Episode 21 - 'It's no-one's fault that it rains', is practically built on this, as the universe stings both Aoyama and Sorata repeatedly. The former had failed her voice acting audition after working away from home to support herself to pursue her dream, and the latter had failed his game audition because someone else made a game of the same type that was accepted first for its greater commercial appeal. Then there's the implication that their home, Sakurasou, will be torn down and the gang will be split up. The real icing on the cake, though, comes when Sorata and Aoyama arrive home after a draining day, only for Sorata to find the games company want Shiina to do some character designs for them due to her artistic skill, when she wasn't even looking for work. Sorata snaps and has a monologue about how people without talent cannot catch up.
Some other moments happen episodes before - it's heavily implied Sorata's second game pitch made it through or caught the attention of developers at least partially due to the inclusion of one of Shiina's drawings. Another kicker is when Aoyama opens her audition results - she gives a small, misleading smile right before saying 'I failed'.
