Flower Boy Next Door
Episode 3
Dok Mi woke up in Tae Joon’s apartment. Enrique brought her there after she fainted. There are so many things about her past that hasn’t been cleared yet so at that point I was just as confused as Enrique.
Dok Mi looked at her apartment through Tae Joon’s window. It is the very same window that provides her the opportunity to have a good look at him every day. Then there was Enrique’s voice advising her that she should be checked by a doctor. When Enrique mentioned that his brother (or cousin) is a doctor and he’s coming home soon, she realized who he was referring to so suddenly said she’s leaving.
Enrique stopped her and complained about her leaving without even saying a “thank you”. Hurriedly, she gave thanks and was about to go ahead and leave but once again he stopped her by holding onto her hand. He looked sad at first but he suddenly changed his mood and very casually said he is about to do something very difficult, so he would like her to stay with him. Dok Mi looked puzzled. In the middle of all that, the perfect man came. Dok Mi was in awe!
Enrique figured that Tae Joon was wondering who the guest was so he mentioned that she is a neighbor. Tae Joon then introduced himself. On the contrary, Dok Mi was agog at Tae Joon’s presence that instead of introducing herself, she said she’s leaving. Enrique caught her right away and lectured her about introducing oneself in return when someone introduced himself. So, she introduced herself very laboriously. She was stuttering like her heart was going to jump out of her mouth. Enrique mimicked her then told Tae Joon than Dok Mi is staying for dinner. She wanted to oppose but it was too late. The two guys already made that choice for her. This was also when Enrique realized that he hasn’t told her his name and so he did. Wow, from a loner, don’t-wanna-have-to-face-people to having dinner with her dream boy is sure a big leap!
Because Dok Mi didn’t say something Enrique childishly complained why she didn’t react upon hearing his name when other people always made comment about his name since it sounds like a foreign name. Dok Mi’s mind was somewhere else. Her exposure was probably too much for her to handle. Remember, this girl is so used to being alone while hiding herself from the world.
While in the middle of what looked like deep thought [despite having two sought after bachelors next to her], Tae Joon asked her to look at his eyes. He was trying to examine her but the whole thing was just too much for Dok Mi to handle so she asked him to stop and said she was fine. Enrique insisted she get tested and that Tae Joon should do a good job because she is his friend. Ha also mentioned that she fainted and all. Therefore, the examination continued, including the sticking your tongue part which made Dok Mi even more conscious. Who wouldn’t when it was your first time to have a good closed look at your crush, then suddenly you need to stick your tongue out?!
Later, Seo Young came looking very excited to meet Tae Joon which made Enrique looked like a kid who lost his favorite toy. But just like in so many K-dramas, wrong timing and misunderstanding happened. Seo Young saw Tae Joon talking to a girl [which was Dok Mi] and thought that there was something more going on between the two, especially because she saw Tae Joon with all smiles for this girl. Seo Young marched towards the two angrily and confronted the owner of the house about manners in front of the guest [referring to herself]. Dok Mi turned around looking really innocent, as usual. So cute!
Tae Joon wasn’t happy about Seo Young’s attitude and put her back to her place very subtly by reminding her that she is not a guest but just a friend of his younger brother. He then introduced her to Dok Mi as Enrique’s friend but before he finished his sentence, Seo Young cut him off and like a jealous wife introduced herself to Dok Mi. She questioned (not asked) Dok Mi if she is Tae Joon’s friend. Enrique chiseled in and explained who Dok Mi is. Seo Young felt embarrassed and said sorry afterwards. In the meantime, Tae joon invited Dok Mi to visit his hospital so she can get a more thorough check up.
Dok Mi thought it would be best if she just leaves but Seo Young stopped her saying the two guys are going to rip her apart for making their guest feel bad or something of that sort. Despite that, Dok Mi insisted and got up to walk away saying she didn’t come for dinner. Unfortunately for her, it was too late because Enrique was determined to keep her as his company during dinner. He knew it will be awkward if it will be just the three of them [Seo Young, Tae Joon and himself]. Is Dok Mi going to be his source of strength in the beginning of his new journey? I commend him for trying his best to let go of the girl he loves for his hyung. But yes, I understand that he would definitely need someone to keep him company so he could keep his sanity in the process. Sadly, keeping Do Mi means she, too, has to undergo the same pain since she likes Tae Joon.
Enrique: Don’t go…ajuma. Help me. Please.
