In Family By Choice Episode 7, tension rises as San-ha catches Ju-won when she nearly falls off a ledge. This intense moment is followed by an awkward silence before they both head home. San-ha, noticing Hae-joon’s concerned expression, tries to keep a brave face but eventually breaks down when he sees Jung-jae hand-washing his school uniform. Feeling guilty, San-ha asks his father to look after his health. Hae-joon later mentions that his mother has returned and assures Jung-jae that he plans to repay him anyway, though the conversation leaves Hae-joon sobbing in bed.
The next day, Jung-jae goes over his finances at the noodle shop. His friend Dae-wook expresses relief that Jung-hee and So-hee are in Seoul, providing a break for San-ha. They discuss how Hae-joon’s biological father, Dong-gu, has also been out of the picture.
Meanwhile, Dong-gu reappears at Hae-joon’s high school, encouraging him to move to the USA. At basketball tryouts, a coach from Seoul National University observes Hae-joon, recognizing him as the best player. Dong-gu, proud, promises to return for the upcoming inter-school basketball match.
Later, Ju-won tries to talk to San-ha, but he’s still fixated on their last awkward encounter, insisting she stay out of his room as he prepares for the CSAT exams. Curious about San-ha’s behavior, Ju-won assumes it’s exam stress. She sees a classmate making a talisman for a senior-year crush and decides to create talismans for San-ha and Hae-joon. She even prepares a care basket to wish them luck before the exams.
After the exams, Jung-jae and Dae-wook go out to give the younger ones—Ju-won, San-ha, and Hae-joon—space to celebrate. Ju-won invites Dal over, hoping she’ll spend time with Hae-joon. That night, while grilling meat, Ju-won accidentally burns her hand, and San-ha quickly applies ointment, panicking over her injury. Ju-won is happy that Dal and Hae-joon are getting closer, although she wonders how Hae-joon remains oblivious to Dal’s feelings.
On the rooftop, Hae-joon confides in Dal about his mother’s return. Dal, touched by his story, becomes emotional, and Hae-joon reassures her he won’t tell San-ha about her crush on him. When San-ha joins them, Hae-joon suggests he accompany Dal to the bus stop, subtly trying to match them. As they walk, San-ha asks Dal why she hasn’t confessed her feelings for Hae-joon, and she admits she fears risking their friendship.
Meanwhile, Jung-hee contacts San-ha, urging him to attend university in Seoul. Hurt by her comments, San-ha grows upset. The next day, his teacher praises his CSAT scores, recommending Seoul National University, while Hae-joon’s coach similarly encourages him to pursue a top university. Yet, both boys refuse to leave their hometown.
At Hae-joon’s inter-school basketball match, Ju-won and Dal cheer from the stands. San-ha takes a seat beside Ju-won, and Hae-joon’s stellar performance leads his team to victory. Dong-gu confronts Jung-jae at the noodle shop, accusing him of holding Hae-joon back from better opportunities in the USA. He even threatens to shut down the noodle shop, but Jung-jae remains determined to support Hae-joon.
Hae-joon later defends Jung-jae against Dong-gu’s accusations, solidifying his loyalty to his adoptive father. That night, as the family gathers on the rooftop, San-ha receives a call from the hospital—Jung-hee has been in a car accident, and her second husband has tragically passed away.
In Family By Choice Episode 8, the storyline takes a dramatic turn, beginning with Dae-wook and San-ha’s arrival at a Seoul hospital. Upon reaching, Jung-hee’s brother informs them that Jung-hee will undergo surgery, though her weak heart makes her condition fragile. Tragically, he also reveals that her husband, So-hee’s father, didn’t survive the accident.
The next morning, the doctor updates the family that Jung-hee’s surgery was successful, and she’s out of immediate danger. San-ha feels relieved and texts Hae-joon to share the good news, though he’s heartbroken seeing his mother in the ICU. Deciding to stay in Seoul to care for So-hee, San-ha tells his uncle, who warns him against assuming responsibilities that aren’t his. Despite Dae-wook’s concerns, San-ha stands firm, feeling he’s the only family So-hee has left at this time.
Meanwhile, back home, Ju-won misses San-ha and feels anxious about his well-being. When she proposes visiting him in Seoul, her family discourages her, so she decides to go alone. At the hospital, she catches a glimpse of San-ha with So-hee, who affectionately calls him “oppa,” sparking jealousy and leaving Ju-won feeling distant.
Elsewhere, Hae-joon starts job hunting and later discovers Ju-won lied about her whereabouts. He’s worried she’ll run out of phone battery, hinting at his deep concern for her. Later that evening, Jung-jae announces plans to keep his noodle shop open late, driven by his determination to make money despite health issues. Hae-joon offers to help, showing his support.
San-ha, at the hospital, is shaken by Jung-hee’s reaction when she learns about her husband’s death. Overcome with grief, she breaks down, leaving San-ha feeling helpless. The doctor then reveals that Jung-hee has lost mobility in her legs, which only adds to San-ha’s worries. His uncle suggests San-ha move permanently to Seoul to help care for Jung-hee, leaving San-ha feeling torn between family responsibilities and his own life.
Back home, Hae-joon is busy helping at the noodle shop. Overhearing Dae-wook criticize Jung-jae for overworking, Hae-joon feels guilty and frustrated, realizing Jung-jae is exhausting himself to support his potential move to the U.S. Hae-joon’s friend Suk-hoon advises him to use his opportunity with Dong-gu to build a secure future, sparking Hae-joon’s consideration of studying abroad to repay Jung-jae one day.
Returning home, Hae-joon confronts Jung-jae, announcing his decision to leave for the U.S. with Dong-gu and urging him to prioritize his health instead of overworking. Jung-jae tries to convince him to stay, but Hae-joon’s mind is set. The next day, San-ha arrives back from Seoul, welcomed warmly by Ju-won and Jung-jae, who prepares his favorite meal.
Over dinner, Hae-joon takes San-ha aside to share his decision to leave. San-ha, distressed, reveals his own plan to move to Seoul to care for his mother, feeling caught between family loyalty and his personal desires. The two boys argue, with San-ha accusing Hae-joon of abandoning Jung-jae for his wealthy biological father. Their heated conversation is interrupted by Ju-won, who’s shocked to discover both boys plan to leave her behind.
The episode concludes with Ju-won grappling with the possibility of both San-ha and Hae-joon departing, adding emotional weight and tension as each character faces challenging decisions about family, loyalty, and their futures.