Episode 7 of Love Next Door kicks off with an enigmatic confrontation, as Seok-ryu probes Seung-hyo about the underlying reason behind her sudden outburst, leaving the latter with a vague inkling. But little do they know, the stage is about to be set for an unexpected drama. Out of the blue, Seok-ryu's former betrothed, Hyeon-jun, materializes, sending shockwaves through their friendship.
Their stunned silence is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Seok-ryu's parents, who find the trio in an awkward embrace. Her father's fury boils over, threatening to exact vengeance on Hyeon-jun, only to be countered by her mother's swift invitation to dinner, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere. The friends reluctantly separate, Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu both reeling from the sudden turn of events.
Back in the confines of their home, after offering Hyeon-jun sustenance, Seok-ryu's mother interrogates him, her curiosity piqued by the question of infidelity. To her surprise, he shoulders the blame for their estrangement, confessing that it was his fault all along. This candid admission triggers a drastic transformation in her demeanor, as she morphs from a nurturing host into a raging tempest, leaving Seok-ryu and her family scrambling to avert a disaster that threatens to land her behind bars.
Elsewhere, Mo-eun's encounter with Seung-hyo serves as a catalyst for the latter to divulge the sensational news of Hyeon-jun's reappearance. As Seok-ryu rushes off to shield Hyeon-jun and safeguard her mother from the specter of murder charges, Hyeon-jun reveals his true intentions: to rekindle their flame.
Yet, for Seok-ryu, the embers of their romance have long been extinguished. She flees, seeking solace at Mo-eun's abode, where she confesses that the serenity she found exceeded her expectations. A poignant flashback then unveils the truth behind Seok-ryu's earlier confession to Mo-eun—she cherished not Hyeon-jun himself but the cherished memories they shared. In essence, she has embraced the past while embracing a new beginning.
The following day, Seok-ryu's mother reverted to her cunning ways, attempting to arrange a union between her daughter and her own fiancé, determined to send Seok-ryu back to the United States. Reluctantly, Seok-ryu was coerced into donning a dress, only to find Hyeon-jun patiently awaiting her outside. Amidst this turmoil, Seung-hyo emerged as her valiant savior, arriving like a knight in shining armor. Together, they embarked on a bicycle ride towards Seok-ryu's cooking class, leaving Hyeon-jun behind in their wake.
As they pedaled along, a playful quarrel ensued, culminating in Seok-ryu storming off to her class, her makeup inadvertently leaving a trace on Seung-hyo's back due to his sudden braking.
Meanwhile, Dan-ho collected his daughter from school, and on their journey home, fate intervened with an unexpected accident. But fortune smiled upon them as Mo-eun, who happened to be nearby, sprang into action, heroically saving a man from the brink of cardiac arrest. To her delight, Yeon-du was utterly captivated by her bravery, and Mo-eun easily endeared herself to him.
As they journeyed back home with Dan-ho and Yeon-du, Mo-eun expressed her profound admiration for the mysterious stranger who had cleared the path for the ambulance. However, her admiration quickly turned to embarrassment when she realized that the heroic figure was none other than Dan-ho himself! She scurried home, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to compose herself.
Elsewhere, Hyeon-jun patiently waited for Seok-ryu's return, eventually proposing a farewell lunch together. Later that evening, as Seok-ryu strolled along, Seung-hyo crossed her path, almost spilling his heart out to her. But she gently halted him, requesting that he share his feelings when her mind was less tumultuous.
The dawn of a new day brings the celebration of Hye-suk's birthday, yet amidst the bustle, her special day seems to have slipped the minds of all. Seung-hyo, determined not to let the occasion pass unnoticed, rises early to rendezvous with Tae-hui at her creative sanctuary. There, Tae-hui unveils the exquisite pot she has crafted for their collaborative endeavor, igniting a warmth between them that extends beyond the studio's walls as they decide to share a meal.
Fate, however, has other plans as they stumble upon Seok-ryu and Hyeon-jun dining at the same restaurant. The encounter casts a pall over Seok-ryu's mood, while Seung-hyo's heart is riddled with jealousy, recalling Seok-ryu's solemn vow to him that she sought no reconciliation with Hyeon-jun. Post-prandial, despite Hyeon-jun's persistent overtures for regular meetings, Seok-ryu firmly shuts the door on his advances.
Meanwhile, Hye-suk's solitude throughout the day is sweetly interrupted by a surprise bash orchestrated by her cherished friends. Amidst the festivities, a heartfelt birthday wish from Seung-hyo warms her spirits. Her husband, who had been embroiled in a medical emergency, rushes to redeem himself with her favorite blooms, only to pause upon witnessing her in the company of the vice minister, a fleeting glimpse of another world.
Elsewhere, triumph rings for Seung-hyo as he emerges victorious in the competition to rejuvenate his alma mater's sports complex. His mentor, sharing a secret smile, reveals that Seok-ryu's inquiries about the outcome had lingered for weeks. This revelation stirs something within Seung-hyo, prompting him to realize the gravity of his delayed confession. He sets out to find Seok-ryu, where she diligently hones her culinary skills at her father's restaurant. Finally, the moment he has been dreading yet longing for arrives; Seung-hyo confesses his feelings for her, the words spilling from his lips like sweet nectar on a spring morning.
