In the second episode of Cinderella at 2am, the storyline picks up with Yoon-seo finding out that her ex-boyfriend Joo-won is not moving overseas as she thought, but has actually been promoted to director of the company. This is the moment when Joo-won comes in and stops Yoon-seo from tumbling down the stairs. In a flashback, she remembers how Joo-won had won her over by indirectly confessing his feelings to her.
Much to her astonishment, Joo-won’s workplace is conveniently located beside Yoon-seo’s team, giving him a view of her from his office. Yoon-seo’s team members are equally surprised to discover that their youngest team member is the chairwoman’s son. Yoon-seo challenges Joo-won in his office regarding recent events, but Joo-won intends to fulfill his vow of being affectionate.
He charmingly mentions that he had been given guidance from the internet about revealing a different aspect of himself to try to win back his ex, which is why he is speaking casually to her. While trying to woo her, he strokes her head, and Yoon-seo unintentionally activates the button that makes the screen transparent, surprising their teammates who witness the act. Fortunately, because of their compactness, they are completely unaware of the couple’s relationship.
With Joo-won’s return, he plans to continue spending time with Yoon-seo and her team during meals, and boldly declares his intention to win her back. Despite his efforts, Yoon-seo remains determined to end the relationship.
During his visit with his elder brother, Si-wan amusingly relaxes at home in his underwear, enjoying the freedom he didn’t have before getting married. Because his wife is in another country, there is no need for him to dress formally, resulting in a funny and comedic situation. By listening to the conversations between the two brothers, we can understand the extent of Joo-won’s feelings for Yoon-seo. He used to dislike watching movies, but ever since he started dating Yoon-seo, he has become a film enthusiast.
On the way back from I-rae’s restaurant, it is disclosed that Yoon-seo suffered abuse from her alcoholic father.
The following day, despite feeling unwell, Yoon-seo still goes to work because of a crucial project. In the elevator, she encounters Si-wan, who informs her about Joo-won’s stubbornness. He also discloses that Joo-won turned into a film enthusiast after meeting Yoon-seo, even though he used to despise movies. Yoon-seo remembers the times when they watched movies together frequently. Conversing with Si-wan made her notice that while Joo-won enjoyed the opera, he never mentioned it again following her unintentional refusal to attend. Guilt begins to consume her.
That evening, Joo-won notices her coughing and later brings her some porridge and medicine. While on their way home, Yoon-seo suddenly loses consciousness, prompting Joo-won to hurry her to the hospital. Upon waking up, Yoon-seo addresses the movies with him, to which Joo-won explains that he accompanied her as he enjoyed seeing her happy and developed an interest in films too. They agree to have 27 meals together in order to make an effort to split up (as stated by Yoon-seo), even though Joo-won is quite sure he will be able to win her over again.
They begin to gather for meals and enjoy each other’s company once more, like they did before. During every meal, they begin to act like their old selves again, with Yoon-seo letting her guard down but still declaring, “we are no longer a couple” if questioned about their relationship status. Joo-won’s mother finds out about their meetings but tells Si-wan that she believes Yoon-seo will honor her commitment.
Following their dinner meetings, Yoon-seo opens up to Joo-won after he questions her about her feelings towards him. “I still have strong feelings for you,” she declares, as the scene concludes with Joo-won moving closer for a kiss.
What do you think about this episode?