Episode 2 of "DNA Lover" kicks off with Yeon-u's arrival at So-jin's laboratory, his demeanor calculatedly cool as he awaits her reaction. Meanwhile, So-jin struggles to maintain an air of composure, her facade of ignorance intact despite the telltale messiness of Yeon-u's sideburn. The lead technician's directive for So-jin to acquaint Yeon-u with the premises and delve into patient files sets the stage for an uneasy alliance.
As they navigate the lab, So-jin's subtle attempts to steer the conversation towards Yeon-u's sideburn inadvertently lead to the anti-balding serum. In a moment of forgetfulness, she enthuses about its efficacy, only to watch Yeon-u's distress escalate. The realization dawns on him that So-jin's innocence is a mere façade, fueling his determination for retribution.
Their subsequent discussion centers on Yeon-u's patients, specifically Yoo-young, a pregnant woman with pulmonary hypertension and a fetus afflicted with Edwards Syndrome. The gravity of the situation looms large as they confront the heart-wrenching choice: save the mother or the child. So-jin yearns for a glimmer of hope, envisioning a fleeting encounter between mother and child as a beacon of solace, though Yeon-u remains unconvinced. Despite their differences, he requests So-jin's contact information, which she reluctantly parts with.
As Yeon-u departs, So-jin is plunged into a flurry of panic upon receiving his message, a sardonic reminder of their shared secret from that fateful night. The realization that Yeon-u is privy to her deception, coupled with the anxiety over the misplaced serum, sends her spiraling. Yet, she rationalizes, convinced that Yeon-u's predicament is a just desserts.
Later, seeking solace in a different kind of pursuit, So-jin takes her colleague's dog on a stroll, a bizarre experiment to train the canine to sniff out her dream man. The dog, however, leads her straight to Gang-hun, who happens to be out walking a friend's pet. He teases So-jin mercilessly for her unconventional methods, mocking her quest for an ideal mate and her unconventional experiments beyond the laboratory walls.
Moreover, he bestows upon her a safety bell, a symbol of reassurance for her visits to his father's eatery, acknowledging So-jin's penchant for mischief when under the influence of alcohol and his earnest desire to be her rock. Yet, So-jin finds herself pondering if Gang-hun embodies her dream man, only to realize that his kindness extends to all, making her feel undistinguished in his eyes. Disheartened, she returns the canine to its home and vows to assist her colleague A-ri in her own quest for love.
The following day, Jung-tam's path crosses with a woman, and he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her, trailing her steps to a gym. Despite her not fitting his usual preferences, he feels an odd allure. Consulting Yeon-u, the doctor encourages him to embark on a date with her, suggesting it might be a catharsis for his confused emotions. Yeon-u confesses that he has a particular type, one he harbors feelings for—Jang Mi-eun, a renowned polyamorist who reciprocates his sentiments, yet they both hesitate to venture beyond their comfort zones.
Later, Yeon-u convenes with Yoo-young, imparting the gravity of her pregnancy situation. Ironically, this woman is none other than the one Gang-hun had once rescued. She chose life upon learning of her impending motherhood, but fate continues to test her resilience. Yeon-u urges caution in her decision-making, acknowledging the complexities that arise if she chooses to carry the child, as saving the mother's life may become increasingly challenging.
Amidst his own challenges, Yeon-u summons So-jin, insisting on a meeting at his office the subsequent day. So-jin acquiesces, ready to own up to her actions. With a stern demeanor, Yeon-u tasks her with finding an antidote within a mere 24 hours. As she collects his DNA samples, an unexpected spark ignites between them, leaving Yeon-u with a newfound attraction. Undeterred by the difficulty, So-jin dedicates herself wholeheartedly to the pursuit of a cure.
After a grueling day at the office, Yeon-u makes a heartfelt pilgrimage to his mother's side to commemorate his parents' cherished anniversary, a gesture that echoes his unwavering respect for family ties. Little does his visit reveal, however, the depths of sorrow his mother has plunged into since his father's departure, her days blurred by a profound melancholy that renders her almost oblivious to the passage of time. She dwells in a realm apart, her heart heavy with the lament of a love lost.
As nightfall envelopes Yeon-u's thoughts, he finds solace at Gang-hun's father's restaurant, confessing the shattered faith in love his parents' tale has left him with. He confides in a tone tinged with resignation, preferring the fleeting joys of dalliance over the commitment that Gang-hun's unwavering love for one seems to embody, a mystery he struggles to comprehend.
Meanwhile, Yoo-young stands at a crossroads, her mind abuzz with possibilities and uncertainties. She reaches out to Gang-hun, yearning for his voice amidst the tumult of her thoughts, only to find him engulfed in a work emergency, her calls going unanswered amidst the chaos.
Concurrently, So-jin's relentless pursuit of Yoo-young's case uncovers a chilling revelation in the latest tests. The discovery of a fatal gene within her, a harbinger of self-destruction, prompts her to urgently contact Yeon-u, her warning a desperate cry against the encroaching darkness. But alas, it arrives too little, too late, as fate seems to have already woven its inevitable thread.
A nurse urgently whispers to Yeon-u that Youn-young has ventured to the perilous heights of the hospital's rooftop, igniting a chain of events. Overhearing this tense exchange, So-jin, her heart pounding, sprints towards the hospital with determination etched on her face. Simultaneously, the brave firefighters arrive promptly, swiftly deploying their inflatable jump bag, a life-saving net stretched beneath the abyss.
As So-jin reaches the rooftop, she witnesses Yeon-u tenderly soothing Yoo-young with words imbued with empathy and compassion. Without hesitation, So-jin approaches Yoo-young, her voice trembling with vulnerability as she shares her own harrowing journey through depression after the tragic loss of her family. She pleads with Yoo-young, tears glistening in her eyes, begging her to reconsider and allow Yeon-u the opportunity to save the precious life that hangs in the balance.
Yoo-young hesitates, her mind a tumultuous sea of emotions, as So-jin, taking a chance, extends her hand, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. But just as hope seems to spark, Yoo-young, overcome by despair, decides to leap. Instinctively, So-jin lunges forward, her fingers intertwining with Yoo-young's, desperately fighting against the downward pull.
A flurry of activity ensues as other doctors rush to secure Yoo-young's safety, while Yeon-u, without a moment's thought, jumps into the fray, aiming to grasp So-jin. However, in the chaotic scramble, they all stumble, their bodies careening towards the safety net below, a testament to the fragile balance between life and death. The inflatable jump bag, prepared by the firefighters' swift hands, inflates with a reassuring whoosh, catching them in its embrace, a miraculous catch that saves them from the abyss.
