179

Flower Boy Next Door: Episode 7

It’s another emotionally stirring episode, sandwiched among the moments of cuteness, of course. A misunderstanding gives way to some harsh truths, and Dok-mi and Enrique show that sometimes knowing a person’s true nature can become a weapon to inflict pain, as much as a bond to bring people together.

 
EPISODE 7: “Pride and Prejudice and Misunderstanding”

Jin-rak and Enrique get ready to duel up on the roof, and exchange steely glares. I love Jin-rak’s extra pathetic moment as he thinks to brandish a rainbow-colored broom as a weapon, and can’t even do that.

He starts in on this speech about how he’s not one to care about the formalities of a hyung-dongseng relationship and tells Enrique that he’ll speak plainly. Enrique matches his gaze… and then glares up at the sun for making him squint. Ha. He clip-clops his feet in excitement, “So…whaddja wanna talk about?”

Jin-rak sighs, deflated, and says that he doesn’t care much to pretend he likes people he doesn’t. This time Enrique picks up on his meaning pretty quickly and pouts. “You don’t like me either, huh?”

Suddenly Jin-rak finds himself being the reassuring one, “You’re not a bad guy.” He uses the word nom and then quickly adds that it isn’t a bad word (and it isn’t necessarily, because he’s the hyung). Enrique beams, “Hyung, you’re an okay nom too!” Hahaha. Okay, that time, it was a bad word. Hee.

Downstairs, Dong-hoon stands awkwardly between two ex-friends, still passing the boxes that Do-hwi brought back and forth. He suggests that Dok-mi should maybe go check on the two boys on the roof, trying to explain that they have an ill-fated connection she doesn’t know about.

Do-hwi huffs that the boxes are filled with their memories, and turns to take her bruised ego home, when suddenly two men dressed in black show up to knock on Jin-rak’s door.

Dong-hoon asks cautiously why they’re here, and they say they’re here to serve papers because Jin-rak’s going to be prosecuted for fraud and illegal money lending. Everyone freezes.

Do-hwi sneaks up to the roof and witnesses the boys shouting angrily and pointing fingers at each other.

But when we get close, it’s just Enrique confronting Jin-rak about his feelings for Dok-mi. He calls him out on the confession he witnessed from afar, and Jin-rak sputters that it wasn’t a confession, not like some totally bulldozy one-sided, “I like you! Date me!”

He says one shouldn’t have to confess at all, given enough time. Oh sweetie. Enrique laughs, “How would anyone date if nobody confessed?” Jin-rak: “You don’t need to confess. If you take lots and lots to time to slowly get to know each other fully, carefully, then at some point…”

Enrique: “At some point, someone ELSE will confess first: I love you, Go Dok-mi-sshi!” Jin-rak gasps, freaking out that Enrique has already confessed. He doesn’t see why, and Jin-rak finally flips his lid, screaming WHY: Why is he barging in and disrupting Dok-mi’s life then?

Enrique says Dok-mi herself is like a placid lake—no amount of shaking will change that. Besides, he goes back to Spain in a month. Jin-rak runs with the metaphor, asking if he’s going to make waves until then, and Enrique assures him that no amount of waves will shake Dok-mi. Curious that he never says he doesn’t like her.

Enrique: “You’ve watched her for that long and you still don’t know her as well as I do?” Now it really does turn into a competition, as Enrique asks if he knows what Dok-mi’s dream is, that she raises plants, that she likes travel documentaries.

What Jin-rak has to offer: “Do you know how many times a week she goes to the post office? Do you know how much she likes trash?!” He realizes that one didn’t come out right.

Finally Do-hwi runs up to the boys, screaming for them to stop. Of course she’s disappointed to learn that Enrique and Dok-mi aren’t a couple, and tries her best to convince them that Dok-mi must like him.

And then she somehow thinks it’s okay to tell them the story of their first love. She says that she and Dok-mi were friends, but then in high school they fell in love with the same teacher. (This is from Do-hwi’s perspective, so we have no idea if Dok-mi ever once shared her crush, though from what we’ve seen, she didn’t.)

Jin-rak interrupts her to ask what the teacher looked like, eager to know Dok-mi’s taste in men. Do-hwi lies that he looks just like Enrique.

And then she tells the twisted version of the story—that she was the favored one, but Dok-mi crossed a line with Teach, and when rumors spread, he had to leave. (It’s also seeming more and more that Teach is the one who had the inappropriate crush on Dok-mi.)

She says that Dok-mi didn’t speak a word to anyone, the rest of high school. The boys are unsurprisingly sympathetic towards Dok-mi, and don’t pass any judgment. They wonder why Do-hwi came upstairs and told them a story they never even asked about (ha), and she remembers the scary men who came looking for Jin-rak.

She adds that she really does want to make amends with Dok-mi and be friends again like before, and the boys turn in unison, “There is a way…”

Downstairs, Dong-hoon imagines Jin-rak’s criminal past, complete with cartoon prison striped jumpsuit and mean-looking mugshot. The men grab hold of his phone when he gets a text, but let him go when they read: “Oppa, where did I leave my underwear?”

Suddenly Dok-mi comes back out of her apartment and confronts the men—do they have proper identification? Does Jin-rak know he’s being indicted? Did they go through all the proper channels? She raises her phone to check with the police, and Dong-hoon stands behind her with a huge grin.

Later Dong-hoon demands to know about Jin-rak’s shady past, and he insists it was just one tiny mistake he made way back when, and it’s all over now. He wonders why those men left so easily though, and Dong-hoon tells him about Dok-mi’s outburst, declaring that she’s clearly got a hidden past too.

