Drama Review: Flower Boy Next Door Episode 2

Flower Boy Next Door

Episode 2

            Jin Rok read the note Dok Mi left on his door.  As expected of our frugal heroine, she enumerated different ways to reduce maintenance fees.  Actually at first I thought the notes are from Watanabe.  My bad! J

            The introverted and solitary Dok Mi who feels anxious every time she is out of her element mentioned in the later part of her note a favor:  if Jin Rok could take her place to be the representative in the next demonstration.  And she required an answer by the afternoon.  Jin Rok was of course reluctant about it because he was already once the representative and he doesn’t necessarily like the job.

            Dong Hoon noticed the note, grabbed it from Jin Rok, and reacted about one item in the list—not flushing after peeing!  Jin Rok thought he is being shallow by not able to read between the lines.  He told Dong Hoon that it has to do with poverty and that it is something people hide.  He was almost insinuating that the very person who wrote the list is being frugal because she needs to be.  Huh!  It’s not like they don’t need to!  Then typical of Dong Hoon, he thought that Jin Rok was being weird for having that kind of mentality.

            Jin Rok checked whom the message was from and the text states room 402 [and he knows who that’s from].  He approached the door to head to apartment 402 when he heard the doorbell.  He wasn’t really expecting anyone so he was stumped to see a stranger with a basketful of goodies smiling at him.  Watanabe introduced himself.

            Meanwhile, Dok Mi was back to secretly watching Han Tae Joon.  She realized that “Blackie” is safe.  She tried to capture Tae Joon’s every move but ended up getting caught by Enrique who was watching her the whole time.  She can’t help but focused the binoculars to Enrique because of too much bewilderment.  Enrique signaled to her that he sees everything she is doing.  She closed her curtains out of shock.  She was disoriented that she didn’t realize what Enrique tried to tell her until after she thought about it again.

            Now the fuming Enrique grabbed his coat and walked to Dok Mi’s apartment building. Dok Mi on the other hand was ill at ease. 

            In the meantime, Jin Rok and Dong Hoon welcomed Watanabe into their apartment.  Jin Rok asked the guest if he can speak Korean while Dong Hoon was sizing him up and comments on Watanabe’s way of dressing up.  It upsets him that pretty boys are showing up in his own turf.  Jin Rok, however, noticed how hard the bread [Watanabe game him] was rather than what Dong Hoon was spouting about. 

            Watanabe saw Jin Rok’s sketch of his new webtoon character—Rapunzel. Hmm…who could it be?  Jin Rok told Dong Hoon to just mind his own business, pretty much.  Dong Hoon suddenly realized that the girl on paper looks familiar; like he had seen her before.  I like Jin Rok’s way of showing his affinity.  That is very flattering! 

            Dok Mi kept on repeating Enrique’s hand signals to her and her anxiety kept on growing.  Little did she know Enrique was already on his way to her apartment. 

            She saw Enrique through the peek hole on her door and didn’t know what to do.  The ready-for-war Enrique, who was wearing nothing but coat and underpants, pressed on the buzzer determined to make the little snail come out of her shell.  Poor Dok Mi didn’t know what to do. She just covered her ears and bended down like a melting candle.

What really happened in the past…

Dok Mi, in her school uniform, lies on a couch inside a psychologist’s office under hypnotism.

Specialist:  Dok Mi, what do you hate the most?

Dok Mi:  the sound of someone knocking on the door, the sound of the phone ringing, intercom buzzing, the sound of someone calling out her name.

Specialist:  Why do you hate those things?

Dok Mi:  Because it means having to face someone.

Specialist:  When did you start hating to face people?  Did it start after that incident? 

She didn’t answer right away.  Instead she cried. 

Back to present…

            Because Dok Mi wasn’t opening the door, Enrique kicked and punched the door which startled Dok Mi even more.  Despite that, Dok Mi was not opening the door.  Enrique gave it his best shot and kicked the door really hard.  Dok Mi fell down and the other 3 flower boy neighbors heard the loud sound of his kicking.  Enrique threatens her to call the cops on her if she doesn’t open the door. 

            Dong Hoon, Jin Rok, and Watanabe checked out what was going on and who could be throwing a fit at their neighbor who doesn’t get even an hour of full sun exposure! Dong Hoon realized it was Enrique Geum, the famous gamer.  Hoon cannot believe what he was seeing so he planned to take a video of Enrique but before he was able to do so, the three of them fell on the floor, one on top of another, and got the attention of Enrique.  This made the latter stopped what he was doing.

