Episode 4 of "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love" kicks off with Miu bolting away, her heart pounding. As fate would have it, she bumps into Hikari, who, with a knowing glint in her eye, inquiries if Miu's heart has skipped a beat for Ren. Miu, caught off guard, attempts a clumsy diversion, but Hikari, having traversed similar paths, sees right through her. Hikari, who finds it hardest to bid adieu, even struggles to discard her worn-out sneakers, shielding herself from heartache by steering clear of meaningful connections. While she admits to harboring affection for Osakabe, she acknowledges her own limitations.
Meanwhile, Miu's mind is a whirlwind of thoughts about Chiaki, the enigmatic girl, and Ren's secretive demeanor whenever his phone rings. Ren eventually calls, unveiling that Chiaki is his childhood friend. Reluctant yet curious, Miu caves when he mentions it's work-related. To her surprise, his "work" entails practicing drawing female limbs. As their flirtatious dance continues, Miu probes if he's ever been in an exclusive relationship, but Ren brushes off labels, a stance she doesn't concur with. Yet, she succumbs when he asserts his desire for the present moment with her. They frolic in their fleeting affection, enjoying each other's company.
One late night, however, her world shatters as she eavesdrops on Ren's conversation, realizing she's merely one of his many butterflies, not the special someone she had hoped to be. Matters worsen when Chiaki graces the university, introduced by Ren as the curator for the art festival. Miu, visibly deflated, encounters Chiaki, who apologizes for their abrupt meeting before. Miu yearns to inquire about her bond with Ren, but he cuts her off, whisking Chiaki away.
Elsewhere, Hikari's path crosses with her ex, Tetsuo. The air between them is amicable, and Hikari ponders their breakup's reason. Tetsuo reveals their mutual lack of profound interest, mirroring her own detachment. She confides in him about Osakabe's intense emotions, which perplex her. Tetsuo echoes that individuals like Osakabe can be overwhelming for those like them, who prefer their emotional distance.
As she departs, her gaze falls upon another masterpiece by Kamakura Banksy – a girl adorned against a backdrop of butterfly wings, donning blue, torn sneakers. The following day, Chiaki treats the students to a meal, where admiration for Kamakura Banksy overflows, except from Hikari, Miu, and Chiaki, who appear troubled. Miu inquires if Ren is the elusive artist, and Hikari poses the same question to Osakabe. Both confess to being the creators of the graffiti.
Hikari recognizes Osakabe's work, as she had only shared her tale of the torn sneakers with him. However, both Miu and Hikari acknowledge that the intricate background matches Ren's distinctive style. A flashback reveals Osakabe in the act of sketching the girl, with Ren catching him and criticizing his graffiti for being too overt. Inspired by Ren's vandalized mural, Osakabe embarked on his own graffiti journey, aiming to assert his existence.
Hikari breathes a sigh of relief, finding solace in the fact that Osakabe shares her weary disposition. Although inexperienced in relationships, she expresses her willingness to embark on one with him. Initially flustered, they soon engage in playful banter, culminating in a tender kiss.
Meanwhile, Miu desires a deeper understanding of Ren, persistently probing him until he confesses that his mural vandalism was merely a bid to impress someone. Chiaki joins them, having also deduced that Ren was behind the latest graffiti. Both women ponder over his motives, while Ren simply asserts his desire to create.
Miu disagrees, insisting that one can express oneself without resorting to vandalism. However, Chiaki aligns with Ren's perspective, questioning why artists should restrict their creativity. She snidely remarks that Miu's privileged upbringing hinders her comprehension. Miu attempts to clarify her stance, longing to witness art that truly reflects Ren's inner self. Hurt by Ren's silence, Miu flees, prompting Ren to pursue her, but Chiaki intervenes.
In the closing scene of Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episode 4, Miu berates herself for harboring unrealistic expectations. Ruki bumps into Miu, delighted to see her, prompting Miu to realize that, in such trying times, seeking comfort elsewhere is a natural human instinct.
