Episode 12 of "Love Next Door" kicks off with a tender kiss between Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu, marking a pivotal moment in their burgeoning romance. As Myung-u and a fellow colleague catch them sharing a cozy moment over banana milk, Seok-ryu finds herself flustered, struggling to concoct a plausible reason for her unexpected visit from Seoul.
Later, over dinner, the subtle shift in their interactions is palpable, yet they endeavor to conceal it from prying eyes. Seok-ryu opts to stay with Seung-hyo's team at the lodge, and amidst the stillness of midnight, they sneak away from their respective beds, drawn irresistibly towards each other. Seung-hyo confesses his long-held feelings for her, words that melt Seok-ryu's heart and solidify their bond. Amidst the thrill of their newfound love, they decide, at Seok-ryu's urging, to keep their relationship a closely guarded secret from their families.
The following day, the newly entwined couple returns home only to encounter Mi-suk's well-intentioned, yet awkward, attempt to arrange a blind date for Seok-ryu. They navigate the situation with a mix of embarrassment and diplomacy, skillfully deflecting the topic.
Meanwhile, Mo-eun receives a coveted interview invitation for her dream Antarctica mission, a milestone she triumphantly achieves. In the aftermath, she stumbles upon the truth about Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo's union, realizing that perhaps childhood teasing had inadvertently pushed them apart, only for fate to reunite them.
Upon her return, Mo-eun discovers Yeon-du's sheltered existence, devoid of outdoor adventures. Inspired by a desire to broaden Yeon-du's horizons and her own heartfelt longing, Mo-eun plans a camping trip, inviting Dan-ho along. Under the stars, as Yeon-du slumbers peacefully, Mo-eun bares her soul, confessing her aspiration to become Yeon-du's mother and her unspoken feelings for Dan-ho. However, Dan-ho's rejection leaves Mo-eun feeling disillusioned and heartsick.
Elsewhere, Seung-hyo's father, Gyeong-jong, confronts the vice minister about rumored involvement with Hye-suk, only to uncover a surprising revelation—the minister's homosexuality, quashing any romantic entanglements between them. Hye-suk, an unwitting witness to this confrontation, is mortified by her husband's meddling. Their subsequent visit to the doctor reveals that Hye-suk's ailment is merely short-term memory loss induced by extreme stress, a diagnosis that brings a sigh of relief amidst the chaos.
Elsewhere, Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu venture into a cinema for a movie date, yet their shared moments are marred by an uncomfortable silence, leaving Seok-ryu feeling isolated amidst the flickering screens. Following her cooking class triumph, Seung-hyo extends an invitation, eager for her to savor the dishes she's crafted with love.
Arriving at his bustling workplace, Seok-ryu finds it teeming with people, Tae-hui's presence adding to her discomfort. Though Tae-hui eventually departs, the tension between Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo escalates later, sparked by Seok-ryu's jealousy over their seamless collaboration. She storms out, only to be consumed by regret at her impulsive outburst.
The dawn brings fresh developments as Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo's parents embark on a journey, entrusting Mi-suk and Hye-suk with the mission of securing ideal partners for their offspring. In their absence, the two protagonists find themselves yearning for each other yet stubbornly refusing to acknowledge their feelings. Similarly, the bond between Mo-eun and Dan-ho falters, and Yeon-du's absence casts a shadow over Mo-eun's world.
As night deepens, fate intertwines Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo's paths once more, and they finally confront their misunderstandings. Seeking solace, they retreat to Seok-ryu's home, now a serene haven with her brother also away. Seung-hyo confesses his nervousness, admitting he was lost in navigating their new terrain. The episode crescendos with a tender kiss and a heartfelt embrace, sealing their reconciliation in an intimate, unforgettable moment.
