This episode is TENSE, with emotions running high. After seeing our protagonists progress so much, we now witness them at their lowest point. Ikuto still has the most screen time to reveal his inner world, but his struggles and suffering are so compelling that Chiyuki's limited appearances are hardly a problem. The stakes are high, the issues truly serious, which is why the emotional highs and lows are felt so intensely. The resolutions also feel satisfying and represent a natural progression in light of the efforts our protagonists have made.