Jin-rak beams as romantic music swells. “You mean… she trusted me?” He totally swoons.

Dok-mi rapid-edits the rest of Enrique’s book, even with him hovering over her shoulder in panda gear. She’s ready for him to pack up and leave, but he reminds her she has a meeting at 3 o’clock.

The security guard comes knocking, surprised to see Enrique opening the door, and takes them to Ryu’s cooking-class-turned-apartment-meeting. There, Enrique eggs Jin-rak on to talk to Dok-mi, and the two boys are so busy signaling each other that they don’t notice that she sees the whole exchange.

Then Do-hwi joins the class as planned, acting the part of the friend who wants to reconcile, and Dok-mi is forced to endure the class with her. Gah.

Ryu starts in on this speech about how paella is meant to be shared and symbolizes friendship and forgiveness, though it all gets lost in translation when he trusts Enrique’s Japanese skills. His version: “It’s very tasty.”

The group of neighbors gathers at the table to share the meal, and even Dok-mi looks at the scene with a smile. Enrique catches it, and she quickly goes back to frowning.

After the class, Enrique latches onto Jin-rak to whisper that he’ll make up an excuse to invite him over.

But when he goes inside and tries to talk to Dok-mi, she just ignores him and continues to work. He brings up her trauma in high school. (Eeek, bad move! Bad move!)

He says that Seo-young went through something similar when she was young and lost her parents—she didn’t speak for years, but then one day she called out to him and hasn’t stopped talking since.

Dok-mi fumes with angry tears brimming in her eyes, as she listens to him rattle on about her problems as if he knows what he’s talking about. Augh, I know he means well, but I really wish he’d shut up and stop digging his own grave.

He says that judging from Dok-mi’s life inside this apartment, she still hasn’t recovered. He uses another soccer analogy, to say that if it’s a goal you can’t block, you shouldn’t, and tells her to make up with her friend.

Dok-mi finally snaps and throws all his stuff back into his suitcase and tells him to get out.

“Do you think that because you memorized a few lines from a psychology textbook that you know a person? Do you know what your most common search words are? Enrique who mouths off. Enrique the Arrogant King. Enrique the plagiarist. Enrique’s private life. They’re all hollow shells. You act like you know everything in this world. Well leave me out of it. Don’t act like you know who I am!”

He reels, but fires back, wondering what Dok-mi’s keywords might be. He muses that she hates such things, because she doesn’t want to be judged—she’s so scared of it that she hides. He says that someone has watched her for years though and her keywords are: Woman who receives packages at the post office.

“Not a hollow shell. But there’s no warmth of life. Why do you put up those travel pictures, when this house is your entire world?” She spits back that she doesn’t need warmth, and orders him out of her apartment—and her world.

He looks back at her with pained eyes and grabs his stuff and heads toward the door. He turns back to add, “I don’t care about keywords made up by people who don’t know me. But you know me, even if just a little. Hollow shell? That was harsh.”

He says he’ll accept that she spoke harshy to cut him off harshly, so he’ll give in and stay away. Oof, that was rough on both sides. I feel beat up.

He knocks on Jin-rak’s door with tears in his eyes, and cries that he gives up. Jin-rak doesn’t understand a word he’s saying, but Enrique just says that he doesn’t know anything anymore, and he at least feels better knowing that Jin-rak is around, and leaves Dok-mi in his care. He trudges away, head hanging.

Inside, Dok-mi sits down at her desk, and despite her threats to quit, she goes back to reading Enrique’s autobiography. She underlines a passage:

When rejected by the person you love most, when betrayed by the person closest to you—that’s when self-abasement begins. You hide in a space that’s all your own, and close your heart. I can’t just pass by people like that.

Enrique comes back to Tae-joon’s apartment, surprised to see him home. He says he’s finished up his work there, like he’s packing up to go somewhere. Seo-young is there too, and they set up a new big screen tv just for Enrique, and Tae-joon apologizes for the fight.

But Enrique is still just focused on Dok-mi’s words, and asks if they know his keywords. He says that he has a son, according to the internet, and he’s basically trash—just a hollow shell.

They remind him that he doesn’t care about stuff like that, but he says that’s how one woman sees him. Seo-young realizes the important part of that statement isn’t the keywords but the woman, and asks who it is, excited that he might have a crush. But he just sits dejectedly and tells himself not to think about it. He looks out the window over at Dok-mi’s apartment with a sigh.

Dok-mi gets back to her work in progress, and today she writes:

To that woman, a scar was like falling into deep water. The onlookers who don’t know the depth of that scar just wonder why she can’t swim out. There are so many people who belittle a stranger’s scar. She didn’t want to hear such empty words. At least one person… from one person…

Enrique’s book gets ready to come out, and Dok-mi sighs at the proof of the jacket cover, with her name on it. She looks over at the panda hat he left behind.

Meanwhile Enrique goes to a fan signing and then a strange incident happens on his way to meet the book editor.

A masked person runs up from behind and snatches his phone and takes off with it. He chases for a while, until the thief actually collides into a stopped car. He jumps back to see that it’s an ajumma, and stops chasing, figuring she can have the phone.

Dok-mi meets her editor sunbae about Enrique’s book, and runs out as soon as she hears he’s on his way. They cross paths at the door, both halting, but neither able to say a word.

Inside, Enrique hears that Dok-mi wants her name taken off his book, and the editor explains that as an aspiring writer, it makes sense she’d want the first time to be on her own work.

He sighs, remembering her dream to be a children’s author, and realizes that he made another mistake.

