The day after their first true romantic kiss, Dawson and Joey both begin to have doubts about the future of their relationship as Joey forgoes her plans of going to France to be near Dawson. Meanwhile, Pacey decides on a new hairstyle look for himself and becomes chummy to the new girl in town: the neurotic, stuttering Andie McPhee, after they accidentally collide with each other in their cars. Pacey then asks Andie to help him get the attractive head cheerleader, named Christy Livingstone, to notice him. Following the death of her grandfather, Jen debates her own future after figuring out that Dawson and Joey are now a couple. Also, Mitch doubts the future of his marriage with Gayle when he goes to see a divorce lawyer.

Dawson is rocked by two setbacks in his life. First he learns that Mitch and Gail have decided to separate. Then later at Capside's formal Homecoming dance, he learns about the kiss between Joey and Jack, setting off a chain of fireworks and events that shatter his lifelong friendship and newfound romance with Joey. At the same time, the night gives Jen a chance to use Joey's mistakes to try to get back together with Dawson, but it doesn't work. Also, Pacey tries to be honest with Andie, but ends up breaking her heart when he flirts with cheerleader Christy Livingstone.