In Episode 3 of "My Stand-In," Joe nostalgically paints a picture of his idealized life with Ming, a dream that even in its inception, he sensed was ephemeral. During a leisurely shopping spree, Joe's eyes sparkle with admiration for a set of adorable, matching mugs, but Ming swiftly brings him back to reality—reminding him that they are not boyfriends and that such a life would not make Joe content.
Back at their apartment, Joe proudly displays an array of cute, paired items he's acquired, including pillowcases adorned with their names. Ming, however, gently sets them aside, uninterested. For the grand reveal, Joe unfolds an Akkrayotha Group brochure, showcasing a celebrity community—a spacious abode meant for the two of them to grow into. Ming crumples it disdainfully, asserting that one bed suffices for their needs. In a poignant voiceover, Joe laments not recognizing the warning signs sooner.
At work, Joe confides in his colleagues about his desire to earn extra income. One suggests an international film casting call he spotted on social media, seeking a Thai stuntman. Another cautions that such productions often lack licenses and insurance, leaving performers vulnerable if anything goes awry.
The director summons Joe, explaining that Tong must depart, necessitating a scene rewrite to feature Joe instead. Tong is delighted to relinquish his duties to his stand-in, while his manager is less enthusiastic. Joe expresses his apprehensions to Yim about the myriad ways he could jeopardize his job in this scenario, but Yim views it as a golden opportunity for Joe's career advancement.
Later, Wut drops by, commending Joe for stealing the scene today. To safeguard Tong's reputation, they decide to reshoot the sequence. However, Wut slyly sends a clip of Joe's performance to other producers, hoping to secure Joe a role in another film. Joe concurs that this is for the best, recognizing that overstepping Tong would be a misstep.
At the wrap party, Tong congratulates Joe on his scene but subtly hints that Joe shouldn't feel hard done by if his footage gets cut. When Ming joins them, Joe discreetly excuses himself, leaving Ming and Tong to converse. Sol finds Joe outside and invites him out for Christmas, but Joe gently declines, stating that he's with Ming now. Ming catches sight of them and whisks Joe away, adding another layer of intrigue to their complex relationship.
And inside the men's room, he forces kisses upon Joe, who strives to soothe his heated emotions. Ming declares brazenly that he doesn't mind if anyone witnesses their intimate moment. However, their interlude is interrupted by Tong's unexpected arrival, seeking a chat. Ming swiftly bids Joe farewell, promising to see him at home.
Joe returns to the party, his spirits significantly dampened. Nonetheless, he is hailed as his boss has received word that he will be joining the director and Sol in Tong's next film, where Tong stars.
The following day, tension still lingers between Joe and Tong, despite Ming's assurance that everything had been resolved. Tong insists that Joe continue his role as his stunt double and issues a stern warning about Ming's family, who own the influential Akkrayotha Group. Tong subtly accuses Joe of attempting to advance his career through Ming and advises him to end the relationship before Ming's family discovers it. As a sweetener, Tong offers Joe the permanent position of stunt double.
That evening, Joe finds himself pondering why Ming chose him and whether Ming is truly content. Instead of addressing Joe's questions, Ming invites him on a Christmas date. They arrive at an upscale restaurant, where Joe attempts to inquire but Ming deflects, commenting instead on Joe's impending fame.
Joe presents Ming with a watch, albeit not as luxurious as Ming's current one. Ming, however, expresses his desire to keep it regardless. Just as Ming is about to gift Joe something in return, Tong and May enter and invite them to join their table.
May poses awkward questions, while Tong eagerly listens for answers. As they try to dodge admitting their relationship, Sol steps in, posing as the friend Joe invited. Sol seizes the opportunity to whisk Joe away, leaving Ming annoyed yet silent. Sol, too, is aware of Ming's family background and warns Joe accordingly.
When Tong excuses himself to take a call, May seizes the moment to coerce Ming into承认his feelings for Joe. She promises to cover for him if he wishes to continue their date. However, on their way out, Tong informs Ming of his intention to propose to May. Ming is overwhelmed with thoughts of his first encounter with Tong as he makes a hasty exit.
After a night of tears and excessive drinking, Ming finds himself at Joe's house. Joe, having taken care of Ming, eagerly opens his gift, thrilled to receive the couple mugs he had picked out. As Joe's back is turned, Ming embraces him, crying to Tong about not being chosen. In the midst of this emotional turmoil, Joe accidentally drops the precious mugs.
