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Will You Have Dinner With Me: Episodes 19-20

Oh boy, I’ve been waiting for the day when our dinner mates admit that it’s about more than food, and that day is finally here! These two are so cute, as they try to figure out what their new relationship means and how to act around each other, not to mention how to work together. Meanwhile, there’s danger looming closer by the day, so our protagonists are going to need each other to lean on more than they can imagine.

 
EPISODE 19

Hae-kyung tells Do-hee that he knows her, name or not, which makes her quietly cry. He gently wipes away her tears, then pulls her head to his shoulder to comfort her. He says he’s the kind of person who’s true to their feelings, “So I hope you won’t think of anyone but me.”

Surprised, Do-hee pops up and yelps that he should be telling her to think about herself. Hae-kyung says he’s decided to be a good son, explaining that his mother advised him to live boldly. Do-hee says that she probably meant to be bold and loyal to his desires… then realizes that oops, that is what it means.

Hae-kyung holds out a hand and asks Do-hee if she can just say yes, and only think of him. Slowly taking his hand, Do-hee admits that she crossed this line a long time ago. Hae-kyung says he knows, joking that it was hard to pretend to be clueless, referring to her slip during their camping trip.

Hae-kyung tells her cheekily that it was cute, making Do-hee gulp her wine in self-defense. He asks if she really wants to get drunk, leaning in veeeery close to get across his meaning. Do-hee stammers about the stew he made and asks for more, and because Hae-kyung knows she’s a giant ball of nerves, he gets her seconds.

While Hae-kyung cleans up, Do-hee asks if food therapy really works. He says that for some people, it’s comforting to have someone cook a delicious meal just for them. Do-hee says he’s good at his job (Hae-kyung preens adorably) and tells him that today could have been awful.

Meanwhile, Jae-hyuk sits in his car after Do-hee’s firm rejection, punching his steering wheel in fury. When he gets a call from No-eul, he pulls himself together and meets her at the studio. No-eul asks how Jae-hyuk knows Geon-woo, so he fibs that they’re close friends.

He changes the subject to Do-hee, saying that she’s upset because of a misunderstanding. No-eul asks how he’s so sure of how Do-hee feels, and he says darkly, “I know Do-hee best.” No-eul seems a bit unsettled, but she says that she thinks she knows Hae-kyung best, too, and that she believes he genuinely likes Do-hee.

Jae-hyuk asks if she’s going to give up, but she says that she’s still fighting and that it’s a fair game where she and Do-hee are on the same level. Jae-hyuk wonders which is more important: to play fair, or to win.

Hae-kyung and Do-hee go for a walk, and Hae-kyung boldly takes Do-hee’s hand, then grins like the cutest of all the cute things. Do-hee asks why he’s giggling and he says he feels shy, and Do-hee admits that she does, too. She thinks to herself that Hae-kyung has always felt comforting, from the very beginning.

In bed that night, Do-hee flips through her pictures of the meals they’ve shared together, laughing at her memories of “Jeju Granny.” She had thought that she had to eat alone to have a perfect meal, but now she thinks she may have been wrong, as she shows her pictures to Penguin.

While No-eul stays up late pacing, distressed by Jae-hyuk’s words, Jae-hyuk himself looks up Hae-kyung’s clinic online. He seems upset, pounding the keyboard and muttering that this is all “that jerk’s” fault.

In the morning, Do-hee notices that Ajusshi/Keanu isn’t at the convenience store like usual. An employee tells her that he hasn’t been there in a while, though his little table set-up (he’s got his own office chair, hee) is still there.

When Hae-kyung gets to work, Byung-jin is waiting to pepper him with questions about Do-hee — specifically, why he trash-talked her then left the gathering alone with her last night. He demands to know what kind of relationship they have, and Hae-kyung looks through the clinic’s kitchen for the pointiest knife to poke him with.

Ah-young also goes to the convenience store looking for Keanu, with no luck. We see that he’s hiding behind a tree, deliberately avoiding her and looking unhappy about it.

At 2N Box, No-eul hints on-air about a special guest for tomorrow’s show. Afterward, Do-hee summons So-ra, Jung-hwan, and Jin-kyu to the meeting room to tell them that their show, Have My Heart, won’t happen because she might kill Jae-hyuk if she has to do a show with him.

Ah-young sticks her head in and barks at Do-hee to come to her office. As soon as she gets there, Ah-young orders her out again, ha. Do-hee asks if something happened, then whines that she’ll make another show with a great theme.

Ah-young starts ranting randomly, then admits to Do-hee, “I think I got dumped by the homeless guy.” Do-hee muses that confessing to a homeless guy might be even worse than getting dumped by one, then tells Ah-young that it’s not like her to give up after one failure.

No-eul interrupts them, having heard about Do-hee’s plan to cancel Have My Heart. She argues that she’s already dropped breadcrumbs about it for her viewers, and she says she’s fine with doing it without Jae-hyuk because she’s there for Hae-kyung.

