Janu visits the bookstore, where he encounters Nirima and Niji, Nokana's older brother, engaged in a conversation about board games. After Niji calls Nokana over, Janu joins them. Niji reveals he is gay and plans to move to Tokyo for a senior position in a copyright management office. A discussion arises regarding Nirima's long-standing crush on Niji; Niji is reluctant to break her heart by revealing his sexuality, preferring to maintain the validation she provides him as a man. Janu and Nokana ultimately decide to let Nirima continue in her blissful ignorance.
During the conversation, Niji notices Nokana is wearing makeup, which she awkwardly attributes to a pimple. Niji also inquires about Nokana's romantic interests at school, teasing her about a potential crush. As Niji prepares to depart for his train, he expresses gratitude to Janu for helping Nokana prepare for the world. After Niji leaves, Janu and Nokana remain, reflecting on their choice to withhold the truth from Nirima, leaving Janu to remark on the moral complexity of the situation and the tendency of those around him toward self-denial.