The episode begins with Hong driving away from her interview with Jungo. While on the phone with Min-jun, she’s suddenly interrupted when Jungo appears in front of her car. He gets in and confesses that he’s unsure where to begin but doesn’t want to lose the opportunity to talk. Hong, however, tells him she’s getting married soon and cuts the conversation short. After dropping him at the hotel, she wonders why Jungo has lingered in her heart for so long. Exhausted, she returns home, where her sister Rok gives her Jungo’s book, What Comes After Love.
In a flashback, Hong recalls returning from Japan and being welcomed by her sister and Min-jun. She discovers her father is in the hospital and thanks Min-jun, who is a doctor, for his care. Soon, she helps her father with his business and spends more time with Min-jun.
Meanwhile, Jungo resumes his interview but remains distracted. He asks the interpreter for Hong’s number, but she refuses, only mentioning the lake Hong lives near. Flashbacks show Jungo reconnecting with his ex, Kanna, at a reunion, and in the present, she unexpectedly shows up in Seoul, representing Jungo’s publisher.
As Hong shops for her wedding clothes, her thoughts drift to a past memory of trying on a wedding dress with Jungo in Japan. Distracted, Hong later confides in Ji Hui that Jungo is back in town.
Flashbacks reveal that Hong wanted more time with Jungo, but he was preoccupied with work. She even had a terrifying experience when she was chased by a drunk man, leading to her breaking her foot and feeling abandoned by Jungo.
At present, Hong and Ji Hui drink together, and Ji Hui promises she won’t have to see Jungo again. Min-jun later joins them, expressing how his feelings for Hong grew after she returned from Japan. Meanwhile, Kanna realizes Jungo still has feelings for Hong after five years and asks him to marry her.
Episode 4 starts with Jungo waking up to a call from Kanna, who apologizes for her behavior the previous night. Jungo asks her to cancel the expat meeting as he plans to rest. He then searches for Budang Lake, where Hong resides.
In a flashback, Kanna pleads with Jungo to return to her, but he apologizes instead. Back in the present, Jungo books a taxi to visit Budang Lake. Meanwhile, Hong’s sister Rok attempts baking at home, and Hong finds out that Jungo canceled his appointments. Rok asks to see Hong’s old guitar, sparking a realization in Hong that she wasn’t trying to forget Jungo, but rather the version of herself that loved him. Before leaving for work, Hong discusses her upcoming marriage with her mother, who advises her to marry a “good person” rather than marrying for love.
In the past, Hong’s boss announces their engagement, and Hong expresses her gratitude for her “found family” at the restaurant. She shows Jungo the wedding invitation, but he seems uncertain about attending. Ji Hui later explains Japan’s wedding traditions to Hong, and as she walks with Jungo, they pass a wedding dress in a shop window that Hong likes. Jungo insists she tries it on.
Later, Jungo borrows a suit and learns about a job opportunity with Professor Sato. On the day of the wedding, Jungo meets Sato, who asks him to start working immediately. While Hong performs an English love song at the wedding, Jungo arrives only after it’s over, causing tension between them.
In the present, Jungo spots Hong running by Budang Lake. She sees him too but continues running, only to trip and fall afterward. Jungo heads back to the hotel. Min-jun, meanwhile, talks with a friend about wedding jitters. At home, Rok gives Hong a green envelope she found in the guitar case. The next day, Hong’s office prepares for Jungo’s book signing, which coincides with his birthday.
In a flashback, Hong celebrates Jungo’s birthday by treating him and his father to a meal. She later promises to buy him a Mont Blanc cake next year, which was his grandmother’s favorite.
In the present, during the book signing, Jungo is asked if he believes in cross-border romances. He reveals that the book was written for one person, hoping she’ll understand his regret. Min-jun surprises Jungo by attending the event and asks him if he knows Choi Hong. The episode ends with Hong pulling out the green envelope at the event.
The flashbacks offer key insights into their relationship’s collapse, showing how Jungo’s career priorities and emotional distance left Hong feeling abandoned. These episodes also introduce a romantic complication with Kanna, who still harbors feelings for Jungo.
Meanwhile, Hong’s internal conflict is portrayed with subtlety, especially through her reflections on her guitar and her mother’s advice about love versus stability. The growing tension between her emotional past with Jungo and her current life with Min-jun makes for a compelling narrative.
Both episodes weave flashbacks and present-day events skillfully, revealing deep emotional layers and setting the stage for more intense drama. With Jungo’s upcoming book signing and Min-jun’s increasing awareness, the drama is building toward an inevitable confrontation.
These episodes highlight the complicated web of love, regret, and second chances, making them emotionally rich and engaging for viewers.