Episode 8 of "Family By Choice" unfolds with Dae-wook and San-ha rushing to a Seoul hospital, their hearts pounding as they approach Jung-hee's bedside, guided by her brother who breaks the gravity of the situation: Jung-hee needs surgery, but her fragile heart poses a risk. The tragic news deepens: Jung-hee's husband, and So-hee's father, lost their life in the same accident.
The following morning, a ray of hope pierces through the gloom as the doctor宣布 Jung-hee's surgery a success, her life no longer hanging by a thread. San-ha, exhilarated, quickly taps out a message to Hae-joon, sharing the relief. In the ICU, San-ha's joy turns to sorrow as he beholds his mother's frail state.
As dawn breaks once more, San-ha makes a poignant decision, informing his uncle that he intends to stay in Seoul to care for So-hee. Private words with Dae-wook see the latter pleading with San-ha not to shoulder a burden that isn't his. Yet, San-ha stands firm, resolute in his duty—until Jung-hee awakens, he remains, explaining that So-hee has no other family now.
Back in the countryside, Dae-wook relays San-ha's choice to Jung-jae, the puzzlement evident in his voice as he recalls Jung-hee's years of neglect towards San-ha. Ju-won, overhead, her heart heavy, fears for her own self-sufficiency.
The morning sun rises again, casting its light on Ju-won's longing as she shares her day's happenings with San-ha, her voice tinged with sadness despite their separation being mere hours old. That night, at the dinner table, Ju-won's plea to visit San-ha falls on deaf ears; Jung-jae and Dae-wook cite work commitments.
Determined, Ju-won sets out alone, her footsteps echoing her resolve, until she stands before the hospital's doors. Inside, So-hee's jealousy stirs as she catches San-ha texting Ju-won, prompting him to fetch her a drink. Ju-won spots him, but fate intervenes with a nurse leading So-hee to San-ha's side. The sweet innocence of So-hee calling San-ha "oppa" stings Ju-won, reminding her of the bloodless bond that keeps them apart. She departs, her heart aching, without meeting his gaze.
Elsewhere, Hae-joon embarks on a hunt for part-time jobs, his path crossing Dal's as she exits her tutoring sessions. The truth unfolds: Ju-won had lied about spending time with Dal. Hae-joon waits, patience wearing thin, at the station's entrance, reprimanding Ju-won for squandering her phone's battery on frivolity.
That fateful night, Jung-jae announced to Madam his resolute decision to keep the noodle shop's doors open until the stroke of midnight. Madam, concerned, relayed to Hae-joon that Jung-jae was determined to chase wealth despite his frail health. Hae-joon, ever the supportive friend, lent Jung-jae a hand in tidying up, offering soothing shoulder massages to alleviate his aching muscles.
Meanwhile, San-ha visited Jung-hee, who had awakened from her slumber, and chaos erupted upon learning of her husband's demise. San-ha watched helplessly as Jung-hee wailed, her cries echoing her bitter lamentations against fate, wishing for death rather than the agony of losing her beloved partner. Despite his efforts, San-ha could not calm her distraught emotions.
The doctor's revelation that Jung-hee had lost all sensation in her legs and was paralyzed from the waist down left San-ha deeply troubled. That same night, San-ha's uncle proposed that he relocate to Seoul to care for Jung-hee and So-hee, arguing that her recovery would be greatly aided by her son's presence. This left San-ha at a juncture, torn between his duties and desires. He attempted to reach Ju-won but to no avail.
The following morning, San-ha sought to lift So-hee's spirits as they made a heartfelt wish while slicing a modest cake. Ju-won awoke to a message from San-ha, announcing his impending return. She shared this news with Hae-joon, and together, they discovered Jung-jae unconscious at the noodle shop. They hastily conveyed him to the hospital.
Hae-joon volunteered to stay by Jung-jae's side and urged Ju-won to attend school. Dae-wook offered to drive Jung-jae back home, but the latter insisted on returning to work at the noodle shop. Hae-joon, frustrated and worried about his friend's wellbeing, refused to let him leave. He took charge of cleaning the shop and returned home with medication for Jung-jae, determined to ensure his health took precedence over all else.
Outside, Hae-joon inadvertently eavesdrops on Dae-wook reproaching Jung-jae for attempting to toil 20 hours a day to amass funds for Hae-joon's trip to the USA. Overwhelmed with guilt for causing such an uproar, Hae-joon finds himself deep in contemplation and distress. Spotting Ju-won returning from school, he approaches her and asks her to dress Jung-jae's wounded shoulder with a bandage.
Later, Hae-joon encounters Suk-hoon at the park, and they delve into Hae-joon's predicament. Suk-hoon argues that Hae-joon stands to gain immensely from venturing to the States, as his prospects in the countryside, devoid of specialized skills, are limited. He urges Hae-joon to leverage Dong-gu's influence to secure a future in the USA and repays Jung-jae by earning a substantial income. Suk-hoon's words plant the seed of emigration in Hae-joon's mind.
Returning home, Hae-joon discovers Jung-jae toiling away at the noodle shop, which fuels his frustration. He pitches in to help Jung-jae tidy up until the late hours of the night. Hae-joon then reveals his decision to Jung-jae: he intends to join Dong-gu in the USA. He beseeches Jung-jae to ease up on his relentless work ethic once he's gone.
Jung-jae attempts to persuade Hae-joon otherwise, but Hae-joon retreats to his home. The following morning, Jung-jae prepares a meal for San-ha, who has just returned from Seoul. Meanwhile, Ju-won eagerly waits for San-ha's arrival, while Jung-jae cooks his favorite dish. Excited, Ju-won rushes to greet San-ha and assists him in carrying his belongings home.
Before dinner, Jung-jae tasks Ju-won with fetching eggs from the shop. Hae-joon invites San-ha to join him on the rooftop for a heart-to-heart. There, Hae-joon confirms his resolution to travel to the USA with Dong-gu.
San-ha is distressed by this revelation and urges Hae-joon to stay in Seoul to support their mother. He emphasizes the heartbreak Ju-won will endure upon learning of their departures. The boys' conversation escalates into an argument when San-ha accuses Hae-joon of being unappreciative to Jung-jae and abandoning him for his affluent father. Just then, Ju-won arrives on the rooftop, interrupting their heated exchange.
The episode concludes with Ju-won absorbing the shocking news: both San-ha and Hae-joon are preparing to leave her behind.
