Recap (text only): I love Lee Tae-ri Episode 8

Unexpected couple. Me likey!

Episode 8

Tae-ri asks Min-soo outright what he's doing here. He slips the pendant in his back pocket and admits he's troubled. If the Sun clock is damaged, every thing will remain status quo. If the clock is restored, he might have to leave her. And he desperately wants to stay by her side. Tae-ri is stunned by his crazy suggestion - if the clock is damaged, her life will stopped and the museum will be finished. Min-soo argues that it might not be so; the museum might be alright but her life might be in danger. Tae-ri is astonished he expects her to believe in that. She feels so disappointed with him that she's unwilling to have him touch her. She strides off angrily, muttering her disappointment over his pubescent method of protecting her.

Min-soo chases after her, trying to explain that he wasn't actually going to destroy the clock. But Tae-ri is past listening and coldly reminds him to address her respectfully. Right now, he's just a piece of ice. And until she sorts her confused mind and figure out the truth, he is to remain static. In other words, don't bug her. Min-soo watches her drive away despondently.

Tae-ri tracks down Seung-jae and demands to know how he managed to convince Min-soo to consider damaging the clock. Did he threaten him with something? Well he didn't. He just advised him to consider carefully what he could do for her. Tae-ri is fed-up with his continuous interference. He admits to hating Min-soo but Tae-ri warns him off Min-soo because she likes him. Seung-jae warns her that VP would never let Min-soo off easily. Look what happened to him. Tae-ri is adamant that his change is his choice - not her uncle's fault nor hers. Seung-jae insists that there is a reason behind his actions, that certain unavoidable circumstances forced his hand. Tae-ri coldly tells him there is no such thing.

Min-soo returns home, where an anxious Coach starts asking questions since he's been out of contact the whole day. Min-soo sighs heavily and asks him what he should do now. Coach is worried that he really did destroy the clock. Min-soo wished he had. Coach accepting money and Tae-ri confronting her uncle - it's all because of him. Because of him, a woman's life is endangered. In exchange, he'd rather give up his hope of reverting back to his old self and destroy the clock. Coach thinks he's being silly - if the clock is destroyed, he'd be stuck forever like this. Min-soo wonders if it's his destiny to remain like this. Coach is mad. It's not destiny, it's a nightmare, especially for his parents who wish for his return every night. If he insists on thinking like this, their relationship as teacher-disciple is over.

Min-soo grumbles that Coach doesn't understand. He couldn't let Tae-r idown. She who believed in him so much, who was smiling so happily over their friendship. He walks out of the house dejectedly.

Tae-ri visits the planetarium alone, talking to herself, or rather her dead grandpa.

"Grandpa, I'm here alone again. Even though I promised to bring a friend the next time I visit here. Grandpa, is it really impossible for me? A warm hand holding mine, someone I can rely on when I'm tired - that's all I ask for. In the end, will I be left alone again?

Elsewhere, watching the same dark sky, Min-soo thinks to himself that he couldn't leave Tae-ri just like that. But the Sun-clock moves again. Is it a step closer to being restored?

Morning. CLS group. Seung-jae informs VP that he'd make sure the museum is closed down before work on Time Park is started. VP wants him to play golf with the person in charge of Time Park this weekend. But Seung-jae hesitates. It's the Tae-ri's parents' death anniversary. VP is not keen on attending and tells him to comfort Tae-ri on his behalf. VP also remarks sarcastically that Seung-jae would not be free - he needs to meet his father on that day, laden with regrets towards Tae-ri. (Aha...so his "unavoidable circumstances" involve his father? Finally some clue, I was losing patience.)

Tae-ri shows up unexpectedly. She tells VP that Min-soo is just a nobody, an employee of the museum. VP is not fooled. In fact, he's even more tempted to 'destroy' him. Unless, of course she gives up the museum. Surely, he's worth it since she took the trouble of protecting him, unlike a certain someone. Tae-ri will not give up the museum. VP muses that he should get Min-soo to team up with Seung-jae then. That would surely destroy her.

Seung-jae sees the presentation he used to upset Tae-ri earlier and once again reiterates that he doesn't have a choice. Yeah yeah,we know that already. Just let us know why already before I lose interest.

Paul estimates that the clock will be restored in 5 days, judging by its recent movements. A fascinated Tae-ri is curious by the sudden changes. Paul explains that the change is brought by the interaction between yin and yang. Based on the principles behind the construction, it should refer to the sun and the moon but based on the talismanic properties, it should refer to a man and a woman. He hasn't been able to estimate the restoration period prior to this due to a lack of natural phenomena. The recent changes surprise him as well.

