Original subtitles

[♪ theme song playing]

PARK MINJAE'S LIST

START DATING...

BETWEEN STEPS

CHARACTERS, PLACES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EVENTS IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS

THIS DRAMA CONTAINS SENSITIVE CONTENT

EPISODE 9

[vacuum whirring]

[vacuum whirring stops]

[♪ dramatic Italian ballad playing, Gigliola Cinquetti "Non Ho L'Età"]

[♪ dramatic Italian ballad continues playing]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[tires screeching]

[♪ music swells]

-[♪ music stops] -[Youjin gasps]

I'VE BEEN DYING TO SEE YOU!

WELCOME

[Youjin chuckles softly]

You didn't have to come all this way.

You're the guest of honor. Of course, I should.

Let me take that.

Leave it. I can get it.

-I should take it. -It's okay.

I could've taken a cab. Why did you come all this way?

Got nothing better to do?

[sighs] I've got plenty to do, but I came anyway.

Because I missed you so much.

Well, I didn't get you any gifts.

Okay.

Let's get a taxi.

[exclaims softly] But I drove here.

Did you buy a car?

No.

Huh?

[Youjin] Hop in.

Hey, why would you bring this out here?

[Youjin] You have a lot of luggage, and I figured you'd be tired.

And taxis are expensive.

My car is more expensive than a taxi. Move.

[Youjin] I'm a good driver.

-I can get you home nice and comfortable. -[Jihoon grunts]

Hey, all I asked you to do was water the plants

and look after my place.

You've been driving my car around, haven't you?

No.

-What do you take me for? -[Jihoon grunting]

-Give me that. -Huh?

I can drive.

[Jihoon] Just get in.

[scoffs]

-[Youjin] Huh? -[Jihoon exclaims softly, scoffs]

[Jihoon snickers]

Put your seatbelt on.

[Youjin] Okay.

You've had a long flight,

and you must be jet-lagged.

Seriously, I can drive.

Speak for yourself.

You must be exhausted from coursework, exams, and your thesis.

[inhales] So why'd you come all the way out here?

In my car, no less?

Huh?

Well... You know, Professor,

you've got a lot of connections, right?

[Jihoon] I do. And?

Do you know a Russian mathematician, Aleksandr Lyapunov?

I hear he's super famous.

I do.

We're close. He died in 1918.

[gasps] Yeah, him.

-[Jihoon] Yeah? -Yeah.

I knew you'd know him.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[♪ somber music playing]

KIM JISEOK AND LEE JIHYE JANUARY 27, 2027, 2:00 PM

PLEASE JOIN US

AT LAST, WE'VE FOUND THE ONE TO SHARE OUR LIVES WITH

FOR YOUR KIND WISHES BRIDE LEE JIHYE

ACCOUNT NUMBER COPIED

CHECKING ACCOUNT 42,700 WON

-[♪ somber music turns comical] -[cellphone thuds]

[♪ music stops]

All solutions of the dynamical system

that start near a Lyapunov-stable equilibrium point stay near it forever.

[♪ comical music resumes playing]

Forever.

The above definition can be understood as follows.

Solutions that start sufficiently close to a Lyapunov-stable equilibrium

remain sufficiently close to the equilibrium forever,

with the allowable deviation being arbitrarily small.

Solutions that start sufficiently close to an asymptotically stable equilibrium

not only stay close to it,

but also eventually converge to the equilibrium.

Solutions that start sufficiently close to an exponentially stable equilibrium

eventually converge exponentially,

at least as fast as a particular known rate.

[Jihoon sighs]

Come to think of it, I'm kind of hurt.

You went all the way to the States and seriously didn't get me anything?

[♪ music stops]

It's Christmas soon. You could've picked up a little something.

Not even some chocolate or something?

Do you think I went there for fun?

I was attending a conference. I didn't have time for that.

I mean, they sell chocolate at the airport duty-free stores.

It's not like I want to eat American chocolate.

It's the thought that counts, you know?

[exclaims] What's that?

Are you giving me money instead?

[Jihoon] Here. Your gift.

What's this?

I met Park Minjae there.

I thought he was in Canada, but he's in the US.

I asked him if he'd been in Canada, and he said no.

He said he went back to the States.

Turns out he's working on some project with MIT.

Did you know?

Other than his hairstyle, he looked pretty much the same.

He seemed to be doing well.

I said you were doing well, too.