            Dok Mi wondered why the kicking stopped.  Enrique acknowledged the presence of the three neighbors then got back to business.  He knocked on the door again.  Meantime, Dong Hoon was speculating that the girl in apartment 402 is Enrique’s girl but made it sound like Jin Rok would be the first to think that.  Jin Rok didn’t say anything and just continue to observe what Enrique was doing but with a hint of scrutiny.  Jealous?

Enrique then asked the guys if they know the “guy” that lives in room 402.

Jin Rok: Man?

Dong Hoon: Man?

Watanabe: Man?

Dok Mi: Man? (inside wondering)

Enrique:  Yes.  Man. 

            Jin Rok censured him for reacting the way he did without checking out first who actually lives in apartment 402.  Enrique explained about the peeping incident since last night.  Or so he thought.  Only since last night?  Jin Rok, however just continued to tell him that the tenant is a woman and not a man.  It is a total surprise for Enrique. 

            The security guard of the apartment building came and asked what is going on.  Once again, Enrique explained about the peeping situation and this time reiterated that it doesn’t matter if the culprit is a man or a woman.  He even explained about the creepy feeling he had the night before because he was sensing that someone was spying on him.  Jin Rok, on the other hand didn’t look convinced. 

            For some reason, the Security thought Enrique was the pervert instead of the tenant in 402 since he was the one who was inappropriately clothed.   Later the other lady neighbor that the first likes came out of her room and the Security Officer acted even tougher [and like he knew what he was doing] to impress her. 

            Dok Mi can hear everything from inside her apartment and seemed a little bothered by the fact that the victim was the one being treated like the scoundrel.  Jin Rok chiseled in to clear the misunderstanding.  Dong Hoon stopped him and adviced him not to get involved.  The lady tenant on the other hand was looking impressed by the security guard.  One handsome point for the guard; poor Enrique because he has to be the pawn.

            Dok Mi was going bananas with what was going on just right outside her door and on top of that, because of her.  She came out.  Probably to clear the misunderstanding?  Looking at her face now, Enrique realized that she was the same girl crying outside Tae Joon’s door the day prior.  His reaction upon the realization startled Dok Mi causing her to hide back inside her shell like a turtle that pulled her head back into her house. 

            The security guard insisted on taking Enrique to the police for indecent exposure and lewd behavior.  Once again hearing this caused Dok Mi to come out and very quickly explained the situation.  Just like everyone else in the hallway, Jin Rok was surprised by the sudden revelation.  However, this didn’t stop him from covering up for Dok Mi.  He gently pushed her back inside her apartment and told her that he will take care of the situation and the representative responsibility.  Both Enrique and the security guard asked him what exactly Dok Mi said.  He was not telling them, though.  He continues to cover up her tracks and insists that it was all a misunderstanding.  Oh how sweet!

            Dok Mi felt relieved.  Enrique?  The exact opposite.  The Security Guard, pretended that nothing happened.

While having a silent fit at the elevator, Enrique noticed an announcement/bulletin posted on the elevator wall. 

            Back into Jin Rok’s apartment, Dong Hoon still wasn’t over what just happened.  He looked like he was having fun with the thought that women spy on good-looking men too.  The first on the other hand was defending Dok Mi by saying there was nothing about Enrique that is worth peeping on.  However, Dong Hoon was convinced that Dok Mi was indeed the peeping tom because if she wasn’t then why didn’t she just say something or scream at Enrique.  Jin Rok replied that it’s because she was a kind, pure and clear.  Hoon was sensing something.  No matter what Jin Rok said, he still was thinking that Jin Rok likes Dok Mi. 

            Dok Mi closed all her curtains.  Enrique pushed a chair towards the window facing Dok Mi’s apartment.  He just found a way to make his stay in Korea exciting.  It was like a declaration of war.

            The day continued for Dok Mi.  She received a text message from her boss saying she will only get a portion of her payment because of some circumstances.  She complained about the bad news.  It’s not like her pay is that much for her boss to divide it into portions.  Unconsciously, she opened her curtains and saw Enrique across into the other apartment.  She shut her curtain back.  She peeked out again.  This time Enrique showed her his wine glass insinuating he was there [on his spot] to stay.  She opened the curtain again.  There was no Enrique but there was a sign stating he will be back.  Unbelievable!

            She was wondering who was Enrique, when she heard the security guard announcing that attendance is a must in the upcoming demonstration.  Dok Mi really didn’t want to go out but she looked at her rice container and she’s almost out. 

