New Game! Episode 2: So This is an Adult Drinking Party...

Alone in his room, Natsuki receives an unexpected call from Miori, who immediately stakes her claim on Reita. He sees an opportunity in her forwardness, bargaining for her help with his fashion sense in exchange for information. Miori agrees, laying the groundwork for a calculated, if slightly amusing, alliance. She promises to transform him into a 'normie,' and he accepts the high stakes of his new social life.

The group gathers at the station, Natsuki feeling a comfort he never experienced in his previous life. He has worn the outfit Miori helped him choose, and Hikari surprises him by complimenting his style. Her genuine approval, despite his nervous self-deprecation, brings a quiet joy. He feels a sense of gratitude towards Miori, whose practical help has yielded an unexpected positive social outcome.

At the sprawling 'Round 1' complex, Uta buzzes with energy, while Tatsuya calms the group, suggesting table tennis. Natsuki finds himself partnered with Hikari, whose claims of being 'decent' at the sport are quickly revealed as a dramatic overstatement. She swings wildly, misses often, yet her earnest attempts charm Natsuki. He is content just to rally the ball for her, observing the easy camaraderie of his new friends.

Tatsuya, ever competitive, challenges Reita to a serious table tennis match, a rivalry years in the making. The air shifts as their play elevates, revealing a higher level of skill from both boys. Reita maintains his composure, his precise returns countering Tatsuya's aggressive smashes. Ultimately, Reita prevails, leaving Tatsuya frustrated but acknowledging the loss, a scene of boys pushing each other to excel.

Cooling off with drinks, the conversation shifts to part-time jobs, a practical concern for high school students. Natsuki mentions his interest, prompting Yui to reveal her own employment at a café called 'Mares.' Her friends express surprise at this hidden detail of her life. Yui then extends an invitation to Natsuki, offering a potential avenue for his own financial independence and further social connection.

At the drink bar, Reita pulls Natsuki aside, his words cutting directly to Natsuki's lingering discomfort around Tatsuya. Natsuki is struck by Reita's insight, admitting his struggles while deflecting blame from Tatsuya. Reita offers simple, profound advice: Tatsuya is not as complex as Natsuki imagines. He emphasizes their friendship, offering a steady support that deeply moves Natsuki.

On the basketball court, Natsuki hesitates, old memories of his athletic inadequacy resurfacing. Reita encourages him, tossing him a ball, while Tatsuya calls for him to join. As Natsuki dribbles, he feels a surprising lightness, a coordination absent in his previous life. He takes a free throw, a casual act, and the ball swishes perfectly through the net. He realizes his past, lonely practice combined with his new body has granted him an unexpected skill.

Natsuki's flawless shot ignites Tatsuya's competitive fire, prompting a challenge: a 1-on-1 match to three points. Natsuki accepts, shedding his outer shirt, a physical declaration of his commitment. He remembers Tatsuya as an 'untouchable ace' from his past, but this time, he chooses not to be held back by that memory. To be a true friend, he decides, he must meet Tatsuya as an equal.

The game begins with Tatsuya's characteristic speed and feints. Yet, Natsuki holds a secret advantage: three years of observing Tatsuya's every move in his previous life. He anticipates Tatsuya's left feint into a right drive, intercepting the ball with uncanny precision. Tatsuya is momentarily stunned, and Natsuki capitalizes, scoring an easy layup. He realizes this younger Tatsuya, though skilled, has exploitable openings that the 'ace' of his memory did not.

In the game's final moments, a flashback reminds Natsuki of Tatsuya standing up for him against bullies in his past life. He understands his fear was never of Tatsuya himself, but his own perceived inferiority. With this clarity, Natsuki executes a difficult fadeaway jump shot, scoring the winning point. His friends cheer, and Tatsuya lies exhausted but genuinely impressed, inviting Natsuki to join the team. Natsuki smiles, finally feeling a profound sense of belonging.

The episode closes with a quiet shot of 'Mares,' the café where Yui works. Its calm exterior contrasts sharply with the energetic sports complex. This lingering image serves as a gentle foreshadowing. It hints at Natsuki's potential future endeavors and further interactions with Yui, suggesting the next chapter in his blossoming high school life.