Haibara's Teenage New Game+ Episode 4: If You Support Me

The episode opens with Natsuki Haibara basking in his carefully constructed high school dream. Cherry blossoms and admiring friends paint a picture of a youth remade, a vibrant contrast to his longed-for 'rainbow-colored' existence. Yet, a flicker of anxiety in his internal monologue hints at the fragility of this manufactured happiness. This peace shatters when Tatsuya Nagimura confronts Natsuki in the hallway, his face contorted by a rage Natsuki cannot comprehend. Tatsuya’s harsh words, calling Natsuki a 'perfect superhuman,' leave Natsuki stunned and the entire friend group in an uncomfortable silence, their usual lively chatter replaced by worried glances.

As Tatsuya's anger isolates the group, Uta Komatsubara is shown eating lunch alone, her bright persona dulled by the fractured camaraderie. Natsuki's world literally turns gray as he walks, reflecting his despair over his 'Rainbow-colored Youth Plan' crumbling. He overhears whispers about his 'perfection' after midterm results, increasing his guilt. Remembering a friend's warning about Tatsuya's jealousy over him and Uta, Natsuki decides to distance himself. He coldly rejects Uta's invitation, leaving her dejected as he walks away, his spirits soon mirrored by a sudden, drenching rain.

Soaked and miserable, Natsuki questions the worth of his entire effort to 'redo his youth.' He laments forcing a 'rainbow' life, fearing it only leads to a more painful 'gray.' At his lowest point, Miori Hoshimiya appears, shielding him with a large pink umbrella. Her knowing smile and teasing about his carelessness provide a warm, sudden contrast to Natsuki's despair. Despite his attempts to push her away, she firmly stays by his side, insisting on walking him home as his 'accomplice.'

Natsuki tells Miori that their partnership is over, admitting his plan has utterly failed. He reveals he can no longer maintain the facade of a perfect high schooler, looking utterly defeated. Miori listens gravely, sensing his breaking point. Later, in Natsuki's bedroom, Miori casually browses his bookshelf, unearthing his secret passion for idol manga. She playfully teases him about his 'otaku' interests, completely unphased by his embarrassed stammering. This lighthearted discovery chips away at Natsuki’s heavy tension, revealing a genuine, less-than-perfect side he desperately tried to hide.

Natsuki and Miori engage in a playful wrestle over his manga, their laughter filling the room, easing the emotional weight Natsuki carries. Miori then takes photos of his room, further unsettling Natsuki, who fears for his carefully built reputation. Miori assures him the photos are merely 'mementos,' revealing she skipped her club activities out of genuine concern for him. She admits seeing him reject Uta and walk into the rain worried her deeply. Miori insightfully points out that Natsuki's 'perfection' is an act, born of immense hard work and a desperate attempt to escape his past. She acknowledges the exhausting pressure he has placed on himself.

Natsuki confesses to Miori his fear of reverting to his gloomy past, explaining how his 'rainbow' youth is a desperate attempt to avoid it. Miori gently pets his head, a gesture of maternal comfort that breaks down Natsuki's emotional walls. A brief flashback shows a young Miori comforting a crying Natsuki on the playground, solidifying her role as his emotional anchor. Miori tells him he doesn't need to be strong or perfect around her, urging him to show his true feelings. A montage of Natsuki's middle school self—a gloomy, bespectacled otaku—highlights the profound change he's sought. Overwhelmed, Natsuki finally breaks down and cries, letting go of his pent-up stress and sadness.

As the rain stops and the sun breaks through, signaling Natsuki's emotional relief, he confronts Tatsuya on the rooftop. Tatsuya remains defensive, telling Natsuki to leave him alone, still seeing him as a 'perfect person' who cannot understand suffering. Natsuki stands his ground, determined to bridge the gap between them. Tatsuya finally explodes, confessing his intense jealousy of Natsuki's perfection and his closeness with Uta. He admits he has loved Uta since middle school and feels overshadowed by Natsuki’s apparent effortlessness. A quick flashback to Natsuki easily scoring a basketball shot against Tatsuya highlights the root of Tatsuya's resentment. Natsuki, furious at being misunderstood, calls Tatsuya a 'stupid fool,' beginning to dismantle Tatsuya's idealized image of him.

