In the 10th episode aired on the 12th, Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun) realizes the depth of Go Young-rae's (played by Kim Da-mi) feelings for her first love, Han Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun). Despite her efforts, Jong-hee feels the strong bond between Young-rae and Jae-pil, which has been built over seven years, is insurmountable. When Jae-pil's father, Han Ki-bok (played by Yoon Je-moon), goes missing, Young-rae naturally comforts the family, leaving Jong-hee feeling helpless and distant.
Young-rae faces a trial when Mi-sook (played by Seo Jae-hee) discovers her significance to Jong-hee. Mi-sook orchestrates an incident at the salon, demanding Young-rae's dismissal. However, Young-rae finds support from those around her. Her 'big brother' Jung-hyun (played by Kim Jung-hyun) treats her to a steak despite his own struggles, and Jae-pil rushes to her side, reassuring her of her worth. Encouraged, Young-rae successfully lands a job at Michelle, the top salon in the country.
On her first day, Young-rae is tasked with preparing for a major hair seminar. When the scheduled model cannot participate due to hair issues, the salon director selects Young-rae as the demonstration model. Pleased with the results, the director hints at a promising future for her. Meanwhile, Jong-hee receives a proposal to compete in Miss Korea, a dream of hers, but her excitement is short-lived as Mi-sook opposes it due to her plans for Jong-hee's studies abroad.
Jae-pil is troubled after a night out with Jung-hyun, who had introduced Young-rae to his mother as someone he likes. Jung-hyun urges Jae-pil to clarify his feelings, warning that he will pursue Young-rae if Jae-pil hesitates.
While heading home, Jae-pil hears a radio story that resonates with him. The tale of a bus conductor who fell for a passenger but couldn't pursue him due to her friend's interest mirrors Young-rae's feelings. Realizing Young-rae has been a constant in his life, Jae-pil rushes to confess his feelings to her by the sea. He tells Young-rae, "Let's stop being friends. I don't want to be just friends with you." As Young-rae begins to confess her feelings, Jae-pil kisses her, marking the end of their seven-year-long hesitation and the beginning of their love story.
This moment of mutual confession and realization of their true feelings marks a significant turning point in their relationship, bringing their long-awaited love story to life.
Reported by Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr