The second chapter of "Etoile" unfolds with Cheyenne gracefully striding into the ballet studio, her presence casting a pall of terror over the assembled dancers. Meanwhile, Jack converses with a news reporter about the recent swap, while across the Atlantic in Paris, Geneviève engages in a delicate discussion with members of the Ministry of Culture and other government officials. Their dissatisfaction is palpable over Cheyenne's misplacement in the exchange with New York. Geneviève defuses the tension by reminding them of her success in retrieving Mishi, which was their ultimate goal. However, their conversation takes a curious turn as they raise the "matter of the bull." Geneviève, clueless about its context, assures them that it is being managed.
As she exits, she bumps into Crispin, who reveals he is there to discuss opening an ice cream shop with the Minister of Culture. Meanwhile, Mishi lands at the airport to a heartwarming reception from Geneviève, the Ministry of Culture representatives, and an unexpected twist: her husband, who are revealed to be her long-lost parents. During the ride home, a veil of disappointment shrouds Mishi's face as her parents remain engrossed in their phones.
In New York City, Cheyenne crosses paths with Eva, a fellow dancer who recounts her harrowing experience of freezing during a "Swan Lake" performance, leading to her constant accompaniment by a therapist.
Elsewhere in Paris, Geneviève grapples with the enigmatic "bull issue." The choreographer insists on including a bull on stage, while the bull's handler firmly opposes the soprano walking in front of it or wearing red. The choreographer, however, is inflexible, refusing to alter her iconic red costume.
Back in NYC, Jack instructs his marketing team to plaster Cheyenne's image everywhere. He learns of her decision to perform Christopher Wheeldon's "Bound To" at the upcoming Fall Gala. Suddenly, Tobias calls Jack, panicking over his whereabouts. Jack calms him, instructing him to wait, and promptly contacts Geneviève, alerting her that Tobias is essentially helpless and in need of her assistance to track his location.
Geneviève eventually tracks down Tobias, only to discover him steadfastly awaiting his turn at a bustling bakery, obstinately declining her offer to join her in the car. The realization dawns on Geneviève that Jack's observations about Tobias's juvenile behavior were spot on. In a move both generous and exasperated, she decides to expedite Tobias's bakery escapade by settling the tabs of everyone queued up, ensuring his swift access and their subsequent departure.
Cheyenne enters practice accompanied by her dance partner, Larry, but before they can commence, she abruptly embarks on a mesmerizing narration, weaving a tale of her mother and a haunting village where all the men meet an untimely demise. This poignant storytelling culminates in Cheyenne's refusal to dance with Larry. Nicholas and Jack attempt to pair her with Bert on the spot, but Cheyenne resumes her narrative, leaving no male dancer unscathed by her decision. Jack, frustrated, confronts her, urging her to make a swift choice or find a way to perform both roles herself. In a moment of revelation, Cheyenne scours through old footage of her dances in New York and stumbles upon the man she seeks: Gael.
Mishi returns home to find her discontent spiraling when she discovers that the dog she mourned as deceased is very much alive. Her parents' clarification that it was actually her nanny who had passed away does little to assuage her confusion. Arriving at the studio later, Mishi is met with whispers among her fellow dancers, branding her as spoiled.
Cheyenne tracks Gael down to a farm where he now sells peppers. With determination, she proposes that he be her dance partner, but he gently declines, explaining that he is on a sabbatical, emphasizing that dance is but one facet of his life. He refuses to abandon his current path to return with her.
News of the ballet talent exchange ripples outwards, prompting both companies to hold a joint press conference, where they publicly unveil the swapped members. To Jack and Geneviève's astonishment, Crispin unexpectedly hijacks the proceedings. Cheyenne too springs a surprise, announcing Gael as her chosen partner. Following the conference, Jack makes his stance clear: Gael will not be Cheyenne's dance companion.
As Tobias diligently tests the studio's floor, Gabin enters the scene, gracefully introducing himself to the room. He approaches Geneviève with enthusiasm, expressing his earnest desire to collaborate with Tobias on their artistic endeavors. Elsewhere, Gael retreats to the sanctity of a ballet class, immersing himself further in his dance practice.
As the evening descends, a young girl named Susu begins her deferred dance lessons, her tiny feet pivoting across the studio floor while her mother diligently scrubs away in the background, ensuring the space remains pristine. In a heartwarming moment during Etoile Episode 2, Susu discovers a box of brand-new dance shoes awaiting her at the studio's threshold, a symbol of both her hard work and the promise of new beginnings.
