Episode 5 of "The Only One" unfolds with the class's educator gracefully introducing Zhao Xi and Lin as temporary substitutes, embarking on a journey to a teaching symposium. Zhao, now at the helm, delves into the realms of physics, captivating the students with Bernoulli's Principle. He weaves a tale of energy's steadfast nature, demonstrating how a fleeting gust of wind orchestrates a fleeting dance between two spheres, only to part ways as soon as the breeze dissipates.
Amidst this lesson, Tian's keen eye perceives a disquietude in Wang's demeanor, prompting an inquiry. Wang confesses his aversion to Bernoulli's concept, a revelation that masks a deeper struggle. Just recently, he had narrowly escaped the clutches of bullies, racing back to class, tardy yet granted permission to sit for the English exam by the understanding teacher.
At lunch's leisure, Wang's comrades unravel the truth—a sinister plot targeted at him. They urge him to bring the matter to light, yet Wang hesitates, weary of further confrontation. Tian, noticing a telltale wound on Wang's scalp, presses for details and swiftly departs, announcing a visit to Uncle Zhao's shop. There, he procures water and bandages, swiftly returning to class to offer Wang a semblance of comfort with those simple supplies.
As the day wanes, Tianyang's message reaches Wang, triumphantly announcing the bullies' capture. The twist? Zhao Xi, in his role as a guardian angel, had intervened, catching them in the act at his eatery. The accompanying photo, however, holds a subtle clue—Tian's shoes, unmistakable to Wang. Upon Tian's return, Wang confronts him, unmasking the truth behind Tian's silent heroism. Tian explains, his gaze cast downward, that he had witnessed the shop's CCTV footage and acted swiftly, albeit without disclosing Wang's injury, consumed by thoughts of his friend's terror. This confession tugs at Wang's heartstrings, tears welling up in his eyes. In a moment of tenderness, Wang feigns a twisted ankle, inviting Tian to carry him to his room, where he reciprocates the kindness, tending to Tian's bruised knuckles with a bandage. It's clear Tian's involvement surpassed mere capture.
The following dawn, Auntie Jiang's culinary masterpiece greets Wang at breakfast, a dish tailored just for him. Meanwhile, Tian has ventured to the Little White House, lending a helping hand to an elderly resident with a recalcitrant refrigerator. When Tian mentions his impending English competition with Wang, the old man's warmth overflows, insisting that Wang join them for lunch, fostering a bond that transcends mere acquaintanceship.
Wang's enthusiasm knew no bounds at the prospect of visiting, as Tian tinkered away at fixing the toilet. Amidst the hum of tools, the elderly man confided in Wang, weaving tales of Tian's youth marred by familial neglect, fostering within him a chilliness and solitude. With a heartfelt plea, he beseeched Wang not to let Tian drift apart, for he counted as one of the precious few who held a special place in Tian's life.
The duo then ventured forth to their English competition, their steps echoing their anticipation. Arriving at the designated venue, Qi Jiahao, with a mischievous glint in his eye, relayed Miss Jing's seemingly benevolent message, alluding to leniency for Wang's previous exam performance. Yet, a fellow student's revelation exposed Jiahao's true colors—a sly attempt to rattle Wang's confidence. Tian, ever the steadfast friend, urged Wang to disregard Jiahao's antics and trust in his own abilities.
The examination hall saw the two friends immersed in their respective tests, their pens dancing across the pages in perfect synchrony. As they simultaneously laid down their pens, a triumphant high-five sealed their accomplishment. However, Miss Jing's subsequent reprimand for prematurely vacating the room cast a shadow over their celebration. Ironically, they stood alone as the sole duo to breach the 90-mark barrier in the previous assessment, a fact that only fueled Jiahao's eavesdropping ire.
Back in the classroom's familiar confines, a form for school accommodation landed in Wang and Tian's laps. Wang, his bond with Tian now firmly established, gracefully declined the offer. Yet, Tian's response painted a different picture, hinting at a lingering desire for change and a new abode. The atmosphere shifted as their class teacher announced Jiahao's triumph as the model student, followed by the unveiling of the student rankings. Wang's eyes widened in surprise as he realized he had soared up the ladder by an impressive 47 ranks, his ascent potentially even steeper had it not been for the bullies' meddling.
Later, Wang's thoughts wandered, fixated on the metaphorical spheres that converged despite the gusts of adversity. His mind's eye conjured images of a heart-to-heart with Tian, where he confessed his disdain for Bernoulli's principle—a symbol of futile endeavors and the frustration of striving for the unattainable, much like his longing for Tian's permanence. Qi Jiahao, too, became the target of his resentment, for the harder he tried, the more it seemed his efforts were but a vain pursuit. Yet, like the wind that eventually subsides, Wang knew that all would eventually settle into its natural order.
In a poignant epilogue to The Only One's Episode 5, Jiang Tian's solitary evening unfolded. As he stared at his half-packed suitcase, a notification jolted him from his reverie—Wang had made his social media profile picture a somber black. With a heavy heart, Tian stepped out of his room, the weight of uncertainty and change hanging heavily in the air.
