Flower Boy Next Door
Episode 10
“This isn’t all of a sudden.”
“Honestly I was trying to find a reason.”
“Trying to find a reason not to leave.”
“The reason I can’t leave is in me.”
These are some of the lines Enrique told Seo Won. He doesn’t want to leave. He hoped the reason not to leave would just present itself like the book company, the theater, the gaming company. But it didn’t. Despite that he can’t leave…
“It’s okay so far.”
“You can stop right now and leave.”
“I was deceiving myself like that.”
Seo Won supported his decision and told him not to give up. I have to commend the friendship between these two characters. Nowadays, it is really hard to find someone you could talk to the way they are to each other. That’s probably the reason why people seek the help of psychiatrist or counselor every time they feel they feel depressed.
Back in Dok Mi’s neighborhood, she is preparing for the supposed party hosted by Do Hwi. She bought flowers and went straight to the venue. Concurrently, Enrique was trying to call her but for some reason couldn’t get a hold of her. The whole time he was in the cab, he was all worried about her especially when he thought of what Do Hwi mentioned the night before about trying another method to Dok Mi if reconciliation doesn’t work. Then he remembered what he just discovered about Jin Rak being a totally different person that he thought he was. For this reason, he doesn’t think that the latter deserves to have Dok Mi and he let Jin Rak knew about this decision. Jin Rak, who was at his editor’s office during that time, left the meeting hurriedly. He’s concerned that Enrique will get a hold of Dok Mi before him. He just believe it was not fair for him to win her over considering he just met her not too long ago while he, on the other hand, has been watching over her for years now.
Looking at things from Jin Rak’s perspective, I can see why he feels how he feels but he knew from the get go that Enrique has greater chance at Dok Mi than him. I like that he is not giving up but instead of focusing on Enrique, he should just focus on Dok Mi. Why is he even wasting his time trying to stop Enrique when he knew that he couldn’t stop the other from doing what he wants to do? Plus, does he really think he has the right to do so? He’s just making himself pathetic. I’m sorry to Jin Rak’s fans but that’s just how I see it.
In Do Hwi’s apartment, everything is set up. When Dok Mi arrived, she welcomed her with a friendly tone. Then turned her head to whoever was there, standing behind her—someone that Dok Mi didn’t expect to see. He was probably the last person Dok Mi would like to see in her lifetime—their Literature teacher. He said he wanted to see Dok Mi one more time. My thought was, what for? He was nothing but a selfish bastard who put himself first before his innocent student. I also wonder if this was the other method that Do Hwi thought of—to divert Dok Mi’s attention to someone else so she can, in return, have Jin Rak. Obviously, until now, she thinks that Dok Mi stole her precious teacher from her. This whole time, she’s still thinking that in the past Dok Mi really like that teacher.
“All of you…are so indifferent.”
“All of you…are asking how I am doing.”
“All of you…are so cruel.”
These were the three lines she said before she walked away from them all and later, fainted. It was good thing someone was there to catch her. It was Jin Rak but she saw him as Enrique. “You’ve already left. But why are you here?” She was able to ask before totally losing consciousness.
Even in that scene when she was about to faint, Park Shin Hye looked really innocent and beautiful. I knew she is pretty but that was the only time I actually got to see her face up closed and see how charming her innocent face is.
Jin Rak being upset at the situation was just perfect. Then all the people that were in the apartment can now realize that they can’t play with Dok Mi anymore, because she has people around her that will protect her. I am glad he shouted at everyone. This is something Dok Mi won’t be able to do so thanks to him for doing it for her.
You’d think the shout from Jin rak would teach Do Hwi her lesson but no. When Enrique came and saw what happened to Dok Mi (at this time, Dok Mi and Jin Rak were already in the taxi on their way to the hospital) she’s still the same old selfish her, wondering what she did so wrong that she’s getting all the blame. This woman is unbelievable!
Enrique was just as upset as Jin Rak so now Do Hwi got her second beating. It serves her right! Then Enrique saw the a man standing behind everybody (oh he’s so good at keeping himself as far away from trouble as possible). He inferred that he’s the Literature teacher in Dok Mi’s unfortunate past. Enrique got to the bottom of the story.
In the hospital, when Dok Mi woke up, Jin Rak encouraged her to tell him her part of the story. He explained that although he heard the story from Do Hwi, he believes that wasn’t everything. When she was narrating what happened, Enrique was already there, behind the curtain…listening.
