Normal People : Season 1 Episode 3 < 360p >

: Realizing what he has lost, Connell leaves an agonized, sobbing voicemail for Marianne, confessing his love while she is elsewhere, fast asleep. Marianne subsequently withdraws from school, leaving Connell consumed by guilt.

In the third episode of , titled simply "Episode 3," the secret relationship between Connell and Marianne reaches a breaking point due to Connell's fear of social judgment. The Fundraiser and the Incident Normal People : Season 1 Episode 3

As the Debs approach, the social pressure on Connell intensifies. Fearing his friends have guessed his secret, he makes the "cowardly" decision to ask his ex-girlfriend, Rachel, to the dance instead of Marianne. When he tells Marianne, she is devastated and ends their arrangement. : Realizing what he has lost, Connell leaves

The episode begins with a fundraising event for the "Debs" (graduation dance). Marianne attends, looking noticeably different and more polished, which draws immediate attention from Connell and his peers. However, the night turns sour when an older friend of the boys gropes Marianne. Deeply upset, she leaves the club, and Connell offers to drive her home. The Fundraiser and the Incident As the Debs

: At the Debs, Connell is miserable. A friend, Eric, admits the group already knew about his relationship with Marianne and wouldn't have cared, making Connell's betrayal feel even more pointless.