He heads home with dinner for three, though Seo-young and Tae-joon seem to be in the middle of a fight. She just screams that this has nothing to do with Enrique, but we have no context for the outburst.

At the same time, Jin-rak comes face-to-face with the men in black from the other day. Jin-rak says that if things don’t work out he’ll just have to go back to being Oh Jae-won, but that’ll be bad for them. Hm, cryptic. The mysterious man hands him a mysterious envelope.

He stops short at the sight of Dok-mi, and tries to explain when it’s clear she wasn’t really asking. He grabs her wrist to ask if she’ll listen to something he has to tell her, which is when Enrique walks up.

She pulls away and Enrique just walks past them without a word. Dok-mi says she’s tired today and asks to just go inside.

Then suddenly Seo-young comes running out in tears, without a jacket on. Enrique asks what’s wrong, and she blurts, “You knew, didn’t you?! About Oppa going to the island?”

He realizes she found out about Tae-joon preparing to leave, and reminds her that she’s known about his dream all along. (I’m supposing it’s to be a country doctor somewhere on a tiny island?)

She wails, “What does that matter? What am I supposed to do?!” She starts pounding on his chest, crying over and over, “What am I supposed to do?”

She breaks down, and he pulls her into a hug, which aaaauuuugh, is SO UNFAIR to him.

He holds her as she cries, and looks over at Dok-mi, who’s been watching this whole time. She starts to grow increasingly upset as she watches, and then runs toward them.

She grabs Enrique’s arm and pulls him away… towards her.

 
COMMENTS

Omo! Awww, is it to save him from having to comfort the girl who broke his heart? How cute. I love that she saves him! It could be a jealous outburst, but I think it’s her empathy at work more than anything—she sees how much he’s hurting, and in fact she’s the ONLY one who knows he’s been hurting because of Seo-young all this time. It’s one of the many things he hides underneath that happy talkative exterior that he’s only shown to Dok-mi, and I think it’s the first time she’s stuck her neck out for anyone, at least since high school.

It’s so nice to get the reversal right away, after seeing how vulnerable they were to each other’s barbs and biting accusations. Yes, opening up to someone is dangerous because you leave yourself exposed to judgment, to criticism, rejection, and pain. But that’s only one half of it—the half that tore them up in the fight.

But the other half is that someone out there in the world knows you. Gets you. Sees you for you. It’s the thing that both Enrique and Dok-mi are terrified of, but also want desperately—for people to stop seeing the misunderstanding, the misrepresented versions of them out there in the world. Whether it’s lies on the internet or lies in high school, they’re the same in making them feel misunderstood and alone.

It’s why Dok-mi has always chosen the safe route, in locking herself away. No one can misjudge her again if she’s not out in the world. But Enrique’s right in that it also isn’t living, because then she never opens herself up to the possibility that someone will know the true her. He does seem to have a leg up in that respect. He knows that you have to take the risk to gain the reward. What I like about their story is that it doesn’t even really matter what the misunderstanding is (not like a traditional melodrama Big Misunderstanding that drives the plot). Enrique doesn’t see her any differently even when he’s told that Dok-mi had an affair with her teacher. The point isn’t that he learns the truth about what happened in high school, but that they each choose to rise above their own fears and let someone in. And that’s a journey worth getting invested in.

 
RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , ,

179

Required fields are marked *

i root for kim ji hoon

0
25
reply

Required fields are marked *

i'm also rooting for him :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It's hard not to root for him. :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Am I the only one rooting for Enrique?!

1
19
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh no, don't worry. We, Enrique shippers know we will win in the end, that's why we stay quiet. ;)

0
10
reply

Required fields are marked *

yups totally agreee.....:p

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

i love this episode-- it's just touched my heart in a lot of way.
the relationship that dokmi and enrique has is just beautiful and complicated
dokmi open up to enrique little by little but more than anyone in the world...
she must be really hurt that he talks about her past so lightly...

at least from one person- she doesn't want to hear that she should let go and move on already.... because it is not easy for her to do...

same goes to him-- he acts like he doesn't care about who bad mouth him or the anti.. but it actually did get him inside...

they both hurt each other deeply cos they know what would hurt them most..

let go and move on is not easy thing to do-
but with the right person,the right time
i hope they both heal eachother pain and scar
and love eachother as much as they always want to be love..

0

Hahaha! Good point! ;)

Thanks for the recap, gf!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

He kissed her first! In Dramaland that's like licking a cupcake. He gets dibs. Or so I keep telling myself, haha.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

haha so true. :D let them have their moments of bliss, for we know we will triumph in the end. :D

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

hee hee hee! :: big grin:: Soo true! Why say anything if we know we've already won? Still, if Jin Rak were to get Dok Mi in the end, I'd smile too. I really like Jin Rak.. I really loved his response to the story Dol Hwi told. Not judgment or anything. Just worry at her loneliness.

But yeah, it's Enrique all the way.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Seriously, I was a wee bit ambivalent going in but I am firmly on board the SS Enrique now.

I think what really brought me over to the dark side was the look she gave that picture of him when she was on the phone to her sunbae last episode - that look of 'you.....just you wait till I get my hands on you' is the most animated we've ever seen Dok-mi so far - she may be alone there and there's no one to see it, but it's a far cry from the subdued manner she usually has - like this is a girl who's about to get out and kick someone's behind for being annoying instead of hide in her home away from the world. And I love that Enrique brought that out in her, even if he didn't see it. I think they just see each other in a way that the rest of the world doesn't get to see behind their respective facades.

1
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

"The dark side" ahahahahahahaaaa. ❤

0

I LOLed at "the dark side". :D
But yes, that's exactly what I mean... that Enrique brings out things in her long forgotten.

