Episode 12 of "Romance in the House" kicks off its thrilling finale with Moo-jin swiftly ushering Mi-rae indoors, the duo seeking refuge in her cozy apartment. It's a prudent move, indeed, to evade the impending storm brewing outside.
The following morning, Ae-yeon's heart swells with relief, knowing Moo-jin is taking a firm stance with their son. She harbors hope that he'll eventually comprehend the rationale behind his father's sternness.
As for Mi-rae, her ears inadvertently pick up a sordid conversation among her colleagues, who are gossiping maliciously about her. Her patience snaps, and she unleashes a fiery retort, lambasting their dismal sales performance while highlighting her team's stellar achievements. The duo is left reeling, utterly deflated by her unwavering assertiveness.
Mi-rae's crusade continues as she sends Ae-yeon to the beauty salon, ensuring she's picture-perfect for the upcoming photoshoot. Over a soothing cup of coffee, Ae-yeon marvels at her daughter's newfound zeal for personal pursuits, a stark contrast to her perpetual dedication to familial duties. She also reveals her acceptance of Moo-jin's move-in, signaling a peaceful resolution. Mi-rae's sole wish is for her mother to make choices that resonate deeply with her heart.
Meanwhile, Moo-jin graces the Taekwondo studio, where Tae-pyeong offers a heartfelt apology. Moo-jin dismisses it with a shrug, understanding the complexities of fatherly expectations. Tae-pyeong confesses that hearing Chi-yeol boast about his son's accomplishments felt jarring, prompting him to reconsider his future. He decides to return to his old job post-internship, a promise he and Chi-yeol had made to each other. They share a heartwarming moment over drinks, laughter echoing through the night.
Back at home, Moo-jin confronts Hyeon-Jae, his words harsh yet filled with fatherly concern. But Hyeon-Jae remains unyielding, his heart heavy with unspoken grievances. That evening, he finally breaks his silence, addressing the entire family with a solemnity that pierces the air. He declares his earnestness about his business venture, lamenting the lack of trust and belonging he's felt all along. Memories of elementary school bullying surface, accompanied by a sense of abandonment as family decisions were made without his input.
In a private moment, Ae-yeon and Hyeon-Jae engage in a candid conversation. Long recognized as the comedic sidekick, Hyeon-Jae's vulnerability in this scene is a poignant reminder of his true feelings. Ae-yeon, overwhelmed with guilt, apologizes profusely for her ignorance and vows to be more attentive and supportive from now on.
Having smoothed over the roughest edges, the family convened, their hearts united in a resolution to lend an ear to Hyeon-jae's perspective. To facilitate deeper connections, they embraced a ritual: monthly family dinners, where laughter and conversation would flourish over shared meals. Ae-yeon, sipping a glass of wine in solitude, marveled at the spaciousness of her home now void of children's chatter, her heart opening up as she and her loved ones harmonized their living arrangements.
Meanwhile, Mi-rae's meticulous planning prowess transformed a holiday with Tae-pyeong into a grand affair, her to-do list burgeoning with endless tasks. Yet, Tae-pyeong, mindful of her well-being, gently reminded her to pace herself, his gaze filled with tenderness as he vowed to journey through life's milestones with her, unhurried and serene.
Elsewhere, Jeong-hyeok's literary triumph was overshadowed by the joyous news of Se-ri's pregnancy, which he cleverly used as a diversion. The villa erupted in delight, the couple humorously contemplating their future offspring's endearing nickname, "Geek," a testament to their unique bond and the lightheartedness that permeated their world.
Moo-jin, inspired by Tae-pyeong's passion for teaching, embarked on a new journey, determined to join the fray. Their paths crossed serendipitously, leading to a heartfelt conversation where Moo-jin confessed his regrets over the past, his quest for justice clouding his judgment. But Mi-rae, with a warmth that only a daughter could muster, assured him of her unwavering love and acceptance, their bond strengthened as they reminisced over games of baseball, rekindling old memories.
As life unfolded in its gentle rhythm, Ae-yeon embarked on a new chapter, pursuing her driver's license, while Hyeon-jae ventured into entrepreneurship with grit and determination. Mi-rae, ever the diligent soul, transformed each mundane day into a cherished moment. And amidst these individual triumphs, the gang remained steadfast in their commitment to one another, their monthly gatherings blazing with camaraderie and laughter, a testament to the indomitable spirit of their friendship. With hearts full of adventure, they eagerly anticipated their upcoming journey, the next chapter in their unforgettable tale.