Dok Mi: (looked at him—her eyes asking. Confused.)
On the other side of the spectrum, Jin Rok thought back of what happened during the demonstration. He saw Dok Mi held Enrique’s arm then fainted. Meanwhile, the lady [from the latter part of episode 2; the schoolmate of Dok Mi who was looking for a “him” that I still don’t know who] continued to follow Jin Rok. Later, Dong Hoon and Watanabe came and the first asked if Jin Rok wants some soup and rice for dinner [using some Korean slang which made Watanabe confused]. Jin Rok’s mind was in outer space it seemed like, so no answer from him. A tap from Dong Hoon brought him back to earth. Watanabe, on the other hand, didn’t understand Korean slang so Dong Hoon had to explain to him what he actually meant by what he said. And that girl, who was following Jin Rok, broke her heel on purpose then suddenly acted like she was a damsel in distress in front of the three guys.
She asked if she could borrow Jin Rok’s cellphone. Instead, Dong Hoon offered his cellphone but he said she should keep the call short. That just made me laugh! He’s being good looking and being real at the same time. There’s nothing wrong with that!
Anyways, the girl acted all cute and I’m-beautiful-inside-and-out-because-I-saved-a-cat. Everything she said was of course a bunch of lies. Dong Hoon bought her baloney but Jin Rok didn’t look convinced and left them. The girl wasn’t giving up and pretended she fell so she can grab a hold of Jin Rok’s arm. Jin Rok just asked her if she was okay then continued to walk. She tried the same trick over and over but to no accord. In the meantime, Watanabe and Dong Hoon [of course, especially and instigated by him] sized up the girl. In the end, they just walked her to a shoe repair shop. That’s it!
Now, from the street, let drive back to Tae Joon’s apartment.
Seo Young very proudly professed to Tae Joon that she bought the flowers [that she brought that night] from the same flower shop Tae Joon buys flowers and that when the lady at the shop asked too many questions, she told the lady that she’s his girlfriend. The whole time, Enrique and Dok Mi, who were cooking, at that time, were very attentive about what the other two were talking about. The mention of the word “girlfriend” stopped Dok Mi from what she was doing. Both Enrique and Dok Mi looked at the other two almost with the same facial expression but probably with different thoughts—any thoughts but happy. And Tae Joon? He looked uneasy. Then Enrique and Dok Mi looked at each other and the first realized that they’re cooking so he reminded Dok Mi to keep her eyes on what she was cooking. I have been noticing that Enrique is always the one that brings Dok Mi back to her senses. I can’t wait to see the moment when he will bring her back to her old self because I don’t think she has always been like this to begin with.
The dinner started out quiet until Seo Young made a comment about how good Enrique’s pasta dish was. Then she suggested that he should just open a restaurant in Korea instead of going back to Spain because Tae Joon won’t meet her if Enrique is not in Korea. He glanced at both Seo Young and Tae Joon then, turned his attention to Dok Mi, who was really quiet. He put the screw onto her demanding why she’s not making comments about the food. She wasn’t expecting any questions. She was there but her mind was erratic in the first place so she choked upon hearing the question. She drank her glass of wine in one shot. Tae Joon looked a little worried. Hmmm…what is going on in his mind? While Enrique looked at her like it was nothing; he just tried to make the situation not so awkward…for him? Maybe. Unknown to him, Dok Mi was just as uncomfortable. But it wouldn’t matter at this point. She’s his cane that kept him standing with his pride intact.
Seo Young commented on him constantly calling Dok Mi, ajuma when Dok Mi is still young. Then she turned to Dok Mi and inquired how she met Enrique. Enrique answered for Dok Mi. He also mentioned that three dramas could be made from their encounters—thriller, perverted erotic, medical or even melodrama.
Dok Mi choked upon hearing Enrique’s answer. She grabbed her [empty] glass of wine and was supposed to drink again when Tae Joon suggested water instead, and handed her his glass of water. This gesture created three reactions: Seo Young—irritated, Dok Mi—happy and smiling, and Enrique—puzzled.
Seo Young suddenly asked Dok Mi whether her being uncomfortable is really part of her personality because she finds Dok Mi’s style irritating. For this unfriendly tone, she received a little sermon from Tae Joon. He asked Seo Young what she has been doing in the past two years that she was acting the way she was. Enrique meddled and told Tae Joon that if he was that curious then why didn’t he see her in the past two years even once, when he knew that he is the reason why she came back to Seoul. Aaaaah, this is just too much information for our poor Dok Mi!
