Episode 8 of "Glass Heart" kicks off with a nostalgic flashback to five years prior. Sho, engaged in a phone conversation, passionately declares his reluctance to be tethered to a single band for eternity. His gaze then falls upon Naoki, mesmerizingly playing the keyboard alongside a street musician. Enthralled by Naoki's melodies, Sho eagerly invites him to form a band, only to be politely declined by Naoki.
Flash forward to the present, where the band finds itself ensconced in a recording studio once more. Sho is in the booth, meticulously laying down his tracks, while Naoki, haven't eaten in hours, stands by, demanding perfection, forcing Sho to repeat take after take. Naoki, on the brink of exhaustion, urges Sho to immerse himself so deeply in his composition that he dares to break it apart if necessary. Sho musters one final attempt, and this time, Naoki gives his seal of approval. Grateful yet concerned, Sho whisks Naoki away for sustenance and hydration.
Elsewhere, a confrontation brews between Naoki and Isagi. Isagi pleads with Naoki to reconsider his decision to skip the tour, longing to create music with him once more. Naoki, firm in his conviction, cites their musical differences and refuses to collaborate.
Meanwhile, Akane approaches Kazushi, intent on addressing their recent encounter. Before she can utter a word, Kazushi cuts her off, leaning in for a kiss until Naoki abruptly interrupts, emerging from a mountain of coats. Naoki, having conceived a new melody in his sleep, is eager to record it immediately. Just then, Sho bursts into the room, anger and affection warring within him as he confronts Naoki before enveloping him in a hug. With a heart-wrenching declaration that he will no longer perform with Tenblank, Sho storms out.
Naoki remains silent, prompting Akane and Kazushi to seek Sho out. Shoconfides in them, revealing Isagi's heart-stopping revelation: Naoki battles a brain tumor, an aftermath of being struck by lightning. Overexertion could prove fatal.
Three years hence, Isagi announces the revival of the music festival, vowing to make it his lasting legacy. He informs Yukino that Tenblank and Naoki's partnership has come to an end. The scene is set for an emotional journey intertwined with music, resilience, and the delicate dance of life and death.
Kazushi discovers Akane in a pool of tears, overwhelmed by the unfolding circumstances, and endeavors to provide her with whatever solace he can muster. He reflects on Tenblank as the unwavering cornerstone in their lives, a sentiment that brings a poignant clarity to their present turmoil.
A vivid flashback transports us two years back, where a man is seen persuasion Sho to embark on a musical journey with him, forming a band. Just as the conversation reaches a crescendo, Naoki bursts into the scene, passionately urging Sho to start a band with him instead. Puzzled, Sho inquires about the sudden change of heart. Naoki, baring his soul, admits that collaboration has always eluded him, but he is determined not to let past failures define his future. Sho, who alone had extended an invitation, became his beacon of hope for a fresh start.
In the present, Sho confines Naoki almost like a prisoner within the confines of their room, separated by the cold wall that serves as a silent witness to their shared history. Sho's thoughts drift back to the fateful day when their musical odyssey began, a memory tinged with bittersweet nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Akane returns to the serene shrine from a previous encounter, her heart heavy with concern. She offers a fervent prayer for Naoki's survival, her faith unwavering. Amidst the quiet sanctity, her eyes catch sight of Naoki's distinctive handwriting etched on one of the wooden tablets. One side bears the musical notations of a nascent melody, while the other side is inscribed with heartfelt gratitude to the divine for guiding him to Tenblank.
Driven by an insistent need to reach out, Akane makes her way back to Naoki's house. With determination, she scales the wall and gains entry into his room, where she finds him engrossed in scribbling on the walls, his artistry a poignant reflection of his inner turmoil. Akane, her voice imbued with empathy, acknowledges his profound connection to music, asserting that life without it is unimaginable for him. She urges him to embrace all the sounds she can offer, her words a tender invitation to rekindle his creative spirit.
With unwavering resolve, Akane orchestrates an impromptu escape, breaking him free from the confines of his room and whisking him away on her motorcycle, the wind in their hair symbolizing a new beginning against the backdrop of an uncertain future.