She adds that she doesn’t want to spoil her work over personal feelings, an obvious jab at Do-hee. Ah-young agrees that the show must go on, and tells No-eul that they’ll let her know later whether Jae-hyuk will be involved. No-eul tells Do-hee that she should be able to work with Jae-hyuk if she truly has no feelings for him, and oooooooh, if looks could kill.

Byung-jin is confronted by an angry former patient who wants his records altered to show that he’s not crazy (as he holds Byung-jin over his head and threatens to burn the place down). Byung-jin reminds Hae-kyung about the guy, Jin-seob, who he treated five years ago after he consumed pesticide in a suicide attempt.

Now he’s trying to get married through an international service, but he was denied because of his medical history. Calmer now, Jin-seob tells Hae-kyung that his mother almost died when he tried to kill himself. Hae-kyung says that it was Jin-seob’s courage that saved both himself and his mother, but he also explains that mental issues can relapse like any other illness, which is why he was denied.

He assures Jin-seob that this doesn’t mean he’ll be single forever, and he promises to help however he can, though he can’t change Jin-seob’s counseling history or claim that he’s cured. He asks for some time to think of a plan, and Jin-seob nearly topples Hae-kyung over when he grabs onto his legs in gratitude, awww.

Geon-woo watches incredulously as Jae-hyuk slams shot after shot of soju at a pojangmacha, distraught that Do-hee discovered his lies about his family. Geon-woo asks why Jae-hyuk lied to someone he loved, and Jae-hyuk slurs that he didn’t want to lie.

He asks Geon-woo if it’s his fault he got kicked out of his house without a penny, and he says that Do-hee was his only hope when he wanted to die. In flashback, we see a college-aged Jae-hyuk on the phone (with his father?) being ordered not to come home. Just then, Do-hee had approached him with an invitation to lunch, and Jae-hyuk had latched onto her as some sort of savior.

Geon-woo says gently that people’s feelings change and Do-hee doesn’t love him anymore, so it’s time to move on. He tells Jae-hyuk, “Unwanted love isn’t real love, it’s violence.” Jae-hyuk lunges across the table to grab his collar, but luckily Geon-woo is bigger and sober, and he easily waves Jae-hyuk away.

Jae-hyuk starts sobbing pitifully about how much he loves Do-hee, and he admits that he knows she doesn’t love him anymore. He sniffs that he needs to come back to his senses, and he asks Geon-woo for one last favor. I… don’t trust this.

Geon-woo calls Hae-kyung to join him and Jae-hyuk, who is passed out cold. Jae-hyuk rouses and Hae-kyung tells him to come to the office if he wants counseling. Jae-hyuk asks belligerently if Hae-kyung can cure his broken heart, but he calms down and whines, “My Do-hee… my Do-hee… don’t hurt her. She’s already gone through so much because of me.”

Hae-kyung sits and he and Jae-hyuk start racing shots. Finally Geon-woo snaps at them to just have a fistfight and get it over with, and Jae-hyuk is up for it, except that he loses his balance from one feeble swing and falls to the pavement. Hae-kyung leaves Geon-woo to deal with him.

EPISODE 20

The next day, 2N Box gets ready for Have My Heart. Geon-woo asks Do-hee to speak privately, and she barks that it better not be about Jae-hyuk, which it totally is. Geon-woo asks her to have pity on him, because she was his only hope when he wanted to die. He says that Jae-hyuk wants to get over her but needs some time, but Do-hee retorts that it’s too late.

Do-hee is all business when Hae-kyung arrives at the office, which makes him feel a bit awkward around her. He texts her from the green room and she says they should keep their relationship lowkey for now. He asks if he’s an embarrassment to her, and she replies that it’s just that her personal issues affect the company. He sends back a pouty, “I’ll think about it,” so Do-hee saunters to the green room to cheer him up with some flirty winks.

As soon as the show starts, comments start flooding in with questions about the handsome man next to No-eul. She takes advantage and asks him on a date on-air, so he politely says he’s seeing someone, and No-eul notices the grin he sends Do-hee’s way.

While giving advice to a viewer, Hae-kyung says that cooking for someone is the most selfless act of love, and No-eul gets annoyed when he smiles at Do-hee again. She retorts that she recalls him saying that eating together is the most selfless act of love, and there’s an awkward pause as he remembers saying that to her in a moment of intimacy.

The viewers pick up on it and No-eul reads their comments about how they seem like a couple in a fight. Hae-kyung stammers that it’s not true, but No-eul interrupts, saying that they used to be in love. Everyone but No-eul squirms uncomfortably, but the shows viewer number skyrockets, and comments flood in about how this makes the show more interesting.

The show is a raving success, earning over ten million hearts by the end of the episode. Hae-kyung abruptly excuses himself and No-eul follows to ask him out to eat to celebrate, but as soon as he sees Do-hee, he walks away from No-eul without another thought.