Sigh, I just can't wait for them to fall in love. :D

0

Hahaha exactly!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me too! ^_^

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Enrique shippers, moi =).

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm rooting for him too, they look so cute together

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

No... I'm rooting for Enrique as well^_^

GO ENRIQUE!!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm rooting for Enrique. The reason I don't like Jin Rak at times is because he comes of as possessive (is that the right word?) over Dok Mi. He seems to think he is the only one that can take interest in her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I guess I'm at the age that prefers Mr. Sexy Bedroom Eyes to Mr. Cute, but as for the characters I can't decide yet, there's still more to find out about them.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i wish the guy acting as kim be the enrique and vice versa.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Dont worry i am also an enrique shipper. He is much more mature than jin rak in love and is a sweet heart. I thought i will get bored of his extra cuteness and aegyo habits but they're just making me like him even more.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I root for Kim Ji Hoon as a character BUT root for Enrique as the love interest lol. :)

Honestly though, I could care less about who gets with who... I feel this way with all of the tvN dramas so far (except for Queen In Hyun's man lol). The characters themselves are amazing compelling.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ommo..i don't know who should I be rooting for..
I like Jin Rak because he's handsome,
while Enrique is cute..
who should I choose!!
haha..
Dok Mi fighting!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i died when he had that dopey boy smile while taking pictures with dok mi. glaksdfjlkdjf

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE! THE RECAP'S HERE!!! THANKS GF!

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes.... I love Dok Mi even more in this episode.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Haha. I love how Enrique keeps catching Jinrak off guard with borderline little brother affection.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh my gosh!! Lol

When Enrique called him a punk (nom), I almost spit soda across my keyboard looking at Jin-rak's expression! Even he couldn't rebuke Enrique. it would be like punting a puppy.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

So true! He's just so adorable 98% of the time that you can't get mad at the annoying 2%. Just like when a puppy has an accident and looks so sad that you can't be mad.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me too! The hyperactive kid+reluctant hyung dynamic is my favourite new thing, it's a bit like watching my new puppy trying to get my grumpy old dog to play with it, ha.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The actors have such great comedic energy between them. I want Enrique and Jin Rak to be friends! Bahahaha, and how much did you love Dong Hoon getting all jealous that Enrique was moving in on his hyung? This show is so. cute.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thank you!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

man, the drama gods have been really good with this one. the writing's still strong and we're (almost) half way in...

thank you for the recaps as always! ^^;;

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanks for the recap....

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thank you first of all...but she grabs? grabs...as in to save him or because she doesn't like seeing him in the arms of another girl?...Dok mi...i still root for you and totally love your personality.

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

it's like the situation like he begged her to help him in the ep 3, only this time he didn't have to ask
The way he looks at her was the same.... that's why she did it, if it makes sense
I think this is the 1st time she is doing something for someone ever since the incident

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

It's true that he gave her the look of "help me, ajumma!". That's why she did it.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm thinking (well, hoping, rather, because I'm going down with this ship, haha!) that it's a little bit of she's jealous but more of wanting to save him.

1
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

me too! me too! (oh, let me have my delusions. i too am going down with this ship!)

though I really HOPE she actually did that. you know, and not some failed botched attempt or imagination, like what happened to Jin Rak when he tried to stop Dok Mi and Enrique going off in the car.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Sink? Guys, our ship is SAILING off into the sunset.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

HA! Right. :D
We ARE sailing off into the sunset!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

can't wait for the next episode! thanks girlfriday for the the recap! love you guys <3

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Loving this show so much and I love coming here to read about it and gain more perspective.

Speaking of perspective...does Jin Rak have the most selective hearing/rose colored glasses or what? His reactions to anything Dok Mi related are always so adorably skewed.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I bet he's been taking lessons from CDDA's Seung-jo.

That aside, I think he just really hasn't had a chance to get to know her because he's afraid to shake up her bubble. So over three years he has formed an image in his mind he has trouble letting go of...

But seriously, how in the world did he conclude that she keeps recycling garbage all night long? What?

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ahh, thank you for the recap. T__T Love this drama to bits.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Jinrak clutching his pearls at the thought of confessing is becoming my fav thing right now.

And Ryu and Enrique together is adorable.

God I love this show and this franchise. So much good stuff ♥

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Jin-Rak you adorkable man. Every time he tries to do something it never quite works out. I seriously volunteer to help mend his broken heart once Dok-mi breaks it. But we all know that she needs to be with Enrique. Now Do-whi on the other hand I want to toss from a building! I can't stand her, probably because I know too many girls like her.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you for your recaps. (And so quick, too! Thanks for that,too). Loving this show and your recaps provide insight that makes this show even more enjoyable. Just wish this episode had less Do-whi :-(

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

It really can't be overstated how much blogs like this add to the drama-watching experience. I'm so grateful to the db bloggers as well as to others in the k-drama blogosphere. This week I came across a couple of posts on other blogs that also have some great insights about this drama:

http://idlerevelry.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/flower-boy-next-door-episodes-1-4-reflection/ which led me to: http://radio-palava.tumblr.com/post/40903163120/myers-briggs-dichotomies-in-flower-boy-next-door

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks so much for the links!! I love reading the recaps, and they do add a lot. Since I'm not Korean and my Korean language skills stop at omona!, oppa and daebak, longer translations and cultural settings make such a difference in my understanding of the shows and their characters. Recaps for the win!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

OH MY GOSH. I loved this episode so much, even though it was WAY harsh, Tai. I also love the Enrique-Jin Rak relationship. They are so cute together. Keep it coming, Show!

