Episode 2 of "When Life Gives You Tangerines" begins with Gwan-sik dashing towards Ae-soon after his grandmother had chased her away, their paths converging in a hurried reunion. As they embark on a stroll together, we are enlightened about Gwan-sik's parents, who eloped before tying the knot, shedding light on his grandmother's stringent attitude towards their public displays of affection.
Ae-soon persists in her playful denial of any romantic intentions towards Gwan-sik, her laughter echoing through their walk. Frustrated by her teasing, Gwan-sik attempts a kiss, only to miss his mark. It's in this moment that we discern Ae-soon's hidden affection for him, as he confesses his feelings in a subtly roundabout manner. Their subsequent kiss is a delightful blend of adorableness and awkwardness, the silence that follows enveloping them in a shared understanding.
Flashing forward, we witness an older Ae-soon accompanied by her children, revealing that her daughter has been the narrator of this tale all along.
Returning to the past, Ae-soon steps into her home to find her stepfather concealing himself with another woman. That night, she eavesdrops on their conversation, where Na Min-ok refuses to take on the responsibility of raising Ae-soon. Desperate and with nowhere to turn, Ae-soon seeks refuge at her uncle's house, where he persuades her, citing financial constraints, to work in a factory rather than pursue higher education.
The following day, Ae-soon leaves her stepfather's home, only to realize his broken promise of financial support in exchange for her nurturing her younger siblings. Homeless and hopeless, she turns to Gwan-sik, her tears painting a picture of despair. He embraces her, offering marriage as a solution, but her heart yearns for a partner from the mainland, a dream that would transport her away from Jeju forever.
That fateful night, determined to alter their destiny, they steal jewelry from their respective homes, pack their belongings, and await a ship bound for the mainland, disguised as adults. Aboard, the captain's suspicion grows, sensing their runaway status, but Ae-soon confidently asserts them as a married couple, silencing any further inquiries with her bold declaration.
Upon arriving in Busan, they attempt to pawn their jewelry, but the shopkeeper swiftly discerns their false identities. Subsequently, as they scour the area for shelter, they pose as newlyweds who have misplaced their wallets, claiming that their identification documents were inside. To their astonishment, the proprietors of a temporary lodging establishment take pity on them, granting them refuge and even providing complimentary meals and beverages.
However, the following morning, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik awaken to discover that all their possessions have vanished. When they confront the owners, the couple pretends ignorance, but it's evident that they've always known the pair were fugitives. They even threaten to summon the authorities if Ae-soon and Gwan-sik don't vacate the premises promptly.
Now left to fend for themselves on the streets, Ae-soon's emotions overflow, as she recalls the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, who cleverly outwitted the wicked witch. Drawing inspiration from their story, she devises a plan.
That night, they spy on the lodging owners as they lure in another unsuspecting guest. Once the woman is ensconced in her room, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik caution her not to extinguish her light. Realizing they can't rob her in the dark, the owners decide to charge her double the next day and retire for the night.
Seizing the opportunity, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik creep in to pilfer their money. They're almost successful until Ae-soon spots the owner's daughter wearing the hair clip that Gwan-sik had gifted her. She attempts to reclaim it, inadvertently awakening the family. As they bolt for the door, Ae-soon is apprehended. The episode concludes with Gwan-sik summoning every ounce of his strength, striking their captors in a desperate bid to rescue her.