He tells Do-hee that he’ll have to take her home after dinner because he’s going to the hospital to see Writer Lee. Hesitantly, Do-hee asks if she can accompany him, and he seems pleased that she wants to go. The elevator door opens, and Jae-hyuk is standing there (there’s nothing about his manner that’s threatening, in fact he looks very meek, but it’s somehow still scary).

He asks Do-hee for a few minutes, and he apologizes and promises not to bother Do-hee anymore. He tells her that he’s going back to the U.S. when this project is over and asks for a chance to end things nicely, and since Geon-woo already vouched for Jae-hyuk wanting to let her go, she agrees. Jae-hyuk watches her walk away, then quirks this slow, creepy smile ~shudder~

Later when Hae-kyung and Do-hee go to the hospital, No-eul is already in Writer Lee’s room. Hae-kyung introduces Do-hee as the producer of his and No-eul’s show, and Do-hee recalls at the last second that when she first met Writer Lee, when she was drunk, she’d claimed that her name was Lee Moon-jung.

But she tells Writer Lee her real name, and Writer Lee only says she’s been curious about Do-hee since Hae-kyung said she was his girlfriend. Do-hee gives Writer Lee the flowers she brought, and No-eul tells her that “Mother” prefers roses. Wow, that was snarky even for you, No-eul.

Do-hee lets Writer Lee know that she’s a big fan, then she and Hae-kyung leave. Hae-kyung stops in the doorway to say to No-eul, “We need to talk,” and she replies defensively, “I told you I was selfish.” She goes back to Writer Lee, who says that she’s only making things harder, and repeats that she doesn’t like No-eul because they’re too similar.

When they pull up to Do-hee’s building, she invites Hae-kyung for some ramyun (RAWR! No literally, we actually hear a wolf howling, ha). His anticipation turns into a sulk when he finds himself sitting at the convenience store with a bowl of instant ramyun.

They spot Keanu back at his table, and Hae-kyung is surprised that Do-hee knows him. They watch, riveted, as Ah-young rushes to Keanu, and he says dramatically that he can’t tell her where he’s been. Keanu explains that he’s not in a position to be dating, so Ah-young holds out a hand for him to shake, then pulls him into her arms.

She tells him not to make excuses, but he says that she’ll be disappointed when she learns who he truly is. Undaunted, Ah-young pulls Keanu in for a kiss… only to break apart at the sound of Do-hee’s applause, lol.

Hae-kyung drags Keanu away and asks how he knows Do-hee, specifically about Do-hee and Jae-hyuk, so Keanu confesses that Jae-hyuk used to be his patient. He says that Jae-hyuk was denied affection as a child, causing him to grow up needy and obsessive, especially about Do-hee.

Keanu says that he already knew Do-hee, but he didn’t realize that she’s the girl Jae-hyuk talked about until he saw Jae-hyuk in the neighborhood. Hae-kyung asks what else he knows, but Keanu insists that that’s all.

Meanwhile, Do-hee teases Ah-young about her relationship with Keanu. Ah-young tells Do-hee that she plans to take Keanu to her place tonight for “ramyun.” The guys rejoin them and Hae-kyung invites everyone for a drink, but Do-hee says she wants to be alone with him and Ah-young leads Keanu to her car, not giving him a choice, hee.

Hae-kyung walks Do-hee to her building and sarcastically thanks her for the actual ramyun (this joke will never get old!). Do-hee asks if that’s all, so he goes in for a hug, and he admits that he thought about insisting on coming inside. He jokes that his doctorate in psychology is useless, then he steps close again, and Do-hee closes her eyes in anticipation.

Aaand… he kisses her on the forehead. Seriously?? He laughs at Do-hee’s flustered reaction, making her pout at him and run inside in embarrassment. Look at the way he smiles with his eyes as he watches her go — he’s a complete goner.

Do-hee draws a cute little cartoon of the two of them on her calendar to mark their first day of dating. She sends a picture of it to Hae-kyung, who grins like a doofus and makes it his phone wallpaper. They need to stop, I can’t handle all this cute!

The next day, Jae-hyuk joins Hae-kyung and No-eul on camera for the second episode of Have My Heart. No-eul continues to behave towards Hae-kyung in a way that seems overly familiar, which of course makes the viewers wonder if this is a show about a love triangle, and she keeps flicking her eyes at Do-hee to make sure she’s seeing it.

This episode is about desserts and how they make you feel. Jae-hyuk says that he likes cake because the woman he used to love liked cake. He sends Do-hee the saddest puppydog eyes as he digs into a piece of strawberry shortcake with his fork.

He puts it in his mouth, and Do-hee screams, “NO!” She runs to him, ignoring the fact that the show is still on air, and grabs his wrist. They lock eyes as everyone stares at them in shock.

