Drama Review: Flower Boy Next Door Episode 5

Flower Boy Next Door

Episode 5

            Aaah!  So there was the accidental kiss!!!  So how does Dok Mi cover that up with lies? Hmmm…interesting.

            Enrique got up real quick like he was scorched.  He looked and felt guilty even if what had happened was an accident.  He thought he had to explain and he did.  He explained like a child who did wrong but didn’t mean it.  In short, he said way too much!  All the while Dok Mi was in outer space.  She didn’t seem to notice nor hear his explanation.  He explained it was an accident and it was, but there was no reply from Dok Mi.  Instead he found her speechless, looking blankly into the ceiling so he got worried. 

            He waved his hand in front of her to check if she’s alright but still no reaction from her.  Instead, she suddenly stood, sat up, and when she did, he was taken by surprise.  He reacted like she was going to hit him so he got back to his spot and crossed his arms to cover his face.  Then he explained even more, comparing the incident to a car accident.  He said it was like an accidental car crash; like two cars that accidentally crashed into each other in the dark.  That was so funny!  Anyways, Dok Mi was probably still in a state of shock that she didn’t say anything to him.  She just stood up and left.  Now that he was left alone, he questioned himself what he had just done.  Hahahahha!  It’s funny how men react when something like that happen to them especially with a girl like Dok Mi.  But I bet, if it was with somebody, that’s her exact opposite, it won’t bother him this much. 

            He was left inside still puzzled why Dok Mi didn’t say anything.  He didn’t really know if she was mad or what.  In the meantime, he tried to convince himself to be confident because he didn’t really do anything wrong.  It wasn’t like he did it on purpose. 

            Dok Mi, on the other hand, remembered what she told Do Hwi when they were still friends (or at least that’s what it seemed like in the flash back).  She told her that she will marry the guy she will have her first kiss with. So what now?  Does that include accidental first kiss?  But wait, can she even distinguish between the two?  Does she EVEN distinguish between the two?

            She came back to their room and opened the door abruptly causing Enrique, who was leaning against it, to fall on his back.  Once again, the poor guy explained to her what exactly happened, talking 60 miles an hour.  The he told her, that there is nothing to be ashamed of.  She just gave her a look that almost says, “What nonsense are you talking about?”  Then told him they should head back now.  That was followed by a question whether he can drive now (referring to whether he is sober enough to drive now).  It sounded like a question but it meant more as an order. 

            Back in Seoul, Dong Hoon and Jin Rak continued to talk about the latter’s ideal girl.  Dong Hoon expressed his not-so-good opinion about Dok Mi saying her type annoys him.  And while I was listening to him, I was thinking, “really”.  Jin Rak was irked by what his friend was saying about Dok Mi, especially when he said that even Dok Mi’s name sounds lonely; that girls should be bright.  Jin Rak counter attacked by questioning his preference on women.  Then he asked if those girls, Dong Hoon hang out at night, are bright that’s why he goes out with them.  This last comment seemed to have pushed his friend’s buttons that caused Dong Hoon to raise his voice on him.  Or maybe, it’s because he’s fed up with Jin Rak taking all his anger at him.  He questioned why Jin Rak was so sensitive these days and why was he getting mad at him for no reason.  What?  He’s not even aware that the worst thing you could do to a friend, is to scrutinize his girl—the girl that he hasn’t even started pursuing but was already snatched by some punk who just showed up few days ago! 

            Dong Hoon’s voice was so loud that Watanabe came out to check what’s happening.  He thought they didn’t have money to pay for their meals that’s why they’re fighting.  It was a simple comment from Watanabe but I was laughing out loud.  I guess it’s the timing.

            Jin Rak decided he was going to drink so he ordered Watanabe to bring him some liquor and an extra bottle he would take home.  That sounded like a red alert to Dong Hoon and told Watanabe not to give him any.  Then he asked his help to get Jin Rak out of the restaurant.

            Before Dok Mi and Enrique left the small village, he went back to the sand castle he built and said something like don’t crumble easily no matter how strong a wave come crushing at you.  But before that part, the scene was Enrique reading Dok Mi’s diary/blog.  This was what he was reading before Dok Mi came back to their room, to tell him they should go back to Seoul.  This explains why he didn’t notice her coming back and when she opened the door, he fell on his back.

            I guess you really can’t tell an adult man what to do.  Jin Rak got what he wanted.  Therefore their conversation continued and since Jin Rak pulled all his English words from his dictionary, it is safe to say that the alcohol took their conversation to a different level.  Oh and especially that very strong “oh my gosh!”  That was the last indicator for Dong Hoon to conclude that his friend was drunk at that point. 