After Dok Mi confessed about what actually happened to her in the past, Jin Rak also shared his, what he called loser life. Later Dok Mi noticed the presence of Enrique. Enrique then sarcastically commented, “Is it enough to confess about your loser life only? Do you have any more to confess about?” Then he turned to Dok Mi. He apologized for prying into her business without knowing enough. He followed it up with a declaration that the person who deserves to be next to her is not Jin Rak. This made Jin Rak upset, but he controlled himself from making any more comments until they got into the road.
In this episode, Enrique was confronted by Jin Rak about his (Enrique) feelings for Dok Mi. Finally, instead of being childish, he was able to show the other his serious side. He may be younger but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t know anything. He corrected Jin Rak’s wrong impression of him. Just about time! Because he can’t always be hiding his thoughts just to give way to other people all the time. And why is Jin Rak assuming that Enrique will just leave after “shaking” Dok Mi? But then again, who is Jin Rak, really? What is he hiding? Enrique doesn’t trust him now because of all these speculations about him; because they don’t know enough about him. So who is he really?
Before all of that argument between the two main leads, in the hospital, no matter how much Jin Rak would like to pay for Dok Mi’s bill, he couldn’t because he doesn’t have enough cash with him—nor in his bank account? I feel bad for him, and a little embarrass too, actually. Poor guy. This is just a proof that sincerity doesn’t always pay the bills.
Meanwhile, Do Hwi was having a kookoo fit when Dong Hoon and Watanabe arrived at her apartment. Later Do Hwi and Dong Hoon got to talking about why she likes Jin Rak and all. Even Dong Hoon was suspicious of her—she seemed to have known him before. Then he made a comment that ironically was funny considering the situation they’re in—“I like you because you’re not nice”. For him, nice people will have a hard time living in this harsh world—people like Dok Mi.
Dok Mi decided to look for another apartment, away from all the people that knows her. She’s told that it will be hard to find one based on her request but she’s determined.
This episode focused mainly on Dok Mi’s past and how until now she’s still affected just by the thought of it. Both Enrique and Jin Rak tried to help her in their own ways but I think everything depends on Dok Mi. For now, they would have to respect her decisions. She’s the only one who knows the extent of the trauma caused by the incident in her past. Everyone around her can all try whatever way they know to help her, but if she’s not ready, what’s the point.
Despite that, the effort of both Jin rak and Enrique deserves to be commended. Their undying support for her is proof that they really care about her. Whether it’s Enrique’s or Ji Rak’s method is the right method is out of the question. It is their effort that is on the plate. And I think both are appreciated by Dok Mi. It’s just that, she’s not ready yet.
However, I don’t agree that she has to move away from all the people that remind her of her past. The only way she can get over all that’s happened is to stay. It doesn’t matter if she stays in her little apartment. If she leaves now, it would mean closing her doors again to all the help that people around her are willing to give. She doesn’t have to see Do Hwi. She can still slowly come out of her shell on her own time just by mingling with the nice people in her apartment building.
Even she mentions in her diary (blog) that she’s having this desire to open her door. That is a beginning. She may be afraid of this desire but one day, this fear will go away. She’s just afraid because she has gotten used to being alone. I think the anxiety she feels being around people is mostly because she’s gotten used to not being around people.
But will an episode be complete without its funny scenes? The juxtaposition of the drama and comedy in this show is engrossing. So, Dong Hoon works nights as a designated driver for these rich party girls. He got into accident and now, in an instant he is 5,800,000 won in debt. The only person he could think of that can help him is his crazy editor. Surprisingly, she came. At the entrance, the security (bouncer, whatever they’re called) stopped her because her type is not welcome inside the club. But little did the guy know, she’s no ordinary nutcase. She roared at him, “DO NOT TOUCH ME!!!” The guy was in shock, he was left speechless for a while. But he followed her inside and once again tried his luck. Inside, the editor was dancing like a lunatic. Oh she’s so hilarious! She doesn’t even need to say anything!
When the guy tried to once again to tell her that not everyone can enter the club, she hysterically screamed at him. The poor guy couldn’t do anything and just ended up following her with a worried look on his face.