1
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

Totally agree, they're dynamic is so fun. I laughed so hard at the scene on the roof, particularly when Enrique started yelling back at Jin Rak the SAME WAY Jin Rak always yells :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Main and secondary leads ending up friends is one of my favorite things. I love that each time it starts off as Jin-rak *trying* to be threatening and intimidating, and failing completely in the face of all that sunniness. It's like trying to hate a puppy, and he just can't manage it.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

It's a lot better than the main and secondary leads starting out as friends, then fight over a girl, right? :)

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

So much better. I hope they still manage to be friends when the Enrique/Dok-mi ship really starts sailing. I'm preemptively sad for the boys just thinking about it, especially with Enrique trying to help Jin-rak out right now. :(

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

And I love what it says about Enrique's character: that he wants to make friends, that he likes making friends, and that he already cares enough about Jin Rak that he thinks of him in his relationship with Dok Mi. And Jin Rak! Oh, he's so adorably ineffectual. I just want to pat him on the head.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

yeah, and that goes for girls too - I like that Seo-young was nice to Dok-mi in her own bratty way after being introduced properly.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, yeah. It would be so awesome for Dok Mi to have a girl friend in the midst of all these boys.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

(Omg, Clueless, I love you.)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I want to say the acting in their fighting scene was intense and I love it...
Their chemistry is strong I can't wait for their love blossom

It's funny that the guys want to help/ protect her but Dokmi was the one that saved them instead ( JR with the 2 strangers)
She is awesome and I love her so much

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

So true! She also saved them by chipping in for Jin-rak's rent. These guys can't even take care of themselves. I think Dok-mi is better adjusted than Enrique. She had managed to find a sort of happiness in her apartment. She was responsible, self-reliant, employed, and obviously well-read (her apartment full of books is what had sucked me into this drama in the first place after not warming up to the two earlier Flower Boy series). Enrique just felt restless all the time.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

aww... thanks for the recap! :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This drama is so good at the balance between light moments and heavy moments. I find myself laughing out loud in one scene and fighting tears in the next. And the transition feels seamless.

The fight between Dok Mi and Enrique reminded me of the scene in King 2Hearts where the Queen Mother explains to her bratty King son that the person who is closest to you has the ability to hurt you the easiest because they know you weaknesses. I just kept thinking that it was the case for those two. They truly understand each other in a way nobody else does, and it made it easier to inflict pain. But it also makes it so Dok Mi knows instantly that it kills Enrique to comfort the little brat. Poor Jin Rak. My heart hurts for him too. He's such a good guy, but he doesn't really understand the girl.

Can't wait for tomorrow. Thanks for the recap!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kim Ji Hoon ♥♥♥

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

At first I was rooting for JinRak then.... UGHHH this episode appears and my ship is is switching.... Enrique!!! WAE so bul.sang.hae!?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I may be the only person who doesn't like either Dok-mi or Enrique. I'm reading the recaps in hope something will draw me in again! (Has the dog shown up again?(

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I miss Hippo too!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Now than Enrique broke DM's heart, he better be very NICE to her in the next eps. Dok Mi had harsh words too but she's going to correct the situation: Starting with that kid who doesn't know who she loves. WTH? You don't like your doc boyfriend anymore cause he's going abroad? What kind of love is this exactly? The only other girl tolerable in this show is the editor of JR. I hope she'll be here to pick up the pieces once the main ship sails...

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes! I love Jin Rak's editor! So hope they do more with her and Jin Rak...

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I ship them soooo hard! I'd love to see a little hopeful moment at the end of the series, like a rose-tinted Jinrak moment where he totally falls for her ;)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That would be so awesome! That would lead to a whole new hilarious web toon for him. Imagine the character she would make with his cute pension for rosy perspectives!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love her too! I love the dark circles under her eyes and the manic energy emanating from her. I can't decide whether to ship her with Jin Rak or Donghoon

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I really, really love this show. Especially the writing. Everything that Dok-mi writes in her work-in-progress, every simile, just strikes me in the gut. Especially this one, about the scar being like falling into deep water? There's something universal about people judging you because you can't let go of one problem that seems trivial to them, but then how can they say that when they're not the ones who experienced it? That's where prejudice comes in, and that's why Dok-mi doesn't bother to interact, because when everyone would just prejudge her, why talk to them? In her case it's taken to an extreme but isn't there something like her in us when we refuse to talk about our own problems to others?

GAH. What else can I say, but I love you, FBND! You are like Enrique, wrapped in fun and laughs, but underneath there is Heart. With a capital H. And I just want to hug Dok-mi and Enrique and say everything's fine! (I'm sniffling here, UGH.)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, oh, I forgot something. In her WIP she wrote, " At least one person… from one person…" That can be taken as interest in Enrique, right? (Because who else would it be, but Enrique?) If not romantic interest, because I think she's not ready yet, it could mean that she sees him already as one of her important people, right?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved when someone in the crowd at the book signing asked Enrique if he had a son and he answered that he had lots of sons and daughters and even a wife, and the PR people were tripping all over themselves to clarify that it wasn't so - Then Enrique says that what he meant was that since he lost so much of his childhood that the characters in his games were his children hahaha so cute!

The harsh face off between Dok Mi and Enrique made them each hear things they didn't want to hear especially from the person whose words matter. And they were both mad. But because of that unwelcomed breaking down of barriers, Dok Mi is able to run to Enrique and pull him towards her and...and...cliff hanger, nooooo~

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved the significance of that outburst between Dok Mi and Enrique. Like what you said, it was hard for them because they were hearing harsh words from "the person whose words matter".

