Drama Review: Flower Boy Next Door Episode 4

Flower Boy Next Door

Episode 4

            Jin Rok decided he’s not just standing still and watch a new comer snatch the girl he values for so long.  What used to be a secret lover from next door is now running to fight for his love.  If he was a cheetah or a raging lion at best, he could have had a chance to catch up with a moving car.  But he wasn’t.  So his last resort was to scream, “STOP!”

            The car stopped.  Not because they heard him but because of a biker crossing the street.  Dok Mi looked really funny when she gave Enrique a hands-off-my-chest-jerk look at Enrique when he placed his arm really closed to her chest [to protect her from lunging forward].

            The guts, the effort, determination went down the drain and the poor Dong Hoon was the only one left to receive all of Jin Rok’s rage.  It didn’t make sense to Jin Rok how was everything was so easy for Enrique—first, the webtoon, now the girl.  He found her first.  He noticed her value first, so who is Enrique to just cut in and take his place in line.

            Jin Rok was a total scrooge the whole time.  He got even grumpier when Dong Hoon kept on mentioning Enrique in their conversation.  The poor thing; he couldn’t figure out what’s going on with Jin Rok nor have any idea what he did wrong to get all his shouting and grump cookies.

            Do Hwi and her posh friends searched the mailboxes and found out that Dok Mi indeed lives in the building.  When Dong Hoon arrived at the crime scene, she suddenly put up her cute little bunny act.  Her friends were disgusted with her fake façade.  That was actually so funny! 

            Dok Mi tried all means to get away from Enrique.  She told him that she forgot her wallet but Enrique only said they could not stop now.  When older people are sick, it is dangerous.  She’s pretty much stuck with him as a consequence for her lie…white lie?

            Anyways, Dong Hoon was really into Dong Hwi now.  Little did he know, he is dealing with a Xanthippe—a vixen in a rabbit’s body.  Unfortunately for him, the chuckle came from her friends instead.  She’s more interested in his friend’s name.  However, upon hearing the name, it didn’t sound like what she was expecting.

            Dok Mi thought of a new idea to ditch Enrique.  She was going to tell him that she received a call that her grandmother was much better and she’s going to a neighborhood spa.  Her mind was pretty determined to cover up her first lie with another when she heard a girl lying to her BF on the phone with matching pout and all.  This same girl apparently has more than just one boyfriend because here there she was in front of another supposed to be boyfriend lying again. 

            Enrique came back excited about Korean snack shops and was about to tell her that he forgot his wallet when Dok Mi cut him off.  Probably, just listening to the girl gave her a bellyful of lies that she decided to throw up everything and just confessed.  Grandma wasn’t sick and the only reason why she said so was to avoid going on a trip with him.  Then she told him that he has all the rights to be mad if that’s what’s going to make him feel better.  For the second time, she said sorry.

            Enrique said, they can just go back.  After that he confessed his circumstances.  Upon receiving her text message, he rushed out and forgot his wallet.  Now he’s hungry and the car was also hungry too but he doesn’t have any money.  For the third time, Dok Mi apologized and said sorry.  This time, he said he’d really get angry if she said sorry one more time. 

But how were they able to get some money both for food and fuel?

His strategies:

Strategy #1:  Display his cuteness while saying all sorts of lies to get money.                    

Her reaction:  Kept her distance from him while feeling really embarrassed.  No handsome points for you dear!

Strategy #2:  Entertained a little girl using his child-like charm.

Her reaction:  His charm went beyond the little girl and cruised straight to her heart.  A smile came out naturally.  1000 charming puppy points for him!

            School girls went passed where she was standing and were sassy about her blocking the way.  Dok Mi, then, was reminded of the bullying experience she had when she was in school.  Now, this exposure to the world instantly became way too much for her.  Her protective bubble just burst.  As a result, an assertive Dok Mi surfaced:  “I said I want to go home, right now!”

            On the other side, Dong Hoon showed Jin Rok his drawings.  The cantankerous heart-broken grump said he didn’t like then even if he was impressed.  He wondered how the first was still able to draw well even after partying all night.  Mr. Scrooge just got grumpier by the thought.

            He turned away from the computer for a moment and glanced at Dok Mi’s message.  Now this was the message with the list of ways to save energy and money.  He commented that even her handwriting fits her personality. 

            Meanwhile, in the car, Dok Mi apologized for the fourth time—probably for raising her voice.  Enrique told her to just stop saying sorry.  He turned the heat on, fastened her seat belt, and adjusted her seat so she can rest.  Enrique had been noticing that she didn’t look too good.  All the while, his face got really closed to hers and that pulled her outside of her comfort zone.  For a minute there Enrique just barged in her newly sewn bubble.

