In the third installment of "XO, Kitty," titled "KISS," the narrative becomes an intricate web of deceit and emotional trials as secrets are methodically unraveled and relationships are pushed to their limits. The episode kicks off with Kitty confronting Dae about his labyrinthine lies, encompassing his deceitful dual romances and his false portrayal of affluence. The tension is thick enough to cut, as Kitty eagerly seeks truthful answers, only to have her confrontation abruptly halted by the unexpected arrival of Q and Min Ho, highlighting the relentless and frenetic pace of life at KISS.
A poignant flashback provides a glimpse into Yuri and Juliana's relationship, hinting at a tender, yet fleeting moment of intimacy that was cruelly interrupted, casting a shadow over the challenges they are destined to face. In the present, Dae's longing to confess his feelings to Kitty is thwarted by Yuri, who bares her soul about her relationship with Juliana and her trepidation about the repercussions they might endure.
Juliana's sudden entrance injects another layer of complexity into the narrative, as she and Yuri devise a strategy to keep their romance concealed. The stakes are raised even higher when Yuri's mother metes out punishment by revoking her credit card, threatening to sabotage their plans to witness the ethereal northern lights on New Year's Eve.
Kitty's academic woes are laid bare when her test scores propel her to the very bottom of her class. Professor Lee's stern admonition that she requires a tutor propels Kitty towards an unforeseen twist—being assigned Dae as her mentor. This turn of events sets the stage for a potential rapprochement in their strained communication, yet fate conspires against them, as Dae's faith in Kitty is shattered by a betrayal.
In a lighter, yet equally compelling subplot, Kitty takes on the role of matchmaker between Q and Florian, but her benevolent meddling inadvertently spills the beans about a concealed secret from Min Ho's past, adding yet another layer of intricacy to the group's dynamic. This incident underscores the omnipresent theme of secrets and their pervasive impact on relationships, a motif that weaves through the episode like a delicate thread.
The revelation that Dae is Kitty's tutor should be a beacon of clarity, but it is eclipsed by Yuri's meddling, leading to a heart-wrenching confrontation where Dae terminates their relationship and returns a symbolic necklace, rendering Kitty mute with astonishment and bewilderment.
As the episode reaches its climax, an initially unassuming photo shoot in the dormitory takes a sudden and dramatic twist when Q inadvertently topples over Kitty's mother's cherished photo album. The revelation of a hospital bracelet inscribed with her mother's name hints at a profound, undisclosed secret from her mother's past, thus adding a fresh layer of mystery to the ongoing saga. "KISS" exemplifies mastery in plot development, skillfully intertwining multiple storylines while maintaining a seamlessly cohesive narrative. The episode skillfully balances poignant drama and heartfelt emotion, leaving viewers utterly engrossed and on tenterhooks.
The character development is subtly nuanced, with each individual grappling with their unique set of challenges and personal growth. Kitty's journey stands out as particularly fascinating, as she navigates the intricate tapestry of adolescence, romance, and self-discovery in a foreign land that is Seoul. The episode concludes on a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving viewers with more questions swirling in their minds than answers. The discovery of the bracelet opens up a novel path for further exploration, promising additional twists and turns in Kitty's unfolding narrative.
The interplay among the characters, the vibrant cultural backdrop of Seoul, and the overarching themes of identity and belonging collectively elevate "XO, Kitty" to a standout series. With each passing episode, the show deepens its emotional resonance, immersing viewers into Kitty's world and leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment.