That you're eating well, attending school, and studying hard.

That's his new number, so give him a call if you want.

[scoffs softly]

What would I even say?

There's nothing to talk about.

[sighs]

It's not like I'm going to cry and curse him out.

Well, breakups are hard and painful for everyone.

Your relationship wasn't anything special.

That's what relationships are like. They can end just like that.

[sighs]

You know what, Professor?

You talk too much.

Because I know a lot.

There's nothing I don't know.

Have you never liked a woman before?

Well...

I've just never been dumped by a woman I liked.

[Youjin scoffs]

I guess you never get hurt or anything.

No. I'm a deep, grounded person.

[sighs]

What?

[paper rustling]

Hey.

Hey, no littering. You should put it in a trash can.

I pray that the woman he likes brutally dumps him

and leaves him in tears.

You're praying that happens to Park Minjae, not me, right?

No. To both of you.

[♪ gentle music playing]

[sighs heavily]

[♪ music fades]

[sighs]

[door closes]

[Miyoung] Oh... Youjin is home, so lock the doors.

[Yongseok] Be gentle. I'm scared.

[Miyoung] Okay, stay still. I'm scared too. [gasps]

[woman screaming on TV]

What's up?

[Youseong] Can I have 100,000 won?

I don't have it.

You're not even going to ask why?

You always say no even without asking. Always.

What do you need it for?

[Youseong] I can't tell you.

[mouthing] Jeez.

[Youseong] Come on, can't you just give me 100,000 won?

There's a reason I need it.

-Mom, just give me my allowance early. -Hey!

Jeez. You're not getting it early.

-[Youseong] Dad. -Hey!

Dude, the boss says no.

Then what about me?

What am I? Huh?

I'm the eldest son and the heir to the auto repair shop.

I'll inherit the whole thing someday.

You can't even do that much for your own heir?

Heir, my foot.

Honey, what do you think he's saying?

I don't know. I can't hear well right now.

[Youseong] Then, Mom...

[Miyoung, softly] Yeah.

[Youseong] If you give me 100,000 won,

I'll give you this.

What is it?

[Youseong] I don't know.

[♪ comical music playing]

You're drunk, aren't you?

Give me a break. Jeez.

[gulps, sighs in relief]

[sighs]

NO RESULTS FOUND MATCHING +1 (617) 555-0754

[keyboard clacking]

+1 (617) SERVES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS...

[Youseong] Massachusetts in the US?

[slurring] Messasuses?

[groans] This is why I hate English.

The pronunciation is just too hard.

[sighs]

[♪ comical music continues playing]

[line connects]

-[line ringing] -[sighs softly]

[exhales]

[groans]

[tuts]

[sighs heavily]

Not answering. Not answering.

-[sighs] -[man in English] Hello?

[in Korean] Hello?

[in Korean] Yes, hello?

[♪ music stops]

Uh...

Are you in Massachusetts, by any chance?

[man] Pardon?

Who are you?

I said, are you in Massachusetts?

You're in the United... I mean, America, right?

[man] Yes, I am. Who are you?

[in English] Hello?

[man in English] Hello? Hello?

[in English] Hello?

[man in Korean] What?

I think you may have the wrong number.

Who were you trying to call?

[in Korean] What?

I'm Lim Youseong.

I'm Korean.

Who are you?

[♪ mysterious music playing]

A ghost?

[♪ music fades]

Ah...

[♪ gentle music playing]

[♪ music fades]

[♪ gentle music resumes playing]

-[♪ music fades] -[jewelry box snaps shut]

[Yongseok sighs]

[Youseong groans]

[exclaims] It's bean sprout soup.

[Miyoung] It's all for our heir, our eldest son.

We can't have him suffering from a hangover.

[Youseong grunts]

[Yongseok] Hey, sweetie. Come, have a seat.

[Youjin] Okay.

Mom made some refreshing bean sprout soup.

[Youjin] I'm running late, so I'll have to skip breakfast.

[Miyoung] Come on, how long does it take

-to eat breakfast? Hmm? -[Youjin] Mmm-mmm.

What's the point of working if you don't eat?

You're practically skin and bones.

Yeah, have some breakfast before you go.

We'll ask Youseong to give you a ride.

Yeah, that would work.

Youseong's giving you a ride today. Eat before you go.

-I am? -[Miyoung] Yeah.

Or how about I take Dad's car? I can drive.

Come on, no.