            Dok Mi fell asleep.  Enrique glanced at her and then looked back at his past encounters with her—that time when he told her she’s like a goal keeper; the way she looked at him before she fainted; and how she was before she blurted out she really wanted to go back home.  He thought of making this girl feel better so he decided to take a different route.  He took her to the beach instead of home. 

            Dok Mi woke up and was surprised to see a quiet beach instead buildings.  It was Enrique’s turn to say sorry.  He said he typed in the wrong address to the navigation system.  The as if trying to calm Dok Mi’s feeling, he said, “How is it that in this big world, it feels like we are the only one that exists.”  Her reaction baffled him.  She left the car without saying anything; looked at the ocean like it was her first time seeing it. 

            What a coincidence, there were shovels and a bucket nearby.  Enrique built a sand castle.  When it was done Dok Mi walked to it and looked at it.  Enrique took her picture.  When she turned to him, he thought she would complain and asked him to delete the picture so he tried to escape from what he thought was trouble and fell in the water.

            On the other hand, Do Hwi was up in the fourth floor where both Jin Rok and Dok Mi’s rooms are.  She pressed Jin Rok’s buzzer but pretended to have made a mistake.  He didn’t care so he closed the door anyway but since the first snuck her foot inside, it got squeezed.  But at this point, she can ignore pain just to get a chance to be with her target.  She claimed she was there to visit her friend [which was supposedly Dok Mi] at room 402.  The whole time she led the conversation and Jin Rok gave her nothing but one liners.  She was about to give up and leave when he grabbed her hand that caused her to fall on his arm.  The ever dreamy [only in front of Jin Rok] Do hwi pouted her lips as if she was expecting a kiss.  That almost terrified Jin Rok so he pushed her away.

            Jin Rok thought that she was his way to finding out about Dok Mi so he let her in and suggested that she call Dok Mi.  Do Hwi tried but Dok Mi wasn’t answering her phone.  Jin Rok was so eager to know where and what Dok Mi was doing with a stranger [referring to Enrique] that he sounded like he was nagging at Do Hwi for not waiting long enough for Dok Mi to have time to answer her phone.  For a moment there, Do Hwi lost her patience and forgot about her façade.  The vixen showed her canines then put her mask back on after realizing who she was talking to.

            The two travelers went to a neighborhood grocery store to borrow something to dry the camera.  Dok Mi commented that he should worry more about himself than the camera.  His feet were wet and he might get frostbite.  Luckily the old lady that owns the store got more than what they needed.

            Enrique even got a change clothes while his wet ones were drying.  He modeled in front of Dok Mi his oversize country-bumpkin pants.  She found it so cute that she didn’t realize she was smiling but this new aura didn’t skip Enrique’s keen sense.  While having their yams and kimchi for dinner, he wanted to drink rice wine but Dok Mi stopped him since he would be driving.  The ever audacious Enrique tricked her and got his way.

            She grabbed the bottle of wine but later gave it back to him.  She couldn’t have said no to that pitiful little boy, could she?  Enrique didn’t like that look he got from her.  Later he talked about Tae Joon is not as perfect as she might think he is.  Her unrequited love is just like any other human being.  Upon hearing the term “unrequited”, she reacted.  She corrected him by saying it was supposed to be something she started and something she’ll end on her won.

            She asked him how he found out anyways.  Enrique said it was because of the way she looks at Tae Joon.  It was so similar to the way he looks at Seo Young.  He added that things like love can’t be kept hidden just because you try to hide it. 

            Now let’s go back to Jin Rok and his mot so welcomed guest.  He was extra assertive this time.  He sounded like he was interrogating Do Hwi; questioning her whether she was really Dok Mi’s friend considering certain premise like the two not seeing each other for at least 3 years and added he hadn’t seen her visit Dok Mi not even once in his three years of living in the building.    However, the clever fox strung together alibis to convince him.

            Enrique needed to sober up so Dok Mi invited him to go back to the see the ocean and off they went.  Enrique asked her if she wasn’t feeling suffocated staying inside her apartment the whole time.  It wasn’t suffocating, she said.  She feels at ease inside her home.

            At the beach, the heartbroken genius was goofing off, dancing, playing around the sand castle saying the ocean is totally opening up his heart.