 
COMMENTS

So, it’s not a huge leap to assume that Jae-hyuk is allergic to strawberries, which is why Do-hee had such a strong reaction to his eating the cake. I am also allergic to strawberries, and let me tell you, it’s nothing to mess with. Even a small bite can send someone with an allergy to the hospital, so if this is the case, Do-hee’s reaction is entirely understandable. Jae-hyuk may be a stalker or worse, but that doesn’t mean she wants to see him risking his life.

Having said that, I still don’t believe for a second that this new, meek-and-repentant Jae-hyuk is genuine… it’s all just another tactic to get Do-hee back (go look up “Cycle of Abuse” if you have a minute, it’s all there). This is just more of Jae-hyuk using manipulation to get what he wants. Geon-woo said that “unwanted love isn’t real love, it’s violence,” and because Jae-hyuk seems sick, it’s getting more and more likely that his emotional violence is turning to physical violence. He’s already put No-eul in harm’s way (it would have taken very little to foil his plan to “rescue” her from the falling fixture), and now he’s performing self-harm in order to gain Do-hee’s sympathy and guilt. If Jae-hyuk isn’t stopped, it won’t be long before he does something to Hae-kyung, and when that doesn’t work and Do-hee still doesn’t want him, she’ll become his target.

Whatever happened to Jae-hyuk to make him disappear for five years, he’s still stuck in the past while Do-hee has moved on. What Jae-hyuk feels now isn’t real love, and can’t be, because Do-hee is five years older, five years more experienced at dating, and five years more mature than the person he knew. She’s outgrown him, so his insistence that he still loves her truly isn’t love, as Geon-woo says, but unwanted attacks from someone that Do-hee wants to forget. His whole act about how he’s going to let her go and just needs time is just that — an act.

I still find No-eul pretty boring, and I’ve decided that it’s not because of Sohn Na-eun’s acting. She’s actually doing fine, it’s just that No-eul as a character is boring. All she does is lurk around making bitchy comments and imposing her presence on people who don’t want her around, as if all she has to do is stand around long enough and Hae-kyung will suddenly want her back. At least Jae-hyuk takes action! But No-eul doesn’t even do anything so that I can at least hate her, other than repeating over and over again that she’s selfish. In fact, can she stop saying that now? WE GET IT. And anyway, selfishness is no excuse for throwing yourself at someone who’s dating someone else. You don’t just get to do whatever you want with no consequences because you admit to being selfish. I’m just tired of her… she needs to either fade away into the background, or step up and DO something to make herself interesting.

On a lighter note, I didn’t think anything could be cuter than Hae-kyung and Do-hee pretending not to like each other, but I was wrong. They’re even more adorable now that it’s out in the open. I love when they get so shy with each other, then admit that they’re shy, then act goofy together — it’s just so relatable! And I love how the show handles the usual rom-com awkward moments by calling them out, like when Hae-kyung kissed Do-hee on the forehead, and instead of pretending like this is normal behavior for two grown-ass adults who are dating, they hang a lantern on it and make jokes about it.

I also like that the show has seemed to switch the tropes for Hae-kyung and Do-hee. It’s refreshing the way Hae-kyung always seems a little off-balance around Do-hee, since that’s how I’m used to seeing the rom-com heroine behave. But Do-hee is the calm-but-damaged alpha who tries to keep some distance, while Hae-kyung is all twitterpated and never seems to know quite what to do with himself. I know they’ll eventually settle into something more comfortable, but watching them try to figure out how all the corners fit together is just the cutest thing, and it makes all of the other annoying and scary stuff worth it.

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Oh finally, our couple is official! So many heart-fluttering moments in this ep, lost count on how many times I rewatched. And that hug, those lovely, lovely expressions of contentment on their face, oh man...

Hae-kyung seems to have the upper hand in deciphering Do-hee's every action, yet he balances it by taking every chance to state his yearning for her and her company, whether by words or by actions. It's aaawfully sexy that we can see he is physically attracted to her, but every time he touches her, first and foremost it shows care, not just desire. And loved how Do-hee just takes him reading her like a book in stride, not being uncomfortable of him being the way he is. Somehow I imagine No-eul would see it as "losing" and react petulantly instead...

So guess Jae-hyuk was trying to commit a live streaming suicide? *massive eyeroll* The way these two use Do-hee's show as their own vehicle is despicable. It really, really mars my enjoyment of the show seeing our OTP get taken advantage of again and again just because they are decent human beings, as opposed to these psychotic limpets. Thanks, but no thanks show, am seriously overexed.

And omg, just died laughing at Keanu ajusshi meekly following Ah-young with her handbag. Did she really get her way with him that night? ><

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Hae Kyung is really the best. How he handle and deal with DH makes me love him more.

I am so tired of the exes as well and it is high time they just go quietly off the screen. But with JH's escalating behavior, doesnt seem likely to be soon enough.