Tae-ri is encouraged by this latest progress. She encounters Min-soo on her way out who remarks that she looks worn out. Tae-ri informs him the Clock will be restored in 5 days so his service will no longer be needed. Min-soo is upset that she thought he was going to destroy the clock. He flings her over his shoulder and carry her to the car, where he releases her. She demands to know what he's doing. He tells her that he's packing her up and running away. She'd claimed that the car can clear up any misunderstandings. So he might as well drive all over the country to clear up their misunderstandings. Tae-ri thinks he's being childish. How could he create and solve all problems so directly and irresponsibly?

Min-soo explains that he has his reasons. He has a secret he couldn't tell her. But Tae-ri is even more hurt now. There shouldn't be any secrets between friends, right? Min-soo would like to tell her his secret now, but she wouldn't listen. Frustrated, he tells her not close her ears as she would her heart. Tae-ri thinks that sometimes ignorance is bliss. If that secret would make her feel betrayed, she'd rather it remains a secret forever.

Tae-ri gazes at the clock, reminiscing all their good times. Later, she consults Secretary Hong for something to do to take her mind off upsetting matters. Hong suggests that she head for some traditional experience, for instance the traditional home she visited earlier.

Meanwhile, a troubled Min-soo lurks at his old home, where he's discovered by dad. His sincere request to eat mum's heart-made dwenjjiangjigge makes dad think he's here to come between him and his wife again. The unsuspecting Min-soo remarks that the couple had Eun-dong between them, so he could never come between them. LOL. So Min-soo misunderstood dad thinks he's trying to replace Eun-dong.

Relieved that Min-soo is not after his wife, dad treats him much better. He pours Min-soo soju and Min-soo asks hesitantly if it's fine to drink. Dad thinks he's still upset about the misunderstanding and apologizes for his rude behaviour and all. The gesture means a lot to Min-soo since it's the first time dad pours him soju. Looking at Min-soo, dad thinks of Eun-dong. He longs to drink with Eun-dong like this when he's all grown up.

Just then, Tae-ri arrives. She's here with a proposal for the couple. She wants to employ them on behalf of the museum to share their knowledge on traditional food and rites. Mum and dad is all excited, especially mum after she hears that they will be paid. Mum insists that she tries her dwenjjang and so Tae-ri and Min-soo are made to wait in a room while mum and dad made the necessary preparations.

Min-soo tries to get Tae-ri to relax to break the awkward atmosphere. He comments that they're surely fated to meet again like this. Tae-ri insists it's purely coincidence. But Min-soo maintains that repeated coincidences constitute fate. Heh. Cheeky. Min-soo notices Tae-ri's glance at a certificate and explains that it's Eun-dong's swimming certificate. They share the same dream. Tae-ri muses that it's strange for Eun-dong to run away from home since he's got his own dream and a warm family. Min-soo tells her it's destiny. It's destiny for him to meet someone. That's why he had to leave home.

Tae-ri wonders at the importance of whatever destiny that led to a 14 year old leaving his home. Min-soo thinks it's an important destiny and shows her photographs of Eun-dong. Tae-ri comments that he looks pretty with warm eyes. Pleased, Min-soo says he's going to grow up to be a handsome man. LOL. Anyway, Tae-ri recalls her chance meeting with Eun-dong and how he helped her. She declares enthusiastically that she wants to help find him. Min-soo looks conflicted. He wanted her to have a good impression of Eun-dong but I don't think he bargained for this. Finding Eun-dong means him disappearing...

Min-soo runs after her, trying to discourage her from looking for Eun-dong, especially since she has no idea where he is. Tae-ri is convinced he won't be far. A child who grew up on his mother's food is surely a good kid. He'll never let his parents suffer. What if Eun-dong doesn't want to return? What if he has someone else he needs to protect? Tae-ri believes he's at an age where he will waver once or twice, but he wouldn't let a moment of impulsive emotion affect his life. Min-soo puts her hand on his heart and implores anxiously; "Is this a moment of impulsive emotion?" 

She withdraws her hand and tells him she doesn't have the confidence that he would remain by her side like this. Just like the child will surely return to this home, she wants him to leave her side, for sure. Well, she might just get what she wishes for soon enough for the Sun clock moves again.

Coach finds Min-soo packing up his belongings the next morning and thinks he's eloping with Tae-ri. Min-soo informs him that he's going home. Tae-ri wants him to leave. Coach is worried he's going to change his mind again. Min-soo assures him he won't but he needs to return the necklace before he leaves, as a closure. Coach is against that since he thinks that Min-soo will waver again but his protests falls on deaf ears.

The AppleHeads gather again. Manager is pleased that Soon-sim manages to snare a contract even in her absence. Soon-sim wants to be leader again but everyone has decided that they are to take turns as leaders from now on. Soon-sim refuses and Mimi mocks her arrogance especially since she was embroiled in a scandal previously. Soon-sim calls her out for being jealous of her and all hell breaks lose as the two starts to fight. Poor Hong-sil is trapped trying to break up the fight and Min-soo arrives to see Soon-sim attacking Hong-sil. He separates them and looks at Soon-sim accusingly while consoling a tearful Hong-sil.

