Hero creates an opportunity to stay at Poppy's house, displaying behavior that makes Poppy question whether they are friends or something more. Hero sticks close, overly protective, and nosy with issues of sexual education. However, the relationship shatters when they discover their parents are getting married, hurting both of them deeply.

Hero is uneasy, fearing he will lose Poppy for good when Poppy confronts him about sending someone to hurt Pailin. They part ways despite still thinking of each other. Eventually, Hero reveals the truth about what happened with Pailin. Poppy faces a difficult choice between two people who both love him dearly.