Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episodes 6 and 7 Review: The Series is Definitely Better Than the Korean Version

Episodes 4 and 5 of Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love deliver a whirlwind of emotions as Miu grapples with her feelings for Ren while navigating the tension brought on by the enigmatic Chiaki. Hikari, the queen of emotional detachment, provides some philosophical musings, but the arrival of her ex, Tetsuo, and her budding connection with Osakabe lead to surprising growth and a sweet kiss. Meanwhile, Ren and Miu’s relationship becomes increasingly strained, with Ren’s cryptic actions and Chiak’s sharp remarks leaving Miu questioning everything.

Ruki, ever the patient and kind-hearted confidant, steps up to support Miu, even confessing his feelings during a tense class retreat to Mashiko. As romantic tensions boil over, Ren’s past with Chiaki and his inability to express himself takes centre stage, culminating in Chiaki’s sudden collapse and leaving everyone on edge.

The Japanese series is based on the 2021 Korean adaptation Nevertheless, starring Song Kang and Han So-hee, which is an adaptation of the webtoon Nevertheless (알고있지만) by Jung Seo.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episodes 6 & 7 Recap

Episode 6

The recent episode kicks off on an emotional note as Ren sits vigilantly by Chiaki’s hospital bed. Their bond is deep-rooted; years ago, Chiaki was a terminally ill child, and Ren stayed by her side, a loyal and constant friend. Though her recovery was deemed miraculous, Ren never left her side, introducing her to the world of art and adding colour to her life. In college, Chiaki and Ren briefly dated, but he ended it, requesting they remain friends. Chiaki agreed, but her feelings lingered, making it difficult for her to keep a platonic distance. Ren’s presence was her anchor, and while she knew her clinginess hindered his freedom, she couldn’t let go.

Fast forward to a few days before the current timeline: Chiaki’s illness relapses, shattering Ren. Chiaki, ever the realist, accepts her fate and requests Ren to give her life some last moments of excitement. In a whirlwind of frustration and grief over her diagnosis, Ren creates the now-infamous vandalized mural that has everyone talking.

In the present, Chiaki finally wakes up in the hospital to find Ren anxiously hovering. When she cheekily tries to light a cigarette, he scolds her, but she retorts, reminding him of her limited time left. Tears spill as the weight of her situation overwhelms her, and Ren hugs her tightly. Through her sobs, Chiaki asks him to be her boyfriend one last time. Though surprised, Ren agrees, and they return to campus together, where he remains by her side, as devoted as ever.

Meanwhile, Saki finds herself at the centre of some unexpected attention. Megumi shows Saki’s older art pieces to Usami’s nephew, Shintaro, an established artist. Impressed by her talent, Shintaro approaches Saki with an invitation to his atelier in Mashiko. The catch? She’ll have to move there. Their conversation is light and easy, and a spark of camaraderie forms as Shintaro drops Saki home. Upstairs, Saki updates Megumi, who is thrilled that Shintaro recognizes her work. Jokingly, Megumi laments not being the person who admires Saki the most.

But the playful mood takes a serious turn when Saki warns Megumi to be careful with her words. In an emotional outburst, Saki confesses that she likes Megumi as more than a friend. She also reveals her hesitation about moving to Mashiko, torn between her burgeoning art career and her feelings. Megumi’s enthusiasm falters, her smile turning stiff. She congratulates Saki on the opportunity but quickly excuses herself, citing a sudden craving for ice cream.

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Elsewhere, Miu wrestles with her own emotions. She knows Ren’s heart belongs to Chiaki, not her. Just as she’s lost in thought, Ruki interrupts, summoning her to the cafe. With flowers in hand, he confesses his feelings once more. Though Miu can’t give him an answer yet, she agrees to spend more time with him, hoping to sort out her tangled emotions.

Later, Ren and Chiaki head out on a bittersweet date. Simultaneously, Miu and Ruki are on their own outing, exploring a bustling mall. Their paths unexpectedly cross at the mall’s aquarium, and for a brief moment, Ren and Miu lock eyes, startled to see each other with someone else. Despite the momentary awkwardness, they don’t approach one another, but the encounter lingers in their minds.

Back at the cafe, Ruki attempts to kiss Miu, but she pulls away, apologizing as she admits her feelings for Ren. Though heartbroken, Ruki takes it gracefully, encouraging her to be honest with herself. Their conversation returns to lighthearted banter, a bittersweet yet warm resolution to the moment.

On the bus ride home, Chiaki surprises Ren by “breaking up” with him. She acknowledges his unreturned feelings and shares her relief that he’s finally found someone he truly likes. Her words are filled with bittersweet sincerity as she urges him to pursue Miu without hesitation. In a gesture of farewell, she kisses him, telling him not to waste any more time on regret.

As Ren steps off the bus, Chiaki’s words weigh heavily on him. Both she and Miu realize just how much Ren means to them. Determined, Ren calls Miu and asks to meet her at the park. Their mutual excitement is palpable as they rush to the meeting spot. Miu arrives first, her heart pounding with anticipation as she waits for him.

