In Episode 3 of Love is Poison, Haruto playfully teases Shiba by asking if they can be lovers, only to quickly claim it was a joke after seeing Shiba’s embarrassed reaction. However, Haruto doesn’t stop there. He continues to subtly seduce Shiba by preparing a luxurious bath filled with rose petals, sparking Shiba’s fantasies about the two of them together. Haruto also pampers Shiba with beauty treatments and massages, heightening the tension between them as Shiba grapples with his growing feelings.
The scene then transitions to Shiba working on a challenging case involving Shitarakku, a famous educational influencer who alleges that a virtual currency company used his image in an ad without his consent. Shitarakku is highly influential, but Shiba, representing the virtual currency company, cleverly manages to expose him. Thanks to Haruto secretly recording a conversation between Shitarakku and his mistress at a bar, Shiba reveals that Shitarakku has been deceiving everyone, including fabricating his online persona.
Shiba further uncovers that Shitarakku has another lover, a social media influencer to whom he had disclosed information about the ad. This woman admits the truth after Haruto shows her photos of Shitarakku with his other mistress. The courtroom erupts in chaos as both women confront each other, determined to expose Shitarakku. Watching the drama unfold, Haruto murmurs to himself that while others may be traitors, he would never betray Shiba. The two exchange knowing smiles, deepening their bond.
When Haruto and Shiba return home, Haruto asks for a reward for his efforts, which leads Shiba to think Haruto is implying something naughty. However, to Shiba’s disappointment, Haruto suggests a camping trip instead. Despite the ordinary request, tension builds as Haruto gently protects Shiba’s hand while setting up the tent. Haruto handles everything, from lighting the fire to cooking a delicious meal, but Shiba remains on edge, doing his best to resist Haruto’s subtle advances, reminding himself of Haruto’s dubious nature.
Shiba gives Haruto a contract, expecting resistance, but Haruto surprises him by signing it easily, expressing his trust in Shiba. That evening, they share a quiet moment by the campfire as Shiba enjoys Haruto’s perfectly roasted meat. During the peaceful night, Haruto confesses his feelings, admitting the camping trip was to confess his love without his plants overhearing. He reveals that he likes everything about Shiba, catching Shiba off guard.
In the next episode, Shiba is too flustered to respond to Haruto’s confession. Despite his inner conflict, they end up sleeping together, with Shiba struggling to maintain control when Haruto affectionately wraps his arms around him, mentioning how soothing Shiba’s scent is.
The following day, Shiba confides in his colleague Kazama about his situation but pretends it’s about a friend. Kazama quickly sees through the lie, realizing that “the friend” is in love, which leaves Shiba in denial. Kazama then tells him that jealousy is the true test—if his “friend” gets jealous seeing the other person with someone else, then it’s love.
Back at home, Haruto playfully pushes Shiba into helping with Halloween decorations. While carving a pumpkin, Shiba almost cuts himself, prompting Haruto to assist. Haruto’s closeness makes Shiba flustered, and despite trying to resist, Shiba begins to enjoy the situation. However, he becomes self-conscious, embarrassed by the thought of his plants “watching” the interaction.
At work, Shiba struggles to focus, but he takes on a new case involving Maiko Susaka, a former manager of an energy company threatening to reveal the firm’s misconduct and damage its reputation. Shiba shares the details with Haruto and asks him to get closer to Maiko. However, when Haruto starts praising Maiko’s beauty, Shiba feels an unexpected pang of jealousy, imagining them together.
In an attempt to halt Haruto’s investigation, Shiba tries to discourage him by suggesting that Maiko is too tough, hinting that she’s like a “cyborg.” Undeterred, Haruto approaches Maiko at a gym, pretending to be a trainer. Maiko is immediately charmed by his good looks, and Haruto manages to engage her by sharing similar interests, drawing her in even more.
Shiba is taken aback when Haruto reveals that, after only three days of flirting, he and Maiko have scheduled a tennis date. This makes Shiba feel like he is the one being manipulated by Haruto, realizing that he’s been catering to Haruto’s every request, like getting him the meat he craved. However, his mood shifts when Haruto surprises him with beautifully crafted Halloween decorations around the house, which makes Shiba happy.
Before his date with Maiko, Haruto complains to Shiba over the phone that Maiko is becoming clingy and may be developing romantic feelings for him. Haruto mentions wanting to keep things professional, but this only stirs Shiba’s jealousy. Unable to focus, Shiba ends up spying on Haruto and Maiko at the restaurant where they are having dinner. His jealousy intensifies when a drunken Maiko kisses Haruto’s neck and asks him to be kind to her, after which the two leave together in a taxi.
It’s at this moment, as Shiba watches them leave, that Kazama’s earlier words finally sink in: Shiba realizes he’s fallen in love with Haruto.
