Episode 8 of "When The Stars Gossip" unfolds with an intriguing twist as the Scorpion embarks on its return to Earth, leaving Ryong stranded on the lonely observation deck. However, a surprising revelation unfolds—Eve isn't actually aboard the ship! Determined not to abandon anyone, Eve makes a bold decision to join Ryong. She intends to utilize the attached G.O. Ship to catch a ride back, if possible, but this daring plan necessitates a treacherous spacewalk across the station's exterior.
The peril of Eve's task escalates as space debris, including a fragmented antenna, begins to swirl around and strike the station. Eve must seek shelter, and fortunately, she manages to cling to the ship's exterior, narrowly escaping the flying fragments. Yet, her safety is still far from assured. An oxygen leak poses a critical threat, and the pressure within her suit becomes increasingly dangerous. Compounding her challenges, a crack appears in her helmet's glass.
Despite these formidable obstacles, Eve persists and eventually rejoins Ryong on board the ship. Their reunion is heartfelt, with Ryong expressing his apologies and hesitantly revealing his feelings for her once again. Eve decides that once they return to Earth, they should give dating and being together a proper chance. And amidst their emotional exchange, the pair share a passionate kiss.
As they indulge in their kiss, Eve ignores the MCC's frantic and worried communications, a humorous contrast to their anxious uncertainty about her whereabouts. Meanwhile, the media has already begun reporting on the Scorpion's return to Korea, falsely assuming all six crew members are on board. In reality, two are still stranded.
A press conference is held to clarify the situation, but the atmosphere is tense and awkward, especially for Tae-hui, who bears a heavy burden of responsibility. Dong-a's impatience doesn't help matters, as he seeks to ascend to space himself and is aware that they have at least a week before another vessel can be sent to rescue Ryong and Eve.
Aboard the space station, a new twist unfolds with dramatic flair. The debris has torn through the station, leading to a leakage within the escape pod. Igniting the engine thrusters could spell doom, triggering a catastrophic explosion, yet with the naked eye, discerning the risk is impossible, and without starting the engine, they remain in the dark. This solitary means of evacuation is fraught with peril.
Sure enough, Eve conducts her checks, only to witness the pod explode. Though they are momentarily safe, the vessel is rendered useless, cutting off their path back to Earth. This development poses a critical dilemma, especially for Ryong, who was on the brink of typing a message to Eve on his phone, detailing his work with the embryos. Yet, their pressing concerns lie elsewhere—specifically, with the fried solar arrays.
Eve scraps to devise a solution, while Ryong inspects the egg and notices it has transformed into a morula. To prolong their survival, they must dwindle their power consumption to the bare minimum. As Ryong embarks on his ninth day aboard, time becomes a precious commodity. To conserve as much as they can, the pair cocoons inside their pods, awaiting rescue, using alcohol to fend off the chill—a not-so-bad idea, until Eve's legs and feet begin to throb with pain.
Ryong ventures out of his pod to assist her in stretching, ultimately nestling close to her within the same pod. This strategy to conserve body heat proves ingenious, prompting Eve to suggest they strip down to their bare essentials. While sharing intimacy, Ryong unveils the morula's development. Eve, ever hopeful, proposes they make it their final wish to save the nascent life.
With a tender kiss, Ryong decides they should achieve what the mice could not—experience the act of love in the vastness of space.
