Episode 7 of "Motel California" resumes with a tender moment between Yeon-soo and Kang-hee, their lips meeting passionately in the confines of her bed. Chun-pil, having been informed of Kang-hee's arrival, arrives at her doorstep with a thoughtful assortment of food and beverages. Kang-hee gracefully accepts the tray, instructing Yeon-soo to conceal himself. As she steps outside, she is soon joined by Seok-kyung, leaving Chun-pil to depart and leave them to their conversation. Despite Chun-pil's absence, Kang-hee's thoughts remain firmly fixed on Yeon-soo.
Later, upon returning to her room, Kang-hee discovers it devoid of Yeon-soo's presence. A quick phone call later, they converge on the motel's rooftop. Kang-hee, determined to maintain their platonic bond, asserts her stance. Yeon-soo, however, disagrees vehemently, revisiting their shared past. She reminds him of his broken promise to accompany her to Seoul, while he recalls how she had once pushed him away. In a poignant exchange, she suggests they "should stop," a sentiment Yeon-soo reluctantly concurs with.
The following morning, Yeon-soo imposes an icy silence upon Kang-hee, even going so far as to avoid sharing a meal at the same restaurant. Post-lunch, Kang-hee visits the vet clinic, requesting a cup of tea. Yeon-soo, though present, merely hands her the cup and swiftly exits, neglecting to notice that he has forgotten his scarf. Upon returning to the motel, Yeon-soo finds a new scarf awaiting him by his door. In a gesture of reciprocal distance, he instead leaves it on Kang-hee's door.
Her return brings confrontation. Kang-hee insists he keep the scarf she has gifted him, but he refuses, mirroring the instance when she had declined the necklace he had bought for her. He doesn't contest her perception.
While Kang-hee is engrossed in her work, Nan-woo arrives with a proposition: to assist the clinic in building a house for a donkey. She and Seok-kyung readily agree, though Yeon-soo remains cold and distant throughout their endeavor.
Once their task is completed, Nan-woo praises Kang-hee's skill, prompting her to reveal her dream of building her own house. She elaborates, even envisioning a guest room for Yeon-soo, inviting him to bring his wife and children once it's finished. Later, she vents to Seok-kyung, frustrated that Yeon-soo doesn't recall the shared reference embedded in her words.
When someone proposes dinner, Kang-hee feigns prior engagements with Seok-kyung, while Yeon-soo pretends to have prior plans with Nan-woo and Han-woo. In truth, Yeon-soo finds himself sitting alone in a park, lost in nostalgia. A memory resurfaces, depicting young Kang-hee sketching a house in the snow—a humble abode in stark contrast to the motel where they reside. She thoughtfully includes a room for Yeon-soo in her drawing.
Later that evening, Yeon-soo finds himself indulging in drinks at a quaint tent bar when he spots Seok-kyung and Esther entering. Esther, embroiled in financial woes, receives an offer of assistance from Seok-kyung. He inquires about her happiness with Victor, to which she responds with hesitation. Suddenly, Yeon-soo interrupts, accusing Seok-kyung of causing Kang-hee harm. Esther reveals her pregnancy, startling Yeon-soo into realizing they are merely friends.
After Esther's departure, Yeon-soo and Seok-kyung continue their drinking spree, culminating in an argument over who deserves Kang-hee's affection more. The next morning, the two awaken to their astonishment in the same bed. Seok-kyung proposes a platonic friendship, and they head to the construction site where Yeon-soo intends to confront Kang-hee. He confesses to her that they should remain friends, as he finds comfort in seeing Seok-kyung and Esther's budding friendship.
Some time later, Nan-woo receives a bouquet of flowers and concert tickets from Yeon-soo for a performance titled "Will You Marry Me?" She confesses this to Ah-reum, noting that it hasn't been long since Yeon-soo relinquished his feelings for Kang-hee. Ah-reum remarks that Yeon-soo's gesture would only be sincere under such circumstances.
Ah-reum then brings some food for Seung-eon, and they share a meal together. When she expresses envy over others' romantic endeavors, he urges her to embark on more blind dates, somewhat abruptly.
Meanwhile, Yeon-soo confronts his mother, Soon-ja, who reveals herself as the sender of the flowers and tickets to Nan-woo. She informs Yeon-soo that she has arranged for a proposal during the concert, hoping that his marriage will pave the way for her own remarriage. Elsewhere, Seung-eon buys flowers and awaits Ah-reum outside her workplace, but she fails to show up.
On her journey back home, Kang-hee is taken aback to witness Nan-woo clutching a bouquet of flowers, and her astonishment deepens upon discovering that they are from Yeon-soo. With anger brewing within her, she rushes back to the motel, where she finds Seung-eon looking dejected, the same flowers in his possession. He hands them over to her with a defeated air, and shortly thereafter, Yeon-soo arrives, revealing that the flowers are from a suitor.
The following day, fate places Kang-hee and Yeon-soo on the same bus bound for Seoul. They engage in lighthearted conversation, with Kang-hee eventually drifting off to sleep, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder. In gratitude, Yeon-soo requests a guided tour of Seoul. Obliging his wish, they first visit her workplace and then proceed to lunch, occasionally pondering the boundaries of friendship as they enjoy each other's company.
After their meal, she guides him to her home, eagerly showcasing her living space. She recounts her journey, detailing how she spent a decade in goshiwons before achieving her current status. He commends her resilience and gives her a heartfelt hug. As he pulls away, she playfully inquires whether friends are allowed to kiss. With a hint of teasing in her eyes, she inches closer to him, bringing Motel California Episode 7 to a charged conclusion.
