That's exactly how it was! When Chika breaks up with Hotaka, he says that this was his plan from the beginning. Hotaka also knew this; that's why he refused to get too caught up in the relationship. Chika's feelings were real, but he never planned on it being long term. I actually really like how this story ended (unlike most of the comments on here). Hotaka always had stronger feelings for Masato than for Chika. He was a lot more at ease with Masato, and he expressed his emotions to Masato. Of course, Hotaka was hurt by the ending with Chika. Most people would at least have their pride hurt in that situation. Besides, it wasn't like he never felt anything for Chika. They had been close friends forever. The mangaka just managed to show Hotaka's feelings for Masato in a much more subtle way. I think the ending was perfect. I liked Masato and Hotaka as a couple much more than Hotaka and Chika.
i don't know if i read into it too much or what, but somewho i feel like chika only wanted a memory, that why he dated him, and did that openly to Encourag masato, to take over when he break it up. -that goes with wanting to have a room on mc mind and memory-
chika has an obligation to his family, so he thought it woun't succeed with a man, but bc he can't kill his feeling just like this, he did all this.
and it mybe he is just a selfish bastard..
to me this manga isn't that enjoyable, but it make think about a lot of things, so i don't hate it.