            Jin Rak shared to Dong Hoon that one fateful day of his first meeting with Dok Mi.  It was when he was working on moving his boxes in the apartment building.  It so happened that that was also the day that Dok Mi was moving in. He thought that her boxes were his. To check for sure, he opted to open one of the boxes when she said to him that it was hers.  He looked up and saw her beautiful kind face.  

            He was like dreaming a beautiful dream while sharing that story.  Dong Hoon, on the other hand, told him he should have asked her phone number if it was such a fateful meeting.  Jin Rak was chafed once again by that comment.  He told him that his Dok Mi should be treated with respect and he explained why.  Then liberated another of his English expressions:  “you know what I’m sayin’?”

            Meanwhile, Enrique had to stop the car for few minutes because he was feeling really sleepy.  He then showed Dok Mi a video of an elephant that got the attention of researchers for it had learned to understand Korean after it felt really lonely for having separated from its family.  He used its story as a metaphor for Dok Mi’s situation.  He noticed that Dok Mi was crying.  When he asked what the reason was, she denied that she was even crying.  Enrique tried to appease her by saying that the elephant’s story was a happy ending; that the elephant is not lonely anymore.  Then off they go.

            Jin Rak got so drunk that he was like losing it.  He was doing what Dok Mi does with the garbage.  He was separating recyclables from the rest of the garbage.  Dong Hoon was disgusted by what he was doing.  At this point, he thought Jin Rak was in a state when he will just spew information about himself without thinking.  So he asked him again why he changed his name.  Well, he was wrong.  Jin Rak’s expression turned serious and warned Dong Hoon once again, not to ask that question ever.  After that he positioned himself inside a box in the dump and fell asleep.  The poor Dong Hoon didn’t know what to do. 

            The next morning, not even the alarm was enough to wake up Jin Rak.  His roommate felt antagonized by the fact that despite the alarm clock being set, he still always ends up waking Jin Rak up.  Jin Rak walked out to Dok Mi’s front door to attach a note on her milk, like he always does.  It was also around this time when both Enrique and Dok Mi got to the front of the apartment building. 

            Enrique told her that one day the sand castle will be totally crushed and gone leaving no trace behind.  By then, they will be totally over their unrequited love and be refreshed.  He told her that he cast a strong spell on it.  But despite what he said, Dok Mi was still determined to continue her lonely but safe way of living.  Enrique complained for she wasn’t even asking him how long he’d be in Korea and all that kind of stuff.  Then he realized that Seo Young was the same way—because she wasn’t interested in him, that’s why she wasn’t even asking those questions.  But then, he said, even if Dok Mi wasn’t curious about him, he remained curious about her—why does she spy on us, I wonder what she does, etc.  Regardless of his curiosity towards her, his existence to her seemed of no importance at all.

            Dok Mi was pretty firmed about her decision to stay away from Enrique, so, after all his talking she just bid him good luck while he’s in Korea and walked away.  His next comment caught her attention though and made her stop.  She had heard enough to know for sure that he read her diary and she was upset.  Enrique defended himself saying he wouldn’t lie about having read it; that even if the worst thing happen to him, that he would still choose truth than lie.  She was ticked by his impertinence—she asked him if he even experienced being in a situation where lies become the truth.  She concluded that conversation by ordering him to forget her and what he read.  Enrique didn’t just give up, though.  In the end, he got the last words telling her that there are no instances where lies become the truth; that she needs to look into her heart and see what went wrong. 

            Next, the inevitable happened.  Jin Rak was caught sitting in front of Dok Mi’s apartment door, by the last person he would want to catch him—his pure and innocent Dok Mi.  It was a good thing that she didn’t seem to have noticed the note attached on the milk carton.  Later, Jin Rak found an opportunity to take the note back without her noticing it.  Then he handed her the milk while asking her why she’s not taking it with her.  Just when he thought he got away with taking the note back, Dok Mi noticed a sticky note or post- it stuck on the side of his shabby looking pants. 

            When she got in her apartment, she seemed to be trying to figure out if it was him who gives her a note everyday attached to the milk carton.  But then maybe I am wrong.  What I am sure of is that she looked disappointed that she didn’t get a new note.  She looked at the notes she received before.  And oh my, aren’t they cute!

            Jin Rak came back to their room and was taking all his rage to his poor friend that was still sleeping at that time.  He blamed him for not stopping him.  If he would have, then maybe he wouldn’t have been caught.  Dong Hoon still thought he was talking about yesterday’s incident.  When Jin Rak mentioned that he was so embarrassed, he asked him if he confessed his love for her while he was asleep.  Jin Rak replied by asking if he seen everything.  This got Dong Hoon all stoked.  He used Jin Rak’s words against him this time regarding cherishing and protecting Dok Mi; about her not being shaken up.  He was shaking him when he noticed the same post-it Dok Mi saw stuck on his pants. 

            An earth shattering “OH MY GOD!!!” was the only respond Dong Hoon got from Jin Rak.

