In love is poison episode 7, Shiba is enjoying his new relationship with Haruto, though he’s caught off guard when Haruto suggests they visit a hot spring—a place Shiba’s never felt at ease. His colleague Yamaha playfully teases him about it, even flashing his matching couple ring as a boast. When Yamaha hints at having had a “hot night” there, Shiba’s mind starts to wander with anticipation.
On the day of the trip, Shiba is so nervous he’s barely slept, showing up with dark circles that Haruto finds endearing. Shiba can’t help but wonder why Haruto seems so calm while he’s barely holding it together. At the hot springs, though he acts reluctant, he ends up doing everything Haruto suggests, secretly excited about what the night might bring.
In their room, Shiba’s imagination runs wild when he sees their matching yukata. Embarrassed yet determined, he joins Haruto in the hot spring, both of them unclothed. There, Haruto grows reflective, thanking Shiba for making this moment possible; he’d always dreamed of coming to a place like this with someone he loves, and it feels surreal.
That night, Shiba’s nerves reach a new level when he spots the single futon laid out. Haruto explains he asked for it, hoping they could be close. Shiba surprises him by revealing a pair of rings he bought for them. Moved, Haruto watches as they slip the rings onto each other’s fingers, sealing the moment with a kiss. When Shiba hesitates, unsure of what to do next, Haruto gently takes the lead, making the night unforgettable. Afterward, as Shiba watches Haruto sleep, he feels grateful but notices Haruto starting to have a nightmare, wondering about the hidden pain he carries. When he wakes up, Shiba hugs him inwardly promising to protect him.
In episode eight of Love is Poison, Shiba and Haruto wake up tangled together, savoring a slow morning despite Shiba’s alarm reminding him he’s late for work. Shiba clings to Haruto, half-joking that he’d rather lose his job than leave this moment, but Haruto insists he loves seeing Shiba in court—it’s thrilling to see him confident and cool.
At the office, Shiba’s surprised when his boss promotes him to managing partner and asks him to attend an event for Kuromatsu Company’s 50th anniversary. He invites Shiba to bring a guest, so that evening, Shiba tells Haruto about the event. Though Haruto is initially thrilled, he hesitates, worried Shiba might be uncomfortable introducing him as his partner. But Shiba reassures him that he’s proud to have him there, easing Haruto’s worry.
Before the event, they go shopping, and on the big day, Shiba can’t hide his admiration for how handsome Haruto looks although other women fawn over him. However, at the event, an older CEO rudely accuses Haruto of being a scammer. Without hesitation, Shiba steps in, boldly announcing that Haruto is his boyfriend and threatening legal action unless the man apologizes. Though the incident spoils the evening, Haruto later explains that the man had once propositioned him, which he refused. He thanks Shiba for standing up for him, and Shiba admits he’d rather be by Haruto’s side than at any fancy gathering.
Back at work, Shiba expects backlash, but his boss gives him a challenging case involving a construction dispute between two major companies. It becomes even more intense when he realizes the opposing lawyer is Hachisuka, his former mentor who once betrayed him. Years ago, Hachisuka secretly colluded with the opposing firm, leading Shiba to lose his only case. Now, he must face him again.
At home, Haruto quickly picks up on Shiba’s troubled mood. When Shiba shares his story of betrayal, Haruto becomes determined to help him win. In a voiceover, Shiba reflects that he hadn’t realized a flame of revenge was quietly igniting within Haruto. We’re left with a chilling glimpse of a man wielding a knife, as Haruto’s face flashes with barely contained anger.