Episode 5 of "Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love" kicks off with a tender scene where Ruki prepares dinner for Miu, whose eyes still glint with unshed tears. Despite her emotional turmoil, she endeavors to engage with him, prompting a poignant sense of sorrow in Ruki's heart as he has never witnessed her striving so valiantly to suppress her sorrow.
The narrative transitions to a nostalgic flashback, capturing their first encounter. Ruki, who typically wraps up his day after lunch, makes an unprecedented exception when Miu arrives, weary and tardy. He is captivated by her artistic flair, her kindness, and the way she uplifts her friends. Although he has seen her in the throes of love, he is still taken aback when he witnesses her share a kiss with Ren. Ruki yearns to remain by her side, yet the path is fraught with difficulties.
In the present, Chiaki expresses her remorse to Miu for being harsh and presumptuous. However, Miu steadfastly maintains that art should know no bounds. Similarly, Chiaki harbors curiosity about Ren's true essence and is fascinated by the unique perspective Miu captures through her artistic lens. While Miu admits to her own uncertainties, Chiaki envies her self-awareness.
A flashback unveils a younger Chiaki, injured and comforted by a youthful Ren. She finds joy in watching him immerse himself in his artistry, and he has always stood by her side, unwavering.
Ruki's cafe hosts another gathering for the seniors, Ren, Chiaki, and Ms. Usami. The students marvel at Chiaki's impressive portfolio, which also included overseeing Ren's traveling exhibition. Hikari displays a touch of jealousy, while Chiaki lightheartedly jokes about the challenges of caring for someone so absent-minded. Ren plays along, pretending indignation, but his smile falters when he catches Miu's gaze upon him.
Ms. Usami reveals that her nephew has inaugurated an artist's retreat in Mashiko, extending an invitation to the class. Chiaki eagerly volunteers, Hikari invites Ruki, and Megumi extends a spot to Saki. Miu excuses herself early and attempts to settle the bill for their previous meal, but Ruki declines gracefully, noting that he cooked it solely for her – a sentiment Ren inadvertently eavesdrops on.
Soon, the group embarks on their retreat, with Usami's car serving as a lively, chatter-filled vessel of energy. In stark contrast, Ren's car rides with an awkward tension, its occupants comprising him, Chiaki, Miu, and Ruki. As Chiaki and Ren delve into a nostalgic discourse, their conversation resonates with shared memories. However, when Miu and Ruki attempt to mirror their camaraderie, Ren's demeanor darkens with visible annoyance.
The first activity, pottery, becomes a canvas for varying emotions. Miu and Ruki giggle at Ren's creation, drawing his concerned gaze. His troubles deepen when Ruki extends an invitation to Miu for grocery shopping, planning their evening meal.
As they tackle their task, Ruki inquiries about Miu's motivation for sculpting. She shares her desire to create something concrete, expressing her bitterness towards the unpredictability of the human heart, which she believes drives people to create art. Ruki, in turn, reveals a job offer from a Tokyo cafe, bringing him closer to his dream of owning a restaurant. While she rejoices for him, the thought of a life without him fills her with dread.
Later, the retreat takes them to an onsen, where the girls' side bustles with cheerfulness, welcoming Chiaki warmly. Miu strives to forge a bond with her, though her efforts are sometimes strained. On the guys' side, the atmosphere is strained, with Ren and Ruki brooding in silence. Suddenly, Ruki declares his feelings for Miu, promising to care for her. Ren dismisses his declarations as careless and futile, prompting Ruki to warn him against hurting her. Ren's cold inquiry about whether she's hurt reveals a hidden concern beneath his indifference.
Yet, Ren's genuine interest shines through as he later seeks to know if Miu reciprocates Ruki's feelings. Frustrated by his obliviousness, she seizes the moment to inquire about Chiaki, earning a dismissive scoff from Ren. When she turns the question onto herself, Chiaki's interruption halts Ren's potential response, leaving Miu disheartened and Ren looking disturbed.
At dinner, Chiaki's intoxication prompts Ren to take charge of her care, a scene that stirs jealousy in Miu. Sensing her distress, Ruki approaches her, determined to no longer remain a passive observer. He confesses his feelings for her, stunning her with his sincerity. The episode concludes with a dramatic twist: Chiaki faints, prompting Ren's frantic cries for help, his worry palpable as he waits for assistance.
