Episode 7 of "The Only One" commences with an awakening unlike any other for Wang, as he finds himself in Tian's room, only to be confronted with an unexpected morning surprise—a rather embarrassing state of arousal. Tian's entrance, calling for breakfast, catches the awkward moment but swiftly averts his gaze, claiming an urgent need for the bathroom, leaving Wang to hastily retreat to his own sanctuary.
At school, the air is charged with anticipation as the teacher announces the new model students, following Wang and Tian's relinquishment of their prestigious positions. Li Jia and Gao Tianyang ascend to the throne, while Wang discreetly inquires about visiting Uncle Ding with Tian, who reveals a prior engagement with a teacher.
Embarking on his solo mission, Wang stumbles upon a man storming out of Uncle Ding's abode, his features etched with anger. Inquiring about the enigmatic figure, Ding reveals him to be Tian's estranged father, Ji Huanyu. The old man's eyes soften as he pulls out a treasure trove of photographs, showcasing Tian's childhood, including heartwarming snaps of the boy with a feline companion.
Ding's voice weaves a tale of Tian's lonely upbringing, where busy parents consigned him to the care of a grandmother plagued by dementia, who at times, unwittingly shut him out of her own home. It was then that Ding's door always remained open, offering solace and companionship in the form of Leader, a stray cat that had adopted Ding's doorstep.
The tale darkens as Ding recounts a fateful day when Tian, bearing the scars of a burn on his neck, fled to Ding's refuge, a grim reminder of his father's presence, fleeting as it was. Post-divorce, Tian became a nomad, shuttling between homes, never truly finding a harbor.
Entranced by the narrative, Wang arrives tardy to the class roll call, his mind still reeling from the revelations. Tian, alarmed by the absence of Qi Jiahao and another classmate, fears repercussions for Wang and rushes to his aid, his loyalty unwavering.
On his way back from Uncle Ding's, Wang's path crosses with Xi and Lin Zi, their eyes filled with concern over Huanyu's potential intentions to reclaim Tian. They entrust Wang with the watchful eye, imploring him to safeguard Tian's well-being. A text from Tianyang adds fuel to the fire, informing Wang that Tian has vanished in search of him.
Their paths converge amidst the chaos, but the sight of Ji Huanyu lurking nearby sends Wang into a protective frenzy, grabbing Tian's hand, and they bolt, scaling a gate and opting for a thrilling truancy. Meanwhile, Tianyang finds himself in hot water, valiantly attempting to cover for their absence, while the duo embarks on a carefree adventure, indulging in games and sweet treats, the world their playground for a fleeting moment.
After the passage of time, their gaze fell upon their parents, strolling leisurely along the riverbank. Wang's father seized the moment, surprising Tian's mother with a romantic proposal, only to be momentarily thwarted as Tian gently yet insistently led Wang away from the scene.
Back at school, the tender scene shifted as Li Jia meticulously stitched up Tianyang's torn pants, her fingers dancing with care. Despite the warmth of her gesture, there was an undercurrent of playful teasing as he acknowledged his fondness for her while gently poking fun at her unspoken admiration for Wang.
Later, Wang and Tian stumbled upon a vendor peddling enchanting bracelets, and a spur-of-the-moment decision saw them become the proud owners of a magical pair. As they exchanged stories about their parents' impending union, Wang's words carried a hint of uncertainty as he inquired if Tian would be disheartened by the prospect of them becoming brothers by blood. Tian's silence spoke volumes.
With a sense of ceremony, they tied the bracelets around each other's wrists, symbolizing a bond that transcended mere friendship. Wang, ever the visionary, proposed a bold move—to embark on a new chapter together in the school's boarding house, a sanctuary where they could forge their own identity, free from the shadows of their parents. Tian, captivated by the idea, readily concurred.
That evening, the family gathered around the dinner table, the air thick with anticipation. The boys, filled with youthful enthusiasm, shared their desire to share a room under the school's roof. However, their dreams were swiftly dashed when Wang's father, in a decisive tone, uttered a resounding "no," bringing The Only One's seventh episode to a poignant close.
