Episode 3 of "Second Shot at Love" unfolds with Ui-joon enduring a restless night, tormented by the alumni post's revelations. The subsequent day, Geum-ju resumes her task of repairing his car, amidst Young-woong's playful yet earnest mediation. With his characteristic clownish demeanor, he conveys to Geum-ju that Ui-joon is deeply hurt by her abandonment to drown in sorrow through alcohol. To Ui-joon, he reveals that despite the crash, she meticulously fixed the untouched vintage car parts, emphasizing her constant vigilance and care for him.
A vivid flashback to 2010 paints a picture of Ui-joon's neighborhood buzzing with gossip about his deceased parents, leaving him solely with his late grandmother. Geum-ju, sensitive to his plight, organizes a poignant memorial service, offering comfort to Ui-joon as he grapples with overwhelming emotions. In the present, their paths cross again, with Geum-ju offering a partial yet meaningful explanation for her drinking, while Ui-joon, half-jesting, suggests she might be an alcoholic. She defiantly claims she can quit but chooses not to, sparking a playful yet poignant spat where Ui-joon reminds her of the time she accidentally broke his leg. Despite this, their bond seems to mend with ease.
Elsewhere, Geum-ju's former boss encounters an issue uniquely solvable by her. Initially smug, her mood sours when the query turns out to be about a bar, and she discovers her absence hasn't hindered the company's success. Meanwhile, Seon-wook is vigorously exercising at the park, while Hyeon-ju finds herself engrossed in a beer advertisement. Her friend teasingly suggests she needs a distraction, prompting Seon-wook to offer free taekwondo lessons. However, post-session, her parched throat cries out for a refreshing beverage, undermining her workout's intended virtue.
Returning to our central couple, Geum-ju and Ui-joon resume their diligent patient rounds. As Geum-ju stumbles over a rocky path, Ui-joon swiftly catches her, and both find themselves in a flustered state. Embarrassed, Ui-joon hastily retreats. However, his nurse mistakenly believes that Geum-ju deliberately engineered the accident, cautioning her to desist from her flirtatious behavior.
Unexpectedly, Geum-ju receives delightful news. Initially, the wedding hall had steadfastly refused to grant her a refund for her last-minute cancellation, but they've now had a change of heart. Overjoyed, Geum-ju's mind races with endless possibilities for how she might spend the money.
Meanwhile, Jeong-su, Geum-ju's father, discovers that the individual who had duped him is now wealthy. In a fit of despair, he indulges in a drinking spree with his daughters in a different town, with Geum-ju footing the bill. They cleverly cover their tracks, fooling Gwang-ok into believing they've permanently abstained from alcohol.
At the town's PE class, Gwang-ok brags to her neighbors about her success in implementing the ban on drinking. Despite their gripes about losing their best customers, the Hans, Gwang-ok generously waives the day's interest as a token of appreciation.
Ui-joon's fractured foot finally mends, prompting the nurse to vent her frustrations about Geum-ju. To everyone's surprise, Ui-joon bears partial responsibility.
With the car repaired, Geum-ju invites Ui-joon on a test drive. As she belts out tunes with glee, Ui-joon finds himself thoroughly entertained. He buys extravagant gifts for her family and, when she attempts to purchase one for him, insisting she has extra money, he politely declines. When she sustains a shoe bite, Ui-joon attentively cares for her wound. With fireworks illuminating the sky, Ui-joon gazes at her in awe as she revels in the breathtaking spectacle.
A nostalgic flashback replays the chaotic aftermath of their drinking challenge, where he boldly reveals his feelings and kisses her cheek. Nowadays, their evenings are spent sharing dinners, and she finds herself longing for the alcohol she once abused, eliciting a playful tease from him. Curiosity piqued, she inquires about his journey to sobriety, but he cleverly redirects the conversation towards the topic of the mysterious refund. Enthused by the reimbursement, which she views as compensation for her troubling ordeal, she shares the details with him.
Yet, he persists in his misconception that alcohol was the culprit behind her fiancé's departure, finding her celebratory mood insensitive. He questions her disregard for those she might have hurt, leaving her puzzled and insisting she never caused her fiancé any pain. A subsequent flashback reveals the foggy aftermath of their kiss, her memory of it erased by the alcohol's haze. Her friend mistakenly assumes they are an item, evoking laughter from Geum-ju, who simply explains that she's merely taking care of Ui-joon because he's alone. Overhearing this, Ui-joon's face darkens as he clutches a gift, emotions swirling within.
In the present moment, Gwang-ok discovers the extent of their drinking through a receipt, prompting her to contemplate moving out. The Hans, eager to mend their ways, vow to change and prove their commitment by attending a rehabilitation program run by a temple. News of their enrollment spreads, eliciting amusement from all. Meanwhile, Mrs. Nosy indulges in malicious gossip about Geum-ju and Gwang-ok, unaware that Gwang-ok has overheard. Demanding interest for her previous troubles, Gwang-ok scolds Mrs. Nosy for her idle chatter, her tone firm and unwavering.
At the rehabilitation center, the wise monk urges them to contemplate their actions. For Jeong-su, alcohol serves as a brave shield, emboldening his spirit. Hyeon-ju, grappling with the disarray of her life, finds solace in its intoxicating embrace, her sorrows momentarily lifted. Geum-ju, an island of composure amidst the tempest, stands firm, encouraging her companions to harness their strength. Meanwhile, Seon-wook tends to the twins, his heart heavy with the neglect Hyeon-ju bestows upon him, not even inquiring after his wellbeing.
Granted an hour of phone privileges, the inmates of Han's rehabilitation facility eagerly seize the moment. Geum-ju is astounded by a text message that disrupts her thoughts. Elsewhere, Ui-joon dashes to a Seoul hospital, where serendipity places him in the midst of a conversation between Ju-yeop and his baby's mother, Lee Ha-na, discussing their child. Guilt gnaws at him for his harsh words directed at Geum-ju.
That night, Geum-ju ponders over the perplexing text. It transpires as an erroneous booking confirmation from the wedding hall—Ju-yeop and Lee Ha-na are tying the knot at the very same venue, on the very same day. The refund she received becomes clear; Ju-yeop had footed the bill this time around. This revelation stings, suggesting that for their intended wedding, he hadn't contributed a dime. A wave of melancholy washes over her.
The following day, Ui-joon, driven by concern, speeds to the temple, only to catch a glimpse of Geum-ju descending its steps. Distressed by her concealed anguish, he inquiries about her well-being, prompting a cascade of tears from her.
The epilogue to Second Shot at Love Episode 3 unfurls as a nostalgic flashback. Geum-ju's friend decides to embark on a romantic journey with Ui-joon, much to Geum-ju's discomfiture. She invents reasons why he might not be a suitable match, only to be teased by her friend, who playfully accuses her of harboring feelings for Ui-joon.