A flashback to the previous night reveals Miori's wisdom: Natsuki's 'perfect' image intimidates his friends and pushes them away. She advises him that true connection comes from vulnerability, not a facade of perfection. This realization dawns on Natsuki; he understands his 'perfect superhuman' act is a barrier. Back on the rooftop, he internally resolves to destroy his carefully constructed image, prioritizing his friendship with Tatsuya over his reputation.

On the rooftop, Natsuki confronts Tatsuya, admitting his 'perfect student' persona is entirely fake, a front he has maintained since high school began. He details the extreme, secret effort behind his academic and athletic success, explaining it as a desperate struggle rather than natural talent. Tatsuya remains skeptical, believing Natsuki is just being humble. Natsuki, knowing words aren't enough, pulls out his phone. A flashback to Miori's suggestion to show a picture of his 'old self' contextualizes his next move. Taking a deep breath, Natsuki shouts for all to hear, 'My name is Natsuki Haibara, a former gloomy otaku who just started high school!' He shows Tatsuya a picture of his awkward middle school self. Tatsuya is stunned. In his excitement, Natsuki accidentally swipes to his idol waifu collection, leading to a comedic scramble and breaking the tension.

The tension dissolves into laughter as Tatsuya teases Natsuki about his otaku interests, their playful bickering restoring their bond. Natsuki then makes his own confession, admitting he was jealous of Tatsuya's natural athletic ability and outgoing personality, contrasting it with his own carefully practiced social skills. Tatsuya realizes Natsuki is not a 'superhuman,' but someone who worked incredibly hard to change his life. Their bond is now stronger, built on honesty. Meanwhile, the rest of their friends—Uta Komatsubara, Miori Hoshimiya, Rei Shirakawa, and Yuina Nanase—burst onto the rooftop, having overheard everything. They react with a mix of laughter and playful teasing, completely unfazed by Natsuki's secret past, their group dynamic instantly restored.

In a sudden shift, Tatsuya gathers his courage and confesses his love to Uta in front of everyone, his face flushed with sincerity. The group falls silent, anticipating Uta's response. Uta's expression quickly changes from shock to profound sadness as she gently rejects him. She explains that while she loves him as an important friend, she does not harbor romantic feelings. Tatsuya is instantly 'soul-crushed,' collapsing in a comedic pose of defeat, as the friends watch with a mixture of sympathy and awkward silence.

Yuina immediately shifts the mood, playfully teasing Natsuki as 'High School Debut-kun,' and the rest of the friends join in, finding his otaku past endearing. Natsuki and Tatsuya quickly fall back into their competitive bickering, Tatsuya grumbling about his broken heart but showing remarkable resilience. Tatsuya then boldly declares he won't give up on Uta, vowing to become a man worthy of her love. Uta watches him with an appreciative smile, and the group cheers, their unity stronger than ever. As they walk off the rooftop, a vibrant rainbow appears, symbolizing Natsuki's 'Rainbow Youth Plan' finally beginning anew, authentically.

In an after-credits scene, Natsuki is working at a cafe when Miori visits. They discuss the aftermath of the rooftop confession, and Miori notes how much more relaxed Natsuki seems. He thanks her for her advice, acknowledging that her encouragement to be vulnerable saved his friendships. A brief flashback reinforces Natsuki's gratitude for Miori's support during his lowest point. Miori reminds him they are still 'accomplices,' expecting continued honesty, winking as she leaves. Natsuki smiles, finally comfortable with all parts of his identity.

The episode closes with Uta alone in her darkened bedroom, a sad and thoughtful expression on her face. She recalls Natsuki's words on the rooftop, his instruction to Tatsuya to 'take her away' if he truly loved her. Her expression reflects a quiet, painful realization: Natsuki’s heart is not directed towards her, but likely toward someone else, presumably Miori. This moment of lonely reflection hints at future emotional complexities and romantic drama within the friend group, leaving the viewer to ponder the unspoken connections.