Episode 5 of "True Beauty" kicks off with Suho intensely scrutinizing someone's profile on his smartphone. He promptly dials one of his friends and inquiries about Hyunwoo, receiving a stark warning: Hyunwoo is trouble, and it's best to steer clear of him. Sua strolls in, dropping a bombshell—Jugyeong is on a romantic getaway with her beau at a hotel.
The scene shifts to Seojun, engrossed in hotel maintenance duties, a prelude to his confrontation with Hyunwoo during the climactic moments of the previous episode. Seojun eavesdrops on Hyunwoo's conversation, tailing him to the elevator. His tranquility is shattered by a call from Suho. Suho arrives shortly, initiating a candid discussion with Seojun.
Elsewhere, Jugyeong finds herself in a tumult of thoughts concerning her relationship with Hyunwoo. She's plagued by the fear of what might unravel if Hyunwoo learns about her so-called "ugly side." Just before she applies her waterproof makeup, a knock on her door heralds the arrival of Suho and Seojun. The duo enters her room with the intention of unveiling the truth about Hyunwoo to her.
The boys meticulously search the room, and Suho discovers the camera Hyunwoo cunningly concealed in one of the lamps. Jugyeong stands puzzled, wondering what's afoot. Suddenly, we're transported back to a scene teased in last week's episode—Seojun laying Hyunwoo out with a punch and dialing the police. Hyunwoo tries to deflect blame, claiming Sujin orchestrated the entire scheme.
Seojun and Suho chase Hyunwoo relentlessly. During the pursuit, tragedy strikes; Suho is struck by a vehicle. The narrative jumps to Seojun at Gangrim Hospital, engaging with a hospital staff member. Later, Seojun and Jugyeong visit Suho in his hospital room, where Seojun suggests Jugyeong wait outside. Jugyeong dials Sujin, proposing a meet-up at a cafe.
At the cafe, Jugyeong confronts Sujin, inquiring if Hyunwoo's accusation was true—that Sujin orchestrated this romantic setup. Sujin toys with Jugyeong's emotions, leaving her astonished and hurt. Jugyeong reprimands Sujin, revealing that Suho's injury is a direct consequence of Sujin's actions.
Sujin argues vehemently against the prevailing opinion and storms off. Meanwhile, Seojun keeps a vigilant watch over Suho in the hospital. Suddenly, we are transported into a vivid flashback. There, we witness Suho bravery defending a classmate named Seyeon from a group of bullies. Seojun arrives on the scene and lends Suho a helping hand. Intrigued, Seyeon attempts to persuade Seojun to join him as a trainee, showering him with praises for his untapped potential. However, Seojun brushes off Seyeon's offers despite the latter's admiration. Soon after, Suho steps in and proposes a meeting among the three to discuss matters further. Seojun and Suho come to realize that Seyeon has once again fallen victim to bullies. Seyeon brushes off the incident with a nonchalant attitude, believing that life's difficulties are but passing storms. As Seyeon rambles on, Seojun finally agrees to consider giving the trainee audition a shot.
Some time later, our trio lies sprawled on the ground, Seojun confident that they would all make it as a group. However, fate has other plans as we learn that Seyeon will debut solo first. Seyeon chuckles, teasing the boys for not putting in enough effort. The scene shifts to Suho resting peacefully in the library, where he wakes up to the shocking news of Seyeon's suicide, accompanied by a farewell note for his loved ones.
Later on, Seojun confronts Suho, laying the blame for Seyeon's tragic demise solely on him. The narrative then pulls us back to the present day. Jugyeong prays for Suho's wellbeing, but her thoughts are interrupted by a call from Sua. Sua informs Jugyeong that a malicious rumor about her has been spread on the school bulletin board. Jugyeong scans through the hurtful comments, reminiscing about the kindness she has extended to everyone. Overwhelmed with emotions, she dashes towards a nearby railing. Amidst her reflections on her journey, Jugyeong dumps Hyunwoo's camera into the river, vowing never to retreat again.
With a newfound resolve, Jugyeong applies makeup and heads to school to confront Sujin. Sujin, however, refuses to engage in any conversation with Jugyeong. Frustrated, Jugyeong snatches Sujin's mirror, declaring her defiance, and throws it aside. As Jugyeong walks away, the episode concludes with her pondering whether she made the right decision.
