Episode 4 of *My Youth* kicks off with a poignant flashback to Hae's childhood. A film director and his crew descend upon an island, intent on shooting a pivotal movie scene. However, chaos ensues when their child actor vanishes without a trace, prompting a frantic search for a last-minute replacement. That's when fate intervenes, and Hae is approached to audition. His performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving the entire crew in awe. Soon after, his life—along with that of his family—is irrevocably transformed as they relocate to Seoul, chasing the promise of stardom.
Yet, what initially seems like a divine blessing swiftly morphs into a nightmare. Hae's mother becomes consumed by the wealth and acclaim her son's success brings, leading to a gradual erosion of their relationship. The very director who had catapulted Hae to fame later ensnares his mother in a devious scam, plunging the family into insurmountable debt. Unable to bear the weight of her despair, she takes her own life. At her funeral, Hae finds himself isolated, encircled by a sea of cameras and relentless debt collectors, all vying for a piece of his shattered world.
As Hae's troubled past resurfaces, threatening to tarnish Tae-rin's pristine image, Pil-do—Seok-ju's astute mother and the CEO of a prominent company—springs into action, determined to scrub the damaging article from existence. Despite the mounting pressure and personal turmoil, Hae remains resolute, choosing to press on with the documentary shoot.
That fateful night, Nu-ri drops a bombshell revelation: he had recognized Je-yeon from their high school days, the very girl Hae had once mustered the courage to confess his feelings to. The next day, Tae-rin seizes the opportunity to indulge in some free diving, only to cross paths with Seok-ju en route to Hae's quaint flower shop. Seizing the moment, she invites herself in, and before long, the trio concocts a playful prank to lure Je-yeon over as well. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, we also uncover that Seok-ju has been tutoring Nu-ri, adding yet another intricate layer to their already complex bond.
Later, the documentary crew sets sail for a secluded island to embark on their next filming adventure. After capturing the serene moments of Hae and Tae-rin frolicking on the sun-kissed beach, they devise a plan to plant trees the following day, weaving this eco-friendly endeavor into the fabric of their episode. However, their aspirations hit a snag when they fail to secure the necessary permissions. Undeterred by the setback, the producer opts to cut their losses and return, abandoning the saplings on the island.
In a display of unwavering commitment, Hae steps forward, volunteering to stay behind and breathe life into the deserted trees. Meanwhile, Je-yeon, entrusted with the task of gathering receipts, finds herself stranded as her ferry succumbs to the wrath of an unexpected storm, forcing her to retreat back to the island's embrace. Thus, fate conspires to leave Hae and Je-yeon alone, their paths intertwined in an unexpected twist.
As the heavens open up, casting a veil of rain over the landscape, they scurry in search of refuge, only to discover a solitary room standing as their sole sanctuary for the night. The air thickens with an unspoken romantic tension, a silent symphony playing out between them. The following morning, Je-yeon awakens to the surreal sight of herself entwined around Hae, her arms encircling him in a dream-like embrace. Flustered, she promptly kicks him out of bed, her cheeks ablaze with embarrassment.
Undeterred by the night's awkwardness, the duo presses on, finally completing their tree-planting mission. As they prepare to depart, their journey takes another unexpected turn when their car decides to throw in the towel. Seizing the moment, Je-yeon poses a question that has lingered in the air: Why did Hae agree to be part of the documentary? With a vulnerability that tugs at the heartstrings, he confesses that his motive was none other than to be near her—a sentiment he had once before bared his soul to reveal.
In that poignant instant, as if guided by an unseen force, Hae leans in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss that marks the culmination of their unspoken desires. The episode draws to a close, leaving behind a trail of anticipation and the sweet promise of love blossoming amidst the chaos.
