Episode 8 of "The Only One" kicks off with a lively scene by the shimmering poolside, where Wang and Tian engage in playful antics. As Wang mischievously pokes fun at Tian's lyrical writing assignment, their laughter echoes, only to culminate in a delightful splash as they accidentally tumble into the inviting waters.
Over breakfast, Wang's resolve to board at school resurfaces, but his father's skeptical gaze betrays a suspicion that study isn't the sole driving force behind this decision. Auntie Jiang, sensitive to the undercurrents, becomes distraught, mistakenly believing she's the cause of this turn of events.
Their day unfolds with a series of encounters, each character—Uncle Ding, the gracious Auntie Sun, Xi, and the lively Lin Zi—all inquisitive about the boys' sudden desire to embark on this boarding school journey. Their queries linger in the air, adding depth to the already complex emotions swirling around the duo.
Upon their return home, Wang and Tian engage in heartfelt conversations with their respective parents. Wang, with earnestness, assures his father that Auntie Jiang can never replace his mother's place in his heart, yet he's open to embracing her and Tian as family members. He emphasizes that his decision to board isn't fueled by anger but a genuine aspiration for independence and personal growth.
Tian, too, shares his sentiments, explaining that the boarding school offers an environment conducive to academic excellence. Auntie Jiang, moved, ponders if her increased presence could have altered the course of events, while Tian reassures her that he no longer feels alone in this world.
As the evening wears on, the parents' hearts soften, and they gradually come to terms with their sons' aspirations. In a poignant moment the following morning, they officially break the news to the boys, with Uncle Sheng orchestrating a warm group hug that encapsulates their love, support, and a bittersweet farewell.
At the dawn of a new day at school, Miss Jing gracefully arrives to find Lin Zi already perched at his desk, his vibrant rainbow mug a subtle yet poignant testament to his support for queer rights, amidst the conservative ambiance of the institution. Xi soon follows, bearing breakfast treats for both, fostering a warm camaraderie between them.
Elsewhere, Wang and Tianyang indulge in a mischievous pastime, Tianyang keeping a keen eye on the cheerleaders through binoculars while Wang accompanies him, unaware that their antics have attracted unwanted attention. Suddenly, the Dean's stern presence disrupts their fun, confiscating Wang's phone and Tianyang's spying tools. Wang's expression betrays his initial embarrassment, as the Dean assumes a romantic transgression; the revelation that it was merely Tianyang that sparked the confiscation leaves the Dean perplexed.
Tianyang, with a mischievous grin, later presents Wang with the key to their dormitory, igniting a discussion about rectifying the situation. Wang ponders two paths: penning an apology or appealing to his father, albeit with the skepticism that a new phone would be the sole outcome, sans a physical visit.
The arrival of the boys' parents to inspect their dorm arrangements before Wang's father embarks on a business trip adds a layer of serendipity. During the tour, a surprising revelation unfolds as Tianyang realizes, through the parents' conversation, that they share a bond deeper than friendship—they are brothers, a fact that swiftly becomes the talk of the school.
Meanwhile, in the staffroom, Lin Zi inadvertently stumbles upon a fleeting moment of flirtation shared between Xi and Miss Jing, a subtle dance of attraction amidst the hustle and bustle.
As the sun sets over the dormitories, Tianyang finally unpacks his suitcase, methodically placing each belonging in his locker, the act triggering a wave of emotion. Wang, sensing his friend's sentimentality, offers a reassuring embrace, whispering words of welcome home. Tianyang, grateful, returns the gesture, and together, they retreat to the solace of their beds, marking the end of The Only One's Episode 8 with a heartwarming camaraderie that transcends mere roommates.
