Penelope texts a mortified apology for outing Scarlett’s sexual life at the cookout. Scarlett accepts the apology but clearly sets a boundary that it cannot happen again. Penelope reports that Lukas is unbothered, reinforcing his calm temperament.

In the following days, Scarlett finds herself noticing Lukas everywhere and recalling moments that suggest capable leadership: volunteering his team to clean up vandalism, hauling a student from the pool, breaking up a fight, and declining sponsorships. She observes his training and quiet presence among teammates, while their own interactions remain limited to brief, knowing acknowledgments. Meanwhile, academics, MCAT prep, and twenty hours of practice consume her and her friend Maryam.

During a Friday session, Coach Sima calls Scarlett out for avoiding the harder dive he assigned and checks on her therapy progress. Scarlett promises she is working on it, and Coach urges her to continue. After practice, he turns to Penelope and Victoria’s synchro dive issues, while Scarlett completes shoulder PT exercises late into the evening.

When Scarlett tries to access the locker room, her ID fails and no staff are around. She calls Penelope, hears muffled background conversation with a man, and is asked to contact a captain with a key. Reluctant to involve Lukas, Scarlett tries to avoid it, but Penelope forwards her number anyway, telling Lukas to help. Moments later, an unsaved number texts Scarlett, signaling the start of direct communication.