words stated by Yukino in this latest episode of S3, can be applied to the situation at the end of S2. I believe Yui had little faith in her chances of success, but still wanted to try so she wouldn't leave behind any regrets.

And now, with the ending scene to today's episode, I finally have what feels like confirmation to me. Yui was acting out of selfishness back then. She was never interested in something genuine, she DOES care about Yukino, but she wants to be with Hachiman more.

This means the "answer" she had for the service club back then was not genuine. The answer she had for Yukino, was also not genuine. I can no longer believe that her knowing Hachiman would intervene was part of her plan to help Yukino. She was genuinely just acting for herself.

What makes this even more heart wrenching for me, is I can't find it in myself to be upset at Yui's actions. As a matter of fact, I feel sorry for her... She knew she wouldn't be successful, she knew that Hachiman and Yukino had a place together that she could never be apart of.

I also really loved the word choice of the previous screenshots, as it made me think of this moment. Although of course a better reference point would be everytime she goes to the service club room and Hachiman and Yukino are already there.

That's pretty much all I got, just wanted to say once again that these are just my personal interpretations.. There are still 10 more episodes that could potentially prove me wrong on stuff I said here, this is just how I feel as of now. I hope they can get through this together.