Episode 2 of "The On1y One" kicks off with Tian receiving a stern reprimand from his teacher for his lackluster lyrical writing. The educator emphasizes that lyrics are vessels of emotion, yet Tian's compositions resemble dry, factual essays. Meanwhile, over the phone, Xie humorously suggests that Tian, being the 'elder sibling,' should lend a hand to Wang with his daunting math problem, hoping it would serve as a bridge between the two.
Wang, filled with intention to mend ties, approaches Tian's bedroom door, only to find himself paralyzed with the urge to knock. Steeling his nerve for a second attempt, he's met with a surprising sight—Tian, fresh from a shower and clad in nothing but a towel, standing guard outside his own door, apparently having overheard Wang's hesitant steps. Embarrassed, Wang concocts a hasty excuse about retrieving a pen.
As dawn slowly unfurls its golden hues, Auntie Jian meticulously prepares a heartening breakfast for Wang, her tender care palpable in every morsel. She urges the young boys to forge bonds, weaving the fabric of their camaraderie with warmth and understanding. Yet, Tian, his mind clouded with thoughts, hastily departs for school, briefly whispering to his mother that his father, Ji Huanyu, has dispatched financial assistance. Wang, resigned to his status as an outsider, gently reassures Auntie Jiang with a smile, conveying that he has grown accustomed to the solitude, embracing it as a familiar embrace.
Unbeknownst to all, Tian witnessed Wang concealing an exam paper, and in a subtle gesture, scrawls the solution on a Post-it note, slipping it to Wang while gently chastising him for meddling in his affairs that fateful evening. Initially, Wang crumples the note in frustration but reconsiders when Tian's sudden academic prowess garners universal admiration.
Later, a classmate whispers that the upcoming class is Mandarin, taught by the esteemed 'Fortune.' As the lesson unfolds, Fortune showers praise on Wang for his poetic and insightful essays, a stark contrast to her critique of Tian's emotionless compositions. As the bell rings, students scatter to the cafeteria, leaving Tian caught red-handed by Fortune, correcting his English paper during class. She summons him to her office post-haste, adding another layer of intrigue to their already complex dynamics.
In the bustling cafeteria, Tianyang mischievously teases a female classmate for her overzealous concern towards Wang. A fleeting memory unfolds, where the stern class teacher confronts Qi Jiahao, Wang, and Tian, accusing them of plagiarism for their identical mathematical solutions. Wang, unfazed, defends himself with clarity, proving his comprehension, earning accolades from the admiring female classmate. However, Qi Jiahao's expression betrays a hint of discomfort.
As the cafeteria dwindles in food options, Tian announces the inevitable depletion of choices, opting instead for a nearby eatery. Wang, intrigued, tags along. Tian's familiarity with the shopkeeper and his family is evident, yet he abruptly deserts Wang, dining elsewhere. Alone and hungry, Wang indulges but realizes with a jolt that he's forgotten his wallet. Uncle Zhao, the proprietor, refuses to let him off the hook, summoning Tian to settle the bill. Amidst the awkwardness, Wang is instructed to jot down Tian's contact details. Tian arrives, visibly irritated, yet grudgingly pays the tab. Coincidentally, Wang receives a mysterious friend request from an account devoid of a name, merely adorned with a period.
Shifting gears to physical education, the teacher's abrupt departure paves the way for Tian's subtle manipulation. He cunningly incites the group into a game of Truth or Dare, igniting a flurry of excitement. Rounds pass, and Wang finds himself at the center of attention, choosing Dare. The challenge: to plant a ten-second kiss on the first person to turn the corner—unbeknownst to him, it's Tian. Amidst his peers' playful taunts, Wang courageously approaches Tian, fulfilling the dare with unwavering commitment. Tian's expression is a stormy mix of anger and confusion.
Back at their respective abodes, Wang attempts to reason and apologize, urging Tian to let go of his petty grudges, arguing that the kiss was inconsequential. Tian, however, challenges this notion, recapturing the moment with another kiss, leaving Wang even more perplexed.
The final scene reveals Tian's ulterior motive behind orchestrating the Truth or Dare game—a desperate bid to feel included, his earlier lamentations about being an outsider echoing deeply. It seems the events of The Only One's Episode 2 have left an indelible mark on Tian, propelling him towards unexpected emotions and actions.