At the same time, Enrique was just as surprised to have seen Seo Young in Tae Joon’s apartment early in the morning.  She obviously, stayed there overnight.  This time, she freed all her thoughts about Tae Joon avoiding him because of Enrique, and so on.  She blamed him why her relationship with Tae Joon is the way it is.

            He calmed her down with his perfect tea and his words.  He told her that the fact that Tae Joon was careful with him only means that he likes her a lot.  That made her smile.

            She stood up and looked out the window.  She noticed how one can see clearly, the opposite apartment building.  She even compared the view to what was written on rearview mirror (which Enrique helped her remember):  The objects are much closer than they appear.  Then Enrique added:  but it’s not as close as it seems. 

            Do Hwi hasn’t given up on Jin Rak.  Once again, she and her gang were back visiting his neighborhood.  This time, she pretended that she was carrying a lot of things and they were falling off her hands.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t her Jin Rak who came to her rescue.  It was Watanabe.  All her girl friends weren’t able to hold their adoration towards the guy and screamed, “Kawaii! O Genki desu ka!”  Of course, Do Hwi didn’t like that because they’re taking the spotlight from her.

            Dong Hoon apologized for not being able to help her because Jin Rak wasn’t feeling good and they have to help him sober up.  He wasn’t even finished with what he was saying when Do Hwi already ran towards Jin Rak.  She expressed how worried she was of him.  All this time she thought he had flu.  The uninterested Jin Rak explained that it was just an ordinary hang over that can be treated by hot soup.  Then he yelled at his friends saying they should get going because he’s hungry.  Do Hwi was startled by his loud voice. 

            The other two guys were on their way to following Jin Rak when Do Hwi stopped them and asked if they were interested in modeling for her mall.  Dong Hoon was so elated by the fact that she finally noticed his potential, he told Jin Rak to cure his hang over himself.  Do Hwi chiseled in and told him to first accompany Jin Rak and they can talk about modeling later.

            Dong Hoon and Watanabe caught up with Jin Rak and told him about the good news.  In the process, he mentioned that Do Hwi was Dok Mi’s friend.  Upon hearing this, Jin Rak got upset at Dong Hoon again for not reminding him of this fact—why can’t he do anything right, he told him.  He turned back while saying they should treat Do Hwi kindly.  His two friends were left behind wondering if he was still drunk. 

            In the meantime, Do Hwi asked her friends where she can buy ginger tea prepared by hands.  For sure, she’s thinking of giving it to Jin Rak.  Her friends asked her why she was hiring male models when all the clothes they sell are for women.  Very sarcastically, she told them that they will start selling male clothes.  Hmm…this girl is the grand winner for persistence! 

            She was in the middle of the conversation with her friends when her friends suddenly changed their mood as they saw Jin Rak standing right behind Do Hwi.  Jin Rak did come back to talk nicely to Do Hwi but only to talk about Dok Mi.  Awww!  What a slap on the face.  Poor Do Hwi L.

            Jin Rak waited and waited for Dok Mi…but she stayed in her shell.  He didn’t see, not even her shadow.

            Dok Mi, in the meantime updated her diary/blog:

            Whenever she steps out into the world, that girl often becomes an invisible being.  She gets shoved around and stepped on.  And when she gets mixed among the crowed, I don’t think she’s visible to other people.  That’s why that woman hides in her room.  Her small room feels cozy to her like a cage feels cozy to a bird with a broken wing.  And in that room she can breathe more freely.  She never dreamed of the world outside or missed the world out there.  At least until now…at least until now…

            Then a sudden buzz…  Someone was outside and it was Enrique.  She didn’t open the door.  So Enrique pulled out one of his tricks from under his sleeves.  He coughed and pretended to be having flu.  He told her he may have gotten it from their trip.   It didn’t work so he used another trick—he told her he’s coughing blood.  This got Dok Mi’s attention but not enough to get her to open the door.  He left for a while and Jin Rak probably heard that someone’s bothering his girl so he checked outside.  It wasn’t clear to me if he actually saw him.

            Just when Dok Mi probably thought that Enrique was gone, she heard him again asking if the hair pin he found in the car was hers.   This trick didn’t work either so he left again only to be back again with another bag of tricks.  And once again, Jin Rak checked who’s outside.  This time based on his reaction, it seemed like he saw who it was the first time and he’s bugged that he’s not leaving Dok Mi alone. 

            Enrique was back.  This time he reminded her that they have to pay back their debt.  This probably had to do with the money they spent on their trip.  Once again it didn’t work.  So he texted her saying he will be back soon!  And this time, Jin Rak was seriously frustrated by Enrique’s guts despite how many times Dok Mi said she doesn’t want to meet him again.

