EPISODE CONTEXT

Episode 4 dug into the more mature, emotionally honest side of Narumi and Hirotaka's relationship, so this fifth episode pivots to something lighter by introducing Naoya Nifuji and broadening the ensemble cast at the season's halfway mark. It functions as a soft reset that expands the show's social world beyond the core couples, setting up new interpersonal dynamics that will carry through the back half of the season. The group meetup framing provides a natural launchpad for future storylines involving Naoya's role within the friend circle.