Episode 3 of "Love, Take Two" unfolds in 1998, as a youthful Ji-an treks home, eager to see her mother. However, her mother harbors a significant opportunity that could drastically alter Ji-an's life. The man she's currently involved with proposes they venture into business in Vietnam. She proposes that Ji-an continue her studies in Seoul while she embarks on this entrepreneurial endeavor, vowing to return for her later. But Ji-an feels betrayed, seething with anger as she declares she doesn't need a mother and storms off.
Switching to the present, Ji-an visits the local market to gather vegetables, amidst a phone call from Hyo-ri, desperately pleading with Sun-young to rescue her mother and whisk her away. Ji-an is steadfastly supportive of Hyo-ri—a stark contrast to how her own mother once was.
Determined to press ahead with her new plan of bestowing Hyo-ri with her house, Ji-an decides to whip up a hearty meal for Bo-hyeon and his father, Jeong-seok. Jeong-seok, employed at an architecture studio, proves to be the perfect ally for Ji-an in her endeavor to fix up the house. The other residents can't help but notice Ji-an and Jeong-seok together, relentlessly teasing them about their perceived closeness.
Jeong-seok performs his initial inspections and discovers the house is in dire disrepair. As he ponders his next steps, his mantra of "don't get sucked in" echoes through his mind at work. Meanwhile, Ji-an also shows the house to Sun-young, who is equally astounded by its sorry state. Sun-young views this as a hopeless task, too labor-intensive to undertake, but Ji-an is unwavering in her determination, almost to the point of obstinacy.
Eventually, Jeong-seok capitulates and agrees to lend a hand, but their efforts are soon interrupted by the reappearance of the villagers. A comic misunderstanding unfolds as they mistakenly assume that the duo has consented to engage in a romantic entanglement. Meanwhile, Bo Hyeon enlists Hyo-ri's assistance at the farm, where he attempts some light flirting but becomes flustered when Hyo-ri pauses thoughtfully upon hearing his words. The scene is playful and entertaining, only to intensify further when Tae-oh arrives and whisks them all away to the coast.
Hyo-ri is eager to give surfing a try, but they are not alone; Kim So-yeon, a friend of Bo Hyeon's, happens to be there too. She and Bo Hyeon find themselves surfing together, while Hyo-ri grapples with the basics. Witnessing their synchronized moves fuels her determination to succeed. Despite numerous attempts, she persists and ultimately achieves the feat of balancing on her surfboard. It is a moment of genuine beauty.
Back in town, Jeong-seok extends an invitation to everyone for dinner. Misunderstandings persist, however, as Ji-an attempts to remove an eyelash from his face, prompting an exasperated declaration from Jeong-seok that nothing romantic is afoot.
Post-dinner, at the caravan, the atmosphere takes a turn for the worse. Hyo-ri is distressed upon learning what she believes to be her mother's resignation from her job. She confronts her mother, openly expressing her hatred for spending time with her, words that clearly strike a chord. Sun-young steps in to clarify, revealing the truth about Ji-an's unfair dismissal and mistreatment, urging Hyo-ri to reconsider her stance.
The following morning, Hyo-ri's condition worsens, prompting Ji-an to rush her to the hospital. The diagnosis: acute tonsillitis.
Upon awakening, Hyo-ri finds Ji-an opening up about her tumultuous past. Ji-an recounts her mother's series of relationships during her high school years and how she felt abandoned when her mother left for good, choosing these men over her own daughter. This revelation shattered something deep within her, leaving an indelible mark of betrayal and longing.
After that fateful night, Ji-an endured prolonged suffering, yet she meticulously concealed it all from Hyo-ri, weaving whimsical tales about her mother's supposed perfection. Her heart's sole desire was to share only the rose-tinted stories, shielding Hyo-ri from the harsh realities. Hyo-ri, however, couldn't help but notice her aversion to Ji-an's mask of falsity, feeling compelled to adopt a similar disguise herself—a pretense she found exhausting and unsatisfying.
Eventually, Ji-an's facade shattered, and she confessed her fears, longing to be by Hyo-ri's side for comfort. In response, Hyo-ri, too, let down her guard, embracing her mother tightly and acknowledging her own terrors.