Moments later, Min-soo is still consoling Hong-sil who tells him to go to Soon-sim instead. Min-soo explains he's here to meet her. He's going to leave soon but he wants to do one last thing for Tae-ri. And Hong-sil would know best what Tae-ri needs. Hong-sil tells him that there is 5 seasons in a year for Tae-ri - spring, summer, autumn, winter and... sweet potatoes? When it's that time of the year, Tae-ri would feel helpless and agony, as though  there is a sweet potato stuck in her heart. (it's all metaphorical...) Anyway, right now sweet potatoes are in season and Tae-ri's parents' death anniversary is just around the corner. 

Meanwhile, Soon-sim is seething with anger. She couldn't believe that Min-soo sided with Hong-sil over her. Yeah yeah, it's all about you. Duh. But she's up to something, this one. Sigh.

Seung-jae looks at a photograph of his dad and says that he's going to pay respects to Tae-ri's parents. He asks for dad's help. Oh? Dad is dead? Does he have a hand in Tae-ri's parents' death?

Tae-ri is at Coach's place and hands over an envelope. Coach freaks out adorably upon realizing it's money again. Hahaha. He's pretty much traumatized by the sight of money now. Tae-ri insists that he keeps it. Him accepting it is equivalent to Min-soo accepting it. Coach wonders why everyone keep shoving money at him. Haha. It's money as reward for Min-soo's hard work all these time by her side. Coach bows in gratitude at Tae-ri for sacking Min-soo. Hah. Min-soo is still a kid and he's severely lacking as a man by her side.

But that's not what she means. Tae-ri explains that Min-soo is dependable and strong. In fact, she'd like Coach to be his support until the day Min-soo achieves his dream. She will help him with that. She gives him her card, for him to contact her should the need arise and reminds him to keep this a secret. OK, she's keeping him at arm's length to protect him. Gah...all this noble idiocy is driving me nuts. Coach slips the name card into the envelope and agrees.

Tae-ri is listless at work when Min-soo shows up. He sits before her, placing a small carton of milk on the table. It's strawberry-flavored milk, its sweetness allegedly effective to cure a heartache. And then HE drinks it, to lessen the pain left behind by their previous separation. Hah. He informs her that he will definitely leave but he has a favor to ask of her. On the day the Clock is restored, he would like a hug from her, Lee Tae-ri (Italy) style before the clock, as a farewell gesture. The clock led to their first meeting so it's only fitting that they part before the clock as well.

Coach finds Min-soo studying hard on Italy. Min-soo wants to prepare a farewell gift for Tae-ri. Coach muses to himself that the two of them are like Romeo and Juliet - one side money, one side heart. Min-soo asks his opinion for a suitable gift, on her parents' death anniversary. Coach thinks Soju is the best remedy for such a depressing day.

Tae-ri spends the next three days numbing herself with work. She receives a call from Paul who informs her that the Sun clock will be fully restored latest by tonight. Tae-ri brightens with gladness - it's like a gift from her parents.

Meanwhile, Hong-sil waits for Min-soo nervously in Tae-ri's home. She had thought they are here to erase all traces of his existence so she's understandably upset to learn that Min-soo plans to prepare a meal for Tae-ri's parents. Also present is Coach, who perks up adorably at the sight of Hong-sil, turning all fan-like.

As the guys try, rather unsuccessfully I might add, to prepare the meal, an uneasy Hong-sil voices her concern that Tae-ri might get mad. She's never prepared stuffs during her parents' death anniversaries and usually just remains quietly at home. Min-soo thinks that's wrong and Coach adds that consoling the spirits of departed parents through food prepared with heart - that's his brother. Min-soo chuckles at Coach's attempts to endear himself to Hong-sil.

Tae-ri is waiting for the moment the clock restores itself. She muses that hers is a lonely life. Secretary Hong offers to accompany her but she claims that she's fine. It that is her destiny, she would have to accept it.

She returns home to find a tableful of offerings. But the scenario is so foreign to her that she does not immediately register the function of the strange-looking food. Min-soo explains sheepishly that he's here to spend time with her since it's her parents' death anniversary. Tae-ri tries to make him leave but Min-soo will not be denied. The food should be consumed whilst it's still hot. He tells her to save her anger for another day. She should pay her respects first, since she only gets to meet them once a year. Tae-ri is quiet and Min-soo knows he's won.

Hidden in Tae-ri closet-room, Coach wonders if everything is progressing smoothly. Will Tae-ri hit Min-soo with the screen? Hong-sil wails that she doesn't know. She's concerned if Min-soo will really leave Tae-ri after today. Coach swears on his life to make sure his does. Coach comments that Hong-sil looks pretty humane in person. Hong-sil explains she's a humanitarian through and through. These two are surprisingly cute together. LOL.