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He says all the right words and does all the right things, but I do wish he did more than tease ><

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I sure wish DH would trust HK more on what is happening with JH. That way we may have more 1on1 time with our leads and move on the next level??

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I actually find it interesting that this show decided to show two contrasting males who are interested in Do Hee, obviously showing the toxicity of one and the care of another. I said this before and I’m going to say this again, I absolutely love Hae Kyung. He is just so open and straightforward with his feelings without being intrusive or overly arrogant and rather swoony without warning. I just know that Do -hee’s reaction to Jae hyuk isn’t going to cause any misunderstandings or dumb jealousy because even though they are early in this relationship they show a sense of maturity which has been built during their dinner meetings.

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You’re not alone on your love to HK.
He’s caring and loving and attractive and sexy.
Oh, he’s so perfect!

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Thank you for the recap! I really hate it when Jae-hyuk uses the 'pity me' character to make Do-hee come back to him. It will never happen - she has moved on and so should you! As for your comment on Son Na-eun's acting - it has always been the same. I've seen her in other dramas before and she really isn't up to par with her co-stars. Anyway, the leads are doing really well, also with Lee Ji-hoon.

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I agree with you that NoEul is barely bearable because the actress can’t act.

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Awww that little aegyo in the dressing room is so cute! Hae Kyung was utterly charmed.🥰 Do Hee and HK are so cute together. Also it is great that they are official. We can only hope that the exes will get the memo to stay away.

Jae Hyuk is one big emotional abuser. Geon Woo already called him out on it but when has he ever listened to anyone. About No Eul, i have seen the actress in other projects and she acts the same way. So the character may be boring but a more experience actresssl could do a lot more in the role imo.

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She found his soft spot, that aegyo made him a total putty in her hands, LOL.
Geun-woo is such a decent friend, he's not afraid to tell the two limpets the harsh truth they need to hear. Guess those ears are accessories...

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hahahah so try.. he is just putty in her hands now

The two limpets does not listen to anything. They have a one track mind on what they want and they do not care about anything else. ToD may just be the cure to what ails them. 😅

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I wonder whether show would try to redeem this two people or not. I am hoping against this tho, if TOD is not involved, am expecting jail time and an exile from humanity for both!

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JH is beyond redemption imo jail or psychiatric hospital is the only end I see for him aside from death with TOD assistance. I just want NE off the screen asap and do not expect any redemption whatsoever hehehe

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is jae hyuk the worst second lead ever?

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Well, there's still No-eul...

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Until No-eul, I never thought I could string an entire page of hateful adjectives towards a fictional character, and still not be able to think of anything close to a redeeming value. And I'm someone who had something positive to say about Cho Cheul Gang, Voldemort, and even the Night King. 😏

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Every scene she is in gets on my nerves. She is so annoying.
I admire you for saying something positive about CCG, Voldermort and Night King.

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Their smug faces really grates at me, yaarggh!

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oh yeah.. those smugs...they make my blood boil just thinking about it

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At least there is no chance of anyone contracting second-lead-syndrom. I think I haven't cursed as much on second leads (and mothers) before. I didn't even know I had those curse words in me. Curiouser and curiouser.

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No chance at all. Both are so unlikeable. I can only wait until they get off the screen.

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For me, NE is like that pesky mosquito that refuses to be squatted away. So I have chosen the obvious solution..do deep breath meditations whenever she's on screen 😉 it seems to be working coz I just find her bland and boring - just the way she's written and is being performed.
JH on the other hand is quickly becoming a nightmare. I groaned out loud when he looked DH straight in her eyes before shoving that strawberry cake into his stupid mouth. I hope DH gets stopped on her way to help him and he actually ends up in ER!
I did lol when NE quickly threw over JH when it looked like he pulls get in the way of her agenda though. I guess there's no honor among thieves anymore 😂. Ofc NE's betrayal is extra mild when you think her partner in crime literally had risked her body and life to get his ex to notice him. 🙄

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At least he’s being greatly acted.
NoEul is by far the worst second lead ever.

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No-eul has two expressions, so far, in all 20 episodes 1) Crossed arms+pity me I'm a victim sideways look, tears optional, 2) Resting brat face, crossed arms optional.

You can actually see the energy meter draining when she's onscreen 😤😤

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Oh and that ramen misunderstanding with side dish of romantic drama of their respective sunbaes 🤣😂🤣 among my faves in this episode!

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His pouty face when he understood he was actually going to eat ramen 🤣🤣

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so sad!

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i love that pouty face. It does not seem to work on DH though...

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Which is why he kisses her forehead as payback, and he gets to see *her* pouty face.

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I love that part where Do Hee said she had already crossed the line and Hae Kyung replied what it was so obvious. That was just so cute. We want more cute scenes, we are so done with the exes

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Thanks for the recap!

