The twelfth episode of "My Dearest Nemesis" kicks off with an intriguing scene where Ju-yeon eavesdrops on her team discussing Big Forest Mall's attempt to poach Su-jeong for their US branch, accompanied by their laments about the malicious rumors circulating that she climbed the corporate ladder through sexual favors. Why, then, does Su-jeong decline this lucrative US offer?
At this juncture, Ju-yeon urges Su-jeong to seize the opportunity with Big Forest, expressing a nonchalant attitude towards her potential indefinite departure. However, Su-jeong is irritated by his perceived indifference and decides to give Ju-yeon the silent treatment.
Amidst this turmoil, Su-jeong orchestrates a series of playful pranks, leaving Ju-yeon puzzled and wondering if he had somehow offended her. Deputy Yang notices his confusion and wonders if he might have inadvertently hurt Su-jeong's feelings. Seeking clarification, Ju-yeon consults Chief Kwon, who reprimands him for his thoughtlessness and enlightens him from Su-jeong's perspective, only to deepen his bewilderment. Ju-yeon had always envisioned embarking on a journey to the US alongside Su-jeong...
The situation escalates when Su-bin informs Ju-yeon that Su-jeong has taken his cherished Black Dragon boxes to his apartment. In a rush of anticipation, Ju-yeon arrives to find his apartment transformed into a chaotic showcase of his toys, manga, and collections, all strategically placed by Su-jeong as a surprise. Her ghosting was merely a setup for this grand gesture. Additionally, she has prepared a meal inspired by Pirate King, which Ju-yeon eagerly devours despite her accidental substitution of sugar for salt.
Finally, Ju-yeon confronts the elephant in the room, revealing his plans to accompany Su-jeong to the US. However, having had a heart-to-heart with Ha-jin the previous night, Su-jeong now understands Ju-yeon's intentions. In a surprising twist, she reveals that she has decided against leaving. Surrounded by the people she loves, she refuses to flee from rumors and reassures Ju-yeon that she will find better opportunities right where she is, rooted in her commitments and passions.
Do Shin-won and Ha-jin finally find their way to each other's hearts? Shin-won sulks in silence until Ju-yeon administers a dose of reality, branding him a coward for fleeing while praising Ha-jin's bravery. This stinging critique goads Shin-won into an inebriated phone call to Ha-jin. In a moment of slip, she inadvertently puts him on speakerphone, causing it to clatter to the ground. As she hastily scrambles to retrieve it, his slurred declarations of love and contrition for his cowardice echo through the restaurant. Desperate to silence him, Ha-jin blurts out her own feelings of love, much to her mortification, while the patrons around burst into cheers.
The following day, Shin-won expresses gratitude for Ha-jin's reunion embrace, their happiness marred only by an unexpected twist: someone had recorded their intimate conversation, and it has since gone viral, drawing hordes of curious customers. In response, Shin-won resigns from Yongsung, electing instead to become Ha-jin's business partner. Ju-yeon, taken aback, watches as Shin-won finds fulfillment in lending a hand at the restaurant.
Their bond deepens during a communal picnic, where Shin-won vows to alleviate Ha-jin's lingering doubts and fears, promising they will conquer them together. She embraces his pledge, their connection solidified in a tender hug.
Elsewhere, the narrative weaves another thread: Grandma and Ju-yeon's reconciliation. Their paths cross unexpectedly during a visit to their ancestors' graves, with Ju-yeon accompanying Su-jeong, who reveals his past trepidation of Grandma's discovery. Meanwhile, Grandma encounters Chief Kwon, venting her frustration about Ju-yeon's perceived undermining of her grandson's future. Grandma insists that love is a person's weakness, justifying her harsh treatment towards Ju-yeon. Kwon counters, arguing that love actually fortifies one's spirit, citing Ju-yeon's resilience despite the hardships he has endured for her sake. He urges Grandma to apologize sincerely, reminding her not to project her sorrow onto Ju-yeon.
Moved by Kwon's words, Grandma visits his newly decorated home, where she encounters a照片 of his parents, her expression softening with sorrow. Ju-yeon's arrival sets the stage for their long-overdue reconciliation. Grandma apologizes for unfairly blaming him, acknowledging her own pain had clouded her judgment. Though belated, she thanks him for standing by her side.
Does Su-jeong discover a passion to call her own?
Driven by a desire to embrace a fervent interest, akin to Ju-yeon, Su-jeong embarks on a quest to find her calling. Her initial foray into the world of manga, however, ends abruptly as she succumbs to slumber. Next, she attempts her hand at painting and knitting, only to find herself becoming increasingly agitated and dissatisfied.
Seeing her distress, Ju-yeon orchestrates a group picnic, inviting Shin-won and Ha-jin to join them. They venture into the tranquil countryside, where a playful rivalry blossoms between Ju-yeon and Su-jeong as they engage in various games.
Later, the group attends a concert by Crack Shot, Ju-yeon's beloved band. The experience proves to be a joyful outing for Su-jeong and Ju-yeon, who are even recognized by the lead singer from their previous encounter at a sunglasses store. As they depart, Su-jeong confides in Ju-yeon, expressing her contentment with living in the present moment rather than forcing a hobby upon herself.
The narrative concludes on a positive note for all involved. Su-bin fulfills his aspirations by becoming a firefighter, much to the delight of the Baek family. Mr. Baek, unbeknownst to many, reveals himself as a shareholder in Yongsung, having invested his savings to support Su-jeong. He intends to confront Grandma Ban, but she anticipates his move and apologizes beforehand. Ju-yeon solidifies his position by joining the board, cementing his succession.
Su-jeong achieves a significant milestone with her promotion to Section Chief. While some male colleagues harbor erroneous beliefs about her ascent, her female superior stands up for her, apologizing for not speaking out against the discrimination earlier and commending Su-jeong for her bravery.
Do Su-jeong and Ju-yeon ever manage to surmount the awkward legacy of their gaming past? Having nothing left to conceal and no longer needing the assurance of employment, Ju-yeon and Su-jeong mutually terminate their contract. Subsequently, the team decides to engage in a karaoke session, where fatefully, someone selects "Confession," the very song Ju-yeon had used in his youthful proposal fifteen years prior. Embarrassed, Su-jeong hastily changes the track.
Ju-yeon, feeling melancholy, drowns his sorrows in alcohol and belts out rock tunes, while Su-jeong, finding his youthful demeanor amusing, admits that the fifteen-year-old Ju-yeon had a certain charm. On their way home, she stumbles upon some recordings he had made about her and, in a playful gesture, leaves a message of her own, praising his coolness.
Following their concert rendezvous, Ju-yeon discovers the matching key-lock necklaces that Su-jeong had once rejected. As they prepare to leave, the couple chance upon a public proposal between two high school sweethearts, which serves as a humorous reminder of how far they've come and how their feelings have evolved. This time, Ju-yeon presents her with a diamond necklace, which she happily accepts.
In the closing scenes of My Dearest Nemesis Episode 12, a heartwarming montage showcases their loving bond. Su-jeong declares that fate is nothing more than what we choose to make it and expresses her gratitude for transforming her once embarrassing past into a cherished love story.