Meanwhile…
Dong Hoon, who looked as if he believed everything the “girl” [that was stalking Jin Rok] was saying was now telling the latter that the “girl” was really strange for telling weird stories and throwing herself at Jin Rok. Jin Rok on the other hand, defended the girl. It was like giving her the benefit of the doubt.
Watanabe showed them where he works and invited the other two guys inside. Dong Hoon continued to talk about the “girl”. He noticed that she was wearing the latest fashion but her shoes were not. From these, he came up with a conclusion: Her coming to Jin Rok was a calculated approach in order to lure and seduce him. Then pulled back by saying, why did she do that when I am here standing next to you? Oh, talk about confidence! Then a senseless conversation continued and Jin Rok surely didn’t sound interested.
Dong Hoon: A beauty like that?
Jin Rok: Beauty? Who is? Wow…your taste in women sure is cheap. So cheap.
Dong Hoon: A woman who’s kind from the front, side and back…that’s the term you use for women like that? The lady in 402 that you think is so kind; there is no way in hell!
Then Dong Hoon suddenly mentioned Dok mi holding hands with Enrique and went “somewhere”. He was curious what the real score between the two, and then he made speculations like they were peeping on each other, blah, blah, blah. But no matter how insensible his speculations were, it still got to Jin Rok’s nerves. As a result, Jin Rok threatened him to kick him out of their apartment.
After dinner, Tae Joon asked Enrique when he is going back to Spain then advised Seo Young to go back with Enrique. Seo Young blew up. She told Tae Joon that she and Enrique are just friends. She asked him if he really wants her to disappear from his sight. There was no answer from Tae Joon nor did his expression said yes. Dok Mi who was very keen about what was going on at this moment dropped a plate and broke it. Tensed?
Everyone’s attention turned to her like they just finally realized she was there. Enrique warned her to not touch the broken pieces because she will get hurt. Wow, it was like a metaphor of the real situation—don’t get involve with Tae Joon because you will get hurt. Once again, it was Enrique who was trying to bring her back to her senses. She continued what she was doing that caused Enrique to raise his voice. Well, we all know that this is mainly because of the Seo Young situation. He was frustrated that Tae Joon continues to push Seo Young towards him when he is trying his best to let her go. In the middle of this, Dok Mi realized what Enrique meant when he said he’d like her to stay with him because he is about to do something very difficult.
Enrique left with Dok Mi but before that he told Seo Young not to cry because whining and crying are two things men hate.
Another group of people had dinner that evening, although, the mood was exactly opposite. The dinner was in the restaurant where Watanabe decided to work and learn Korean cuisine. The conversation among the three was naturally comical for the most part because of Watanabe’s inability to make sense of what the other two guys are saying sometimes. Part of it was their use of slang.
Dok Mi and Enrique were already walking in the cold before he realized she needed to wear her coat. He said sorry and then confessed that now he knows why she was spying on their apartment. He asked if she likes Tae Joon. Dok Mi tried to deny it but he was not buying her answer…until she insisted.
Enrique seemed relieved that Dok Mi doesn’t like Tae Joon. Or so he thinks! He then said that Seo Young and Tae Joon look good together. But why the aura of envy? Since Dok Mi didn’t say something, Enrique insisted again that she really does like Tae Joon. This time, Dok Mi didn’t oppose. Her silence was like an admittance of his suspicion, at least in Enrique’s point of view. Then an interesting conversation between the two:
Enrique: I put an end to your unrequited love, didn’t I?
Dok Mi: I have nothing to end. It is your unrequited love that came to an end. (Kapow! Right on the spot!)
Enrique: That’s not it. It’s my first love that came to an end. My ten plus years of love…over.
Jin Rok was on his way back to the apartment when he saw Enrique and Dok Mi following him. Enrique invited Dok Mi for a drink since his first love and her unrequited love just ended. He even said that they should celebrate since regardless of what happened, there must be some happy memories [gained from it]. He was spouting nonsense like he felt recharged, refreshed, and relieved. Dok Mi once again, just like her normal self, reacted but only in her head and once again, Enrique was able to read her mind. I don’t even know why it still surprised her. It’s not like this is the first time.
Dok Mi: (in her head) Lies.
Enrique: Yeah, that’s right. I’m not totally fine.