Dok Mi’s phone rang but she didn’t really want to answer it.  Enrique pressed that answer button for her so finally Do Hwi got a hold of her.  The only reason why Jin Rok didn’t want Do Hwi to leave was because she was his only ticket to Dok Mi’s whereabouts.  He even offered her a tea despite ignoring her the whole time she was orchestrating a conversation.

            Do Hwi told Dok Mi that she wanted to give her a surprised visit.  The latter sarcastically asked the first if Do Hwi even knows where she [Dok Mi] lives.  Of course the vixen already knew after all that mail box investigation.  Later Jin Rok dictated some things that Do Hwi had to relate to Dok Mi.  Dok Mi, on the other hand, hung up saying she shouldn’t wait for her since she’s very far from home.  She just wanted them to remain strangers.  In my opinion, there’s got to be more stories behind Dok Mi and Do Hwi’s relationship.

            Do Hwi related Dok Mi’s message to Jin Rok.  Mr. Grump blurted out at Do Hwi then tried his best to calm down after realizing his edgy temper towards an innocent victim (remember victim #1: Dong Hoon; victim #2: Do Hwi).  He was worried about Dok Mi staying all night with a stranger [Enrique}.  Do Hwi on the other hand, acted like she wasn’t feeling well but it was a waste because he didn’t care at all.  Instead, he insinuated she should just leave since her “friend” wasn’t coming home and was heading out anyways.

            A mailman came to give Oh Jae Won a court order.  Dong Hoon told him there isn’t anyone of that name in room 401.  It was that moment when both Do Hwi and Jin Rok stepped out of the apartment.  Dong Hoon teased Jin Rok for kicking him out earlier so he can have his secret date.  Jin Rok once again blew up on him for regurgitating some bull crap.  Do Hwi left but before she got into the elevator, she heard the mailman asked Jin Rok if he was Oh Jae Won.  Dong Hoon was surprised to have learned that Jin Rok was indeed Oh Jae Won.  Do Hwi on the other hand was delighted to know.  This is actually another angle about this drama that I am itching to know.

            Dong Hoon thought that the court order had to do with the plagiarism of the zombie game.  But besides that he was upset that Jin Rok didn’t tell him his real name.  As it turned out JR applied for a change of name.  JR told DH not to inquire anymore about it no matter what.  Gosh!  Now, I’m really dying to know why and who real is JR? 

            That evening, the demonstration just ended but Jin Rok was still standing in front of their building looking up at their room (or Dok Mi’s?).  Dong Hoon got a beating again for not turning off the lights which was one of Dok Mi’s advices.  But the beating was because Dong Hoon only remembered the urine advice.  Well, if I were him, I couldn’t have forgotten that either.

            Enrique and Dok Mi had no choice but to stay in overnight.  The old lady that owns the grocery store said that they weren’t the first.  It seems to happen around the New Year.  Enrique found it strange since the neighborhood was not easy to find.  “The spirits are pulling you in,” she said.  I don’t know if this is the country’s way of promoting business or cupid is really finally doing his job right.  In most part, he seems like he was just shooting arrows everywhere without a care who gets hit or what that’s why there is a long trail of unrequited love!  My goodness!!!  In the meantime, Dok Mi was probably thinking of real spirits so she looked around like she was kind of scared. J

Next Scene:  in the restaurant where Watanabe works.

            Jin Rok seemed to have posted a question online:  What do you think the reasons are for a woman to be staying out all night?  He wasn’t happy at all with the answers he got.  Dong Hoon and Watanabe just looked at each other, still puzzled with what Jin Rok was doing and saying.  The grump has reached the point of hysteria in the eyes of his two friends.  DH advised him to start dating and even added that he heard JR hasn’t even experienced kissing a woman before.  That just agitated the already heated JR even more.  Then he mentioned about Do Hwi who is closed to his standard but obviously likes JR.  Jin Rok sarcastically said if JH likes her then he is free to pursue her.  Then DH asked about his style [referring to his ideal woman].

            While in front of a wood stove, Enrique asked Dok Mi what she does exactly.  She told him about her editing job.  Enrique was impressed.  Once again, Dok Mi was about to apologized for her lying but he cut her off saying he lied too.  Dok Mi wanted to know what and why did Enrique lied since she told her her reason for lying.  Instead of giving her a straight answer, he asked her why she left the building earlier and sat outside near the parking lot (This was when Enrique was finding ways to get money so they can buy food and fuel.). 

Enrique:  Rather than run into people, you prefer to freeze to death?  Are you that afraid of people?

