Episode 5 of "Love Next Door" kicks off with a poignant flashback, painting a picture of Seung-hyo's arrival in the bustling US, where he's covertly smuggled into Seok-ryu's humble abode by the equally strapped student. The dawn breaks, unveiling a heart-wrenching moment as Seung-hyo, long harboring affection for Seok-ryu, stumbles upon a message on her phone, shattering his world—she's in a relationship with a Korean-American named Brian.
The narrative leaps forward, casting light on the present where Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo stroll back to his abode, arms laden with culinary essentials. Determined to celebrate the Greip deal triumph with a homely, nourishing feast, Seok-ryu slips, only to be caught by Seung-hyo in a gallant, princely embrace.
To Seung-hyo's amazement, Seok-ryu's culinary prowess far exceeds expectation, dishing out a delectable spread. As Mo-eun joins their gathering, Seung-hyo steps out for refreshments, leaving behind a poignant scene. Seok-ryu shares her pre-wedding album with Mo-eun, confessing her lingering love for her former betrothed. Unbeknownst to her, Seung-hyo's ears catch every whispered word, adding another layer of complexity to his emotions.
The following day, a spiritual pilgrimage ensues as Seok-ryu, Seung-hyo's mother, and their circle of friends converge at a serene Buddhist temple. Prayers echo for the wellbeing of their offspring, unveiling a rift in Seung-hyo's relationship with his mother—a past discord they both yearn to mend.
Meanwhile, Seung-hyo's mood darkens after eavesdropping on Seok-ryu's heartfelt confession to Mo-eun. Consequently, when Myung-u seeks Seok-ryu's assistance with the Greip endeavor, Seung-hyo's initial reluctance gives way to concern, admonishing her to pursue her dreams as she had vowed.
Elsewhere, a quaint quest unfolds as Mo-eun aids Dan-ho in the search for a rare four-leaf clover, a symbol of hope destined for a special lady.
And just as Seok-ryu finds herself amidst the hustle and bustle of Seung-hyo's office, a familiar face graces the doorway—Jang Tae-hue, Seung-hyo's ex-lover, an artist of traditional Korean onggi pottery. She arrives with an invitation, seeking his opinion on her designs for a global collaboration, warmly extending an open door to her workshop for all to witness her craft.
Meanwhile, Seok-ryu's revelations paint a picture of Seung-hyo and Tae-hue's fiery romance during their college days, a passionate affair that once culminated in a stolen kiss in a car, unbeknownst to Seok-ryu during a family visit in Korea. Later, over drinks, Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu's father forge a plan for Seung-hyo's temporary stay in Dong-jin's room. Yet, Seok-ryu remains in the dark, inadvertently stirring up a commotion as she forcefully attempts to awaken Seung-hyo, only to be discovered by Dong-jin in an awkward embrace between the two friends. Seung-hyo's subsequent toe stub leads to a brief hospital stay, where he's encased in a leg cast for a week. In his incapacitated state, Seok-ryu chauffeurs him to Tae-hue's workshop, where a familial tie unfolds—Tae-hue's father is a renowned doenjang master, and she diligently oversees his legacy, utilizing her onggi for the meticulous storage of the precious soybean paste.
Their reunion sparks a flicker of unfinished business between Seung-hyo and Tae-hue, as she confesses her lingering feelings, despite having once left him for another. Seok-ryu, witnessing their exchange, feels a pang of discomfort. Fortunately, the arrival of Myung-u and their companions alleviates the tension, as they lend a hand in the soybean paste and soy sauce production, a community endeavor. However, misfortune strikes when Seok-ryu, struggling with a cumbersome onggi, stumbles and shatters the vessel, spilling its contents onto the earthy ground. Seung-hyo's reprimand in Tae-hue's presence adds another layer of complexity to the already tangled emotions.
Elsewhere, Mo-eun rushes to the hospital upon an urgent call from Yeon-du, the little girl she chanced upon in the park. Revealed as Dan-ho's daughter, Yeon-du's hospitalization sends Dan-ho scurrying to her side. Mo-eun chastises him for leaving a five-year-old unsupervised, only to find herself on the receiving end of Yeon-du's stubborn retaliation, vowing to ignore her after her father's scolding.
Returning to the workshop, Seok-ryu, attire renewed, delights everyone by crafting noodles imbued with the lingering flavors of the leftover soybean paste. Their taste buds are astonished, savoring a culinary delight beyond expectation. Meanwhile, Seung-hyo remains conspicuously absent, his absence a palpable void.
Tae-hue eventually discovers him, engaging in a heart-to-heart, exposing the tepidity of his feelings for her. She, with piercing insight, reveals how she'd caught him gazing longingly at Seok-ryu, the truth dawning—he harbors affection for her instead.
As the night deepens, Seok-ryu encounters a touching surprise: her garments, freshly laundered by Seung-hyo. Amidst her gratitude, she embarks on a search for the century-old soy sauce, a prized ingredient hidden within an ancient pot. Her quest leads her straight to Seung-hyo, who stands transfixed as she uncovers the pot, her dream of culinary mastery shimmering before her eyes.
In that moment, a realization dawns on both of them—Seok-ryu, reaffirming her passion for cooking, and Seung-hyo, finally acknowledging his unwavering fondness for her. The air crackles with a newfound understanding, their bond forged stronger amidst the fragrance of home-cooked meals and the whispers of long-buried feelings.
