Episode 2 of *My Youth* opens with Hae escorting Je-yeon to the restaurant of his longtime friend, Geon-no, where Hae has been diligently working part-time night shifts for nearly two decades. The episode then gracefully transitions into an extended flashback, unveiling the tapestry of Hae's life from a tender age.
Hae's father once left him with a four-year-old girl, Nuri, the daughter of his girlfriend, whose mother had vanished without a trace. Undeterred by the circumstances, Hae embraced Nuri as his own sister, nurturing her with unwavering love. Simultaneously, the narrative paints a vivid picture of Hae's constant battle with debt collectors, a relentless tide triggered by his father's financial misfortunes.
As the flashback unfolds, we discover that Hae's father eventually tied the knot with a wealthy woman. Her son, Seok-ju, paid Hae a visit, and even in the present, Hae's father treads carefully whenever Seok-ju is present, as if walking on thin ice. In a bygone era, Seok-ju's mother approached Hae during one of his part-time stints, eager to lend a helping hand. However, Hae, with a steely resolve, declined any assistance. Nevertheless, she persisted, urging him to at least complete his high school education.
During this tumultuous period, Je-yeon, the class president, was entrusted with the task of securing a form from Hae, who had been absent from school. She found herself waiting for him, and in a twist of fate, Hae invited her over, where she spent cherished moments with both him and Nuri. From that point onward, Je-yeon and Hae's paths intertwined more frequently, despite whispers circulating about Hae being seen with a woman at a motel. Hae later clarified to Je-yeon that his nightly duties included manning the front desk at a motel.
Shortly thereafter, Hae's father paid him a visit to announce his marriage and the fact that Seok-ju's mother would be assuming responsibility for their debts. It was during this pivotal moment that we learn of Hae's mother's battle with an illness, possibly hereditary, that Hae himself might also inherit. His father, with a heavy heart, proposed that they move in with Seok-ju's family and place Nuri in an orphanage. But Hae, with unwavering determination, refused and sternly instructed his father to keep his distance.
Feeling the crushing weight of Hae's struggles, Nuri suggested they visit an amusement park since her daycare was closed. At one poignant juncture, she retreated into the bathroom, secretly hoping Hae would abandon her so he wouldn't have to continue shouldering the burden of her care. Yet, instead of leaving, they shared a tearful reconciliation, with Hae reassuring her of his unwavering presence in her life.
Meanwhile, an undeniable closeness blossoms between Hae and Je-yeon. His book hits the shelves, and they find themselves sharing tender moments by the sun-kissed shores of the beach. Misreading these intimate gestures as clear signals of romantic affection, Je-yeon leans in, attempting to steal a kiss from Hae. However, he gently but firmly pulls away, leaving her feeling dejected and confused. Later, when Hae is alone at home, he musters the courage to confess to Nuri that he does, in fact, have feelings for Je-yeon.
The following day, fate throws Je-yeon a cruel curveball as she discovers that her family is on the verge of financial ruin, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. In a whirlwind of emotion and impulsivity, she rushes to Hae's side, planting a swift, desperate kiss on his lips. But then, with a heart heavy with regret and uncertainty, she tells him to erase her from his life and never speak to her again.
Fast-forward to the present timeline, and Hae and Je-yeon are once again sharing drinks, their laughter and conversations weaving a tapestry of shared memories. Je-yeon, with a hint of vulnerability in her eyes, opens up about the grueling battles she faced to secure a scholarship, the constant pressure to outperform her peers just to hold onto it.
As the night winds down and they find themselves waiting for a taxi, Hae turns to Je-yeon with a serious expression. He asks if she's still willing to move forward with the show that will feature both Tae-rin and him. It's clear that he's giving the idea serious thought now. The episode draws to a close with the two of them exchanging warm smiles, their eyes holding a glimmer of hope and the tantalizing promise of a fresh start.
