As Kakeru turns his attention to Rie, the dedicated tennis player who feels forsaken by those around her, he senses her quiet despair. Their chance meetings on the school grounds lead to heartfelt talks where she opens up about her struggles in the sport and beyond. Through these exchanges, a tender connection forms, offering her solace and drawing him closer in ways he hadn't anticipated. The episode explores the delicate beginnings of their relationship amid the pressures of high school life.
