Ethan wakes at three a.m., unable to fall back asleep, frustrated by the persistent presence of his housemate Jasmine's new boyfriend, Carter. Carter has been staying over five nights in a row, leaving messes throughout the apartment, filling it with his aftershave, and generally behaving like a spoiled guest. Ethan has been avoiding his own home—working late, going to the gym, making dinner plans, and even showing up uninvited at his parents' place—because Carter's presence is affecting his mental and physical health.

Ethan reflects bitterly on Carter's unclear employment, his wealth, and how he seems a natural match for Jasmine in a way Ethan is not. He mentally compares himself unfavorably, calling himself a "peasant" pining for a "princess," and recalls his late friend Harvey's advice that women prefer confidence over self-pity.

Unable to sleep, Ethan gets up to make tea and runs into Jasmine in the kitchen. She's cold because Carter likes the bedroom freezing. They share a quiet, intimate moment together—making tea and toasting English muffins with her special honey. Ethan then shows Jasmine the video of the car accident related to the death lady's prediction. The video captures the sound of a deadly collision, and Jasmine gasps, placing her hand on Ethan's bare chest in concern.

At that moment, Carter turns on the kitchen light, catching them standing close together. He reacts with ferocious sarcasm, asking if he's interrupting, turning the intimate moment into an uncomfortable confrontation.