I think it's also a mark of a growing affinity between them that they were actually able to have an outburst. There are things people who are close, or who at least have a relationship can only say honest things, despite being painfully honest, can only say to each other.
It's sad that Dok Mi had to experience it this way, but at least it's a sign that Dok Mi is starting to react and feel again, as opposed to just shrinking and disappearing from the world.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Once someone enters your world (for Dok Mi, that means the deliberately sheltered one she has maintained and for Enrique, that means the non-stop hyper paced one his game life has created) the harder it is to keep that world intact and untouched. So that outburst was a result of their worlds crashing together. Enter change. For both.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

AMEN! :D

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I took it that he does have a child, but the PR folks were trying to cover it up. It seems like a secret he has yet to reveal to DM and will potentially cause problems later. Or not. How could he get someone pregnant when he has loved SY for the last 10 years (unless it was SY who had the kid).

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Another episode! Thanx for the recap.

Can't wait for the next episode!!! Also, can Do-hwi just leave already? She is really annoying the hell out of me!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Enrique has 1001 facial expressions and I just love the agility of his lips! :)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love his facial expressions too; there's so much emotional depth with just a glance and the face off w/ DM..I could barely breathe w/ all that charged emotions bouncing off the walls.

Not only that, but he has the best and most adorable crooked smile ever.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love the metaphor of Enrique bringing warmth into her life... FROM the second he walked in her home, she turns up the heat when he complained about how cold it was and to make him more comfortable... TO their argument over her shell of a life with no warmth!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well, who am I to contradict you... Enrique is HOT indeed! Totally what she needs. :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Every time Do Hwi appears I go insane in a killer mode ! Drama u don't need her to show up!! I hope our heroine stays stronger as she is to handle this villain !

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

ME TOO!! I hope Dok Mi somehow reveals the truth and punches Do Hwi in the face. BTW I ship Enrique and Dok Mi

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've been enjoying the show since it started, but this episode hit me like a sack of bricks and now I'm practically gnawing at my fingernails waiting for tomorrow.

That confrontation was INTENSE. I was so caught up in it I nearly forgot to read the subs, and that hasn't happened to me in quite some time.

I loved Enrique and Dok-mi's immediate rapport, and I love the flip-side to it: they see the things about each other that no one else notices, and that gives them the power to hurt each other like no one else can. And to top the episode off with her going to him because holding Seo-young is killing him, bringing that connection right back around? Oh my god.

Between this and School, the rest of 2013 is going to have the bar set ridiculously high.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm so sad about School 2013 ending, though, and FBND is already almost half done :( 2013 is going to have a LOT to live up to, if this is the act it's going to follow.

The Enrique-Dok-mi ship is sailing full speed ahead, for me and it's not because of the accidental kiss but that connection they've developed, even if it's reluctantly formed on Dok-mi's part, she can't not care about him when she knows he's in pain. And he can brush off nasty online words like they're nothing, but boy do they hurt when the one person he's allowed to see behind his facade throws them at him.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I still haven't watched the last episode of School. If I just pretend it hasn't aired yet, then it's like the show's not over. :(

Their relationship is based so solidly in the weird, immediate way they clicked, and it's great to see that aspect really be developed. I enjoy crackling sexual tension as much as anyone - and I think we might get there eventually - but I love that the writing isn't letting chemistry carry everything. We're getting to see *why* these two people make sense together, how they can't not care about each other even though it's difficult and scary.

It's awesome. Awesome, awesome, awesome. I don't know what kind of magic tvN has, but I wish they'd start bottling it and sharing it out.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Love this Show!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Love this show...the fight was intense and i did buy it, no like those silly misunderstandings in kdramas...

I really like Kim Ji Hoon, and his character too, and i thought that i would totally ship him and Dok Mi, but Enrique is so cuteeee.And deserves her.

I like Dok Mi and Enrique, they know and understand each other, the way she protected him was nice, and his hurt look while hugging seoyoung was heartbreaking :( ... Based on the preview i expected something romantic, however this was much better...

I'm glad Viki got licensed to sub this...subs were ready in less than 12 hours...lucky us!!!!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I dunno if its the hair or the face but I can only see Enrique as just like a little dong seng to Dok mi... I can't see them together at all lol But its clear that that's the direction the story is pushing for.... it may not have the conclusion for the couple I am rooting for, or even leave it open-ended ( the kind I dislike but in this case, welcome lol ) I am loving every single step of the way! Much love to Jin rak ♥♥♥ mysterious and smexy, yet a little dorky with antiquated views on love lol How not to love him *sigh*

Thank you for keeping the recaps coming =D

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Omg Enrique and Dok-Mi are so endgame it's not even funny. =u=

I wish I wasn't so partial to Jin-rak. It's hard watching him try so hard and cutely. </3

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i thought that enrique had overheard do hwi being nasty to dok mi, so i was a bit surprised how he'd tried to persuade her to make up with her.
that whole sequence where they fought was really heartbreaking. i can related to dok mi a lot (which probably isn't healthy..), so i could feel the hurt and humiliation that dok mi probably experienced when he retaliated with his barb about her pictures of foreign places.
even so, i still ship them together. jin rak is just so creepy and so wrong on too many levels. i don't understand how people can ship them together.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't find Jin Rak creepy, but I do find him misguided and a tad naive/idealistic in the way he sees Dok-mi - Enrique, for what it's worth, is right - he got to see more of ahjumma's real self than anyone else in the last few years and vice versa goes for him and her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

totally love this drama and excited for the next episode tonight.FIGHTING FBND!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i love this episode– it’s just touched my heart in a lot of way.
the relationship that dokmi and enrique has is just beautiful and complicated
dokmi open up to enrique little by little but more than anyone in the world…
she must be really hurt that he talks about her past so lightly…

at least from one person- she doesn’t want to hear that she should let go and move on already…. because it is not easy for her to do…

same goes to him– he acts like he doesn’t care about who bad mouth him or the anti.. but it actually did get him inside…

they both hurt each other deeply cos they know what would hurt them most..

let go and move on is not easy thing to do-
but with the right person,the right time
i hope they both heal eachother pain and scar
and love eachother as much as they always want to be love.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It would be a very interesting twist if the one person Dok Mi didn't want to misunderstand and betray her was actually her old best friend Do Hwi.