            Jin Rok presented the story behind his Rapunzel idea to his editor.  How did the story go?  Well, pretty much like Dok Mi.  Very Dok Mi!  The editor was frustrated because she is not satisfied with how the story ended.  There was nothing so special about it at all.  She wanted the Rapunzel character to be brought back to the world because of the next door neighbor’s love.  “Love of miracle,” she screamed. That was so funny!  I know she wanted to say, miracle of love.  She also questioned why he [referring to the male character] can’t confess his love to Rapunzel.  Jin Rok defended his idea like he was explaining why he can’t confess to Dok Mi his love for her—he doesn’t want to throw her into the world of chaos because his confession might make things difficult for her.  The defense brought tears to the editor. And the editor got a look from Dong Hook that almost says “this woman is a total nutcase!”  Anyways, both guys were ecstatic when the editor told them to submit episode 1. 

            The out of options Dok Mi came out of her comfort zone and joined the meeting organized by the security officer.  This was the first time that other neighbors saw her so they were surprised.  Watanabe was also introduced to the neighbors.    The guard announced who the new representative will be.  Before he could continue, Jin Rok volunteered to take the place of the tenant in 402. 

            Watanabe suddenly stood up and announced that he is giving cooking lessons.  The madam that the security officer has an interest in got really excited which bothered the latter.  And because the madam said she will come to his apartment for the lessons, the security guard invited everyone to come to Watanabe’s apartment for the lessons every Wednesday.  It irritated the lady tenant.  Huh!  What a smart move Mr. Security officer!

            Everyone left to start the demonstration but Dok Mi stayed behind.  Jin Rok found an opportunity to approach her.  He told her that he will take over the responsibility and invited her to go to the venue with him.  Unfortunately, she declined saying she will go join them in a little bit.  Once again, he assured her that he will take the role of the representative and all she needs to do is to participate quietly.  The whole time he was very watchful of his words and actions like he was dealing with a precious princess.  So cute!  Only to be ruined by Dong Hoon by saying out loud that Dok Mi is a cheapstake; that she should at least pay Jin Rok for having to take over her responsibility as representative then questioning, how is she kind when she is that way?  Ah, that made me laugh out loud!

Now, what could Enrique be doing?

            Back to his fashionable self, he picked up a video cam and pointed it at Dok Mi’s apartment while giving it a fiery look.  He went out to find his target and he found her right away on the roof top of Dok Mi’s apartment.  Thanks to Dong Hoon and Jin Rok who kept on arguing about Dong Hoon’s inappropriate behavior while going down the stairs which Enrique heard, which gave him the idea where poor Dok Mi was. 

Drum roll!  And now, the confrontation…

            Enrique was pretending like he was just clarifying whether she was the girl who he met in front of Tae Joon’s apartment [door].  Dok  Mi was contemplating whether to deny or just simply not to answer his question.  But it seemed like he was able to read her mind.  He brought out his phone and replayed a 911 call (or whatever is Korea’s equivalent for 911) featuring of course her voice!  Enrique was rejoicing knowing he was able to pin Dok Mi in the corner.  Now she has nowhere to hide. 

            While Enrique was so proudly explaining how he got a hold of the recording, Dok Mi sarcastically said, “good for you.  It’s not like you saved a country or anything.”  Too bad she wasn’t voicing that out.  It would have been interesting to see how Enrique’s insulting smile be bent out of shape and what he’s willing to do next. J

            He kept on blabbering but the thing that registered to Dok Mi’s brain the most was his calling her ajuma which upset her because she’s still in her twenties.  The problem was everything she could have had said in response to what he was saying were all trapped in her head.   What surprised her, however, was that he seemed to be reading what’s on her mind like when she was thinking that Enrique should just stop talking so she can go back to her room.  They still were like they were conversing except she was just talking in her head while Enrique’s responses were very fitting to what she was thinking.  Hmmm…isn’t this a sign of compatibility?  Yeeeeeeee!!! I can’t wait for the feelings to develop between these two!

            Enrique explained to her that now it is clear to him that she was peeping on the dog and not them [or him] and that he overly reacted on the incident.  There you go! Finally that cuddly little puppy in him is coming out!  Then he asked her if she is getting what he is saying.  Dok Mi, nodded multiple times [still, without saying a word].  He stopped his nodding by putting his pointing finger on her forehead and saying one nod is enough plus his charming smile. 

Either his face was too closed to her or his charms got through to her that she and her head were both left speechless.

            His comment about his red nose brought her back to earth.  Suddenly she felt embarrassed.  He assumed that she was cold so he invited her to go back to the tent [where the tenants had their meeting] so they can continue their conversation.  As soon as Enrique got into the tent, she ran towards her apartment.  She was about to open the door when he just suddenly popped up and leaned on the almost all the way opened door.  Enrique, who loves soccer, compared his move to that of a goal keeper.  After explaining a little about a goal keeper, he told her that she is like a goal keeper.  That caught her attention.  She was focused on him while he was talking specially when he said he knows that it is a very difficult position. 

