Professor Shafu loses the university president election and attempts to commit suicide. He encounters Akaki, who is also about to jump, but neither can muster the courage. They are interrupted by a mysterious girl, Mia, who laughs at them. Meanwhile, teacher Rimi investigates students staying out late, linked to rumors of ghosts. She is startled by masked figures—Shafu and Akaki—who cause further chaos.

This episode explores the theme of perception and illusion. Professor Shafu reprimands Noa for judging people by appearance, comparing it to gossip. Noa questions why Pandora’s box holds hope, not love. The story reflects on how greed and desire distort true love, while hope remains as the one redeeming element.

Shafu and Akaki party at a hotel but end up humiliated. Akaki is asked to visit the ailing daughter of Tsuda, a man who photographs people at the beach. Akaki grows close to the girl but is conflicted because of his feelings for Rimi. The girl’s serious illness, lupus, makes Akaki experience her struggles. In the end, she tragically proves her love for him by running naked in the sunlight, and sacrificing herself.

Professor Shafu encounters a diligent newspaper boy, Yumoto, who is later bullied. Shafu invites Yumoto to his base, impressed by the boy’s integrity. Rimi visits Yumoto's father, learning about their poverty. Later, it’s revealed Yumoto is a girl raised as a boy by her father to protect her from societal expectations. A tragic stabbing leaves Yumoto in the hospital, and she is eventually saved by a blood transfusion from her biological father.

Professor Shafu shares the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, drawing a parallel between love and trust. Noa’s love interest, Rumi, loses faith, leading to their relationship's downfall. Shafu teaches that love, unshaken by doubt, is built on trust, while insecurity can crack even the strongest bonds.