But the episode doesn’t end on a joyful reunion. Ren hasn’t made it far from the bus stop when his phone rings. He answers, his face crumbling as tears spill down his cheeks. The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a sinking feeling. Could this call mean the worst has happened to Chiaki?

Episode 7

The episode begins with a bittersweet and introspective tone as Miu and Ren agree to meet at the place where they once sought shelter from the rain. Their exchange reflects unresolved emotions, especially regarding Chiaki, who has recently passed away. A memorial service is held for Chiaki, and the weight of her absence lingers heavily over the characters. Ren grapples with the complexity of grief and guilt, as Miu confronts him about why he never told her the full extent of Chiaki’s illness. The conversation is filled with tension, as both reflect on how little might have changed even if they had been more honest with each other.

The theme of suppressed emotions takes centre stage, with Miu accusing Ren of hiding his true feelings. The narrative then shifts to Azuki, who observes the transitional phase in her life as she and her friends prepare to part ways and leave the house they’ve shared. The melancholy of saying goodbye is softened by moments of humour and nostalgia. These scenes subtly explore how change forces people to reassess their identities and connections, leaving Azuki to confront her own sense of emptiness.

The focus moves to a university setting, where Ms. Yoshino, an art teacher, critiques her students’ work. She comments on how not being particular about colour or form is a talent in itself. This conversation introduces Saki, a serious and meticulous student, who seems to be trying to “empty” herself through her art. Saki’s internal struggles echo those of other characters, highlighting the overarching theme of self-discovery and the fear of not having anything meaningful to offer.

Ren and Saki’s stories converge as Ren receives a message from Chiaki posthumously. Chiaki, ever selfless, had secretly been planning for Ren to return to his art career overseas, a move she believed he had sacrificed to stay by her side. This revelation prompts Ren to question his choices and what Chiaki’s presence ultimately left behind for him. The emotional weight of Chiaki’s influence becomes a catalyst for Ren, pushing him to reflect on his purpose and relationships.

Meanwhile, Megumi (Megu) grapples with her own feelings for Saki. Through a series of conversations with her peers, she comes to terms with her growing love for Saki, moving from confusion to clarity. Megu decides to express her emotions through her artwork, finding inspiration in the thought of creating something specifically for Saki. This marks a turning point for her, as she shifts from a state of creative stagnation to one of genuine emotional expression.

The narrative revisits moments of shared history among the characters, including a nostalgic recollection of a “test of courage” game that led to Saki staying home alone out of fear. These anecdotes, while lighthearted, reveal deeper truths about the characters’ personalities and their relationships. Saki, often perceived as perfect, is shown to have vulnerabilities that make her more relatable and human.

In the latter half of the episode, Mr. Kousaka, Ren’s mentor, announces his departure. His absence symbolizes the end of an era for the university art community, leaving students like Megu and Saki to navigate their creative journeys without his guidance. Before leaving, Mr. Kousaka imparts a valuable lesson to Ms. Hamasaki, another artist: the pain and scars left by others are inseparable from the act of living and creating. This sentiment resonates deeply, as it encapsulates the emotional undercurrent of the episode.

Megu’s confession to Saki becomes the emotional climax. She tells Saki, “I like you,” not as a friend but romantically. Saki, in turn, acknowledges and accepts Megu’s feelings with warmth and affection. Their shared moment of vulnerability is both heartwarming and cathartic, representing a step forward for both characters. It’s a rare moment of honesty and connection that contrasts sharply with the earlier guarded exchanges between Ren and Miu.

The episode concludes with scenes of quiet resolution. Megu finishes her artwork, inspired by her love for Saki, while Ren finds himself reflecting on his relationship with Miu. In their own ways, both characters strive to preserve the essence of what they’ve received from the people they care about, even as they prepare to move forward.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Episodes 6 & 7 Review

Episode 6 takes us deeper into the complexities of emotions and relationships. The story shifts focus to the unresolved grief surrounding Chiaki’s passing and the emotional burden it leaves on Miu and Ren. Through heartfelt dialogue, we see how the characters grapple with expressing their true feelings, especially when faced with loss and change. The subtle yet impactful moments—like Miu and Ren revisiting the spot they once shared during the rain—beautifully highlight how memories shape connections. This episode is a bittersweet exploration of vulnerability, reminding viewers that love and pain often coexist.

Whereas Episode 7 brings a poignant resolution to the characters’ internal struggles, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and mutual support. Megu’s journey of transforming her feelings into art for Saki mirrors the overall theme of finding meaning through expression. The university night scenes and nostalgic anecdotes add a tender, reflective tone, contrasting with moments of bravery as characters confront their emotions. With Megu confessing her love to Saki and Miu finding peace in her memories with Ren, the episode ends on a hopeful yet grounded note. It’s a touching reminder that even in uncertainty, love can inspire growth and healing.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love is airing on Netflix.

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