He was looking at her and talking to her like he was telling her understands her situation, then he cheered for her before he left.  How sweet!

On the side note:  the dog’s name is not Blackie, instead it is Hippo.

            Anyways, she didn’t say anything in response to his sincere comments but it left her thinking about the pointing finger on her forehead, his face and smile.  Then suddenly realized:  that young thing dare to tease an older lady?  Then, why am I calling myself an older lady?

            After leaving Dok Mi’s apartment building, Enrique wondered why is it that even if “that old lady” didn’t say a word, he feels that they had a full conversation. 

            Our game world genius Enrique went out for a walk with his video camera [which earlier thought would be used to torture Dok Mi.  Once again, my bad.  Am I being judgmental tonight or what?. Since he is popular, people who recognized him were taking pictures and video of him.  

            Later he was interviewed by some press people regarding his reason for coming back to Korea—the lecture he’s doing which he was asked whether it has to do with promoting his new game.  Instead of trying to convince the interviewers, he invited them to watch his lecture.  It was almost like a tactful way of saying, if you don’t believe me, why don’t you go ahead watch the lecture and let’s see if you’d hear me say anything related to promoting or selling my game.  I think they got the point.   In reality, his purpose is really just to inspire people. 

            After the interview, he continued his solitary tour.  After a while he checked the internet for latest gossips about him—about his 5-year-old son people saw in the plane, he thinks he’s all that, etc.  He was in the middle of it when he received a text message from Seo Young which caused him to remember about his last conversation with her [when he asked her whether the person she loves is Tae Joon].  In the scene, she said “sorry”.  Now it is clear to me that she does like Tae Joon but she just doesn’t like to hurt Enrique because he is her bestfriend and she knows he likes her.  On the other hand, Enrique was trying to let her know that he is letting her go, trying to act like he wasn’t affected.  Poor thing.

            When Seo Young didn’t receive any reply from Enrique, she decided to text Tae Joon asking him if she could see him tonight since it’s been a year since she last seen him.  Tae Joon looked like he wants to see her as much as she wants to see him but he has reservations because of his cousin.  That’s just too bad.  But I commend them both for being considerate.

So while this was happening to Enrique, what’s going on with Dok Mi?

            Dok Mi, deposited her rent pay then went grocery shopping.  Unexpectedly, Enrique was also shopping in the same store.  Enrique was telling the sales lady about what he wants when Dok Mi heard his voice.  She thought it was familiar so she looked around.  She didn’t see him right away so she just ignored her thoughts.  But actually he was just right across where she was at.  She left the store without them seeing each other. 

            In the meantime, a woman in a car was receiving a call stating he found him; that it didn’t take that long to find him.  Who the “him” is,  at this point I’m not sure yet but since the car was parked closed to where the tenants of Dok Mi’s apartment building were having their demonstration, I am thinking the “him” is Jin Rok. 

            In the demonstration the older madam was especially attentive to the younger good looking tenants.  This time her target was Watanabe which didn’t skip the security guard’s keen senses.  No handsome points for him, sorry. J

            Jin Rok saw Dok Mi walking by with her bag of groceries.  Before he was able to say anything, she already said she will come down in a bit.  The very considerate Jin Rok told her to take her time.  Oh my, he better step up or else he will be left behind by the train.

            He watched Dok Mi left with a smile on his face.  Dong Hoon’s radar, of course, sensed that!

            The demonstration continued and Jin Rok was doing a great job.  The leading lady came after a while and their eyes met right away signaling “fighting” to each other.  That was once again caught by Dong Hoon’s powerful radar and commented that the title of their webtoon, instead of it “Flower Boy Next Door” it will become “Scandal Next Door” specially when he noticed that Jin Rok got even more excited now that Dok Mi joined the group. 

            Meanwhile, the lady in the car got out wearing an over the top outfit.  She scoped the apartment buildings and could not believe that whoever she was looking for actually lives here.  When she heard a voice [which was Jin Rok excitedly leading the demonstration], she turned around and walked to where it was coming from.  She was mesmerized by the sight of Jin Rok.  Is Jin Rok the “him” she’s looking for?

            Another turn of head and there she saw a familiar face that is Dok Mi.  She was just as surprised to have seen Dok Mi as she was Jin Rok.  She approached her and checked for sure if it was Dok Mi.  The latter turned to her looking like she just saw a dead man came back to life.  The lady was so happy to have learned that it was indeed Dok Mi and hugged her.  Dok Mi on the other hand wasn’t.  Instead, she remembered an incident when they were both going to school.  In that incident, this lady brushed her notebook off her desk.  Dok Mi asked her why the lady is doing it to her and the lady just said, “just because.”  Hmmm…bully!