What are these pink fluttery things floating around me? Seriously, there are flower petals in my tea, too! 😍 Our OTP is just so danged cute together, and I agree that Hae-kyung being *not* your typical stone-faced male lead is just so heartwarming. The way they are a little awkwardly but willingly adjusting to each other, and you know *talking* about their relationship is so refreshing. They might act like two giddy teenagers on their first throes of love, but at the same time, they talk to each other like adults. I just adore how Hae-kyung basically tells Do-hee that he remains her friend, even if they're now a couple, and she can turn to him for comfort as she had done before. Do-hee is also starting to open up to Hae-kyung and the fact that they can share humour in "a bowl of ramen" adds to the spicier zing of attraction just bubbling beneath the cuteness.

I'm also loving how Ah-young is taking the lead in the relationship with Keanu. She's very similar to Do-hee that she bears no ill-judgement and accepts people for what they are. IMHO, it's exactly what our wounded soul Ahjussi needs to believe in himself and in love again. Ahjussi can't MWAHAHA his way out of her determination.

I do agree that Jae-Hyuk is as dangerous as Ahjussi said. His pity party, self-destructive behaviour and violent tendencies reflect a grand design of manipulation. I can't even find any sympathy for his backstory of neglect, because you know, what? Hae-kyung too had a neglectful and emotionally abusive mother and lost his beloved father at an early age. Yet Hae-kyung ended up using that pain to become a better doctor and person. The contrast between these two men is too jarring to ignore.

Which is why I have absolutely zero regard for No-eul. Not only is she a self-entitled brat who loves to play the victim, she's even worse than Jae-Hyuk in that she takes advantage of other people's tragedies. I pity her idiot fans who fall for the "sweetie-face" with acid in her veins. Sorry, but perhaps at the hands of a better actress, we may actually find some warmth, a *speck* of the person Hae-kyung fell in love with. I'm no longer waiting for a Truck of Doom. Heck, just get me a kiddie scooter to bash her over the head with. Jeepers! Lemme get my flower petal laced tea to calm down. 😤😤

And at the centre of all this racket is the dear sweet, steady heart of Geon-wu. 💗How he remains calm, sympathetic, balanced and wise is beyond me. Byung-jin with his razor-sharp observations always gets the point (including the one at the end of a knife, it seems😂). "Did you fall in love with her?" Ka-blam! I just love these two precious beings to bits.

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Ah-young told Do-hee to just do it and regret later if you are going to regret it anyway, and she really walk her talk. Respect!
Byung-jin is always the bright spot in every episode, he just killed me when he saw the kitchen and went "Aha! So this is the scene of the crime!" ><

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RAWR. I am melting away watching those two.... and I just realized the strawberry connection - she didn't buy strawberry milk before, maybe out of habit because of him-who-must-not-be-named aka the worst, most annoying and needy ex-boyfriend ever and his allergy, but now she has this new man getting her back on the strawberry wagon.

This episode started my "cheering on ways her ex-boyfriend could be eliminated" count. Strawberry cake - do your best! To be continued in the next episodes. As said above, this show brings out my worst intentions, I never would have thought I could be so desperately waiting for a way to get rid of someone as much before. Maybe King Joffrey on Game of Thrones.

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Oh, I didn’t make the connection with the strawberry milk. Good catch!

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we can only hope for a joffrey level of end for JH. But this is kdrama... the worst we can expect is ToD.😅

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at this point, Noeul is just plain rude. going to your ex mom without telling him first? big yikes. i have nothing to say about jaehyuk he is crazy.

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I cackled at No-eul's "Mother likes roses. You should ask me next time" line. That was too rich.

Since watching kdramas, I've been curious about the tradition of calling the parents of one's partner "Mother" and "Father"—even in the early stages of dating. It makes sense in a strictly hierarchical society with distinctions between formal and informal language. Within my own family, I call my in-laws by their first names and all of my Chinese elders "Uncle" and "Aunt", even if they're technically my mom's first cousins.

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You should ask me next time... Truck of doom, where are you?

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Heh, I'm good with a kiddie scooter of Doom too if that's what the budget allows. Heck, I'll learn Hae-kyung's spinning kick from Ep 1 if that would work too.

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This is the first time I really like Song Seung heon in a drama, not that I have seen many of his shows (but I watched My Princess with lots of FF, I watched the great show and dropped it and I read held of the recaps from the disaster Dr. Jin was)-and now finally, I am really liking him and falling for his charms.
He is definitive a charismatic actor, and he is good looking, but also, he is giving his character a pretty decent depth and maturity that I like very much here...

Didn't know Seo Ji hye before, but she is also a very decent actress and I like her female lead.

Good for you, Show!!!! In two weeks I have watched your episodes over "It's ok not to be ok", and with that I am saying a lot!!!!!!!!😅🙂🙂🙂🙂☺☺☺☺☺

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This drama has convinced me that Song Seung-heon can be a wonderful actor when paired with the right screen partner. I've stated elsewhere that Seo Ji-hye is the magic sauce he's been missing his whole career.

