What is the plot?

The episode begins with the announcement of a school trip to Okinawa. The teacher instructs the students to form groups for the trip. Yuichi Medaka, a student at a co-ed high school, deliberately places Akira Nikaido, a gloomy and widely disliked classmate, in the same group as himself. Nikaido is known for his unsettling presence and low energy, which he maintains even during the trip.

Upon arrival in Okinawa, the group explores the surroundings, but Nikaido remains withdrawn and expressionless, which impresses Medaka as a sign of his true self beneath the scary persona. At the hotel lobby, Nikaido buys an ice cream and, in an attempt to appear more "normal" and less intimidating, he removes his glasses. This act ironically draws more attention to him rather than helping him blend in, as his appearance without glasses is striking and unexpected to those around him.

Throughout the episode, Medaka's efforts to engage with Nikaido and draw him out of his shell are evident. Medaka's kindness contrasts with the other students' avoidance of Nikaido, highlighting the beginning of a subtle but meaningful connection between them. The episode focuses on the dynamics of their interaction during the trip, emphasizing Nikaido's internal struggle with his identity and social isolation.

The episode closes with Nikaido still maintaining his gloomy demeanor but showing small signs of opening up, encouraged by Medaka's presence and attention. The school trip setting serves as a backdrop for this developing relationship, with Okinawa's atmosphere contrasting Nikaido's usual withdrawn nature. No major confrontations or escapes occur; the episode is a quiet, character-driven exploration of Nikaido's persona and Medaka's attempts to reach him.

What is the ending?

The ending of Captivated, by You Season 1, Episode 5 "Nikaidou Behind Me: Terrifying School Trip Ver." shows Akira Nikaido and Yuichi Medaka during their school trip in Okinawa. Despite Nikaido's gloomy demeanor, he tries to appear normal by taking off his glasses and enjoying ice cream in the hotel lobby, which ironically draws more attention to him. The episode closes with a subtle but meaningful connection between Nikaido and Medaka, highlighting their complex relationship.

Expanded narrative of the ending scene by scene:

The episode culminates during the school trip to Okinawa, where Yuichi Medaka has deliberately placed Akira Nikaido in his group. Nikaido, known for his gloomy and withdrawn personality, maintains his usual low energy and somber expression throughout the trip, which impresses Medaka as a sign of Nikaido's true self beneath his scary reputation.

In the hotel lobby, Nikaido attempts to break from his usual image by removing his glasses and eating ice cream, an act meant to make him appear more "normal" and less intimidating. However, this attempt backfires as it ironically draws more attention to him from others around, highlighting his struggle to fit in and be seen differently.

Medaka watches this quietly, showing a mix of admiration and concern. The episode ends on this note of quiet understanding and connection between the two boys, with Medaka's presence offering a subtle support to Nikaido's isolated world.

Regarding the fate of the main characters at the end:

  • Akira Nikaido remains emotionally guarded but shows a small step toward opening up, symbolized by his removal of glasses and moment of enjoyment, though he still faces social challenges.
  • Yuichi Medaka continues to be a steady, supportive figure who seeks to understand and connect with Nikaido beyond his intimidating facade.

The episode closes without dramatic resolution but emphasizes the nuanced, evolving relationship between Nikaido and Medaka, setting the stage for further development in their personal journeys and interactions.

Is there a post-credit scene?

Yes, Captivated, by You Season 1 Episode 5 titled "Nikaidou Behind Me: Terrifying School Trip Ver." has a post-credit scene. In this scene, Medaka's friends show him a photo taken during a barbecue where a scary, ghostly face appears. Medaka then shows this eerie image to others, adding a subtle supernatural or unsettling element to the episode's conclusion.

What is revealed about Akira Nikaidou's past in episode 5?

In episode 5, Nikaidou's curious classmate learns the truth about his past, which sheds light on why Nikaidou has adopted a downcast and grim persona to keep others at a distance. This revelation is a key plot element that deepens understanding of Nikaidou's character and his unsettling presence at school.

How does Yuichi Medaka's relationship with Akira Nikaidou develop in this episode?

Yuichi Medaka ends up sitting behind Akira Nikaidou in class, and unlike most students who fear Nikaidou, Medaka shows interest in drawing him out of his shell. Their interaction in episode 5 highlights the beginning of a more intimate connection that goes beyond mere friendship, marking a significant development in their relationship.

What role does Miyoshi Hayashi play in the events of episode 5?

Miyoshi Hayashi, known for his eccentric behavior, starts acting bizarrely towards his classmate Joji Ema after the school's athletic festival. Hayashi's actions and his role as a connector among characters are central to the episode's narrative, influencing the dynamics within the class and the unfolding of the school trip.

What is the significance of the school trip to Okinawa announced in episode 5?

The announcement of the class trip to Okinawa sets the stage for the episode's events, including the formation of groups and the interactions among students. This trip serves as a backdrop for character development and the unfolding of key plot points, particularly involving Nikaidou and his classmates.

How does Megumi's encounter with a mysterious online friend relate to the main story in episode 5?

Megumi meeting a mysterious online friend in person is a subplot in episode 5 that adds depth to the narrative. While it runs parallel to the main story focusing on Nikaidou and his classmates, this encounter contributes to the broader theme of connection and the complexities of relationships among the characters.

Is this family friendly?

The episode "Nikaidou Behind Me: Terrifying School Trip Ver." from season 1 of Captivated, by You (2025) is generally family friendly, rated TV-PG and suitable for most audiences. There is no sex, nudity, or drug use depicted. Violence is mild and limited to minor physical altercations or comedic slapstick typical of school-based comedies. Profanity is mild and infrequent.

The main potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects are related to bullying and coarse language, as noted in content advisories. Some scenes may involve teasing, social pressure, or mild emotional discomfort among students, which could be upsetting for younger or sensitive viewers. There are no frightening or intense scenes, but the episode does touch on themes of peer dynamics and social awkwardness common in school settings. Overall, it is appropriate for teens and older children, but parents may want to be aware of the mild bullying and language.