Scramble for the Lips

Trouble 23: Scramble for the Lips is the twenty-third chapter of To LOVE-Ru manga.

Summary
Rito is in a tight spot where he doesn't want to kiss Lala in front of Haruna, however, he cannot allow Ren to have Lala either.

While the group is on the train to the city, the turns cause Haruna to fall into Rito, who catches her. Ren uses this as an idea to kiss Lala, however Rito falls in the way and the two headbutt each other. This causes Rito and Ren to get in a fight with each other.

Next, at the cafe "Kuro Neko", Lala wants to sing karaoke with Rito. Lala then sings a song from one of Rito's CD's, much to his surprise. Rito then tries to kiss Lala during the song, but cannot do it losing his chance. Ren tries to sing a song with Lala by breaking a microphone so there is only one and they should stay closer. But Lala doesn't know any other songs, so she cannot. Rito then tries to follow Lala before she goes to the bathroom wihile Mio and Risa comment on boys' attempts and Haruna is confused.

Rito grabs Lala, and looks at her trying to pull himself to kiss her while the girls are peeking. However, after see Haruna, Rito stop because he cannot kiss Lala while he has such mixed emotions. Ren then runs in, trying to win the competition, but then trips and accidentally end up kissing Rito. Lala then believes this is Rito and Ren proving what good friends they have become. Risa and Mio declare a draw.

Trivia

 * The name of the cafè "Kuro Neko" is a reference to Black Cat.