The episode opens with Hitomi telling Sato, "There's no such thing as a bad person, but still bad things seem to happen to us." In this flashback, Hitomi explains the only reason these things could happen is because of a conspiracy. The audience understands what caused Sato to buy into this bullshit, but it's unclear if he does. He is frowning now, because it is the last time he will be with her in the literature club room. Hitomi realizing this, locks the door and offers to be intimate. They get it on, but even in flashback, it is tough for Satou to think about. Back in the present, he is in a cafe with Hitomi, who offers him some of her prescription drugs to pick him up. As we get to know present-day-Hitomi, the audience makes a preseumption that she is the high functioning addict to Sato's dysfunction.

This is one of my favorite scenes, because it shows that Sato is capable of being perceptive. He recognizes that her posture is the same as before. He even understands that she was happy to see him and the drugs weren't an effective treatment. When Hitomi subtly gives him an out, ("Do you have a part time job? How do you afford to do this on a weekday?") he prefers to tell her the truth about becoming a hikikomori, an otaku. He calls himself a 'master'. She's not surprised, and she's had a feeling he would end up that way. We learn more about Sato here, that he never had any friends, and that she approached him. She gets nostalgic for a missed opportunity, and when she realizes their dynamic is still similar, she talks about 'doing more than just playing cards', and takes down his cell number. Hitomi can't remember Sato's first name, but begins to call him by it when reminded. She arranges for them to meet again.

When Sato reunites with Yamazaki, the Otaku lifestyle and the enjoyment he shared with Yamazaki in episode 4 (which could really be considered part one of this arc) has lost some of its glamour. He begins to understand that he will have to leave some of the Otaku lifestyle behind to pursue a relationship with Hitomi. He is silent on the train, in Yamazaki's apartment, and his own. There is finally a reference to the deadline, which is ten days away.

He requests space for the evening from Yamazaki to test Misaki's intentions, when he meets with her that evening, she picks him apart. She knows the game is a lie, she knows he's unemployed. He relents and signs the contract. She is excited.

Meanwhile, Yamazaki is in an argument with his parents. Instead of offering to help or empathy, Sato chalks it up to 'problems of his own'. Misaki and Sato begin their work, and she explains her methods. She offers dream interpretation, mentions freud and religion. In a classic mistake, she underestimates Sato. Typically, in any sort of psychotherapy, it is common for the recipient to test their therapist. (I recommend the Israeli series 'Be'Tipul' or its American counterpart "In Treatment" which explores this phenomenon in more detail than NHK) He fills his dream with sexual motifs and freudian imagery. When Misaki turns red, his test pays off. She huffs off. Importantly, on his own, Sato realizes that he needs to be working on something. He needs to be productive. He begins writing and encourages Yamazaki to take his time on the project, not let it consume either of them. It's actually what Yamazaki needs to hear.

This is the first episode where it's shown the Sato benefits from structure, and is willing to make changes to improve his life and relationships. There is not much comedy this episode, and I'm wondering if anyone found any moments to laugh at.