Summary
It seems like our main couple have finally crossed a major line, but will things go smoothly for them? Since this is a K-Drama, probably not.
We’re into the back half of Love Next Door now, and I’m starting to get worried. Not about the show, of course – Episode 7 is lovely, as usual. But this is a romantic K-Drama, and we know how it goes. Just as things finally start to meaningfully progress for the main couple, something is inevitably lurking around the corner to throw a spanner in the works.
Anyway, there are matters to discuss, especially since Episode 6 ended right in the middle of a crucial conversation between Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo. So let’s get on with it.
The Third Wheel
Awkwardly, this conversation is interrupted by Seok-ryu’s ex, Hyeon-jun, who shows up pretty much out of nowhere. He wants to win her back, and despite her family being ready to pummel him at a moment’s notice, Seok-ryu for some reason defends him (perhaps old habits die hard?)
For some reason – again, kind of unclear – Seok-ryu’s mother decides it might be a good idea to give Hyeon-jun another chance after all, but luckily Seung-hyo is on hand to perform a flying rescue. We know who’s meant for who in this show.
Mo-Eum and Dan-Ho
Things in the supporting character subplot are a bit more obvious.
Mo-eum – who by the way is very much aware of what is going on between Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo, even if those two haven’t quite figured it out yet – bonds with Dan-ho after performing CPR on a driver injured in a car crash. Dan-ho is smitten by her, and she quickly reveals that the feeling is mutual.
It’s a bit awkward for now, but we’re getting there.
Seung-hyo Makes His Decision
The bulk of the drama in Love Next Door Episode 7 does, of course, surround Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo, but we have to go through the typical crossed-wires love rival bit to get there.
It’s Tae-hee who inadvertently puts the idea of confessing his feelings in Seung-hyo’s head when she’s describing how pottery is a bit of a gamble that requires faith in your skill (in this case your feelings) to stave off the fear of losing something – or, I suppose, something not coming out as perfectly as you imagined it.
Of course seeing Seung-hyo with Tae-hui, and Seung-hyo seeing Seok-ryu with Hyeon-jun, sends the usual mixed messages. But that gets cleared up quickly enough. Oddly enough it is Tae-hui who again brings the conversation to the forefront of everyone’s minds by telling Seok-ryu she can give a bottle of wine she has gifted her to her “boyfriend”, meaning Hyeon-jun. Seok-ryu having to clarify that there’s nothing going on between her and her ex is a nice reminder for both her and Seung-hyo.
These events taken together are enough for Seung-hyo, who, after learning that he has won the contest for the reconstruction project, rushes to tell Seok-ryu the news (she has been inquiring about the results all week – aww!)
Finally, Seung-hyo is able to get the words out without interruption. It’s about time!
The story continues in Love Next Door Episode 8, which reveals some worrying news about Seok-ryu.
