Episode 5 of "Second Shot at Love" kicks off with Geum-ju vowing to embark on a sober journey, a resolution that her father and sister eagerly embrace. They undergo a comprehensive health examination, leaving Ui-joon astounded by their results—a stark reminder that unchecked alcoholism could have led to dire consequences, such as liver cancer. The initial step in their transformation involves purging their home of all traces of alcohol, revealing peculiar hiding spots like the dog's kennel, concealed within toilet tanks, and cleverly disguised in makeup bottles, much to Gwang-ok's amusement.
Initially, the Hans bask in the invigorating glow of sobriety, relishing morning vitality they hadn't felt in years. However, within a matter of days, the allure of drinking begins to gnaw at them. Ui-joon, delving through his belongings, stumbles upon a necklace—a gift meant for Geum-ju that he never had the chance to give. Determined to personally bolster her resolve, he promises to be by her side whenever temptation strikes. He takes her on a jubilant run, her curiosity piqued about his own journey of sobriety. He confides in her, sharing that he endures each day with unwavering determination, challenging her to hold fast for just a week; should she succeed, he pledges to fulfill any request she might have.
For the weekend, Ui-joon organizes a hiking trip, inviting Geum-ju, Seon-wook, and Young-wook along. Amidst the scenic beauty, Seon-wook ponders whether the rift between Ui-joon and Geum-ju has mended, prompting Geum-ju to reveal that it was Ui-joon who severed ties.
Meanwhile, at the Han B&B, Hyeon-ju's joy at hosting her former colleague, Shin Jeong-yeon, and her husband is short-lived. Overhearing Jeong-yeon's gossipy whispers to her spouse, Hyeon-ju's heart sinks. Jeong-yeon reminisces about Hyeon-ju's former glory—a stunning, accomplished professional—now reduced, in her eyes, to a pathetic divorcee following her husband's arrest for fraud.
Back on the hike, Young-woong and Seon-wook engage in playful banter as the latter attempts to send a charming video to Hyeon-ju. Nearby, Ui-joon stands as an unwavering source of encouragement for Geum-ju, cheering her on with unflagging spirit.
A flashback vividly revisits the moment when she successively suffered defeat in two consecutive competitions. He then leads her to a breathtaking vista in Seoul, where he cheers her on with unwavering support. On her subsequent solo visit, a longing for his presence fills her heart as she finds herself missing him deeply. In the present scene, her eyes brimming with emotion watch him meticulously fuss over her jacket and carry her backpack with tender care.
Elsewhere, Seon-hwa and Hyeon-ju indulge in a joyful shopping spree, while Young-woong prepares to treat Seon-hwa to a concert, celebrating their wedding anniversary. The women exchange playful jibes, but Hyeon-ju can't help but feel a pang of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
Turning to Jeong-su, his friend Ki-beom attempts to lure him into indulging in a day of drinking. However, Gwang-ok, the tattletale, informs Ki-beom's nosy mother, Ms. Nosy, of his irresponsible behavior. This sets off a dramatic chase as Ms. Nosy, driven by her wrath, tries to discipline Ki-beom.
After an exhilarating hike, Ui-joon finds himself only attending to Geum-ju's demands, and amidst their bickering, they belatedly realize that Young-woong has been left behind. They hastily rush back, but tragedy strikes as Young-woong is hit by a bus.
At the hospital, Seon-hwa, in a gesture of kindness, hands the concert tickets to Seon-wook, instructing him to take Hyeon-ju. This gesture, however, irritates Young-woong, who sternly warns Seon-wook to stay away from his friend's sister.
Elsewhere, Young-woong's mother attempts to vent her grievances about Seon-hwa to the inquisitive Ms. Nosy. However, in an effort to underscore Seon-hwa's exemplary qualities as a daughter-in-law and wife, Ms. Nosy inadvertently belittles Geum-ju in the process. Gwang-ok, eavesdropping on the conversation, proudly boasts that Geum-ju is back on the right path, thanks to Ui-joon's support.
Trouble brews as Geum-ju's former supervisor, Chief Kim, invites her to a team dinner, hinting at the possibility of reinstating her job if she attends. Ui-joon, unwavering in his loyalty, declines a blind date setup by his nurse to chauffeur Geum-ju to Seoul and offer her moral encouragement.
As the concert couple encounters Hyeon-ju's colleague, Jeong-yeon, just before the performance, Hyeon-ju, haunted by Jeong-yeon's harsh remarks, pretends that Seon-wook is her boyfriend. After Jeong-yeon's departure, Hyeon-ju feels desolate and indulges in alcohol. Seon-wook, noticing her distress, comforts her, but she sees herself as unworthy. He uplifts her spirits, leading to an impulsive kiss that she quickly regrets, leaving in embarrassment.
In Seoul, Ui-joon decides to pass the time by visiting his former mentor. Unfortunately, he is spotted by some former colleagues who spread rumors about his mysterious disappearance due to a alleged misdeed.
At the team dinner, Geum-ju holds her ground with admirable courage. However, once the gathering disbands, a drunken Chief Kim starts questioning if she's pregnant, fueled by his suspicions of an affair. He attempts to touch her stomach, offending her deeply, and then resorts to roughness. Ui-joon arrives just in time to intervene and protect her.
Geum-ju, disturbed by the incident, allows Ui-joon to take her to their special Seoul spot. Realizing he's had a trying day as well, she playfully engages with him. Suddenly, she remembers it's been a week since their last encounter and, as her reward for his support, asks a probing question: Why did Ui-joon sever ties with her? He confesses that he had feelings for her that were too strong to ignore.
In the epilogue of Second Shot at Love Episode 5, an intruder breaks into Ui-joon's house and discovers a gift along with a heartfelt note declaring his love for Geum-ju.
