With Adam away, Olive moves through a full week of experiments, TA duties, and planning for Boston, yet feels his absence acutely. A playful text exchange ends with Adam wishing she were there, briefly lifting her mood before the reality of her recent lie reasserts itself.

In the microscope lab, Holden helps Olive with access and asks about Adam. He shares that Adam has improved since dating Olive and mentions Adam had long talked about an amazing girl but hesitated because they were in the same department. Olive assumes this girl is someone else, not her, and spirals over what their fake relationship might mean for Adam’s prospects. Holden proposes a double date and pointedly warns Olive to watch her back around Tom—and especially to protect Adam.

Olive then learns her SBD abstract has been selected for an oral panel with faculty. Terrified of public speaking, she rushes to Dr. Aslan, who is thrilled and promises to coach Olive, suggesting practice at lab meeting and asking for a recording. Despite the support, Olive feels alone, knowing her adviser won’t be at the conference.

Meeting Anh and Malcolm in the hall, Olive reveals the talk; they try to be encouraging but recognize her fear. They also disclose their hotel plans: Anh will room with Jeremy and Malcolm with friends, both assuming Olive will naturally stay with Adam. Olive, unable to explain, pretends to agree while realizing she has no lodging and little time to find any.

Overloaded by her lie, the high-stakes talk, and the lodging mess, Olive takes refuge in a restroom stall and breaks down, sitting on the floor as the weight of missing Adam and the accumulating pressures settle on her.