Episode 7 of "Romance in the House" kicks off with Hyeon-jae engaging in gossip with his aunt, a realization dawning on him that their parents have mysteriously vanished for the entire night. His curiosity piqued further, he discovers to his surprise that Mi-rae too is absent from their shared abode. This unexpected twist seamlessly propels us into the aftermath of the pivotal revelation, as Tae-pyeong embarks on a jog, seeking solace and clarity amidst the chaos.
Mi-rae, her bags packed and a sense of aimlessness enveloping her, prepares to embark on an uncertain journey. Her temporary homelessness leads to an unexpected encounter with Tae-pyeong on a bustling street during her day of rest. Their conversation, peppered with playful insults from him labeling her as stubborn, culminates in a decision that sees her temporarily relocate to his place. However, their arrangement is momentarily disrupted by the arrival of Tae-pyeong's exuberant taekwondo cronies, leaving Mi-rae flustered and shy amidst the boisterous gathering.
A rooftop barbecue ensues, where Tae-pyeong's chivalrous nature shines through as he thoughtfully fetches a jumper for Mi-rae. Meanwhile, Ae-yeon's world is turned upside down by a message from Mi-rae, a stark warning that her return to her father's arms would prompt a permanent exit from their shared home. This predicament weighs heavily on Ae-yeon, especially amidst her burgeoning bond with Moo-jin, who lends her a supportive shoulder.
Jae-geol's story intertwines with this emotional tapestry, his financial woes exacerbated by demands for child support from his daughters' mother. In a moment of desperation, he contemplates taking out a loan under Moo-jin's name, but ultimately refrains. Moo-jin, however, seemingly divines Jae-geol's plight and sends him financial aid, offering a heartfelt lesson: to simply ask for help in the future.
As the night deepens, Ae-yeon leaves a heartfelt message for Mi-rae, acknowledging her daughter's feelings of betrayal yet yearning for a face-to-face conversation to mend fences. Mi-rae reads the message silently, choosing not to respond but to drown her sorrows in the company of Tae-pyeong and alcohol.
Their conversation deepens, Mi-rae lamenting the ill-fated union of Ae-yeon and Moo-jin. Tae-pyeong, sharing anecdotes of his grandfather's unconditional love and the warmth of his own family, fosters a bond between them. The air thickens with a palpable chemistry, their lips poised for a kiss...until the abrupt honk of a car outside interrupts the moment, prompting Mi-rae to excuse herself, leaving a trail of unresolved emotions in her wake.
At the somber funeral, Moo-jin's ears inadvertently capture Jae-geol's vitriol, as he slanders Moo-jin to their former classmates. The group's whispers are nothing but scathing, particularly dwelling on Moo-jin's troubled past and his humble pleas for financial aid. Jae-geol's anger boils over, an outburst triggered by a recent money transfer that leaves him mortified. Moo-jin, deeply disappointed, declines to reclaim the funds, dismissing Jae-geol's outburst with a wave of his hand and a terse order to resume his duties as Moo-jin's tax accountant.
Stepping outside, Moo-jin's path crosses with Cheol-hong, who has come to mourn the passing of their beloved former baseball coach, Mr. Park. Here, the veil of secrecy lifts, revealing Moo-jin's once-glorious past as a professional baseball player. A formidable hitter in his heyday, Moo-jin now squirms uncomfortably under the team's lavish praise.
Feeling uneasy amidst the nostalgia, Moo-jin finds solace in an unexpected ally—Ae-yeon. She bursts through the doors, creating a commotion, flaunting their perceived wealth and abundance. As they retreat, Ae-yeon lambastes Moo-jin for his passive stance, challenging why he stands idly by. Moo-jin, however, chastises her for her outburst, though she manages to secure a taxi escape, leaving behind a poignant reminder: his self-centeredness stems from neglecting the sacrifices of others.
The root of Ae-yeon's fiery demeanor lies in her pregnancy. Moo-jin, once a promising athlete, was forced to abandon his dreams and take up manual labor to support his child. Grief overtook him, drowning him in alcohol as he relinquished his baseball aspirations. Mi-rae, eavesdropping on a friend echoing Moo-jin's regrets, is devastated to hear that her presence had hindered his career.
Returning, Ae-yeon encounters Mi-rae outside. They retreat indoors, engaging in a heart-to-heart conversation that clears the air. Mi-rae apologizes for causing Ae-yeon distress but just as the misunderstanding fades, two cups on the table spark suspicion in Mi-rae's mind. Believing Ae-yeon to be secretly dating Moo-jin, Mi-rae retreats to her room, tight-lipped about her own encounter with Tae-pyeong the previous night.
Ae-yeon exerts every effort to bridge the gap with her daughter, yet her endeavors fall flat. The very next day, the air is thick with tension as she exits her apartment, only to stumble upon Moo-jin, unexpectedly tending to matters on the rooftop villa. Mi-rae's pent-up emotions boil over, her words laced with subtle venom, accusing him of being the catalyst for their family's turmoil.
Mi-rae seeks solace in her taekwondo, channeling her frustration through every strike. But when she confronts Tae-pyeong, he surprises her with a new lesson: learning to ride a bicycle. This rite of passage, often shared between father and daughter, takes on a new meaning as Tae-pyeong envisions it as a bonding experience.
As they pedal through the park, Moo-jin's eyes chance upon them, stirring memories from a bygone era where Mi-rae's first bike ride lacked his presence. Amidst the laughter and freedom, a near-miss with a scooter jolts Mi-rae from her reverie, sending her bike careening into the bushes in a failed attempt to protect her father.
Moo-jin and Tae-pyeong race her to safety, relief flooding their hearts when the diagnosis reveals no serious injury. Outside the hospital, Moo-jin chastises Mi-rae for her reckless act, his stern words masking a heartfelt confession. He lays bare his deep-seated love for the family, apologizing for the broken promises of the past, confessing that his inability to fulfill them haunted him.
"Having you all is the greatest achievement of my life," he says, a confession that reduces Mi-rae to tears. She jests about her injured arm, but the truth is, these were precisely the words her soul yearned to hear. It's a turning point for Moo-jin, as he embarks on a journey of accountability, recognizing the impact of his actions.
Back at home, Ae-yeon's fingers tremble as she uncovers the hidden agreement amidst Mi-rae's belongings. Shock turns to understanding, as the pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place.
