Episode 5 of "Way Back Love" commences with a nostalgic glimpse into the past, where Ram Woo encounters a Reaper soon after his demise. She prepares to escort him to the afterlife, but his resolve wavers at the brink of departure. Intrigued, the Reaper inquiries about his deepest regret, which, inevitably, centers around Hee Wan. Upon discovering that embracing the role of a Reaper grants him the liberty to traverse between the worlds of the living and the dead, Ram Woo makes a fateful decision to seize the opportunity.
In the contemporary narrative, Ram Woo finds himself probing Hee Wan about his mother's whereabouts, their impending visit to Jung-sook looming large in his mind. He's haunted by the thought of her isolation over the years. Meanwhile, another figure familiar with Jung-sook emerges: Ceo Ryu Ho-kyung, the woman behind the waiver of rights document glimpsed in the previous episode's apartment scene.
When Hee Wan presents himself to Ryu and surrenders his student ID, her recognition of the name, thanks to her prior encounter with Ram Woo, unravels a startling revelation. It transpires that Ram Woo's father is none other than Ryu's estranged husband, who betrayed her with Jung-sook. Unbeknownst to her at the time, she steadfastly refused any monetary compensation to keep silent, while Ryu harbored resentment towards Jung-sook for years.
During a confrontation, Ryu confronts Jung-sook, who apologizes for her abrupt departure and hiding. Jung-sook emphasizes her disinterest in anything pertaining to their family. Ryu, in a moment of honesty, confesses her lack of genuine affection for him and admits her desire to marry into his wealthy family. Witnessing Ram Woo and his mother's contentment despite rejecting wealth ignites a spark of courage within Ryu, prompting her to finally sever ties with her unfaithful husband.
Following Ram Woo's demise, it transpires that Jung-sook had ventured out to visit her father, Il-bum. Tormented by guilt over everything, she longs to confide in Hee Wan but ultimately flees. Amidst these poignant revelations, fleeting glimpses of Ram Woo's training as a Reaper intersperse, ultimately leading him to cross paths with Hee Wan as well. Determined, he strives to maintain their connection.
As Hee Wan sets off to reach Jung-sook, her school friends, Yeong-hyun and company, find it arduous to penetrate her emotional barrier. Although Hee Wan receives their messages, she chooses not to respond, preferring instead to arrive at Jung-sook's by bus. Ram Woo, in a heartwarming gesture, holds her hand upon her arrival, imbuing Hee Wan with the courage to confront this pivotal moment.
Jung-sook, radiating with apparent contentment, continues her teaching endeavors. She expresses remorse for her abrupt departure without proper farewells, only to be met with Hee Wan's turn to apologize. Hee Wan confronts her past, casting blame upon herself for Ram Woo's fate. Recognizing the intricacies of the swapped name tags and the observatory's significance, Jung-sook gently dissuades her from dwelling further, enveloping her in a tender embrace as tears stream down both their faces.
Back at her abode, Jung-sook confesses to having navigated life shrouded in anger and resentment, directing her frustrations towards everyone around her. She yearns for Ram Woo to know of her current state, prompting Hee Wan to usher him inside her study from the outdoors.
Within the confines of her home, Jung-sook's passion for painting remains unyielding, evident in her ongoing artwork. Ram Woo attempts to embrace her, though she remains oblivious to his tactile presence. Nevertheless, she retrieves his coat from the closet and dons it, marveling at its warmth. This simple act serves as a poignant catalyst for them to bid farewell in their unique, heartfelt manner.
Ram Woo triumphantly addresses the outdoor lighting issues, yet, faithful to his promise, he vanishes once his bucket list reaches its final checkmark. Hee Wan, in desperation, calls out his name and dashes through the dense forest, her heart pounding with the urgency to locate him. After an exhilarating chase, she finally catches sight of him, and in a tender moment of reunion, they share a kiss that encapsulates all their unspoken feelings.
Hee Wan is loath to let this precious time slip away, but a glimpse into her past reveals a harrowing truth. It transpires that she is on the brink of taking her own life by leaping from a rooftop, overwhelmed by the unbearable reality of Ram Woo's demise that she refuses to confront.