Watching his some of his past work reminds me of American actors like Charlton Heston and James Caviezel—hella handsome but generally wooden. But even those actors had their moments with the right projects.

Black (2017) was my first introduction to SSH. He was crabby, suave, irreverent, anguished and so, so handsome in his all-black suits. Did I believe his emotional connection to Go Ah-ra's character? Not for a minute.

I hope SSH will continue to work on projects that allow him more emotional range, paired with high-calibre actors like Seo Ji-hye.

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I liked SSH in Summer Scent with Son Ye-jin. Good chemistry and good acting from both of them. Unfortunately, the character of Yoo Min-woo *is* rather wooden, and while it did show SSH's dramatic range, it didn't give him much room for anything else.

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The strawberry cake stunt just pissed me off. He is an insane person and needs a very good Psychiatrist and probably a treatment center as well. What if she hadn't been paying attention, awful man.

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He already had two good psychiatrists, Ahjussi and Hae-kyung. Trouble is, he doesn't want to get better.

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He only want DH beside him at any means possible.

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Good point.

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I am all for the treatment but as far away from South Korea as possible is the best place for him. He is a danger to himself and people around him.

He was counting on DH noticing it. But in case she wasnt, he had the meds with him and a doctor beside him. He wasnt really in big trouble. All the guy wanted is attention from Do Hee. Any bit of attention from DH is good since it is an encouragement for him to be bolder.

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I had this weird idea that both No-eul and Jae-Hyuk were attempting to discredit Hae-kyung on-air. If Jae-Hyuk goes into full shock and Hae-kyung doesn't or is unable to help him, it would look really bad for a doctor.

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I would not put it past JH to do somethinh underhanded like that. Plus in the last episode, that may just be what he planned. There was a reporter in the clinic

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We need to lock him down and throw the key away.

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we can hope it will happen next week.

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"Would you like to have some ramyun at my place?" is not something you say to just anybody in Korea. It's more like "Do you want to sleep with me?", am I correct?
So no wonder Hae-kyung got excited and then disappointed ending up eating instant noodles at the convenience store, lol!
And what Ah-young was trying to do with Keanu made sense too.

It's quite a dilemma for me to keep watching this drama. Because I adore the main leads but I really really really can't stand the second leads...

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I share your dilemma—the exes are making a live watch a little more stressful. I've seen worse in C-dramas—and those horrid 2nd leads are spread across 40+ episodes! That's why I tend to wait to wait for C-dramas to complete before scrubbing past the annoying characters.

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I Feel the same. When I watch, I almost FF all the scenes with the second leads because I hate them. Very stupid characters

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Spread across 40+ episodes! I would die watching definitely...

If the main leads are annoying, that's it. It's easy to drop the drama.
Or minor characters who don't show up so often are annoying, I don't like it but I can let it go.

But if the second leads are terrible while the main leads are so good... Ugh.
I actually have been fast-forwarding/skipping when No-eul and Jae-hyuk appear. I hate them!
I'm on the edge of dropping this drama but I really love Hae-kyung and Do-hee together...

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i don't even wanna call them "second leads" they don't deserve it. they are just... exes.

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I was laughing my head off at the literal ramyun invite, as I was thinking it was another CLOY reference (the scene where Gu Seung-jun tells Seo Dan that ramyun invites have special connotations and she should always strongly decline them, and Seo Dan saying vaguely that "why should I? I like it."🤭)

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Episode replay count: many many many! These two leads are magic together. What I loved/want to ask now:

1. Do-hee admitting she crossed the line a while ago... and Hae-kyung saying what all viewers thought - yes it was kind of obvious girl. Great to have an honest discussion about what was in front of all of us!

2. Hae-kyung teasing her saucily about getting drunk, then suggesting that he send her home as it was late, then testing the water to see if she wanted to stay over. Smoothly done Hae-kyung, we see what you did there testing boundaries and giving her the choice. Sexy move!

3. Did you see how they named each other on their phone screens? Hae-kyung has her named as "Do-hee <3", while Do-hee has him named as "Hae-kyung-sshi" no heart for him!

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4. The deep breath that Hae-kyung took before going for Do-hee's hand. Mad props to SSH - that little intake of breath was a VERY nice touch!

5. Byung-jin's curiosity and his relationship with Hae-kyung - I kind of really want it explained how they came to be setting up the practice together!

6. I'd like to know Geon-woo's story (okay so it will probably tie in with Jae-hyuk's as well but I'm so over his story.) What kind of family kicks out their children?!

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4. The deep breath that Hae-kyung took before going for Do-hee's hand. Mad props to SSH - that little intake of breath was a VERY nice touch!

Hae-kyung is actually the first character whose breath I've appreciated in a kdrama. From the very first, SSH has used breath to convey regret, amusement, yearning, and surprise. It's in keeping with HK's tendency to think before speaking too.

