The premiere episode of "I Am A Running Mate" unfolds at Youngjin High School amidst the buzz of election fervor, only to take us back 33 days before the fateful D-Day, introducing us to Noh Se-hoon, a paragon of academic excellence within the school's halls.
Just a couple of days prior, Se-hoon found himself in an excruciatingly embarrassing predicament on a school bus, an incident that earned him a cruel moniker among his peers: "Mr. Hard On." Despite his inherently reserved nature, the ordeal, coupled with the circulation of compromising photos, has left him in a constant state of humiliation, with his once-sterling reputation steadily eroding. Mockery has become his daily companion, even from Ha Yu-gyeong, the object of his affection, and Park Ji-hun, his closest confidant.
Se-hoon's participation in the school choir is less about a passion for music and more about finding solace in the tranquility that washes over him as he watches Yu-gyeong's fingers dance across the piano keys. Following a choir rehearsal, Yang Won-dae, the choir captain, extends an invitation for dinner, during which he propositions Se-hoon to become his running mate in the impending school council elections, naming him as his vice presidential candidate. Won-dae masterfully persuades Se-hoon, portraying this opportunity as the golden ticket to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation.
Se-hoon's heart swells with gratitude, feeling acknowledged at last. The subsequent day, amidst the harmonious echoes of the choir, his mind wanders to his solemn vow to restore discipline to the school and the unspoken longing to confess his feelings to Yu-gyeong.
However, just as Se-hoon and Gyeong-tae are instructed to remain behind for causing a ruckus during practice, Won-dae summons Se-hoon to an urgent meeting, abandoning Gyeong-tae to the solitary chore of cleaning up.
Later, after their intense cram session, Ji-hun and Se-hoon bump into Sang-hyeon. With a cheerful demeanor, Sang-hyeon extends an invitation to them for a mouthwatering chicken feast. Initially hesitant, Se-hoon wonders if Sang-hyeon harbors some hidden agenda, having heard whispers that he's in search of a running mate. However, as they indulge in their meal, the ice between them thaws. The hours slip by as they laugh, share anecdotes, and savor every bite, discovering that Sang-hyeon is surprisingly approachable and down-to-earth. To his friends, Sang-hyeon even proudly introduces Se-hoon as his younger brother, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
The next day at school, Se-hoon's admiration for Sang-hyeon soars when he witnesses him sternly disciplining a group of boys caught smoking in the bathroom. Among them is Choi Jang-su, an elementary school acquaintance who, in a fit of disdain, belittles Se-hoon by labeling him insignificant. Walking alongside Sang-hyeon, Se-hoon basks in the admiration of his peers, feeling a newfound sense of importance. Furthermore, thanks to Sang-hyeon's intervention—who happens to be the son of the school's parents' association head—Se-hoon effortlessly transfers to a more prestigious class at the cram school, free of charge. His mother, upon learning of Sang-hyeon's father's involvement, suggests that Se-hoon embrace the role of his running mate.
Meanwhile, Gyeong-tae's resentment towards Se-hoon intensifies. Fury gnaws at him, knowing that Won-dae chose Se-hoon over him despite a year of loyal service. Adding insult to injury, another top student reveals that Won-dae had also approached him, only to be rejected.
Later, the election supervisor beckons Se-hoon to her office. There, he learns a revealing fact: Won-dae had requested a list of top performers from her, adhering to the school's regulation that the president and their running mate must boast high academic averages. This revelation paints a picture of a strategic move amidst the ongoing election drama.
With Se-hoon occupying the 12th spot in his class rankings, Won-dae embarked on a mission, approaching a dozen of his peers to seek their companionship in a running club before finally turning to Se-hoon. This sequence of events made it evident that Se-hoon was, in fact, Won-dae's twelfth and final choice. Adding fuel to the fire, the teacher revealed that Sang-hyeon had actively expressed his desire for Se-hoon to be his running mate, voicing genuine interest and later expressing disappointment at missing out on him.
Stung by this revelation, Se-hoon left the library with a sense of insult and underappreciation lingering heavily in his heart. The teacher's mention of Sang-hyeon's sincere interest served only to deepen Se-hoon's wound, painting a vivid picture of being considered a lesser option.
By the episode's conclusion, Se-hoon, ignoring Won-dae's persistent calls, set out to find Sang-hyeon, driven by a mixture of hurt pride and the quest for validation.
