In the poignant twelfth episode of "My Stand-In," the narrative once again delves into the sterile, confining walls of a hospital room, where Ming stands watch over Joe's bedside, his anxiety palpable. As Joe's heartbeat wavers, Ming's voice, trembling and cracking, echoes through the room as he pleads Joe's name, his desperation a tangible force that fills the space. Meanwhile, beyond the hospital room's threshold, Joe finds himself an eerie observer of the unfolding drama. Drawn by an inexplicable, compelling force, Joe feels himself gliding inexorably towards the door, as if poised on the precipice of abandoning his earthly bonds. His mind is flooded with a cacophony of voices, a symphony of memories that have reverberated through his life, each note reminding him of the struggles and triumphs he has faced in this mortal coil.
Upon pushing the door open, Joe senses Ming's desperate grip from behind, pulling him into a maelstrom of shared memories—moments of tender camaraderie that bind them together. Miraculously, Joe's eyelids flutter open on the hospital bed, his resolve solidified: he chooses to relive his life, for Ming's steadfast presence beckons him back. The Seer, observing this pivotal moment, intones that Joe's voluntary reaffirmation of his life means he will no longer serve as a mere stand-in.
A flashback transports us to the fateful moment when Ming received the harrowing call about Joe's accident. Instantly, Ming finds himself awake in the hospital, Joe's bedside companion once again as Joe regains consciousness beside him. Wut, Yim, and Sol arrive, and Sol, sharing a poignant moment with Ming, unfolds his personal history intertwined with Joe's. With a heartfelt plea, he implores Ming to safeguard his dear friend.
Outside the hospital room, Ming's mother and Joe's mother convene, acknowledging the unspoken bond of love between their sons. United by this commonality, they venture inside to visit their beloved children together. As twilight descends, the friends make wishes upon shooting stars, and Ming offers a heartfelt apology for the trials and tribulations that have marred their past.
At the hospital, Jim collects Joe and escorts him to an encounter with Ming's father, who brandishes a gun in Joe's face. The father declares that his opposition stems not from Joe's humble background or gender, but from Joe's previous erratic infatuation that had almost cost Ming her life. He urges Joe to solemnly vow never to abandon Ming.
During a heartwarming family dinner, Joe, now a cherished guest, finally earns his place among them. Ming successfully retrieves her business, Tong's debts are satisfactorily resolved, and afterwards, Tong shows his profound gratitude to Joe by generously offering him a screen credit in their upcoming movie, thereby mending the rift between him and both Ming and himself. Furthermore, Tong rekindles his relationship with May, who had hesitated to sign the divorce papers, now realizing that Tong had been protecting her all along.
With Ming's agent in attendance, Joe is extended an invitation to produce the movie they had previously discussed. However, Joe insists on selecting the director and conducting proper auditions for the role, all without revealing his heightened involvement to the director.
When Joe visits Wut, he reveals his official commitment to Ming, to which Wut responds with joy, given all they've been through. Joe then encounters Sol, who is returning to Korea to escape the sentimental overtones of their surroundings. Yim, a devoted fan, offers Sol a ride.
In their shared apartment, Ming prepares dinner while her mother unexpectedly drops by to inspect their abode, urging Ming to relocate. Ming declines, citing the numerous cherished memories tied to the place. Meanwhile, Joe visits his mother, who has returned to her home. Joe assures her that he can now afford to keep the house for her, and she shares the uplifting news that she has found a kidney donor.
Upon Joe's return home, he affectionately calls out pet names, only to be greeted by his mother-in-law at the door. The trio then enjoys dinner together.
Later, at a press conference, Joe engages with the director who had previously blacklisted the original Joe. The director admits he chose Joe out of remorse for the past and because this Joe reminds him of the old Joe. On stage, they address the media about their film, "My Stand-In."
At the premiere, both families watch the movie as Joe reflects on his past, grateful that he didn't succumb to defeat when faced with the option. After a triumphant evening, they return home and share a meal of ramen together. With their contract now expired, the question arises: does Joe still desire to be with Ming? Instead, Joe expresses a wish to start anew – and Ming concurs, realizing he now holds the right person in his arms. They seal their love with passionate kisses, and Ming jokes about wanting to face Joe, culminating in a scene of them shaking the table with a hearty sneeze.