Meanwhile, Min-soo guides Tae-ri through the rites. Min-soo assures her that her parents love the food, because they are prepared with love. She asks if he prepared all the food by himself. As if in answer, Hong-sil runs to her, screaming in apprehension. Coach explains hurriedly he only tucked away strands of hair from her face. LOL. Then, he pauses at the sight of Tae-ri and announces "Surprise!" rather belatedly. Hong-sil explains that she didn't conspire with them - she only opened the door for a moment.

Everyone waits in bated breath for Tae-ri's response. She couldn't rein in her smile and thanks them for the food. Min-soo sees her smile and knows she's touched by the gestures. He signals to Hong-sil to blind-fold her....because the surprise doesn't end there. They've prepared a birthday cake for her as well.

Even though her parents left her on this day, but it's also the day she first met her parents. And since they passed away, she had never had a happy birthday, which is why he prepared this for her. Min-soo wants her to go back to her 14 year old birthday. She should speak her heart and blow out the candles starting from her saddest memories. After the candles are out, all that remains are happier memories.

Tae-ri begins after a moment of hesitation. When she was 14, she was upset that her parents were separated. She blows the candles and they begin again. When she was 15, she enrolled in a high school in Milan where she learn to speak fluent Italian. When she was 16, she learned fencing and saw the Sun Clock for the first time with her grandfather. Fast forward to her 28the year old birthday, she met a good friend and lightened up a lot. Because of that friend, she's no longer afraid of the dark. She's grateful and feels that it's a pity that he's leaving her. But he's given her lots of pleasant memories, enough that she's willing to let him go. She smiles at the stunned Min-soo.

At the museum, the Sun Clock has moved back to its original position. Seung-jae shows up before Paul announcing that he plans to fess up to Tae-ri. He wants to tell her everything, including why he's become the way he is now despite Paul's worries that she's not ready for the truth.

Tae-ri thanks Min-soo for everything. She tells him they should leave now. She will fulfill his request. She says she can do it well now - Italian-styled farewell. And so the two of them are back before the Sun Clock.  She asks where he plans to go from now on and he replies that he must go home, where his family is waiting. All that's left is her special goodbye hug - then he can go home. He moves closer and closer while the Clock glows behind him.

She makes no move and when he's about to take that final step, she grabs his hand and drags him away. A disappointed Seung-jae watches them leave, hand-in-hand.

Tae-ri brings Min-soo to the planetarium with the huge star-gazing telescope. As Min-soo stares open-mouthed at the opening roof, Tae-ri explains that this is where she speaks to her grandfather. She comes here whenever she's troubled or sad to be comforted and will feel energized. She points a bright star in the sky, indicating that it's her grandpa. Grandpa wants her to gaze at the night sky. Many things will change in time, but the stars remain in the same position. In fact, there is a star that remains the same throughout the year - the polaris. In rain or snow, the polaris remains in the same position. As if no matter how tough it is, it will remain at her side like the best lover.

Min-soo agrees that the polaris sounds pretty awesome. Tae-ri continues to say that she's promised her grandpa that if she has found such a friend, she'd definitely bring him here. And she gazes at him meaningfully before telling him that she's found such a person. Min-soo turns to her in surprise before registering her meaning. He approaches her slowly and tells her that he can't leave anymore. Then he cups her face and leans in for a kiss. Mammamia.

Thoughts:

Ooo...their first kiss and pretty much the first time they've admitted their feelings for one another. They've been hiding behind the term "friend" for so long that I wonder if they were meant to be friends after all. Now that they are together, I'm pretty sure they'll be facing lots of obstacles and objections from pretty much everyone. I'm not sure I agree that Min-soo should stay as Min-soo and not revert back to Eun-dong. I can understand his empathy and perhaps "deeper feelings" for Tae-ri but is it really reason enough to forsake his parents? He is after all, just a 14 year old and I'm not sure he's making a sound decision. Well, we still have coach to drum in some sense into him so hopefully there's a better solution than this.

Hong-sil and Coach surprised me by being such an oddball pairing. I'm liking them together very much and I hope that the writer take some time to develop their relationship as well. And while we're at that, can we have Soon-sim with Seung-jae again? Imo, they pretty much deserve one another. Seung-jae is taking forever to reveal whatever it is that's affecting his decision I'm not even sure I care anymore. But what's more surprising is that Paul actually knows about it. The secret is being dragged out for much too long and too little is being revealed to whet our appetite for more. At this point, I'm going with the theory that Seung-jae's dad conspired with uncle and caused Tae-ri's death. I know E9 and E10 is out so please refrain from revealing spoilers. :P Yeah, so even if I'm way off in my prediction, you can hint but don't reveal.