In the darkened, powerless rental, Hayden emerges wearing Alice’s clothes, and their laughter eases the tension. They embrace and kiss, and Hayden asks why Alice did not answer his calls; she explains her phone died. He apologizes and insists he wants to tell her something important.

Hayden discloses a guarded family secret: his mother suffered severe depression and anxiety, and during his high school years she nearly overdosed and required inpatient treatment. Because Hayden’s father was campaigning, the family hid the truth, claiming she went to help her parents. Hayden confesses that his mother’s insistence on appearing “fine” makes him fear he could miss it if Alice were struggling behind a composed exterior. Alice reassures him it was not his fault and acknowledges his concern.

Their conversation turns tender and physical. They undress partially, exchange kisses, and explore each other. Hayden performs oral sex on Alice, and she climaxes. Although they both want more, Hayden maintains his boundary about not having sex during the trial period, framing their actions as bending, not breaking, his rules.

Afterward, they lie together and discuss the future. Hayden admits he fears that if he gets the job, Alice will end up hating him and breaking his heart; if he does not get it, they will be separated by distance anyway. Alice insists he must not drop out of the competition and promises she will not hate him, but he remains unconvinced.

They acknowledge the uncertainty with less than two weeks left and no clear solution. Hayden struggles to articulate the depth of his feelings, saying he always wants to be around Alice and that it is not only about sex. Alice echoes the feeling, though neither can define it. A grumbling stomach breaks the intensity, and Alice offers to make Hayden a snack.