Episode 5 of "What Comes After Love" unfolds with an intense confrontation between Min-jun and Jungo during the latter's book signing. Min-jun, his voice laced with determination, asserts his status as Hong's fiancé and issues a stern warning to Jungo, imploring him to keep his distance from her. Fueled by emotion, he lambasts Jungo's literary endeavor, divulging his plan to propose to Hong that very evening. Jungo, with a quiet intensity, counters by requesting a solemn promise from Min-jun—never to leave Hong feeling desolate. Min-jun dismisses this as a trifle, yet as Jungo strides away, he is plagued by the irony of how effortless it seemed to Min-jun, whereas for him, it's a perpetual struggle.
Flashing back to their turbulent past, the scene shifts to Hong's increasingly lengthy morning jogs in the park, a testament to the unraveling of their bond. A poignant glimpse into Jungo's childhood reveals a heartrending moment when, faced with his mother's impending departure, he yearns to stay with her but is ultimately abandoned with his father. This pivotal event instills in him a bitter truth: sometimes, words carry little weight.
Back in the present, the bustling streets of South Korea witness Jungo's return to the book signing, where Kanna warmly invites him for a post-event drink. Meanwhile, Hong hesitantly unwraps the green envelope, each layer peeling back layers of time. The letter, penned a month after their separation, betrays Jungo's profound regret at allowing her to leave, yet he rises above his sorrow, pouring his heart into his book, hoping for a reunion as he pursues his dreams.
After the signing, Jungo attends a festive gathering with the publishing house staff, while Min-jun receives news that jolts him—he's been accepted into a prestigious training program in the US, with a deadline looming. Amidst his excitement, concern for Hong's reaction looms large.
Jungo's encounter with Choi Han, Hong's father and the company's president, deepens the emotional tapestry. Han's contemplative tone reflects on Jungo's book, pondering the nature of love's finality. As Jungo mingles with the employees, his eye is drawn to Hong's blue keychain, a shared keepsake resting on her desk.
Hong's arrival is marred by hesitation, as she seeks refuge in the sanctuary of the toilet. Han's gentle nudge prompts her to attend the dinner with Jungo, where she finds a copy of his book awaiting her. The evening takes an unexpected turn as the staff surprises Jungo with a birthday cake, the occasion melding past and present in a poignant celebration.
It's a Mont Blanc cake, meticulously chosen by her, that holds the spotlight. As curiosity arises, someone inquires Jungo about the real-life woman who inspired the tale. He reveals, with a tinge of regret, that he failed to perceive her solitude, leading to her eventual departure. Hong interjects, observing a shift in Jungo's affections, but he steadfastly declares that his love remains unchanged.
Flashing back to a poignant moment, Hong's world shatters when Rock's call informs her of her father's financial ruin. Desperate for support, she turns to Jungo, only to find him engrossed in work, her calls unanswered once again. Upon his return, his excuse – the untimely passing of a writer acquaintance from his company – fails to soothe her. Hong reproaches him for neglecting her calls, breaking promises without apology, and accuses him of lacking empathy. Pained by his indifference, she utters the ultimatum: it's over between them.
Presently, Hong strides out, her resolve firm, to meet Min-jun at an elegant restaurant. He weaves a dream of a fresh start in America, offering her a ring as a pledge to never leave her feeling lonely. But tears stream down her face as she confesses her uncertainty, her heart still entwined with Jungo's memory. Min-jun gently wonders if their fate would have differed had they embarked on their journey earlier. She shakes her head, knowing even the bond of marriage and parenthood wouldn't erase the ache in her chest upon glimpsing Jungo's face.
Exiting the restaurant, tears trailing her steps, Hong drives through the night, Jungo's image haunting her thoughts. Impelled by an unspoken urge, she reaches out to a colleague who confirms Jungo's return to the hotel. With a bouquet of flowers in hand, she ventures in, her heart racing. The receptionist directs her to the bar, where a scene unfolds that stabs at her fragile emotions – Jungo and Kanna, sharing laughter at the end of What Comes After Love's fifth episode, a sight that amplifies her sorrow.
