Episode 2 of "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love" kicks off with Miu immersed in a dream where she and Ren share an intimate moment, only to be abruptly jolted awake by the shock of reality. Their potential kiss had been thwarted by an untimely phone call, prompting her to flee, leaving her convinced that she holds no special place in his heart.
The narrative shifts to Osakabe, whose affection for his classmate Hikari burns brightly within him. Yet, he grapples with feelings of inadequacy, both as an individual and as an aspiring artist. While he holds Ren in high esteem, regarding him as a genius, he can't help but feel envious. Despite these sentiments, Osakabe nurtures a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, the seniors are astounded to spot a girl in Ren's car, amidst the school's ongoing investigation into the mural vandalism and the mysterious midnight graffiti created by the elusive Kamakura Banksy. The graffiti has garnered widespread attention, sparking speculation among the students that the artist might be one of their classmates. Noticing Miu's distressed demeanor, Ren confesses to her that he was the one who vandalized the president's statue, driven by his disdain for the man's exploitative nature. However, he clarifies that he is not Kamakura Banksy and deems the graffiti as mere child's play.
Just then, Hikari's artwork catches fire, prompting Osakabe to spring into action, rushing to her side to attend to her injured hand. Hikari attempts to broach the subject of Miu and the girl seen with Ren, drawing a parallel between them. He counsels her against labeling, arguing that it confines one's perception. Unbeknownst to them, Osakabe eavesdrops on their conversation and scurries away upon Miu's arrival.
After Hikari departs, Miu confronts Ren, inquiring about his confession. He nonchalantly explains that he didn't want her to bear the burden of keeping his secret. He notices her injury but retracts, respecting her autonomy as she tends to it herself. With a stern warning to herself, Miu vows not to let herself fall under his spell once again.
Osakabe pouts as he laboriously carves his Buddha statue, accompanied by Hikari, who engages him in idle chatter. Scrolling through a dating app, she gossips about Ren and Miu, her enthusiasm unmatched by Osakabe's indifference. Finding him lackluster, she teases that he might be better suited as a monk, whimsically grasping his head to envision him bald. Embarrassed and flustered, Osakabe dashes away.
Meanwhile, Miu lounges at a bar, catching snippets of conversation among students that paint Ren as a heartless playboy. She observes his art and actions, devoid of hesitation, yet detects a lingering loneliness in his eyes. Elsewhere, Ruki, transfixed by Miu's social media, finds himself teased by a coworker until she surprisingly arrives with Megumi, Hikari, and Saki. The girls speculate about Ren's identity as Kamakura Banksy, much to Miu's dismissive but secretly curious reactions. They propose sneaking into his place, while Miu feigns disinterest.
Osakabe invites Ren over, prompting the girls to hastily invite themselves along. Yet, Ren, unaccustomed to guests, deftly sidesteps questions about his love life. When Osakabe seeks advice on becoming a great artist, Ren's demeanor darkens, uttering that forever is an illusion. Disturbed, Miu dashes off to work on her graduation sculpture, leaving the group to disperse shortly after.
Osakabe tends to a drunken Hikari, who wishes it were Ren in his stead. Her incoherent ramblings end with a spontaneous declaration of his cuteness, followed by a kiss that he halfheartedly rejects, clinging to the hope that he might be special after all.
Ren, meanwhile, visits Miu at her school studio, bearing food that notices her neglected meal from the cafe. He admits that his works appear untouched by pain, which saddens him. Moved to comfort him, Miu cups his face in her hands. Suddenly, he kisses her, their moment interrupted by Ruki's arrival with food for Miu. As "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episode 2" concludes, Miu shares Osakabe's sentiment of self-doubt but harbors the aspiration for change.