In the room inside the club, there was Dong Hoon in front of the club’s boss. I don’t know why the client’s insurance couldn’t cover the cost when it was clearly an accident but whatever. So the editor realized that the way to help him is to co-sign for his debt enough to cover a 2-year room and board. All the nasty words naturally came out of her mouth. It’s not that it’s something unusual for her. She didn’t sign right away and asked for some time to think about it. She and Dong Hoon both fell asleep. When they woke up, they look at each other and realized that it was time for the last train. They both gave each other a dreamy gaze. Hmmm…am I missing something here? What is going on? These two might even end up together!
The boss brought them back to earth and reminded them to sign the contract since the club is closing down for the night. The editor gave Don Hoon a look that pretty much say’s “sorry, I can’t help you.” He was feeling hopeless when she came back to sign [which looked more like scribbled] the contract.
Back in Dok Mi’s apartment, she got her morning supply of milk with Jin Rak’s drawing on it. A smile was painted on her face upon seeing the drawing. But when she realized that, she didn’t seem to like her reaction and put back on her poker face. She went out to meet several people to pay what she owes them. First, the security officer to return the compensation money; then, to Enrique to return the money he used to pay her hospital bill. Enrique was about to accept the payment when he suddenly changed his mind thinking that it could mean she might go back to hiding again.
Meanwhile, Jin Rak was told by the security officer and the madam that Dok Mi returned the compensation money. He didn’t say anything but he remembered what he told Dok Mi. I think he’s kind of worried that it was because of what he said that’s why Dok Mi decided to possibly go away.
Back in Enrique’s apartment, Dok Mi thank him for all the things he has done for him. She also apologized for not able to do anything for him in return. Enrique was all happy until she said, “He is a good man. Oh Jin Rak.” To him, it was a clear indication that she chose Jin Rak over him. On her way out of his apartment, he helped her open the door but before that a sad goodbye…
Enrique: (he place his pointing finger on her forehead) When I look at you, Ajumma, it’s strange but I thought I could hear your voice. But now, I couldn’t hear anything. I don’t know. I really don’t know.
That look on Dok Mi’s face tells me there is something going on in her head that she’s not saying. When she’ll be ready is hard to say.
In Jin Rak’s apartment, Dong Hoon was looking at the status of their webtoon. There were only 11 people who rated their work. Minus them two, it shows that there are only nine people who rated it. It’s not a good sign. Meanwhile, Jin Rak was just quiet. His mind is somewhere else. When he heard that someone was outside their door, he very unwillingly opened the door. Upon learning that it was Dok Mi, who almost fell, his mood changed especially when she asked him out to visit the Van Gogh exhibit with her. He was dumbfounded that all he could say, while stuttering was, “I like…(him).” Then he said, “I love…” When Dok Me looked up at him, he changed what he wanted to say, “No! Not you Dok Mi but Van Dok Mi…Van Gogh. I love Van Gogh.” I think it’s comical when he said “Van Dok Mi.”
Enrique heard it all. And now he’s sulking.
Enrique: She said she hasn’t done anything for me. She said she felt sorry. But I like Van Gogh more.
I’d probably feel the same if I were him but that’s beyond his control. So yes, go ahead Enrique sulk all you want. That’s not a problem because for now, that’s the only thing you have a control over. Because for all he knows, there is this weird character that’s searching everything about him. This is the same woman who snatched his cell phone in the beginning of the series. What is this woman up to is not yet clear. Is she connected to the fan that suddenly appeared in front of him both in Watanabe’s work place and at the airport? Hmmm….
Enrique’s day continued smoothly except every time he saw something that reminded him of Dok Mi and Jin Rak’s date—everything Van Gogh or related to it. This whole time both the snatcher and her fans were separately following him. Somebody grabbed him that made him fall on the ground, right on the pedestrian crossing. His video camera fell few feet away from him. Later a car came. It looked to him like it was going to hit him. Meanwhile, Dok Mi got a paper cut while in the museum. It was like an indication that someone closed to her got hurt. You know, it’s one of those superstitions. 
Enrique was in a state of shock when people started surrounding him. Among all those people is a familiar face—Dok Mi. Then a realization came to him—“I…I must have fallen in love.”
I hate to be either the killjoy or Cassandra, the prophet of doom but I think the girl in the crowed that he thought was Dok Mi was probably the fan that was following him. But we’ll all see next time. I would love to be wrong!
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