Episode 3 of "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love" kicks off with an intriguing moment where Ren abruptly halts his kiss with Miu, leaving her behind as he strides past Ruki, who stands frozen in the hallway. Miu silently tells herself that stepping towards Ren again would be unwise. In a parallel sentiment, Saki, who abandoned her art school dreams due to a lack of self-belief, finds herself envying those who possess a clear passion.
The scene shifts to an evening gathering at the cafe, where the gang is indulging in drinks. Saki tends to Megumi, who teases her playfully. Megumi’s radiant confidence, unfazed by the opinions of others, captivates Saki. She finds Megumi’s free-spirited nature irresistible, drawing her closer despite knowing she shouldn’t.
The following day, Saki battles a hangover while Megumi, cheerful and unaffected, embraces her warmly and prepares breakfast. Although Saki dislikes Megumi's affectionate behavior, fearing it might send the wrong message, Megumi insists that her touches are reserved solely for Saki.
Elsewhere, Miu is mired in sadness, realizing that the kiss lacked any profound significance. She avoids Ren, but her illness forces her to return home early. Meanwhile, Ren buys flowers, intended not for Miu but for his mother, an artist who has been traveling with her lover and has finally returned to Japan. She is delighted to see her son but expresses curiosity about his new romantic interest, to which he remains distant.
Elsewhere again, Hikari puts on a brave face and joins Osakabe for lunch. She eagerly shares her gossip about spotting Ren with a girl, earning a rebuke from him for being nosy.
At school, Ms. Usami assigns Ren the task of delivering a portfolio to Miu. When he arrives at her place, she's momentarily flustered but quickly invites him in. Their conversation is tinged with playful arguments as he peruses her sketches, both realizing they seldom delve into personal topics. Miu attempts to prod him into opening up, but he urges her to rest. As he sits beside her while she drifts into slumber, she dreams of him once more.
On Sunday, as she is feeling well, he revisits her, insistently escorting her out for some fresh air. They embark on an exhilarating journey to the aquarium, where they immerse themselves in joy and wonder. Similarly, Megumi persuades Saki to avoid overexertion and leads her to the serene shores of the beach, where they sip on refreshing beverages together. Megumi regales Saki with tales of her youthful aspiration to be a surfer, further astonishing her by attempting to warm her hands with her breath, an act both whimsical and intimate.
Turning our focus back to the main couple, Miu informs Ren that her participation in the art festival is paramount to her dreams of Spain. She inquiries about his intentions, and he reveals his return to Japan was motivated by an old friend. As he prepares to escort her home, her curiosity piqued, she asks to see his butterflies. He takes her to his abode, where the sight of his lush greenhouse leaves her in awe. He beckons her closer, and she realizes there's no turning back. Comfortable in their connection, they share a night of intimacy. The morning after, they engage in playful antics with a hairdryer as they dress, a testament to their ease with each other. However, her spirits dip when she spots two pairs of earrings on his desk, casting doubts on the exclusivity of their relationship.
Confiding in Saki, Miu expresses her uncertainty about Ren's readiness for a traditional, monogamous relationship. Saki, who understands the complexities of relationships, doubts the existence of a 'normal' way to date and shares that being 'normal' is a challenge for many. Nevertheless, she encourages Miu to pursue Ren if her heart desires it.
Elsewhere, Osakabe brings Hikari a drink, as he has been working late into the night. Attempting to lighten the mood with her usual playful antics, she is surprised when he confesses his desire to date her before hastily departing. Similarly, Saki finds herself on the brink of confessing her feelings to Megumi over the phone but chickens out, claiming she only wanted ice cream. Saki acknowledges that taking the next step is easier said than done.
As "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episode 3" draws to a close, Miu sends Ren a text, expressing her urge to meet him. Unable to wait, she dashes to his place, despite knowing she shouldn't push their boundaries. Arriving at his doorstep, her heart sinks as she catches him handing a coat to another girl, Chiaki, leaving her to grapple with the uncertain future of their relationship.
