In the fifth episode of "Half Man," Ruben's desire to speak with Niall in private sets the stage for a flashback that illustrates Niall's transformation with Ruben's financial assistance. While the narrative weaves a tapestry of good times, it's not without its dark strands. Niall's world comes crashing down when he learns that Ava, the girl he's been seeing for a year, is pregnant. This news arrives amidst the tumult of his new semi-autobiographical book coming to a close, adding to his already overwhelming stress. What's more, he's borrowed 30k from both Ruben and Ava's father, with Ruben now demanding his money back immediately.
Niall vents to his mother, Lori, about how calling in the debt is Ruben's revenge for his imprisonment. However, Lori doesn't share his sentiment and encourages him to speak with Ruben directly. The conversation doesn't start off well—Ruben is upset that Mona, under Benji's influence, wants to teach dance classes. He's possessive and doesn't comprehend why Mona desires to work independently. As for the debt, he insists that Niall pay him in installments and also work as his house cleaner. Niall feels humiliated, and Mona feels sorry for him. They discuss how Ruben has changed and how Mona's dance has evolved. Encouraged by Niall's praise, Mona embarks on her classes. This action enrages Ruben, who threatens Niall into stalking Mona.
Niall joins her class and, afterward, witnesses her pushing Benji away from a hug. The tension between these characters and their evolving relationships is palpable, painting a vivid picture of the complexities of friendship, debt, and the push-and-pull of human emotions.
Niall, being curious and mischievous, managed to get Mona inebriated. In a moment of vulnerability, they shared their personal struggles, with Niall expressing his reluctance to have a child so soon. Mona, in turn, revealed Ruben's insecurities, stemming from his infertility. He had hoped to break the cycle of abuse and be a loving father to their child. Niall, feeling a sense of superiority over Ruben, decided to have the child. As usual, Lori saw through his motives and questioned his readiness to become a parent. She was right; he was constantly in a daze and became annoyed during prenatal classes when the instructor kept calling him out.
Meanwhile, Ruben was relentless in his pursuit of Niall, accusing him of stalking Mona. To distract him, Niall revealed Ava's pregnancy. Ruben was torn between being happy about becoming an uncle and feeling jealous that Niall was fertile. The situation escalated into a violent altercation between the two men.
One day, as Ruben was preparing to leave for Aberdeen, Mona convinced Niall to stop cleaning and focus on his book. She even let him wear Ruben's robe and use his study. They shared a romantic moment as Niall described her character passionately. However, when he returned home, he found Ruben demanding money before he left for Aberdeen. Niall wondered if this was some kind of punishment since he couldn't have kids himself. Ruben was furious that Mona had revealed his secret.
Niall followed Ruben as he trashed his house and tried to kick Mona out. A neighbor called the police, but Niall managed to convince Ruben to stop. The tension between the three characters continued to escalate, leaving the situation fraught with uncertainty and emotional turmoil.
After Ruben storms off in a rage, Niall, consumed by guilt, lies to Mona, claiming that Ruben had forced the secret from him. While cleaning up the mess, Mona impulsively kisses Niall. Initially, he stops her, but his resolve weakens, and they end up engaging in a sexual tryst.
Niall returns home to Ava, demanding answers. He reveals that the money was for conversion therapy, a painful reminder of his past struggles with his sexuality. Ava, aware of his queer past, accepts him and encourages him to take things step by step. Her first suggestion is to keep their hook-up with Mona a secret. However, Niall becomes increasingly frustrated at her calmness and eventually reveals that Ruben has pushed her away, leading her into the arms of Benji.
Niall's self-righteous rant is quickly dismissed by Ava, who sees through his true motive - his anger that he wasn't the only one to cuckold Ruben. His anger escalates during prenatal classes, and Ava tries to hold him accountable. Instead, he directs his rage at Mona, trying to contact Ruben about her affair with Benji.
He travels to Aberdeen only to learn that Ruben was fired a year ago and has been struggling to find a job. He wanted the money back because he likes being the provider and feels humiliated and infertile. Despite everything, Ruben insists that Mona is worth it and trusts Niall to keep his secret, unlike Mona.
The guilt weighs heavily on Niall, and he ends up sleeping with a male prostitute. He doesn't hide it from Ava, and she is upset. Hearing Niall's voicemail about Benji, Ruben asks him to elaborate. Initially, Niall tries to lie but ultimately throws Benji under the bus when Ruben mentions that someone used his robe to protect themselves. Furious, Ruben rushes off. Niall panics and rushes to Benji's home too late to prevent the tragic event - Ruben has bashed Benji's head in.
At present, Ruben locks them in the wedding barn.