You still need more practice.

Youseong can give you a ride.

[Miyoung] Yeah, just do that.

-Don't worry. Just sit down and eat. -[Miyoung] Yeah.

[Youseong groans]

[Miyoung] Come on, let's eat.

Let's eat.

Come on.

-I'll give you a ride. -[Miyoung] Good. Sit here.

Oh, man.

-Thanks. [in English] Thank you. -[seatbelt unlocks]

[in Korean] Hey.

Are you going to keep that in?

[Youjin] Oh...

Bye now.

Youjin.

You see,

you're my one and only little sister,

and I really, truly care about you so much.

What?

[smacks lips] I mean, sometimes I get in your business,

nag you, or even get pretty scary and yell at you, right?

[smacks lips]

But it's all because I care about you, Youjin. Okay?

I just want what's best for you.

I hope you understand where your big brother is coming from.

It's not scary.

[Youseong] What?

It's not scary.

It's annoying.

Fine.

Get out. Go.

[smacks lips, sighs]

[mumbles] What the hell?

[♪ quirky music playing]

CALLING +1 617-555-0754

[line ringing]

[sighs softly]

[automation in English] The person you are calling is not answering...

-[line disconnects] -[sighs]

Once that brat finds out, she's going to freak out totally.

[line connects]

[line ringing]

Hey, Subin.

Yeah, it's me, Youseong.

Well, I happened to be at your campus right now.

Do you have a minute?

There's something I wanted to ask you about Youjin.

Yeah.

No, don't tell Youjin about this.

Yeah.

Okay, got it.

-[♪ music fades] -[mouse clicking]

-[door opens] -[♪ pensive music playing]

[Taeho sighing] All right. Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

[Taeho] Mmm-hmm.

[Taeho hums]

All right.

[sighs]

[bell rings, thuds]

Let's start the meeting.

Finals are over, so things have settled down.

We've got a lab meeting next week, right? Whose turn is it?

[hesitates] My turn.

Are you ready?

Yeah, well...

[Taeho sighs]

The other labs will be there, too.

Our reputation is on the line.

So you'd better be prepared. Don't embarrass us.

[softly] Okay.

[Hangyeol] But it seemed like it was getting pushed back a week.

[Taeho] Why?

[Sejin] The Thomas and Dalmatian labs wanted to reschedule,

since Christmas is next week and all.

[Taeho] Really?

[Sejin sighing] Apparently, the Thomas guys are going

on a group blind date with the piano majors.

[Taeho and Hangyeol scoff]

I think there's almost 100% chance that they'll reschedule.

-[Taeho sighs heavily] -Jeez, those crazy bastards...

[chuckling] Wow, sounds like things are just as messed up over there.

[laughs, sighs]

What's with the obsession with these blind dates? [laughs]

And yet, Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world.

-Exactly. -[Taeho] Right?

It's not like we don't want to go on them.

[Hangyeol sighs]

Those damn punks don't know Christmas is for families.

You'll see.

There's going to be a bloodbath next semester.

[Chansoo] Hmm.

I guess we can come back to the lab meeting date next time, then.

Youjin, have you decided on your thesis topic?

No. I mean, I'm still thinking.

I'm debating between optimal design and control algorithms,

-but I haven't decided yet. -[knocks on table]

[Taeho] You've got to hurry, okay?

What's taking you so long, Youjin?

Okay.

[sighs] And you, Sejin?

Yes, I've decided.

You did? What did you pick?

[Sejin inhales]

I'm not going to tell you.

[line connects]

[line ringing]

[♪ pensive music builds]

[♪ exhilarating music playing]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[♪ music fades]

[Jihoon] Hey.

If you manage to prove this, you have to put my name in the paper.

Will you not?

I will.

[Youjin] And give me the prize money, too?

Not all of it, just some. A little bit?

Why are you so obsessed with money? It's the honor that matters.

So you won't?

There's no prize money. It's just for the honor.

[Youjin] Hmm.

There's no prize money for this one.

[Jihoon] But I did bring you something back from the seminar.

It's not chocolate, though.

It's kind of expensive.

You really got me a gift?

Got any plans next Friday?

I'll take you to dinner and give you your gift.

Okay. Friday works for me, too.

[muttering] 23, 25...

[exclaims] Isn't it Christmas that day?

Is it?

Forget it. Traffic will be terrible, it'll be packed.

No, it's too troublesome.