(No answer from Dok Mi)

Enrique:  When you were asleep in the car…I realized I didn’t want to take you home…because without a doubt, if I did, you would go back into hiding.   If you’re that afraid of people, why don’t you try to get closer to the world first?  I bet if you did, you’ll find out you can stand being around people.  Until I go back to Spain, I’m going to take you around and show you the whole world. 

Dok Mi:  I have a favor to ask. 

Enrique:  Call. Sure… tell me whatever it is, I’ll grant you all your favors.

Dok Mi:  When we get back to Seoul…can you not acknowledge me anymore?  Even if we run into each other by chance, can you just walk on by without acknowledging me?

            Her last words where a shocker to Enrique and told her she’s being too cruel considering she already knew the situation he’s in.  Plus they already knew so much about each other.  But that’s exactly the reason why she feels really uncomfortable with him and she doesn’t like it.  Enrique was perplexed by that fact.  Enrique insisted that it doesn’t make sense not acknowledging each other since they already know each other.  But there seemed to be no way around her.  She’s more determined than she’d ever had.  Enrique felt uncomfortable by what she wants him to do.  “So do I have to feel uncomfortable since you know a lot about me too?” he asked.  In the end he agreed to her but said instead of not acknowledging each other, they should just pretend that they haven’t met each other and walked away. 

            A conversation about Jin Rok’s ideal girl continues. 

His ideal girl:

·         A woman who knows how to say “I’m sorry” first.

·         A woman who doesn’t know greed.

·         A woman who stays honest even if no one in the world is watching.

“What is all that nonsense,” was the first respond he got from Dong Hoon.  An interesting conversation between them followed.

Dong Hoon:  IS the Nobel Peace Prize winner your style?

Jin Rok:  There’s such a woman.  What would a young person like you know? 

Dong Hoon:  Why wouldn’t I know?  A woman like 402?  JR, by any chance….  Seriously! Jin Rok, that woman, do you really like her? 

(Jin Rok looked straight into Dong Hoon’s eyes)

            In the meantime, Enrique stayed in the car while browsing at the pictures he took of Dok Mi.  He looked really fond of her pictures.  Dok Mi, on the other hand, stayed in the room they rented for the night.

In the background was Dok Mi’s voice.  She’s updating her blog:

            What is your truth?  Tell me honestly.  Whenever someone asks her that, she would always keep her mouth shut.  Truth is something that appears like sweet piece of candy or chocolate when its outer wrapping is peeled off.  Just like skin is needed to protect the blood and flesh underneath, a lie was needed to protect the truth.  Rather than to be honest and reveal all her wound, pasting a bright smile on her face and lying… felt safer for her. 

 

            The light in the room flickered.  The Dok Mi remembered what the old lady told them earlier:  The spirits are pulling you in.  She screamed so loud that woke up Enrique who was at that time, sleeping in the car.  Enrique ran towards the room, opened the door and slammed onto her.  The result?  An accidental kiss!!!  Now, how are you planning to handle that Dok Mi?  Will lies cover that truth? J

We’ll have to find out on the next episode! YEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Reaction:

            This episode showed the result of what seemed like Cupid’s target practice.  The arrows flew everywhere hitting the wrong people.  I totally have no problem.  This error on the angel’s part resulted in so many comedic events.  It’s refreshing to see Jin Rok acting like Mr. Scrooge the whole episode.  It made his character more interesting.  I would love to learn more about Dong Hoon.  What’s his story?  Who is he really?  So as Oh Jae Won who turned out to be Jin Rok.  That explains why Do Hwi was surprised to have heard a different name.  Not the name she expected to hear when Dong Hoon told her of Jin Rok’s name.  And how about Watanabe?  I hope he doesn’t just end up being the “friend” of DH and JR who will appear in the show once in a while. 

            Dok Mi, on the other hand, is becoming more assertive than ever.  She doesn’t seem to be aware of it but she does have that side and its slowly coming out.  I like this side better, of course.  Unfortunately, this determination is focused more on hiding than the opposite.  Good thing the “spirits” did something really good!  That accidental kiss in the end will surely be a good platform for the writers to transition her into her new personality.  That was smart! 

            Now I can’t wait to see the next episode.  This is just how Rom Com is supposed to be.  There is balance of comedy and romance.  The main characters have debt that takes this series over and beyond just a feel-good show to watch after a long day’s work.   The audience is always left asking who? What?  Why?  Without feeling un-entertained.  I haven’t seen a Rom Com like this in a while.  There are so many series that are labeled romantic comedy and they would start that way but were not able to live up to its genre until the end.  In most cases, the drama takes over the fun.  I hope they could keep it up until the very end. 

Once again, thank you for reading. J  See you next time!!!