I also think the male teacher had more than an inappropriate crush on Dok Mi. I think he went a little further than that, and that is at the headwater of her trauma. No male teacher would innocently invite a young female student into his home alone for private 'tutoring,' and in this episode there's a flashback where Dok Mi and teacher are on the stairs at school and he puts his hands on her shoulders and she flinches.

Do Hwi one of the mean-girl friends probably saw something and misunderstood it, further traumatizing Dok Mi and making it impossible for her to speak up about what really happened to her.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

First off, I love this drama so much. I liked the ending, because it seems that Dok-mi is finally able and willing to help someone out who is in pain, and that is a huge leap forward for her. Also, I think Enrique is growing on her.

I feel bad for Jin-rak. I really do. He tries so hard to tell Dok-mi how he feels, but chickens out every time. The fact that he thinks that those feelings needn't be said, shows just how little he gets love and women and Dok-mi. Whenever he realizes the words "I love you" actually need to be said, it will be much too late.

Now, for some of the supporting characters. Dong-hoon and Ryu are hilarious and So. CUTE! I love their scenes. Just adorable.

Tae-joon I still don't care much for. I know he's supposed to be Dok-mi's unrequited love, but he still seems like a blank wall to me. I like the security guard better than him. At least that ahjussi is funny!

Seo-young is really irritating, too. Why does she go running to Enrique every time she has a fight with Tae-joon? That's so annoying and it breaks Enrique's heart, and mine for having to watch it happen.

Do-hwi has got to be the most selfish, self-involved, annoying character I've seen in a long while. I don't think she really even likes Jin-rak, she just wants him because he likes Dok-mi. I also think, as you pointed out, GF, that the teacher had a crush on Dok-mi. It seems Dok-mi didn't reciprocate those feelings, but Do-hwi seems to think otherwise, and was hurt and angry enough to bully her former friend. I wonder if she even knows that Dok-mi thought about suicide? If not, I wonder how she'd react if she found out? That seems more likely. Because if she did know, and is acting like this now, then that would truly make her scum. I don't like her character at all, and really hope she has an unsatisfactory ending. I don't even want her to patch things up with Dok-mi. That wouldn't seem to fit their past.

Anyway, I love this show. Thanks for the recap, Girlfriday!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Honestly, I dont care about the "shipping" in this drama. It's the characters who touch me, especially Jin-Rak whose one-sided idealistic love, and his insistence to not "ruin it" by approaching her is so very relatable on a level that the other characters aren't.

Out of everyone in the drama, I think I love him the most because he's so true to life... I think we all know a Jin-Rak in real life. :)

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

that's exactly how i feel about this drama. at this point, i love how each of the characters are going through their personal issues. so it doesn't matter which ship is sailing. at least for now.

oh, i sure know a jin rak in real life. in fact, i think some (most) of us have some sort of a "jin rak syndrome" lol. we all have jin rak tendencies.

he has the purest of intentions and the biggest of heart, but it's like he's not sure if that's enough to make things work. so he always takes a step back.

he feels a little bit too much and that seems to be the problem. because then he feels like he has so much to lose and that makes him afraid of risking it. ironically, the more he tried to keep everything in a safe place, the more he ruined it and lost.

i'm probably not making sense. suffice to say, i hope the writers have much more in store for jin rak's character. i'm excited to see more development. :)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

yeah I really understand what you mean XD I guess that's why this story is so endearing and loved by so many of us, because the characters feel so real and relatable... gaaah....

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Loved this episode! Dok Mi was justified in kicking Enrique out of her apartment. Enrique shouldn't have started psychoanalyzing and comparing Dok Mi's problem about going mute with Seo Young's situation. Like comparing apples to oranges.

Seo Yeong was traumatized by her parents deaths at an early age, while Dok Mi was betrayed by her best friend, Dok Hwi , who falsely scandalized Dok Mi's relationship with their high school teacher. Why didn't dense Enrique ask Dok Mi rather than assume Dok Hwi's version was true?

Their argument was really hurtful and intense, probably more so because you can really hurt the person the most whom you care about although Dok Mi and Enrique both don't know about it at this point. So SAD to see Enrique walk out ejected and with tears in his eyes. Tissues time. ; (

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

good to know that it's not only ME who is crying when Dok Mi and Enrique were fighting.

when Dok mi said Enrique's key words terms - i felt like ... how come people out there see Enrique in that way.

It hurts so much

and even more, when Dok Mi said that Enrique is hollow shell.

YOU ARE TOO HARSH DOK MI! T.T

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thank you for the recap, and for your wonderful thoughts. Augh, this drama!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Anyone else curious about the thieving ahjumma? It couldn't have been just a RANDOM moment right?...RIGHT?

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am sure it's not just random, I thought about Enrique's mom, I don't know if it makes sense, anyway it was a curious incident.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Perhaps it's not the identity of the thief that's important, but the fact that he lost his phone?