[clicks tongue]

[sighs]

[Jihoon] But I don't have time on any other day.

What do we do?

Then, can we just do Friday?

Places like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Seongsu will be packed,

but I think it'll be okay around campus.

You think?

[Youjin] Yeah.

Well, then...

I guess why not?

[chuckles softly]

Is there anything you want for Christmas?

There isn't.

Come on, tell me. This is a rare opportunity.

Just tell me what you want.

Then, you.

[♪ pensive music playing]

I mean, just having a meal with you is enough.

I don't need any gifts.

[Youjin] Hmm.

So I really don't have to get you anything?

Because I really won't.

[Jihoon] Don't bother. [sighs]

Knowing your taste, it will end up in the trash anyway.

It's environmental pollution.

We have to pay to throw stuff away in this country.

[♪ pensive music turns comical]

[sighs] I bet you wouldn't say that to me if we were in the US.

What?

I heard they sell guns at supermarkets in the US.

I hope my gift is a gun.

[Jihoon] Okay.

It's not a gun.

Now, go.

[Youjin scoffs]

[tuts]

PROFESSOR LEE JIHOON'S OFFICE

[mumbles] I swear to God...

[exclaims softly]

What did I come here for?

[keyboard clacking]

[sighs]

I'm going to the library for a bit...

[sighs. heavily]

My goodness.

Things are pretty messed up around here.

[Taeho] Seriously, those assholes have lost their minds

and are pushing back the lab meeting for some stupid group blind date.

Those damn robot train nerds think our bipedal humanoid is a fucking joke.

That's why you've got to get back here and clean house.

We need a full-on bloodbath, Minjae.

[Minjae laughing] What do you mean, a bloodbath? Don't be crazy.

Hey, so, what about the Dalmatian guys?

Yeah.

Oh, really?

Well, that's the right thing to do.

Those guys are actually really generous. [laughing]

[Taeho] Come on, Minjae.

This isn't something you can just laugh off, okay?

I'm telling you, you need to get back here, Minjae.

When are you coming back, anyway?

Yeah, but when? Hmm?

Mmm.

Really? [chuckles]

Yeah, of course. I'll keep it to myself.

None of the other guys will know. Yeah.

Got it. But, Minjae, you really have to be here that day, okay?

Okay, enough already.

Just stop. [chuckling] I said I got it, you weirdo.

All right.

I'll call you back. Bye.

[grunts]

Mom, just leave it. I can take care of it later.

[Eunjoo] It's okay. I'm done.

[Minjae] No, let me... Gosh.

-You want this up there? -[Eunjoo] Yeah. [laughs]

Goodness. It's so nice having someone tall around.

[Minjae] Now, leave it. I'll deal with them later.

-[Eunjoo] Okay. -[Minjae] Come on.

-Can I have a glass of water? -[Minjae] Sure.

[Eunjoo sighs]

My glasses... Where did I put the glasses?

Don't bother. I can just drink it like that.

-Yeah? -[Eunjoo] Yeah.

[Minjae snickers]

-I should get a new glass. -[Eunjoo chuckles]

Yeah.

[Minjae sighs]

[Eunjoo] There were so many little things to unpack.

And so much dust.

If I'd known it would be this much work, I would've hired someone.

[Minjae] No, it's okay. Later...

I'll take my time unpacking everything later.

[Eunjoo] You didn't forget what you promised me, right?

No drinking.

No wine or beer, nothing.

[mumbles] Fine.

And make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep.

Eat balanced meals.

Don't skip your workouts.

I'm going to be checking.

[chuckling] What... What do you mean, checking?

I'm not a kid. I can take care of myself.

You saw how your grandfather and aunt were freaking out,

saying I was trying to sneak you back to Korea,

Right?

I've gotten more grief in the past few days

than I have in my entire life.

You owe me for this, okay?

So keep your promise.

Fine, I will.

[Eunjoo] All right.

I should get going now.

Okay.

I'll be back tomorrow.

You don't have to. I know you're busy.

You should get going. Your husband is waiting.

He's never home before midnight. He's not waiting. [chuckles softly]

[Minjae] Well, Juwon is waiting. Come on, go.

[Eunjoo] Gosh, when will he get into college?

[Minjae sighs]

[Eunjoo] No, you don't need to come out.

[Minjae] Let me at least walk you to the elevator.

[door lock beeps]

I'm going to send someone over tomorrow, so just leave everything.

