Episode 7 of "The Potato Lab" kicks off with Baek-ho inadvertently crossing an unseen boundary, while Mi-kyung takes a moment to gather her composure. Ong-ju, mistaking the metaphorical line for the literal Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), offers little assistance, prompting Mi-kyung to directly inquire about Baek-ho's intended meaning.
Baek-ho confides in her, revealing that her presence has disrupted his typically orderly and composed life. His feelings for her are undeniably real, yet he attempts to dismiss them before they can even blossom. In stark contrast, Mi-kyung is candid, confessing her attraction to him. However, mindful of workplace boundaries and his lack of concentration, she proposes they postpone any romantic involvement until her employment concludes.
Later that night, after all the revelations have settled, Ong-ju abruptly awakens, haunted by Mi-kyung's words. Determined to comprehend their full implications, she embraces her role as the ultimate wingwoman, eager to nurture Mi-kyung's burgeoning romance. Her plan encompasses taking Mi-kyung shopping and... practicing karate moves outdoors?
At work, the dynamic between Baek-ho and Mi-kyung shifts subtly, yet they maintain a professional facade while fiercely debating the optimal potato variety for their project. The rivalry between Marshall and Maroo escalates, with each side crushing and frying the other's arguments in a tightly contested battle.
Despite the intensity, no ill will ensues. In fact, Baek-ho finds himself constantly distracted by thoughts of Mi-kyung, even trailing after her into her office. Though she remains focused on business, Baek-ho persists, extending an invitation for a proper date.
As they depart, Mi-kyung continues to discuss work-related matters, her usual brash demeanor intact. Yet, Baek-ho has undergone a transformation, softening significantly in her presence. Mi-kyung teasingly labels him a "softie sweetie." Baek-ho argues that, given the countless hours they've spent together over the past weeks, this outing feels more like their 15th date than their first.
They abandon the car and opt for a stroll, during which Baek-ho confesses that he had previously opted for the Maroo potato variety over the Marshall, based on her compelling argument, although his initial intention was merely to tease her. Both burst into laughter, dismissing the playful exchange, but Mi-kyung suddenly decides to lead Baek-ho to a secluded area. Ironically, this hidden spot is already occupied by Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung, who are enjoying a romantic moment. Embarrassed, they hastily retreat and conceal themselves, leading Baek-ho to mistakenly believe that Mi-kyung had orchestrated the entire encounter. There, a small card with the word "Congratulations" catches his eye, and upon reading the smutty, blurred-out message inside—penned by Ong-ju, urging him to "get excited for tonight"—Baek-ho becomes instantly agitated and dashes off.
Meanwhile, Ki-se, dressed in an attire that resembles a sailor's (albeit loosely), dispatches his associate, Lee Seung-hoon, to shadow Baek-ho. Clearly intended to stir up trouble, Lee wastes no time in probing and gathering whatever information he can.
Baek-ho and Mi-kyung are deeply engrossed in discussing the letter, with Mi-kyung earnestly endeavoring to clarify her stance to him. Meanwhile, Ms. Jjeon, a chatterbox among the workforce and a master of gossip, chance upon them while grabbing a snack from the fridge. She catches the drift of their conversation, albeit vaguely. Baek-ho, however, brazenly confesses their burgeoning relationship and expresses his desire to keep it under wraps. Alas, Ms. Jjeon, who can't resist spreading tales, immediately fills in the nearby colleagues, and the news spreads like wildfire through the workplace.
The workers teasingly congratulate Mi-kyung on her impending nuptials with Baek-ho, reveling in the romance that Baek-ho openly flaunts during lunch. This overt display of affection catches the eye of Mr. Lee, who eerily utters a resounding "yes" in English and snaps clandestine photos of the pair at the table. He subsequently shares this gossip with Ki-se, divulging that his ex-wife is absent from the guesthouse but spilling the beans on the tantalizing tidbit about Baek-ho and Mi-kyung's budding romance. Ki-se, in turn, informs CEO Yoon, inadvertently mentioning Mi-kyung's name in the process.
Hwan-kyung, attempting to shield Mi-kyung and posture as the protective tough guy, finds himself overwhelmed by a sudden surge in orders. This prompts Baek-ho to intervene and lend a hand. He is astonished by Hwan-kyung's naive generosity in offering freebies without comprehending the economic implications for his struggling café. This realization dawns on Hwan-kyung, finally illuminating the reason behind his financial woes.
Later in the afternoon, Hwan-kyung confronts Mi-kyung and Ong-ju, announcing that they must now contribute rent. Freebies, including coffee, are henceforth a thing of the past. Mi-kyung and Ong-ju quickly deduce that Baek-ho's influence is behind this sudden shift in policy. Despite grilling him, Mi-kyung can't resist listing his admirable qualities, which leads to a humorous exchange but ultimately results in both Hwan-kyung and Baek-ho being temporarily banished. Indeed, women scorned know no bounds in their fury!
While spending time together, Baek-ho confesses his reckless infatuation with Mi-kyung. Hwan-kyung then elaborates on Mi-kyung's resilient nature and her consistent dedication to responsibility, dating back to the tragic loss of their mother. To smooth over any tension, Baek-ho presents her with a teddy bear, which seemingly melts her heart. He steps inside, poised for a passionate kiss, but instead, he gently places a kiss on her forehead.
During the epilogue, Baek-ho is seen lending a helping hand to Hwan-kyung with his financial woes. Determined to turn the tables, he diligently pours over numbers and strives to make Hwan-kyung's business thrive. Yet, he encounters a daunting challenge in finding a viable solution. Could it be that Hwan-kyung devised the rent solution on his own?
