Episode 12 of "Resident Playbook" kicks off with a bombshell revelation: the residents discover I-yeong and Do-won's budding romance and promptly request them to maintain discretion within the hospital walls. Ironically, it seems as if everyone they encounter is already privy to the news! Later, the residents catch Do-won in the act of opening a fresh bank account, prompting playful teasing about an impending nuptial bliss, to which he blushingly responds in the affirmative.
Elsewhere, Jae-il finds himself immersed in the hospital, keeping vigilant company to a cancer patient enduring excruciating pain. Through meticulous research and innovative thinking, he devises a unique medication cocktail that significantly alleviates her suffering. In recognition of his unwavering dedication, their professor extends an invitation to co-author a paper, graciously affording Jae-il the prestigious position of first author.
Meanwhile, Sa-bi and Professor Ryu find themselves attending to a patient scheduled for surgery the following day. Noticing her palpable anxiety, Sa-bi observes Professor Ryu attempting to lighten the mood with humor, aiming to comfort the patient. Post-surgery, he repeats these jokes, elucidating their underlying rationale. Inspired yet unaccustomed to displaying empathy, Sa-bi hesitantly attempts her own joke, awkward though it may be, in an endeavor to ease the patient's discomfort.
Elsewhere in the hospital corridors, I-yeong and Dr. Seo are attending to several expectant mothers admitted on New Year's Eve. Among them, two young mothers eagerly anticipate delivering their bundles of joy precisely at midnight, following a popular trend. As fate would have it, all but one of the older mothers go into labor sooner than anticipated, adding an unexpected twist to their festive anticipations.
Despite their initial wave of disappointment, the parents quickly forget about it upon meeting their newborns. An elderly mother even gives birth to a New Year's baby right at the stroke of midnight. During this delivery, Professor Seo encourages I-yeong to practice removing the placenta. She executes this task flawlessly, much to the satisfaction of everyone, especially the elderly mother.
Elsewhere, Nam-kyung encounters her first cancer patient in the emergency ward, realizing that the patient is on the brink of death. With compassion and care, she does her utmost to ease the woman's discomfort in her final moments. As she mourns the loss of her first patient, another mother is rushed in by Dr. Yang Seok-hyung. He assists Nam-kyung in delivering the baby, leaving her with a complex mix of emotions as she simultaneously witnesses both the miracle of life and the inevitability of death.
Later, as everyone gathers for a festive New Year's meal, I-yeong drops a bombshell revelation. She had previously won the lottery and had been planning to quit her job this year. Initially, no one believes her until she produces the ticket… but then they realize that the claim period has already expired. She is utterly devastated by this discovery.
Fortunately, her spirits are lifted when she meets Do-won, who surprises her with a bouquet of flowers and a couple's ring. The two share a tender kiss, immersing themselves in their blossoming romance. Meanwhile, Jae-il confesses his feelings to Sa-bi, who admits that she misses him but isn't ready to start dating yet. They walk off together, with Jae-il trying to persuade her to reconsider.
Elsewhere in the hospital, Gi-on joins the OB-GYN team as a new resident and openly expresses his interest in Nam-kyung. The next day, Professor Seo announces that Dr. Chu Min-ha has been selected as the new OB-GYN professor, much to the surprise of Dr. Myung. As Min-ha steps into her new role and receives congratulations from all, Dr. Myung reluctantly accepts the decision.
Ju-yeong and her husband face another unsuccessful attempt at conception. This time, Ju-yeong decides to abandon further efforts. Ironically, the couple remains completely oblivious to Do-won and I-yeong's relationship, even after catching the two holding hands.
In the closing moments of the episode, I-yeong officially joins the hospital as a second-year resident, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. As the episode draws to a close, the hospital's corridors buzz with life, anticipation, and the promise of many more stories yet to unfold.
