Episode 3 of "Love Next Door" kicks off with a poignant flashback, diving into the depths of Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu's shared history. The stage is set at a swimming competition where Seung-hyo's prowess is put to the test, yet his podium moment is marred by the absence of his parents—his mother, a globe-trotting diplomat, and his father, a dedicated doctor, both unable to grace the sidelines. Amidst this loneliness, Seok-ryu stands out like a beacon, her cheers echoing through the arena with an intensity that underscores the unbreakable bond they share, despite their everyday sparring. Triumphantly, Seung-hyo emerges victorious, his efforts buoyed by Seok-ryu's unwavering support.
The dawn of the following day brings with it a shroud of unease hovering over Seung-hyo's household. At his workplace, a new project proposal lures him with the promise of constructing a luxurious haven for the elite, yet his heart remains steadfastly fixed on a different vision—a design competition to breathe life into his alma mater's gymnasium, where his aquatic dreams once flourished.
As for Seok-ryu, her days seem to be orchestrated by a mischievous script of idle pursuits. She meticulously crafts a schedule of unemployment that reads like a whimsical ode to leisure: indulging in games, drifting through spacey thoughts, binge-watching television, and embracing the sweet embrace of slumber. When she extends an invitation to Seung-hyo to join her in the world of comics, her gesture is met with a playful yet telling brush-off, adding a dash of humor to their dynamic.
Later in the day, Seung-hyo and Mo-eun indulged in a heartwarming sojourn with her at the book haven, their laughter echoing amidst the shelves before they embarked on their individual work journeys. Meanwhile, Seok-ryu's mind buzzed with creative sparks, meticulously plotting her evenings' free hours from twilight's embrace at 8 pm until the midnight's hush at 10.
The following dawn brought an unexpected encounter: Seok-ryu stumbled upon her former homeroom teacher, now the esteemed principal of their alma mater. Amidst assisting with a delivery from her parents' culinary haven, their paths crossed with Seung-hyo, who was gracefully navigating the gym's halls, a visionary for the upcoming design competition. When her teacher reminisced about their shared past in a different professional realm, Seok-ryu gracefully acknowledged her tenure there, ultimately captivating the students with an enlightening talk as a proud alumna. A poignant moment arose when a curious pupil inquired about her childhood aspirations, leaving Seok-ryu momentarily lost in reflection.
Post her inspiring discourse, Seung-hyo embarked on a nostalgic quest, urging Seok-ryu to assist him in unearthing the time capsule—a sacred vessel containing letters penned by the trio, destined to be revisited after a decade's hiatus. However, their excavation proved futile, and with a hint of disappointment, Seung-hyo bid adieu to the search, returning home.
Elsewhere, Mo-eun's world raced past in an ambulance's hurry towards the hospital. Amidst the chaos, her gaze locked onto a chivalrous figure directing traffic with ease, and to her colleagues' amusement, she declared him her "dreamboat." Little did she know that this guardian angel was none other than the renowned reporter, Dan-ho, his identity shrouded from her perception.
Concurrently, Seung-hyo's ethical compass was put to the test as he and his co-founder, Myeong-u, confronted a potential client with unsavory demands—to replicate architectural masterpieces. This ethical dilemma sparked a heated debate between the partners, their visions for the company's future clashing like swords in an intellectual battleground.
Elsewhere, Seok-ryu encounters a potential client, their eagerness to secure her talents palpable. Seung-hyo, observing this encounter, gently nudges Seok-ryu towards her aspirations, his voice tinged with concern as he ponders if revisiting a vocation she once disliked is truly her heart's desire. Seok-ryu counters, asserting that embarking on a fulfilling career path is a cherished privilege. The exchange escalates into a lively debate, their passions colliding in the air.
Flashing back, we uncover a pivotal moment in Seung-hyo's life: a car accident that cruelly shattered his dreams of competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, forcing him to relinquish his athletic aspirations.
The following day, thanks to the mediation of Seung-hyo's loyal subordinate and protégé, tensions between him and Myeong-u dissolve. Concurrently, Seok-ryu grapples with the direction her life is taking, her mind seeking clarity amidst the confusion.
Determined to rediscover her long-lost dreams, Seok-ryu endeavors to unearth the time capsule once more, but her efforts prove futile. Coincidentally, her teacher crosses her path, and in a moment of vulnerability, Seok-ryu confesses her resignation from her previous job. The teacher, ever supportive, urges her to forge her own path, unfettered by regrets.
As she departs, Seok-ryu's path converges with Seung-hyo's in the gymnasium. To her surprise, he reveals that he has already unearthed the time capsule, teasing her gently about the letter she penned to herself as a teenage girl brimming with aspirations. With a hint of nostalgia, he plunges into the pool, confessing it's been ages since he's dared its waters after his fateful accident. Spurred on by his playful challenge, Seok-ryu joins him, momentarily struggling until Seung-hyo swiftly comes to her rescue.
A second flashback transports us to a tender scene where Seok-ryu endeavors to lift Seung-hyo's spirits in the aftermath of his devastating accident. Returning to the present, they engage in a hypothetical dialogue, each probing the depths of the other's life struggles. And then, the ultimate revelation: through the contents of the time capsule's letters, it becomes crystal clear that Seung-hyo has harbored feelings for Seok-ryu since their high school days, a secret long kept beneath the surface, finally seeing the light of day.