            Jin Rak was so fed up with Enrique’s tactics that he decided to confront him once and for all.  But upon meeting him in person, the plan got crushed and flushed because Enrique’s childish demeanor changed the mood.  Later, Enrique noticed the emblem or a patch on Jin Rak’s shirt that said AL Madrid which is of course a soccer team and is a rival of Barcelona.  This got our soccer addict excited, which resulted in them competing in an online soccer game.  Huh, I thought they’re really going to do real soccer! 

            Enrique made the first 2 goals.  Now, Jin Rak was totally heated up especially that he remembered how it was so easy for this punk to approach the girl that he couldn’t.  He was all fired up and was determine to get a goal but in the end, his rival won and he’s left with nothing but ashes!

            The next morning, Dong Hoon woke up and there was no Jin Rak.  In the other building, Tae Joon was trying to contact Enrique, but there was no answer.  After that, he received a text message from Seo Young stating she can’t deal with him worrying about Geum anymore.  She’s coming to his apartment. 

            In Dok Mi’s apartment, her toothpaste case and tissue holder screamed for a replacement.  She didn’t have a choice but to get out of her cave and replenish her supplies.  

            The next scene was Jin Rak and Enrique coming out of the computer shop.  Obviously, they played all night long.  The first was saying that it was his first time staying out all night since his military service.  He then shared his experience and how lethal he was and still is when it comes to fighting, and oh let’s not forget the “magic eye”. J 

            Enrique was so impressed by Jin Rak.  He said he doesn’t really know much about fighting since he didn’t go to the army but he mentioned that he can run fast—almost as fast as Usain Bolt.  Jin Rak invited him for a race going back to their apartment.  The competitiveness was almost gone and this time they were both just having fun.  Then Jin Rak noticed Dok Mi.  He stopped and called it a day. 

            Enrique on the other hand went to where Dok Mi was.  Dok Mi ignored him like she didn’t know him at all.  He was kind of hurt by her attitude and pouted like a little boy who didn’t get what he thought he deserved.  Because she was ignoring him, he thought of something: he talked to the lady vendor the whole time and called her ajuma (making it sound like he’s calling Dok Mi instead of the lady vendor).  Every time he mentioned “ajuma” Dok Mi would get startled or looked at him.  It was probably because, she felt as if he was calling her.  When she finished with her transactions, she left hurriedly.

            When Jin Rak told Enrique that he was heading back to his apartment, the truth was, he stayed outside to wait for Dok Mi.  He prepared his speech and even fixed his hair (a little bit).  He was so busy with his preparations that he didn’t notice Do Hwi entered their building carrying a cake of some sort (obviously for him). 

            Jin Rak pretended that he was running and was startled upon “accidentally” meeting Dok Mi.  He then gave her his payment for the money she helped them pay the rent with.  She took the money and once again walked away without saying anything.  He offered to help her carry her grocery bag but she very nicely rejected his offer.  He tried another way to start a conversation by asking about her “to go” meals.  But once again she didn’t say much and continued walking.  This time, he called her by her name, and tried to explain the incident the previous morning, when she caught him sitting in front of her apartment. 

            But then he took that back and instead recited the speech he prepared earlier.  When he realized that what he was saying sounded senseless, he just went straight to the point and told her that he wonders about her every day; how she’s doing in her apartment; whether she eats her meals regularly; if she’s happy being alone in her place;  he just finds himself concerned all the time.  He also told her about the drawing he attaches to her milk carton every day.  He said that it was something he did or does for his own pleasure.  When Dok Mi heard this part, she was reminded of herself.  It was like she could see a piece of herself in him. 

            The two didn’t know that the whole time, Enrique was watching them.  Enrique came into a conclusion that maybe the reason why he’s back in Korea was to act like the cupid.  Now he was seeing another couple who needs Cupid’s help. 

            In the elevator, Jin Rak apologized for being so forward and told Dok Mi that he hopes it won’t be a reason for her to shut her door even tighter.  He just doesn’t want Dok Mi to feel burdened.  Dok Mi, in return told him it was alright and that she actually enjoys flipping through the drawings.  This was like a go signal for Jin Rak to move forward.  He was so happy that he didn’t realized that he just entered her little bubble and she wasn’t looking very uncomfortable. 

            In front of Jin Rak’s apartment was Do Hwi.  It was Dong Hoon who opened the door for her and was surprised to see her.  At first he thought it was Jin Rak at the door. Dong Hoon shut the door again because he wasn’t dressed decent enough to be seen by a girl.   Do Hwi heard from Dong Hoon that Jin Rak stayed out all night.  She was wondering where and what he did, when both Dok Mi and Jin Rak came.  Do Hwi was now thinking that the two were together…and probably all night long!  Suspicion was all over Do Hwi’s face.  What’s going to happen next?  Confrontation? Cat fight? Hmmm…