Episode 1 of "The Only One" kicks off with a poignant voiceover, weaving a tale of the rarity of encountering someone amidst the vast tapestry of humanity—someone you admire, and who reciprocates that admiration. It delves into the significance of fleeting moments that etch themselves into the annals of memory.
The scene shifts to Jiang Tiang, a boy reminiscing fondly about his former abode in the quaint town of Tamsui. As the narrative moves to a bustling high school, whispers ripple through the corridors about a newcomer, a handsome and brilliant transfer student from Shanghai. Tiang enters the fray, his friend urging him to guard his position atop the academic pedestal.
Enter Sheng Wang, the fresh face, greeted warmly by a teacher who arms him with stacks of textbooks. He's destined for the elite class, where names like Jiang Tian's adorn the honor roll. Upon glimpsing Jiang's surname, Wang scoffs, unaware of the irony to come. Assigned a seat beside Tian, the class's intellectual prodigy, the tension simmers. Tian, slumbering peacefully, awakens abruptly and repositions his desk, a subtle yet potent gesture of disinterest.
Returning home, Wang's father introduces him to Auntie Jiang, a former schoolmate now blossoming into a romantic interest. A fleeting memory flashes, revealing a cosy dinner between the two, foreshadowing a twist in fate. To Wang's astonishment, Auntie Jiang's son is none other than Jiang Tian, their paths crossing in the most unexpected manner. The encounter is fraught with awkwardness, and they part ways swiftly.
Retiring to his chamber, Wang's thoughts wander to his late mother, a poignant reminder of loss. A phone call from Peng Xie, an old friend, disrupts his reverie. Wang solicits exam papers for the second year, unbeknownst to him that a test looms the very next day, with the class having already traversed the syllabus. Peng, ever the accomplice, even divulges a cheat sheet for multiple-choice questions.
But fate has other plans. On the day of the exam, Wang confronts a stark reality—no multiple-choice queries await him. The shock deepens as a second math exam is unceremoniously thrust upon the students.
Later, Wang eavesdrops on Tian's conversation with a teacher, noting how he tactfully sidesteps discussions of his father. Seeking clarity, Wang approaches their homeroom teacher, who delivers a sobering revelation: due to his vast backlog of unread textbooks and lagging behind in the curriculum, Wang's exam scores will not contribute to his final grade. The teacher's counsel is poignant—to focus on baby steps, one milestone at a time, in this race against time and self.
As Wang's shoulders bore the crushing weight of impending exams, a shaft of sunshine unexpectedly broke through the gloom, casting a glimmer of hope when their class teacher arrived, proclaiming a heartening news: amidst the rigors of the previous test, Wang had miraculously surpassed the average score, a feat that sent ripples of joy through his being.
However, the euphoria was fleeting, as an unforeseen episode unfolded, stealing the air of celebration. A careless moment saw Wang's pen slip from his grasp, landing unobtrusively beside Tian's desk. Tian's impulsive act of appropriation ignited a spark, quickly escalating into a miniature dispute between the two, casting a shadow over the momentary triumph.
Returning home, Wang's face betrayed no signs of joy, his demeanor dampened by the presence of Auntie Jiang. The parents, sensing a storm brewing, fretted over their two boys. Tian, who was supposed to officially settle in that day, could be found lingering on the stairs, his attention captivated by a playful feline instead.
Desperate for answers, Wang sought solace in Xie, forwarding him a particularly vexing query. Xie's own quest led him to inquire even among third-year students, but to no avail. Hunger pangs eventually struck, and amidst Auntie Jiang's thoughtfully prepared food box, Wang unexpectedly reached for a bag of chips. Retreating to the balcony, he pondered, his thoughts consumed by the fear of relinquishing his territory to Tian.
Just as the tension seemed to reach a crescendo, Tian appeared, suitcase in hand. As he hesitated, Wang's voice called out, breaking the silence. The moment felt charged, as if scripted by fate itself, as the two boys locked eyes in a silent understanding.
A phone call interrupted Tian's thoughts, the voice on the other end inquiring about his adjustment to life with new acquaintances. Tian's reply was a subtle acknowledgment that perhaps, they would coexist in a mutual indifference. The parents, now aware of Tian's arrival, warmly welcomed him indoors. Uncle Sheng guided him to his room, situated conveniently across from Wang's, with the coveted balcony attached.
The episode drew to a close with a poignant scene: Wang, entering school, stumbled awkwardly on the stairs, instantly glancing around in a panic, hoping no one had witnessed his clumsiness. Little did he know, Tian, standing unobtrusively aside, had witnessed it all, his lips curving into a faint smile, leaving a subtle hint of camaraderie amidst their initial discord.
