Now homeless, Chihiro ends up crashing at Kate’s place. One day, he sees Kate giving cash to a flashy woman in a nightlife district. A drinking buddy, Kaji, explains that the woman is Kate’s mother—but there may be more to the story…

For his birthday, Chihiro is allowed to use Kate—now revealed as Haoren’s—computer freely. On social media, he’s contacted by his married ex, Shunichi. Though confused, Chihiro eventually agrees to meet him, still holding on to unresolved feelings.

Haoren recalls happy childhood memories with his mother. But those days were shattered when she suddenly abandoned him. After losing his sense of belonging, Haoren is introduced by Kaji to Maya, under whom he begins working…

While out dining with Kaji, Haoren suddenly declares that he’s dating Chihiro—leaving everyone stunned. Later, Chihiro confronts Haoren about the statement’s sincerity. The two finally open up to each other and officially become a couple.

Chihiro is shocked when Maya—Haoren’s former employer—follows him to work. Overwhelmed by Maya’s intense demeanor, he agrees to get in her car. She begins revealing Haoren’s dark past working at her SM club, and though Chihiro listens at first, things soon escalate…

Chihiro, disowned by his family and with nowhere to go, meets a man—his ideal type—named Kate at his regular bar and falls in love at first sight. The two head to a hotel, and things seem to be going well… until Kate violently assaults him with a vibrator mid-embrace.

After witnessing his mother’s death, Haoren becomes a recluse, refusing to eat or talk. Chihiro’s attempts to reach him are met with silence. Desperate, Chihiro asks Kaji to help him find a job, hoping a change of pace will help Haoren recover.

After learning that Maya severely injured Chihiro, Haoren attempts to kill her in a rage. But before finishing the act, he flees the scene. At home, pale and shaken, he tells Chihiro everything. Chihiro proposes they run away together.