Since he could not get her to have a drink with him that evening, he suggested they go on a farewell trip together. Dok Mi said she’s not interested but upon hearing what Enrique said next about possibly ending it alone, she remembered herself when she tried to end her life by jumping off of a building.
Jin Rok saw everything, although, it wasn’t clear if he also heard everything. Anyways, when Dok Mi got into the apartment building, Jin Rok followed her up into the elevator. He was so conscious the whole time only to realize that Dok Mi didn’t even know he was there until a little later in the elevator when she received a call from the “girl” she used to know in school. This is the same girl that seemed to be stalking Jin Rok.
Since I am tired of labeling this old schoolmate the “girl”, I’ll call her by her name even though it wasn’t really mentioned yet in the drama. So she is supposed to be Do Hwi. She called Dok mi and inquired how much the rent is in her apartment building because she’s planning to have a home office there. Dok Mi denied that she lives in the building but Do Hwi apparently saw her entered the building. Too late, though because the first already hung up the phone. She was really upset specially that her 3 other friends laughed at her.
Back to the elevator scene…
It seemed like the call from someone unexpected made Dok Mi’s mind wander again. She wasn’t aware that the elevator door already opened. Jin Rok, didn’t do anything either up until the door was about to be totally shut. He stopped the door with his hand and although it hurt, he pretended not to feel anything. How sweet! Anything for the girl he likes. I just noticed that if Enrique is always the one to bring Dok Mi back to her senses, Jin Rok has always been her eyes and ears when her mind was somewhere else. Do Hwi is right. Dok Mi is indeed lucky!
That evening three flower boys spent their evening contrastingly. One was working while increasing his knowledge of the world through cuisine. That was Watanabe. The other was working on increasing his knowledge of worldly things through women. That was Dong Hoon. The third was in front of the computer looking at his webtoon characters that he modeled after real people including himself. He was worried about the main character in the real world and was trying to figure out what was going on with Enrique. Out of frustration, he distorted Enrique’s character in his webtoon. This was no other than the silent lover boy next door, Jin Rok.
Dok Mi was now back at her apartment. She saw Tae Joon and Seo Young taking inside his apartment. She remembered Enrique telling her earlier about his love for ten plus years ending. She looked down her her window to check if Enrique was somewhere outside the apartment. She didn’t see him.
Enrique was actually in an Internet cafe playing soccer in the computer. He was playing but his mind was busy thinking about something else, and his heart? It was hurting.
Dok Mi looked to Tae Joon’s apartment again and she saw Tae Joon sat right next to Seo Young and wrapped his right arm around her shoulders. She looked sad, pouting and almost automatically looked down like she just got defeated. It was then when she saw Enrique walking back to his apartment building. She felt worried for Enrique. She watched what was going on with Tae Joon and Seo Young again and she saw the girl embraced Tae Joon. She turned the other way; she just couldn’t bear to look at the two. After a while, she wondered again where Enrique went. At this time, Enrique was just right outside their apartment door. He was looking back at his conversation with Seo Young.
Enrique: I should probably stop, right?
Seo Young: I’m sorry.
Enrique: I’m not a participant in the love plane. Just because I got the ticket first…it’s not like I can declare that it’s my seat. And I hate hearing the words “I’m sorry”. Have you forgotten?
When it seemed like Seo Young left the apartment, Enrique came in. Dok Mi was worried that he must be cold because he looked like it. I can’t wait for her to turn her attention either to Jin Rok or Enrique. L
That evening, Dok Mi updated her blog.
People that think happiness is something that’s always within their reach…I wonder how happy they must really be? That woman …always too nervous when she finds herself to be too happy. To that woman happiness is like blow bubbles we used to play when we were little. The moment she tries to touch the bubbles carrying the lights of rainbow around her, they burst. In front of happiness, that woman always gives up even before reaching out her hand.
The next day someone came to put one of those daily messages on Dok Mi’s milk carton. It wasn’t the delivery man just like she thought. I think this is Jin Rok. I have a strong feeling but a twist would be just as good. This secret angel, found a note on her door stating she is thankful for his messages every day.
Enrique, on the other hand, continued to bug “ajuma”, referring to Dok Mi to go on a farewell trip with him. This time, she voiced out what she really thinks—about him calling her “ajuma”, them not being really closed to go on a trip together with matching assertive voice. Unfortunately, Enrique wasn’t really there in front of her. It was just her and her imagination. And all these, are all part of her dream. She woke up wondering what the heck that dream was about!
