No Gain No Love – K-drama Episode 7

Published: Sep 18 2024

Episode 7 of "No Gain No Love" seamlessly transitions from the raucous dinner festivities of the previous chapter, where Gyu-hyun, Ha-jun, and Yi-lin laboriously escort the inebriated trio of Hae-yeong, Ji-uk, and Woo-jae to their respective hotel abodes. Amidst the haze of the night, a drunken Woo-jae unwittingly stumbles into the shared room of the couple, leading to an awkward morning awakening where all three find themselves entwined in the same bed.

No Gain No Love – K-drama Episode 7 1

Yi-lin, the proverbial morning-after angel, arrives to chastise Woo-jae for his disruptive antics, but also brings forth a bombshell of good news: owing to Hae-yeong and Ji-uk's impeccable PR prowess, she's orchestrated a plan to keep them united professionally. Woo-jae is to helm a parallel team within Hae-yeong's department, with Ji-uk reporting to him, thus eliminating any potential conflicts of interest.

Hae-yeong, grappling with the tumultuous aftermath, confesses her regrets over the marriage, lamenting the chaos it's brought upon them. Ji-uk, visibly crestfallen, vows to grant her a divorce whenever she desires, unaware that Woo-jae, lurking in the shadows, has overheard every heartbreaking word.

As Ji-uk returns home, he's greeted by an unexpected visitor—Manager Jang, a figure shrouded in mystery. Ji-uk announces his acceptance of the job offer but declares his intention to sever ties with the apartment, seeking solace elsewhere. Meanwhile, Hae-yeong's quest to confront Hui-seong at Tae-hyeong's studio takes an unanticipated turn when she witnesses Tae-hyeong embracing another woman. Her fists clenched, ready to unleash her fury, Hui-seong's timely intervention halts the impending confrontation.

Back at the abode, Ja-yeon receives a call from the orphanage director, relaying Gyu-hyun's generous donation of dryers. Amidst this unexpected benevolence, Hae-yeong and Hui-seong arrive, their own relationship on the rocks. Hui-seong bravely reveals her polyamorous union with Tae-hyeong, leaving Hae-yeong perplexed and struggling to comprehend how one can love more than one person simultaneously.

Ja-yeon, the ever-present mediator, insists they hold hands and navigate this emotional labyrinth together. Hae-yeong's fears are palpable, but Hui-seong's resilience shines through, assuring her that as long as she has Ja-yeon and Hae-yeong by her side, the world's opinion matters little.

Gyu-hyun finds himself in another stern lecture from his father, this time ignited by a newspaper article exposing a Kkulbee employee's deceitful tactics of enrolling fake children to exploit employee benefits. Turning to Hae-yeong's quandary, Hui-seong issues a cautionary note, warning that Woo-jae, all too familiar with the intricacies of love, might pierce through Hae-yeong's facade with Ji-uk. Hae-yeong, in turn, confides in Ji-uk on their commute, engaging him in rehearsals of romantic gestures and words, even as her heart flutters genuinely with every passing moment. At the office, she goes as far as to fabricate a tale of Ji-uk's culinary prowess, claiming he'd prepared gimbap for her, all the while aware of the HR's undercover surveillance tactics.

Prompted by these revelations, Hae-yeong decides it's prudent for Ji-uk to relocate to her abode, specifically the cramped attic room overlooking the city. Together, they embark on a cleaning spree, where Ji-uk stumbles upon a photo of himself with Hae-yeong's mother, triggering a memory flashback nine years prior. A youthful Ji-uk timidly approaches Hae-yeong's doorstep, warmly welcomed by her mother's embrace.

Meanwhile, at the orphanage, Gyu-hyun orchestrates a task for Ha-jun, involving the drying of children's clothes in their newfangled machines. Ja-yeon's unexpected visit interrogates Gyu-hyun's motives behind the purchase, prompting him to seize her hand and flee before Ha-jun's gaze, feigning an urgency to safeguard her anonymity. In a private moment, she confesses that 'Ha-jun' is the name of her crush, unaware that fate would soon bring them face to face, albeit with Gyu-hyun's meticulous efforts to prevent it.

The following day, Gyu-hyun's world is turned upside down when he discovers Ja-yeon has retreated into a creative hiatus, ignoring his messages. Adding to his woes, he learns of Hae-yeong's invitation to Ha-jun for a housewarming cum dinner party, where Ja-yeon is a cherished family member. Desperate to be a part of this gathering, Gyu-hyun attempts to leverage Ji-uk's connection, but to no avail.

Back at their abode, Hui-seong and Ja-yeon leave no stone unturned in their meticulous preparations for the housewarming celebration, despite Ja-yeon's lingering reluctance to confront Ha-jun once more. As the guests gradually filter in, Hae-yeong and Ji-uk flawlessly embody the essence of a married couple, their chemistry palpable. Yet, amidst the accolades showered upon Ji-uk for his desirability, Hae-yeong is seized by a twinge of guilt, realizing how her presence might have stifled his youthful exploits and romantic endeavors.

Post-party, in a moment of profound empathy, Hae-yeong tenderly apologizes to Ji-uk, acknowledging that her status as his wife has potentially hindered his experiences as a newly minted professional and his forays into the dating scene. His quizzical gaze prompts her nod, but he swiftly turns the conversation on its head, confessing his heartfelt sentiments in an unguarded moment, emphasizing that his body and soul are irrevocably intertwined with hers.

Consumed by thoughts of Ji-uk, Hae-yeong, remembering Hui-seong's wise words about the brevity of life, rises with resolve and makes her way upstairs. Without hesitation, she approaches Ji-uk, sealing her emotions with a kiss that speaks volumes.

Flashing forward to a candid epilogue from Episode 7 of No Gain No Love, Hae-yeong and Ji-uk find themselves in a hazy embrace within the confines of their hotel room, the effects of alcohol painting their world in hues of warmth and intimacy. Ji-uk gently assists Hae-yeong in removing her necklace, his touch imbued with tenderness. As she hesitates to part with her wedding ring, he softly insists that she keep it on, symbolizing her allegiance to him. He reveals that his own ring serves as a testament to his desire for her to stand by his side, and her smile in response, calling him endearing, speaks louder than words.

View all