-[elevator dings] -[Minjae] No need to send anyone.

-It's fine. I can take care of it. -[elevator dings]

Keep disobeying Mom, and you'll have to go back to Canada. Okay?

All right. Fine, I get it.

Get back inside.

Let me wait till the elevator gets here.

I'll be fine. Get back inside.

[Minjae sniffles]

-[elevator dings] -[Eunjoo] There.

-I'm going to go. -[Minjae] Okay.

-Bye. -[Eunjoo] Bye.

[automation] Doors closing. First floor.

Bye.

[elevator door closes]

[♪ gentle music playing]

[sighs heavily]

[♪ music fades]

Hello. Please scan your student ID.

Okay.

[digital beeps]

-Is all of your information correct? -Yes.

[digital beeps]

[Sejin sighs]

[digital beeps]

Please return it in a week.

Thank you.

[loudly] Subin!

[♪ pop music playing over speakers]

So, what did you say?

[Youseong] I don't remember what I said.

I've been drinking a lot lately, so my memory hasn't been that great.

I just remember a lot of crying and drama on the phone.

[Subin] He did? He cried on the phone?

No, me.

What?

But why would you?

[exclaims]

Well, I don't really remember,

but I had my reasons for crying.

I cried my eyes out.

Anyway, the point is that,

that jerk said he only broke up with Youjin because I told him to.

He was using me as an excuse.

Oh...

Did you tell Minjae to break up with Youjin?

Well...

All I said was that, as her brother, I didn't think someone like him

was a good fit for my little sister. That's what I said.

But it's not really about whether they're a good fit.

If they like each other, there's nothing you can do.

[sighs] Youjin is gonna freak out if she finds out.

She's terrifying when she's angry.

Like that little brat can scare me.

Subin, don't tell Youjin about this, okay?

Seriously, you can't tell anyone about this.

Fine.

Anyway, he's been holding this huge grudge against me all this time,

and now he's coming back to Korea.

[glass clatters]

[♪ comical music playing]

Wait, he's coming back to Korea? When?

[Youseong] Pretty soon, apparently.

So, Subin, if that jerk shows up around Youjin,

make sure they don't meet.

What? Me?

[Youseong] Yeah, don't let them meet. Don't let him anywhere near her.

How can I do that?

Well, you'll have to figure that out yourself.

I don't think there's any way to keep them from meeting.

There's no way.

[Youseong] Of course, there is.

Use that big Seohan brain of yours and think of something.

[Subin chuckles] There's no way to do that.

[sighs]

[sighs heavily]

Then...

you stay right by her side.

What?

Then, once that jerk shows up in front of Youjin,

call me right away. I'll come running.

[Subin] Maybe it's okay to let them meet.

[Youseong] Why?

Youjin is never going to forgive Minjae, anyway.

She liked him so much.

But he just dumped her out of nowhere, without even giving her a reason.

You have no idea how hard that was on her.

After all that, there's no way she'd get back together with him.

Besides, you know how stubborn Youjin is.

-She'd never want to meet him. -[Youseong sighs]

I mean, they broke up because of me.

[groans]

[Subin] So, what if you didn't approve?

He broke up with her just because of that?

That's actually even worse.

Well, I think it's possible.

But I'm more worried about him messing with her head again

than about them getting back together.

Youjin is seeing someone now,

and it could cause misunderstandings, too.

Oh...

Is Youjin seeing someone?

[glass clatters]

[Jaehong] Starting next semester,

I'm thinking of splitting a few areas into smaller teams

and reorganizing things a bit.

[Jihoon] I see.

[Jaehong] I'm also thinking... [inhales sharply]

...of developing a diffusion model,

and I thought it might be nice to have you join us

for a collaborative research project.

That's why I invited you here today.

I've got a lot on my plate these days, so I don't think I can.

Come on, join us. It's a win-win for both of us.

Seriously. I can't, even if I wanted to.

[Jaehong sighs]

I could send some of my students to help out.

No, we need to work with our own students to help them grow.

I was thinking of getting Lim Youjin involved.

Lim Youjin.

Lim Youjin could be a good choice. That should work.

See, with diffusion models,

even a single equation can involve some pretty complicated math.

She may not be the most efficient worker,

but she's stubborn as hell, so I think she'll do a good job.

I've noticed this for a while now.

One minute, you've got these dead, lifeless eyes,

and the second Youjin is mentioned,

your eyes light right up.

