Episode 8 of "Head Over Heels" unfolds with an evocative flashback that peels back the layers of Yeom-hwa's strained dynamics with Sung-ah's spiritual mother, unveiling their intricate bond as mentor and protegé in the spiritual realm. Furthermore, it is revealed that Yeom-hwa had been meticulously scheming to establish contact with the malevolent spirit for an extended period.
Elsewhere, Sung-ah and Gyeon-woo share tender, clandestine moments, concealing their bound hands from their fellow students, amidst which Ji-ho silently grapples with his unspoken affections. On their journey home, Sung-ah and Gyeon-woo confide in each other, their hearts aligning, on the brink of a kiss—only to be interrupted by Ji-ho at a crucial juncture. Upon entering Gyeon-woo's abode, they notice Ji-ho's action figure lies shattered, while Sung-ah's human amulet stands unbroken, symbolizing her ongoing protection.
Later, in a comedic twist, Ji-ho confessionally spills his heart to Sung-ah, who is still intertwined with Gyeon-woo's hand. The trio concurs to navigate their emotional entanglements once they've addressed the pressing concern: Bong-su's possession of Gyeon-woo.
That fateful night, Sung-ah and Gyeon-woo retire unaware that during the mystical "Hour of the Ox" (between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.), Bong-su stirs from his slumber. It transpires that Bong-su harbors sentiments for Sung-ah, which explains his frequent cooperation with her.
Amidst these somber hours, Yeom-hwa pays him a visit, urging him to prepare for his role as her patron deity. However, her patience wanes upon realizing that Bong-su has no immediate intention of complying. Moreover, she acknowledges her spiritual shackles to him, leaving her with no alternative but to await his decision, bound by fate's intricate web.
Perceiving a malevolent aura emanating from Bong-su, Sung-ah's spiritual aunt and her mother's seasoned spirit sister descend upon the scene, causing a ruckus in their bid to exile him. As they attempt to strike him, Bong-su retaliates defensively but falters beneath the elder's incantation. At this critical juncture, Sung-ah reaches out to touch him, and Gyeon-woo reawakens within his body. He instructs Sung-ah to seize control of the situation. She secures the door from the outside and dials his phone, emitting the chilling sound of gunfire that plunges Bong-su into a state of terror. Overwhelmed by emotion, he collapses in tears, compelling him to halt his aggressive behavior. He extends heartfelt apologies to everyone present.
It is then unveiled that Gyeon-woo's spiritual senses are stirring to life—he can now hear the whispers of the deceased. Gradually, his other senses (sight, taste, smell) will unfurl one after another. Once he acquires the ability to scent spirits, there will be no reversing his fate; he will fully integrate with the spirit realm. Meanwhile, Sung-ah learns that Yeom-hwa was once her own spirit sister in a past life.
Later, Sung-ah confronts Bong-su and exacts a promise from him to refrain from harming humans. She uncovers his quest for the memorial stone honoring fallen student soldiers, which explains his insistence on utilizing Gyeon-woo's body. Their search ultimately reveals that the stones have been relocated. Sung-ah also assists Gyeon-woo in his training for the competition, placing her hand gently upon his back as a source of encouragement.
Despite everything that has transpired, Bong-su assists Sung-ah in devising a solution that allows Gyeon-woo to compete as himself. Sung-ah inscribes a potent amulet upon his body, granting him a one-day reprieve from Bong-su's possession. This spell is a unique occurrence, never to be replicated, and remarkably, it proves effective.
The subsequent day, as Gyeon-woo prepares for the archery competition, a resentful Yeom-hwa initiates a counter-ritual, attempting to fuse her spirit with Bong-su's. This reunion revives Bong-su and unlocks Gyeon-woo's spiritual vision, enabling him to perceive Sung-ah's spiritual aura for the very first time. The episode concludes with this mesmerizing revelation.