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

maybe, but the way they showed the eyes of the thief makes me think that she'll have some type of role later on.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It was a scene included in the preview of episode 16, so it has far more import than a random excuse to have Enrique hurt his hand and maybe get some TLC from nurse Dok-mi.

He did only mention his dad so far of the parental pair, but I think his mom would be the Spanish one, based on the father's insistence on knowing hangeul.

I love this show for having some puzzles still waiting for resolution even while concentrating on the Love Dodecahedron. But please don't leave us hanging for too long!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wait, so his mother is supposed to be Spanish? I thought they just lived in Spain, not that his mom was a foreigner.

I saw it as him having compassion for the thief who would get themselves in a car accident and still keep running all for a stupid phone which Enrique can just buy again.

But with the focus on those eyes, I'm sure there's more to it and the show will bring back the identity of the thief.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm very curious! I'm sure that it is not a random incident.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

“You don’t need to confess. If you take lots and lots to time to slowly get to know each other fully, carefully, then at some point…”

you wake up to discover that she's your best friend and married to someone else while you're all alone.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

LOL !! Exactly. You end up being Taeyang in his video music clip - Wedding Dress.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Recap!!!!!!!!! thank you. Team Enrique all the way! I just love him. Part of it has to do with the panda gear. I admit it. I love pandas.
Dok Mi on her own free will actually went to him and grabbed his arm. This ship has just started to sail!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

GO SHIPPERS OF TEAM ENRIQUE ;)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

awww... thank you guys, i love reading your thoughts/opinions about this drama. i feel for jin rak but more so on enrique esp. w/ that kind of look on his eyes at dok mi while embracing seo young as if asking for help. thank you so much gf for the wonderful recap...till next time. FBND fighting!!!:)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I know Jin Rak won't win, but I love his character soo much! Go Jin Rak! (even though, you won't win :[)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

A completely random thought:

- In FBRS, Yang Eun-bi brings tangerines to the boys at the shop.
- In FBND, Jin-rak hands a bag of tangerines to the guys in black.
- Sorry to say, never watched SUFBB, so I don't know of there is a tangerine scene.

Is there a cultural significance to citrus? Both series occur on winter, so I didn't know if there is any importance attach to it.

Other than than, I'm on the Enrique / Dok-mi and the webtoon editor / Jin-rak ships!

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

tangerines reminds me of SKKS too....^^

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Also, did anyone else realize that Jane Austin's "PRIDE AND PREJUDICE" was first published on January 28, 1813??

Oh how I love the clever clever writer-nims of this show!!!!

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wow! They are way way clever.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

mind blown!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

well, shukie, its in season. but for the chinese, its an important element to our coming chinese new year - this year of the water snake will start i think 9/10th february. we normally bring the tangerines to friend's house for chinese new year and they will make us bring back another set of tangerines too. its one of the things in chinese new year taht signifies prosperity.

and this doesnt answer your question :) hehhe

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

HA. So that's why my mom has been stocking up on tangerines lately. And probably every year - not that I usually notice. I wonder if this goes for koreans, too.

Thanks for the info ~

/completely fails at being chinese

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for this recap!

even though the sub for this episode was released lightning fast, I still read your recap =)

Yay for looonger screen time of Wata-san =D

love the Dong-hoon-Jin-Rak bromance <3 more please? ahihihi....

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

In the beginning, I was a little confused with why Enrique was pushing Dok Mi to meet with Do Hwi. Especially, with him being usually so observant on how Dok Mi feels. Jin Rak, initially seemed to suspect that there was some bad blood between the two and understanding that spending time with Do Hwi was the last thing Dok Mi would want to do. Today's episode makes me think that Enrique does understand the situation and also knows that the fault lies with Do Hwi. The expression on his face when Do Hwi was telling her story was definitely not of friendliness. Jin Rak seemed to believe what she was saying but Enrique seemed skeptical throughout. I think his pushing the two together is just another way for him to have Dok Mi confront her issues so she can get past them. He may not know exactly what happened between the two but, I think he's starting to realize that whatever it is helped shape who she is today.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Cha Do Hwi you b**** !!!!! I'd like to have in front of me and beat her to a pulp

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm torn.

As a person who identifies with Dok Mi, I do feel partial to Jin Rak, the way he watches and leaves her in peace, or in his own phrase, 'not making any waves'.

And I totally understand how annoying and hurtful and frustrating Dok Mi feels when Enrique just shoves her worries and pain away, talking a mile a minute, intruding upon her space and privacy. I know I'd go crazy.

And I, like Dok Mi, would hate the way Enrique claims to understand about her problems, and keep telling her to face her problems.

On the other hand Jin Rak is still blind on how Dok Mi really is.

Oh hell, I'm not torn at all. I'm team Dok Mi here.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes I feel the exact same way about this!

For some reason, no matter how sweetly Enrique is, I can't seem to forgive him for intruding on a person's space so forcefully (emphasis on person, NOT an elephant that needs to be tamed).

I feel the evidence that Jin-rak is creating his own fantasy of Dok-Mi is really weak. He's only said that she isn't the type to peep on someone and that's quite a normal assumption to make about your 3-years neighbour who's a) young and b) a girl.

I don't think they're going to be together in the end but if he becomes an older brother/confidante figure for her, I'll be happy.

Although I like Dok-Mi, I really don't like the direction they are going with her.

It really seems like they are pushing her character onto Enrique for love's sake. You don't forgive people because you have the same pasts/dealing with the same situations and this is something she does whenever she's been angry with him.

Argh this drama...I'll watch the next episode but wow you are driving me bonkers. =u=

0
reply

Required fields are marked *