She got up, went on with her daily routine, except this time that didn’t include spying on Tae Joon. She was heating up her milk when she got a text message from Enrique wanting to meet her at “the end of the earth village” at 9 a.m. She didn’t want to go but couldn’t think of a perfect alibi to tell Enrique.
In Jin Rok’s apartment are two tired bodies. The doorbell rang that woke up Jin Rok but instead of opening the door, he pushed Dong Hoon off the bed and took his spot. The out of choice Dong Hoon was forced to open the door. A man at the door said they have to vacate their apartment immediately that morning. Dong Hoon asked who ordered that. The man only said the owner. Upon hearing this Jin Rok, panicked and shouted at Dong Hoon to lock the door quickly. He then checked his cellphone and realized that the rent was due. The worse thing is, he didn’t have any money in his account. Dong Hoon didn’t think it was a big deal that they were a day late of paying the rent until Jin Rok told him that it is part of the lease agreement. Then they both looked back at what the owner told them regarding the lease conditions. The thing was, Jin Rok signed the lease without even seeing the owners face. The owner’s face was all covered that day of the meeting.
Let’s go back to Dok Mi and Enrique. Dok Mi finally thought of a good excuse: her grandmother is sick and she needs to go see her. Upon receiving this text message, the second hurriedly asked for Tae Joon’s car key and headed out.
In Dok Mi’s apartment building, there was a commotion. The two men that were hired to clean Jin Rok and Dong Hoon’s apartment were determined to do just what they were paid to do. The two gave them what they thought were valid arguments a.k.a excuses but it wasn’t working. In the middle of it came Watanabe.
Meanwhile, Enrique was on his way to Dok Mi’s apartment. He met the security officer and gave him a big childish smile. J And Dok Mi? She heard everything that’s going on outside her door. Anyways, Jin Rok and Dong Hoon still owed 120,000 won. They were being pushed to the edge here so Dong Hoon was forced to let go of his remaining 50,000 won he was hiding in his shoe and Watanabe lent him another 50,000 won so now all they need was 20,000. Dok Mi was contemplating whether to give them the rest of the money they need [which she had right at that moment] but of course it won’t be easy for this socially challenged being.
In the middle of all the chaos, Enrique and the chief security came. The security was there because he was ordered by the owner to open their apartment. He told them that he needs to do it because his job is on the line. Right at that moment the old lady next door came out and was wondering what the commotion was about. In the end, Dok Mi handed out the money to Dong Hoon. But of course she didn’t get out of her shell especially now that Enrique was there too.
Now, outside of her door are two flower boys. One saying he will pay back the 20,000 won and the other asking her to hurry because there’s not much time left. Not much time? For what? Dok Mi didn’t know what to do.
Jin Rok showed the chief security that the deposit went in so if they step inside his apartment that he will report them for trespassing and he might also report the guy who was making a fuss outside a girl’s apartment [referring to Enrique]. I smell jealousy!
Because Enrique didn’t stop knocking, Dok Mi decided to come out. Enrique checked if she’s dressed warm enough and when he was satisfied he told her they’re ready to go. He pulled her out of her apartment like he was really in a hurry. For what? Hmmmm. Jin Rok was left wondering what was going on and what’s between the two.
Enrique and Dok Mi left in Tae Joon’s car. Inside, Dok Mi was still kind of like stressed with the whole deal with this thought in mind: I took every possible precaution. How did I get stuck with this guy? Then she didn’t realize she voiced out her other though: Where did a jerk like this come from? It was a good thing Enrique didn’t hear what exactly she said. That was funny, actually.
Enrique told Dok Mi to type in her grandmother’s address in the navigation but Dok Mi chose to be dropped off at the terminal instead. Enrique, on the contrary insisted that he drive for her—“This is not the time to talk about saving face when your grandmother is sick”, he said. He has a point. The thing is, it was just an alibi. She didn’t have a choice. She had to stick to her alibi.
Finally, Jin Rok decided to step up and ran after his girl. Was it too late?
We’ll find out in episode 4. J
Reaction:
The episode wasn’t long but it was packed with so many happenings. There are still events in Dok Mi’s past that are yet to be revealed. I like that the reveal is not given in one shot. This style actually, to me, makes the drama interesting because the viewers will keep on asking/having questions which will make them want to see the next episode.
The writers sure did a great job for making the drama this interesting this early in the series. I can’t wait to see what else this drama has to offer.
Once again, thank you for your time! J
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