Our new couple might be sweeter and meltier than an ice cream cone, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have some mountains to climb, too. Relationships and careers are complicated, and this week, for all their giddiness, our leads also have to face the music — quite literally, at times.
EPISODES 9-10 WEECAP
Sometimes a week feels like too long to wait for this show — and then we’re gifted with the adorability that is our couple swooning for each other, and organizing their days so they can meet up as much as possible. Even though they’re beyond cute, it’s their intentionality and honest attempts to communicate and become closer that I find the most squee-worthy. And indeed, honesty (and later, confidence) are our themes this week.
Being attached at the hip on campus only makes Joon-young and Song-ah’s dating rumor louder. But this time, it’s true, and I love Joon-young’s readiness to confirm it (or announce it) to whoever’s asking. His happiness in their relationship is more than evident, but there’s another bonus to the transparency and openness of his behavior: there’s no room for misunderstandings.
In fact, this might just be my favorite thing about Joon-young (okay, in addition to that huge smile when he’s giddy and shy) — he always tries to put things in the open. He did it last week, explaining to Song-ah that he was going to accompany Jung-kyung, and this week, he does it by confirming their dating status on campus, by making sure Young-in knows that he and Song-ah are in a relationship now, and above all, by being completely clear with Jung-kyung herself.
This clarity is so refreshing — both for our characters and for our drama as well. For instance, during the scene when Song-ah and Dong-yoon are talking about their relationship, and Song-ah admits her long-term crush on him within the hearing of Min-sung, who else was expecting a three-pronged disaster? I feel conditioned by dramas to expect misunderstandings and communication snafus.
Instead, thanks to their communication skills, Joon-young and Song-ah were already on the same page, and already understood each other and their past entanglements. And so, instead of them clashing over this encounter, Joon-young was able to comfort her. And boy, was it cute.
In fact, it’s the emphasis on honesty and communication in this drama that makes the lack of it so startling. The fall-out between Song-ah and Min-sung (I hope it’s temporary!) was the perfect example of what happens when we don’t communicate. For that matter, so is the crash landing that Jung-kyung and Hyun-ho’s relationship took as well.
Even though sometimes these secrets are kept to keep feelings from getting hurt (which is Song-ah’s reasoning for keeping her long-term crush a secret), our story is clear that this never goes well, and that even the best intentions can wind up hurting people in the end.
This is why, even with all the intention and openness between Joon-young and Song-ah, I remain a little worried about the parts of their lives that they’re not talking about with each other. It’s those emotional snags and stressors that, when ignored or skated over, can start to crack the beautiful bond they have. And no one wants to see that happen.
What are some of the things that are becoming those red flags for our couple? One is their professional lives and the “professors” that are supposed to be mentoring them. Both of these characters/relationships upset me, but while I think it’ll be easier for Song-ah to realize what’s going on and extricate herself from being used so awfully, it’s Joon-young that worries me a little more.
He and PROFESSOR YOO TAE-JIN (Joo Suk-tae) have a long-standing relationship that’s more than a little complicated. They understand each other well, but Professor Yoo also knows how to get right to the core of Joon-young’s vulnerabilities.
Even though the scenarios are very different, it’s as if both Joon-young and Song-ah’s professors are shedding light on their individual insecurities. Poking holes in their confidence. Making them question themselves. Our leads are going to need a lot of strength of character to overcome… Good thing they both have that already, and just need to put it into practice in these relationships.
Finally, it’s the “threat” of Jung-kyung that’s also becoming a mounting issue. While Song-ah’s love triangle was resolved without Dong-yoon becoming a stumbling block in our couple’s relationship, Jung-kyung is the opposite. In fact, she’s slowly becoming this oppressive presence for Song-ah, whether it’s in their social circle, in the comparison of their skills and status, or in Jung-kyung’s passive-aggressive way of not backing off from Joon-young.
Joon-young might be as honest and open as he can be (with his feelings and intentions towards both Song-ah and Jung-kyung), but what that can’t cover is how Jung-kyung’s presence affects our heroine.
We all know that even though Song-ah is quiet and meek, she’s also brave and resilient. However, that doesn’t mean she’s not without her vulnerabilities, too, and I really appreciate how this story is showing us what happens when one’s insecurities are attacked from all sides. Sometimes, you get tired. And sometimes, that leads to doubt.
Even though our couple’s relationship is off to a wonderful start, they still have lots to work through — but isn’t that what will make their relationship even more strong and long-lasting? The more willing they are to face their issues and support each other, the better, happier, and stronger they’ll be. Time to get married!