            Now back to the present.  The lady asked Dok Mi if she lives in the building.  She also said that she was planning to rent in the same building but she heard about leaks and she can’t have that.

            Meanwhile, Enrique was on his way home when he saw Dok Mi [talking to the “lady”].  He approached her like they were really close friends.  At the same time, the “lady” asked Dok Mi who Jin Rok was.  Okay, so this tells me that the “him” isn’t Jin Rok.  Through that, Enrique learned of Dok Mi’s name.  This time, the “lady” asked her who Enrique was.  Enrique took the previledge to introduce himself as Dok Mi’s neighbor who is a part of the demonstration protest plus a little too much information—they were like Romeo and Juliet and that they used to be enemy but now they are friends.  Amidst all that’s happening, Dok Mi was teary-eyed.  At this point I was already dying to know what exactly happened in her past that resulted to her being the way she is now. 

 

            Then, that “lady” said, “What luck she always has…” [referring to Dok Mi].  Right after saying that to herself, she turned to Enrique and asked him if he lives in the same building.  Enrique just said yes.  Then it was followed by nothing but a continuous pretense on the part of the “lady”.

            A little later, there was a commotion at the demonstration.  Enrique was going to check it out but Dok Mi held his hand and stopped him.  Enrique noticed that she looked really nervous and scared. 

Dok Mi:  I…can you…

Enrique:  (Looking worried at Dok Mi.)

            Before she even finished her sentence she fainted.  Enrique was puzzled about what just happened.   Fortunately, he was able to catch her. 

The next scene was Dok Mi updating her blog:

“That woman’s mouth is like a broken faucet in a mountain village.  Not a single drop comes out when it’s needed.  But it’s like a faulty faucet…that only works in the silence of the night.  All that words that she wasn’t able to say at that moment…come pouring out after the moment passed.   Next time, I’ll make sure to respond like this.  This is how I am going to retort to all the comments.  This, she vows to herself.   That woman always speaks the most impressive lines when she’s alone in her room. “

            The next thing she knew, she woke up in Tae Joon’s apartment.  Enrique laid her on the couch.  Then she started visualizing where Tae Joon does his daily routine.  In her eyes it was all Tae Joon—exercising, vacuuming the floor, eating, etc.  She stood up and looked through the window where she saw her apartment.  Once again, she was brought back to earth by Enrique.  She asked him why she was there and he told her she fainted, that’s why.  He suggested she should get examined then mentioned that his brother (or cousin? Anyways, he’s referring to Tae Joon) is a doctor and he’d be home soon.  That fact made Dok Mi antsy again.  She told Enrique, she’s leaving but he stopped her.  He was demanding a thank you from her. 

Dok Mi:  I really appreciate…your help earlier.

Enrique:  (stopped her again by holding onto her right arm) 

(sad face) Can you…can you…

(sudden change of expression to happy face)  lady can you help me?  I’m about to start doing something really difficult and I’d like you to stay with me.

The door opened and there was the perfect man, Tae Joon.  Her eyes were locked on him. 

Reaction:

From a very simple first episode was an explosive second episode?  It couldn’t have been any better.  If there is anything I could complain about, it would be that episode ending.  It was funny at the right time, in the right situations.  It was feel-good type yet it has depth that will get to you straight to your core.  Like I said before no one could have given justice to Dok Mi’s character other than Shin Hye and now I am saying there couldn’t have been a better Enrique other than Yoon Shi Yoon.  The same thought goes with the rest of the gang.

Enrique and Dok Mi have a lot of similarities.  At first glance they look like they are from the opposite side of the spectrum but if you will observe his reactions on things, the way he talks, you can tell that he is just as lonely as our Rapunzel.  He hides it better because he can be very social or appear to be.  But when he stopped her from leaving the apartment and said that he is about to start doing something very difficult, I can tell he was referring to letting go of Seo Young.  That was indeed difficult and that makes him lonely thinking he is about to let go of something [his love for Seo Young] that he took care of for the longest time.

It will be interesting to see how he and Dok Mi will open their doors to new possibilities.  I am also looking forward to the time when Jin Rok starts to do something about his affection for Dok Mi.  And whatever the other flower boys bring to this series, I will never miss for the world!  Plus who doesn’t want to know what will happen to between the chief security and the madam next door? J

Once again, everyone thank you for reading!