Episode 3 of "Way Back Love" kicks off with Ram Woo and his mother embarking on a fresh chapter in their lives, relocating to a vibrant new neighborhood. Upon Ram Woo's introduction to his new school, however, a subtle hindrance arises when he struggles to input his family details, subtly hinting at a traumatic past that lingers in the shadows.
It is within the confines of this new environment that we uncover another facet of Ram Woo's mother – a former artist whose talent shines brightly through her remarkable creations. Hee Wan, captivated by her work, eagerly seeks mentorship from her, yearning to hone her skills under the guidance of someone who genuinely acknowledges her potential. Eventually, Ram Woo's mother relents, agreeing to share her wisdom.
Hee Wan's dedication to her craft does not come without challenges, as she finds herself burning the midnight oil, only to drag herself to school the next day, exhausted yet undeterred. Despite her fatigue, her playful antics remain intact, serving as a catalyst for an ever-deepening bond between her and Ram Woo. His frequent glances at her while she sketches intrigue their mutual friend, yet it is unmistakable – a spark ignites between Hee Wan and Ram Woo.
Their shared moments culminate on the balcony, where Hee Wan insists she's witnessed a shooting star, envisioning the scene as a romantic tableau for two souls. Ram Woo concurs, their brief fantasy momentarily revealing their hidden sentiments before they backtrack, hesitant to confront their true feelings head-on.
Later, Hee Wan, empowered by her burgeoning emotions, pens a heartfelt letter to Ram Woo, adorning it with a love heart sticker as a tangible expression of her affection.
Switching gears to the present, Hee Wan's days of solitude appear poised for transformation when a fortuitous encounter with a fellow college student disrupts her isolation. After inadvertently toppling the girl's belongings, Hee Wan is warmly invited to her home for dinner – the girl in question being Yeong-hyun. The scene takes on a comical tone when Ram Woo enters the picture, eagerly pointing out the intriguing details of Yeong-hyun's room, including its myriad of paintings, each one a testament to her artistic flair.
When an entire pile of easels toppled over, leaving their group's posters in shambles, an uncomfortable silence enveloped the area as the rest of the team arrived. The team members scrambled to create new signs, with Hee Wan stepping forward to demonstrate her prowess. Grabbing a brush and paint, she deftly crafted fresh posters on the spot. Her impromptu exhibition of talent garnered her immediate praise and boosted her confidence—along with her social standing. Before long, Hee Wan found herself with admirers and a circle of new friends.
That evening, Yeong-hyun accompanied Hee Wan to grab a bite to eat, where she confessed her struggle to enjoy her own company. Sensing that his new friend was going through something, Yeong-hyun proposed that they support each other through it. This newly forged camaraderie echoed their past bond, drawing Hee Wan and Ram Woo closer. However, Hong-suk's undeclared affection for Hee Wan complicated matters, setting the stage for an uneasy love triangle. Meanwhile, Hong-suk and Ram Woo grew closer through shared board game sessions, cementing their friendship.
At school, an embarrassment arose when Ram Woo and Hee Wan inadvertently wore the same coat to class. The students chanted "start dating," but Ram Woo, mindful of Hong-suk's presence and Not wanting to cause discord, hastily stuffed his coat into his locker and clarified that there was nothing romantic between them.
Nevertheless, some students were aware of Ram Woo's feelings for Hee Wan and rallied around him, urging him to confess his true sentiments to her. As he hurried to find her, he discovered her by the pool with Hong-suk, who was assisting her with her painting and opening up about his penchant for "false starts" in life.
The duo begins to bond, playfully splashing water at each other, their camaraderie growing until the intervention of a guard disrupts their fun. Hong-suk confesses his feelings for Hee Wan to the guard, but intriguingly, she draws back when he attempts to intertwine their fingers. The reason for her hesitation is palpable, and Ram Woo's presence looms as he awaits her nearby. Nevertheless, amidst their interactions, Hee Wan finds herself inadvertently draped in Hong-suk's jacket. She harbors the misconception that their companionship solely stems from Ram Woo's influence and remains oblivious to Hong-suk's genuine sentiments. Consequently, she opts to discard the love letter he has penned.
The narrative then advances, offering glimpses of Hee Wan immersing herself in guilt over Ram Woo's demise. This self-blame has been her constant companion for the past four years, hindering her from either moving forward or accepting his loss. She eventually confides in her Grim Reaper, instructing him to address her by her birth name, believing it will somehow soften the blow of her impending fate. To her surprise, he grasps her hand and confesses his feelings for her, a declaration he wishes he had made much sooner.
