Episode 8 of "Romance in the House" kicks off with an unsuspecting Mi-rae and Moo-jin treading towards their abode, oblivious to the impending storm that awaits them within its walls. Ae-yeon, stern-faced and unyielding, promptly brandishes the agreement, leaving the duo stunned. They promptly drop to their knees, contrite apologies spilling from their lips, while Ae-yeon's gaze pierces through them, a mix of shock and humiliation etched on her features.
In a moment of raw emotion, she issues an ultimatum, ordering her daughter to pack her bags and vacate the premises. Deeply wounded by Mi-rae's actions that have made her appear foolish, Ae-yeon's resolve is unwavering. Yet, Mi-rae counters with a touch of defiance, sharing her own struggles as the head of the household, her voice laced with pain. Cleverly, she wields the sympathy card, revealing her injured arm, and the tactic seems to soften Ae-yeon's stance, allowing Mi-rae to remain under her roof, albeit with Ae-yeon's absence as she retreats to work early, both mother and daughter seeking solace in their respective professional realms.
Mi-rae finds herself at a crossroads, uncertain of her next move, until Tae-pyeong intervenes with a thoughtful gesture—sending her supplements to the office. This simple act blossoms into a dinner date, where Tae-pyeong showers her with attention, the restaurant owner mischievously chiming in, jesting that as her beau, he ought to carry her home on his back. Amidst laughter, Mi-rae confides in Tae-pyeong about her confrontation with Ae-yeon, finding solace in his reassurance that all will be well. Emboldened, he proposes they embark on a romantic journey together, a suggestion that resonates deeply with Mi-rae, though she acknowledges the need to sort through her thoughts first.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, Jeong-hyeok triumphantly submits his completed novel manuscript to his publisher, eliciting admiration for his work. He credits an "inspiring figure within the villa" for fueling his creativity. However, his thoughts are soon diverted by a chance encounter with elderly men who whisper tales of the old landlord being duped out of his property. Jeong-hyeok's curiosity piqued, he returns home determined to uncover the truth. Delving into the trash, he uncovers clues linking Moo-jin, Jae-geol, and the landlord to "dragon investment," accompanied by a photograph that hints at a darker narrative. The plot, already intricate, takes on a sinister twist, leaving Jeong-hyeok more determined than ever to uncover the full story.
Ae-yeon's gaze shifts resolutely towards Moo-jin, her voice firm as she demands he relinquish the pledge. He complies without hesitation, and with a decisive move, she rends it into shreds, her concern for Mi-rae palpable. The two concur that amidst the turmoil, Mi-rae is indeed drowning in the weight of it all. Ae-yeon chastises herself, convinced she hasn't been the pillar of support her daughter deserves. Yet, Moo-jin, unwavering, steps forward once more, shouldering the entire burden of responsibility.
As Ae-yeon departs, Moo-jin's phone chimes with a message from Mr. Kim's daughter, alluding to the villa. His brows furrow with unease, but the mystery remains to be unraveled.
Meanwhile, Ae-yeon unleashes her frustration onto baseballs within the confines of the batting cages, her mind racing with life's choices and Mi-rae's future. Little does she know, upon returning home, a heartfelt apology awaits her in the form of Mi-rae's meticulous redecoration—balloons floating, a poignant photo, and a sweet cake, all under the banner of "I'm sorry."
Mi-rae confesses, her voice tinged with remorse, that her pent-up emotions had erupted, but their embrace signifies a fresh start. Ae-yeon, overwhelmed with gratitude, acknowledges Mi-rae's relentless efforts over the years and vows to stand by her side.
Dawn breaks, and Moo-jin watches the mother-daughter duo depart with well-wishes. However, at work, Mi-rae's summons to the CEO's office stirs anxiety. Her mind reels with speculations, fearing it's about Tae-pyeong. Steeling herself, she steps into the office, only to find a surprise awaiting her.
The CEO, who's had his eye on her since the inspection, commends her keen observation of people. Inviting her for tea, he also acknowledges Tae-pyeong's presence during the factory visit, impressed by her influence. His ulterior motive becomes clear—he seeks her assistance in persuading Tae-pyeong to join the supermarket's ranks, recognizing a unique talent in her that could sway even the most reluctant heart.
Meanwhile, Moo-jin scoffs dismissively at the recent buzz about a fresh coach joining the Dragons' dugout. It's none other than Yang, the individual who made a somber appearance at the funeral in the previous episode. Holding two golden tickets to the pivotal match, he extends an invitation to Moo-jin, urging him to attend with Ae-yeon. Burdened by a losing streak of eighteen straight games, Moo-jin's heart races with dread at the prospect of becoming the unfortunate jinx for the nineteenth defeat.
As Moo-jin deliberates his attendance, Hyeon-Jae unexpectedly appears, revealing that he's stumbled upon his father's secret trove. He unveils it to Ae-yeon, revealing a treasure trove of baseball memories—memorabilia and a photo album chronicling their cherished childhood moments. Amidst these mementos lie Ae-yeon's aspirations and dreams, igniting a profound reflection within her.
Despite his initial hesitation, Moo-jin ultimately finds himself at the ballpark, stunned when Ae-yeon gracefully joins him. She confides in him, asking for a loan to facilitate Mi-rae's independence. Ae-yeon, who has selflessly nurtured Mi-rae for years, believes it's time for her to spread her wings and soar. As she reflects on her own journey, she laments, "I've reached the eighth inning, and you, Moo-jin, are the only man in my life's dugout." Encouragingly, Moo-jin insists there's still much for her to accomplish and vows to accompany her on her ongoing quest.
Fate seems to smile upon them as the Dragons, too, experience a miraculous turn of events, clinching a victorious game.
Meanwhile, Tae-pyeong convenes with Nam Chi-Yeol for a special occasion—his birthday dinner. After lavishing him with compliments, Chi-yeol subtly shifts the conversation to Mi-rae. Tae-pyeong's displeasure is palpable when he learns of the encounter, sensing an ulterior motive. Prodding further, he elicits a confession from the CEO: Mi-rae courageously stood up for Tae-pyeong, rejecting the CEO's offer, insisting that Tae-pyeong must make his own choices. Spurred by this revelation, Tae-pyeong rushes to Mi-rae's side.
She, with a smile as sweet as a cake she's prepared, wishes him a joyous birthday. Standing shoulder to shoulder, Tae-pyeong confesses his affection, and to his delight, discovers that Mi-rae harbors feelings for him amidst her concerns about the company. Their hearts entwined, they lean in, and finally, their lips meet in a triumphant kiss—a triumphant moment indeed!
