Episode 1 of "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love," also known as "Wakatte Ite mo: The Shapes of Love," kicks off with an intriguing scene where Ren, adorned with a butterfly tattoo on his neck, contemplations a butterfly at his abode, while Miu, mesmerized by a flower, ponders the elusive nature of everlasting love. Both harbor doubts about its existence yet can't suppress the glimmer of hope within their hearts.
A haunting flashback transports us to the day Miu's faith in love was shattered. Her former lover, without her consent, crafted an erotic sculpture depicting her during a desperate plea not to end their relationship. Stunned by his betrayal, she was further hurt by his dismissive label of "stagnant." The scene cuts to one of her sculptures, where a man, burdened by heavy wings, tumbles to the ground.
As Miu sets foot towards her school, she encounters Ren, who is in the midst of creating an abstract butterfly mural – a chaotic process involving splashing paint onto a school statue. Some paint splatters onto her, prompting Ren to gently wipe it away from her face. From this unexpected encounter, a spark ignites within her.
Back inside the school, we learn that Miu is both a senior student and a teaching assistant. Their department teacher, Ms. Usami, swamped with preparations for an art festival, announces the arrival of a substitute – none other than Ren! When Ms. Usami inquiries about the vandalism, Miu pretends ignorance, albeit admitting her dislike for the mural. Additionally, this is her final chance to apply to an art school in Spain, a decision she's torn about.
Later, Miu visits her friend Saki, who chose a different path by dropping out and now works at an advertising agency. Saki expresses concern for Miu, who's grappling with an artistic block and emotional turmoil courtesy of her ex. They share mutual acquaintanceship with Megumi, another teaching assistant, similarly at a standstill in her life. The cafe waiter, Ruki, emerges as a friendly figure, suggesting Miu delve into poetry to rekindle her creative spirit.
Saki pays a visit to Megumi, who has recently parted ways with her insensitive boyfriend, a relationship that Saki had never deemed suitable. Unsurprisingly, Megumi now faces the dilemma of having no place to call home. She persistently implores Saki, who, after much hesitation, finally agrees to grant her temporary refuge. Megumi, with her vibrant and affectionate demeanor, envelops Saki in an unending embrace of hugs and handholds, fostering a bond of intimate companionship.
Meanwhile, Miu ponders deeply over Ruki's words and decides to purchase a book on butterflies. She finds herself engrossed in the world of reading at a cozy bar, lost in the pages of her new acquisition. Just then, Ren enters the bar and spots her. Recognizing each other, he can't help but wonder why she chose not to expose his secrets. As their conversation unfurls, he notices her book and is intrigued to learn that her name means 'beautiful wings,' prompting him to sketch a butterfly on her wrist. Encouraged by this intimacy, Miu attempts to take a drag from his cigarette but ends up coughing. As they prepare to leave, he invites her to his place to see his pet butterfly, and she playfully jokes about following strangers. Intrigued by his mural, she queries him about it, and he explains it was a whimsical moment where nothing seemed to matter. When it starts raining, he tenderly wipes the raindrops from her face. Taken aback by his forward demeanor, she tries to distance herself. Just then, his friends interrupt, and she hastily flees the scene.
At school, Ren bumps into his former professor, who is astonished to see him back from Spain. He is introduced to the seniors as their substitute teacher, much to Miu's shock. The students instantly warm up to him. During a class dinner, he engages with the students while Miu remains reserved and quiet.
When asked about his penchant for butterflies as motifs, he shares that he admires their delicate wings, which shimmer momentarily and then soar away with the wind. Flashbacks intersperse his narrative with memories of his mother screaming. Meanwhile, a student secretly creates graffiti at school.
Miu keeps a cautious distance from Ren at school but reluctantly allows him to accompany her when she volunteers to organize the storage room filled with old graduation projects. He inquiries about the art festival, and she hesitates, unsure if she will participate. Noticing her ex's sculpture, she tries to conceal it, but he breaks its hands and urges her to destroy it. Still haunted by the past, she feels a sense of liberation in breaking it. Ren, pleased for her, leans in for a kiss, but she ponders that despite everything, she can't help but harbor a glimmer of hope.
The episode concludes with a flashback revealing that Ren was present at the graduation exhibit when Miu confronted her ex, leaving the story poised on the edge of new beginnings and unresolved emotions in "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episode 1."