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This is so deep, I love this!
Since I'm shallow, my take is simply Have-kyung is sexy even when he's just breathing, hehe...

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It's also in keeping with Hae-kyung's tendency to keep his emotions in check, even if he's open about them. Whether he's dealing with Do-hee or the TOD-worthy exes, he keeps a tight rein, which makes you wonder what he's capable of when he chooses to let go of that control.

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Imma gonna be reading @bluecouchpotato's comment in a totally inappropriate x-rated way.

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@purebristles Go right ahead! 😂😂😂

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Regarding Byung-jin and Geon-woo, frankly I would prefer if we have more of their stories than those despicable exes.

Byung-jin is actually an excellent colleague, and Hae-kyung's near-constant bickering with him shows a high level of trust, respect and support between them. It cracks me up how Byung-jin always has that mop on hand like a weapon.

And yeah, I've seen families who kick out their children for flimsier reasons than sexuality or achievement issues. I've even seen a mother throw out her 13-year old because the child wasn't "obedient enough." Sure, that woman had her own mental issues, but that the family didn't bother to counter that sadly shows that not all families are loving and supportive. It's even worse for well-known clans, like Geun-woo's. The societal pressure to always be impeccable can be at the expense of the "lesser" children.

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Totally agree, I'd love to know what is exactly Geun-woo relation to No-eul and why is he so loyal to her. When she was at the hospital, was he acting as her guardian? That's some deep connection.
So far Byung-jin has been the nurse, concierge, bodyguard, chef, maitre'd, and Hae-kyung's personal search engine, he's truly an asset for the office ^^

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7. There's a little part where Do-hee moons over the date-drawing - she moons and giggles twice, and then she then STOPS like telling herself "ok that's enough" and heads to bed - I don't know if this was directing or SJH interpreting what her character would do, but like #4 on my list - mad props now to SJH, that little bit was awesome! And the next morning's hero jacket wearing plus finger guns at her reflection in the mirror? PERFECT.

8. Hae-kyung, A-Young, and Do-hee being upfront about sex. A-Young and Do-hee talking about A-Young bringing Ajussi home for "rameyon" and Do-hee just being matter-of-fact excited and talking about about it - extra points for calling out the stereotype of wedding bells lol. Hae-kyung testing boundaries of where Do-hee stands, wistfully expressing he would like more, but showing by his actions that he's guessing she's not ready and he'll go at Do-hee's pace. Now that's swoony.

9. Has anyone mentioned how excellent the camera cinematography setup is (at least 6-10 angles/zooms per scene), the colouring (very consistently warm colour palette throughout), and how good the accompanying OST is? Just me? Two thumbs up!

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No. 9 - Nope, not just you. I love the camerawork and the soundtrack. The songs are distinct, memorable, thematic and just heightens the comedic or emotional weight of the scene. Some songs are almost dialogue - Dear My Star is a beautiful retelling of how Hae-kyung feels about Do-hee (that conversation about how she would have shone brightly even without Jae-Hyuk is a direct reference) and Yummy, Yummy is that feel-good upbeat song that slyly alludes to the sizzling undercurrents between our two delectable former Dinner Mates.😉 The American western-style theme that always plays when Ahjussi is in a scene, especially when he MWAHAHAs, is ridiculously appropriate for him. 😂

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3 - I was so happy to see him having saved her as "Do-hee <3" on his phone... speaking of feeling like a giddy teenager!

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I like that DoHee is more experienced in dating than HaeKyung. Usually u get the female lead who never dated or had one relationship in her life. She is the more experienced of the two and knows what she wants.

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What I don’t understand about Jae-Hyuk (among many other things) is why is he exhibiting obsessive behavior towards Do-Hee now? Keanu says JH was obsessed with DH since he met her, but it seems like they had a pretty good relationship until he left. I suppose since he “had” her everything was fine, but I’m a little surprised it didn’t manifest itself in other ways like him constantly wanting to know where she is or interrogating her about any guys she spoke with. But I really don’t know much about obsessive personality disorders.
Also, I’m not fully buying his story about leaving because his family didn’t approve. They may not have, but JH doesn’t seem like the type to stay away from something (or someone) he wants unless he were physically forced to, like say being in jail or a mental facility. (But then why didn’t Geon-Woo know that’s where he was? He is his cousin. Unless the immediate family hit it. I need answers!)

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Things I loved:
- Our OTP. They are super cute together, and just when you think they can’t be more, they are. So “awww” all the time.
- Keanu and A Young. I laughed so much with their scene while DH and HK were watching a movie. I almost fell from my couch hahaha.
- GeonWoo. The world needs more people like him saying the things he say: that’s not love, it’s violence. Yes. Thanks for saying it out loud.

Things I don’t like:
- NoEul: boring, deaf, selfish, boring, boring, plain, boring... did I say boring.
- JaeHyung: liar, psycho. I don’t buy a single word he says. Did I said psycho?

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