EPISODE CONTEXT

Coming off Episode 21's friction over Nagi and Erika's living arrangement becoming known, Episode 22 uses the beach retreat as a cooldown period that lets the core cast process their feelings in a more relaxed environment. Positioned as the third-to-last episode, it functions as the emotional setup before the season's final stretch, which is expected to pivot toward heavier revelations surrounding Erika's family history and the search for her missing brother. This is the last real breathing room the show gives its characters before endgame developments kick in.