Model Gigi Hadid returns to narrate the captivating tale of Paxton's life in Episode 7 of Never Have I Ever's Season 4, kicking off with her vivid description of Paxton reliving his high school days as a teacher. Paxton exudes an aura of coolness, making him the envy of every student and a staple at every school party.
During a teachers' meeting, Professor Lindsay Thompson puts forth a proposition for a potluck, hoping for volunteers among the faculty. However, aside from Professor Shapiro, none of the teachers display any enthusiasm for the event. Paxton cleverly dodges the bullet by claiming he had prior engagements on the potluck day. Meanwhile, the coach taps Paxton to oversee the swim team tryouts for the year, where Eric, a four-time hopeful from the robotics team, tries out again despite his lack of swimming skills.
Paxton can't help but notice Eric's persistent attempts to join the team despite his obvious limitations. Eric is crestfallen when he doesn't make the cut, but Paxton, trying to be constructive, suggests he needs serious training. Eric misinterprets this as an invitation and eagerly seeks Paxton's coaching. Despite his initial hesitation, Paxton agrees to train Eric, who won't take no for an answer.
Devi reflects on her day's accomplishments, harboring hopes of following in Paxton's footsteps by gaining admission to Princeton. Paxton is momentarily taken aback by her comment but is quickly diverted by Trent's invitation to hang out in the evening.
Agreeing to a small gathering with some swim club members at his house, Paxton's plans take a detour when Eric whisks him away for a coaching session. As Paxton offers Eric a few pointers to improve his swimming, he's surprised by Eric's unwavering determination. The small gathering balloons into a rowdy bash, overwhelming Paxton, who's also bombarded with constant reminder emails from his college at ASU, adding to his guilt about neglecting his studies.
Devi arrives at the party and senses Paxton's discomfort. He confesses to her that hosting a party with teenagers feels wrong since he's a teacher now. Devi tries to reassure him, confident that no one would snitch. Just then, Lindsay arrives at the party, summoned by a distressed student.
Shocked to discover that Paxton is the host of a party with alcohol in the presence of high schoolers, Lindsay confronts him the following week at school. She firmly reminds him that he's an adult now and must behave responsibly and maturely as a teacher.
Paxton arrives at his training session with Eric, his mind filled with doubts about the direction his life is taking. He unleashes a torrent of pent-up frustration upon Eric, questioning the rationale behind his relentless pursuit and wondering why he persists despite countless failures. Eric responds calmly, asserting that he is content with failing because he is at least making an effort. He emphasizes that there is always a glimmer of hope for eventual victory, which would fill him with pride. Eric confesses that he doesn't want to be remembered as someone who abandoned their dreams without even attempting to chase them.
Moved by Eric's determination, Paxton vows to intensify Eric's swimming training, pushing him to go the extra mile. Meanwhile, Devi, intent on informing Paxton about the broken lock on the storage room, inexplicably forgets to mention it. As their final session draws to a close, Paxton harbors a renewed sense of optimism about Eric's potential to join the swim team.
Later, Paxton assists Devi in organizing swim-related supplies, but an unexpected twist of fate traps them inside the storage room. With their phones locked away in their respective lockers, the two find themselves alone, awaiting rescue. Time stretches on, and eventually, conversation fills the void as they realize no one is coming to their aid.
During their chat, Paxton gently urges Devi to abandon her intense desire to attend Princeton. In turn, Devi inquiries about the true reasons behind Paxton's departure from ASU. Paxton reveals that he felt despised there and harbors regrets about not being in college but loathed the stigma of failure. Devi attempts to lighten the mood by jesting about her own sexual exploits with Ben and Ethan, shocking Paxton who had no idea about her active love life.
As they share laughter and candid confessions, Devi admits she once thought she would lose her virginity to Paxton, feeling a sense of equality with him for the first time. However, Paxton humbly insists that she deserves someone far better than him. Caught up in the tender moment, the two lean in for a kiss, but swiftly pull away as Coach Noble unexpectedly opens the door. The coach sternly warns Paxton to exercise caution in his role as a teacher.
That evening, Paxton unburdens his feelings of failure to his mother, who wisely advises him to let go of his past self and embrace his true identity. The following day, the atmosphere is jubilant as Eric successfully makes the swim team after a stellar tryout. Eric gratefully attributes his success to Paxton, earning rousing cheers for his relentless perseverance.
Devi confronts Paxton about their kiss, seeing it as a symbolic closing chapter in their shared history. Ben joins them, mocking Devi, but she retaliates with wit. Paxton teases Devi about her apparent chemistry with Ben, but she swiftly dismisses his notion.
That same day, Paxton attends the teacher's potluck and volunteers for the student help hotline. His popularity as a teacher continues to soar, as he forges genuine friendships with his adult colleagues.