What?

I mean, who knows where you'll find the one, right?

What do you mean by "the one"?

Well, love works in mysterious ways, you know.

Jeez, what's with Koreans

and their obsession with dating and marriage?

[Jaehong] What?

That is a kid you're supposed to be supervising.

Wait, what... I was just...

You can't say things like that these days.

I don't think what I said was that inappropriate.

But what's this about? Did I do something to upset you?

No, you didn't.

She's young and has years of study ahead of her.

It wouldn't do her any good if people spread rumors about her.

You know that. Remember when I first got hired here?

Everyone talked about me being too young,

lacking the right background, and my personality...

There was so much gossip.

Even now, thinking about it keeps me up at night.

That's how bad it was.

You know better than anyone how much I went through.

You bought me more drinks than anyone else.

Knowing all that, how could you...

[chuckling] Right, drinks... I did buy you quite a few drinks.

I've got some papers on the diffusion model.

-I'll send them over. -Okay, sure.

So there's going to be a major restructuring next semester?

I'm thinking of breaking it down into more specialized teams

to strengthen our expertise.

And Park Minjae is joining us next semester, too.

I heard that you two met up in the States?

Yeah.

Is he coming back to Korea?

Yes.

I begged him on my hands and knees to return,

and it must've moved him. He's coming back.

I see. That's great.

He'll lead one of the teams and teach a course.

Okay.

-[Taeho] Wait, but how did you know? -I just heard it.

Yeah, I mean, I haven't told anyone about it.

Where did you hear that?

He's got a superpower. Like Sommers.

-[Hangyeol scoffs] -Dude, kids these days

don't know who Sommers is.

[Sejin] I know Sommers.

You know Sommers? Good for you, nerd.

[all chuckle]

Jeez, it was going to be a surprise, and Sommers ruined everything.

-[Chansoo] So... -[Hangyeol] Huh?

What? What is it? What surprise?

Minjae's finished with his postdoc and is coming back to Korea.

[♪ Christmas song playing over speakers]

[♪ Christmas music playing on the display]

[digital beeping]

-[cashier] Please insert your card. -[Minjae] All right.

[♪ Christmas song playing over speakers, "Jingle Bells"]

[digital beeps]

-[cashier] Do you need a receipt? -[Minjae] I'm good.

-[♪ Christmas song stops] -[bell jingles]

[♪ soft music playing]

-[church bell tolling] -[♪ music stops]

[sighs]

[♪ soft music resumes playing]

Persistent much?

I'm not going to buy it. I'm not buying it.

[♪ music fades]

[♪ slow soft music playing]

[♪ music fades]

[♪ dramatic Italian ballad playing, Gigliola Cinquetti "Non Ho L'Età"]

[♪ music stops]

[cellphone vibrating]

[softly] Who is it?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hel...

Mr. Lim Youseong. Are you drunk-dialing me again?

Yes, Professor.

Yes, this is Park Minjae.

No, it's me.

[chuckling awkwardly] I thought it was someone else.

Tomorrow?

Right, yes. I know where it is.

Yes. At 7:00...

Yeah, 7:00 works for me.

Yes. Okay, see you then.

Bye.

[line disconnects]

[mumbles] What...

[cellphone thuds]

[♪ pleasant music playing over speakers]

[staff] Hello.

[Minjae] Hello.

[staff] How many people?

Two.

All right. Right this way.

[mumbles] Thank you.

[staff] Let me know whenever you're ready.

[Minjae] All right. Thank you.

-[staff] Hello. -[Youjin] Hello.

[staff] Let me show you to your table.

[♪ music fades]

[♪ Christmas music playing over speakers]

-[staff] Hello. -Hello.

-[Minjae] Hello. -Hey.

-You're sitting separately? Come here. -[Minjae] Sorry?

[Jihoon] Come here.

Yeah. Come sit here.

You too, come over.

[Jihoon grunts]

[exhales, sniffles]

Sorry, I'm late. Traffic was insane. The roads were absolutely packed.

-Thank you. -Sure.

Uh, let's order something before we start talking.

Their sea urchin and fish roe pasta is really good.

[cellphone vibrating]

Hold on. I need to take this.

-You guys go ahead and order. -[Minjae] Okay.

[Jihoon] Yes, hello?

Yeah.

Would you like to order?

[Youjin] Sorry. Excuse me for a second.

We'll order in a minute.

[Jihoon] Yeah, why?

What do you think you're doing?

I'm on the phone.

Yes.

How long will it take? The sooner, the better for me.

Okay.

Yeah, got it.

Why did you invite him?

[Jihoon] I had to. He said he'd be alone on Christmas.

Can't we just hang out?

We're not in the US, okay?

Who eats and hangs out with their ex?

It's too late now. Do I tell him to leave?

[Youjin] Yeah, tell him to leave.

[♪ pleasant music playing over speakers]

-Enjoy. -All right. Thank you.

[♪ music fades]

How long are you going to be sitting here?

-No, don't. -Just let me.

[Jihoon sighs]

You're already letting him win by acting like this.

Look at Minjae. See how confident he is. He's totally fine.

You've got to act confident, too.

Like, "I'm fine, too. I'm doing great without you.

"You're the idiot who let a woman like me go.'"

Don't run away. Don't hide. Hold your head high.

I'm not hiding.

It's just awkward and uncomfortable.

Better awkward now than later.

You'll be seeing him at school next semester, anyway.

He's coming back to our school?

Professor Ahn said he's coming back.

Now, that's just low. He's got no shame.

You need to talk to him face-to-face at least once.

Then you can finally let go and start healing.

I have nothing to let go of or heal from.

If you have nothing to let go of or heal from,

why are we sitting here in the freezing cold?

[Youjin groans]

You go ahead and go home.

[Jihoon] What?

I'm the one who made this mess. I should be the one to fix it.

[♪ pleasant music resumes playing over speakers]

Where's Professor Lee?

Something urgent came up, so he headed home early.

[Minjae] Oh...

Well, it was taking too long, so I just ordered whatever.

[Youjin] Hmm.

Okay. Let's eat and get going, too. Go ahead.

[Minjae mumbling] Yeah, eat up. Hurry up and eat.

It feels like it's been a while.

When did you come back to Korea?

Just a few days ago.

I hear you'll come back to our school.

Yeah.

Could you maybe consider somewhere else?

No. I'm sorry.

You're always saying that you're sorry.

I heard that you went to Canada because your grandmother was sick.

Is she doing better now?

[Minjae] Actually,

it wasn't my grandmother who was sick.

I was the one who was a bit sick.

You were sick?

Sick where?

They found a tumor in my lung.

They didn't know if the osteosarcoma had spread there or...

They weren't sure what caused it,

but there was a tumor.

[♪ gentle music playing]

I'm okay now, though.

The surgery went well, and I've finished chemo.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I didn't want to worry you.

Of course, I would've worried.

I know. That's why I didn't tell you.

[Youjin sighs]

I had no idea.

Because I didn't tell you.

[Youjin] Why didn't you tell me?

I told you. I didn't want to worry you.

It would've been natural for me to worry. And maybe...

we didn't even have to break up.

I thought you just got sick and tired of me.

And that's why you wanted to break up.

[Minjae] Okay.

[sighs] What do you mean by "okay?"

If you kept it a secret because you didn't want to worry me,

why didn't you keep it that way?

Why are you telling me now?

Did you think I'd forgive you and take you back? That's ridiculous.

No.

So why tell me now? You should've just kept it to yourself.

I heard that you were getting married.

Your brother told me that you're getting married.

My brother said that I'm getting married?

You're making the right choice.

If there's anything on your mind,

let it all out.

[scoffs]

Oh...

You wanted to congratulate me on getting married?

What a big man you are.

I'm really not. That's why I'm doing this here.

Thank you.

I'll be sure to live happily ever after with my wonderful man.

[♪ music fades]

You see, I...

[exclaims]

What's wrong? Are you okay?

[Youjin breathing heavily] I can't breathe... [groans]

-[Jihoon] Uh... -Yes.

[Jihoon] Well...

It's just, Youjin left this behind, so...

[Jihoon] Okay. Thanks.

Let's call it a night for now. We can talk later.

[♪ emotional music playing]

BETWEEN STEPS

[♪ emotional music continues playing]

[Youjin] He told me to let it all out

and live happily ever after with my husband.

[Minjae] He invited me to see how I'd react.

[Jihoon] She's trying so hard to move on.

Why are you back? What are you still hung up on?

I'm not back because I haven't moved on.

So just fuck off.

[Minjae] It was better to hurt her a little now

than hurt her even more later. Am I wrong?

I know I messed up, too.

Can we get back together?