Episode 9 of Dare to Love Me dives deeper into the emotional turmoil of
Yoon-bok and the blossoming feelings between him and Hong-do.
Grief and New Beginnings
The episode opens with Yoon-bok attending his mother's funeral. Reuniting with his tearful sister, he shares his grief and urges her to stop apologizing for the past. Back in Seoul, Hong-do, unable to shake off Yoon-bok's sudden hug, impulsively rushes to the memorial site, only to find him already leaving. He admits his struggle and begs her to stay by his side.
Sisterly Support and Career Shifts
At the police station, Yoon-bok resigns, surprised to see his sister working there as a skilled officer. She takes over the Gamjjok case, vowing to keep her true identity hidden. Meanwhile, Yoon-bok, determined to pursue his dream, presents his resume to Hong-hak, hoping to become a webtoon apprentice.
Misunderstandings and Hidden Feelings
Hong-do observes Hong-hak criticize Yoon-bok's drawings, but she defends his unique style. Yoon-bok's actions leave Hong-do confused. Does his scarf gesture and attentiveness signify romantic interest, or is it simply courtesy?
Unexpected Encounters
Meanwhile, Village Leader Shin inquires about Yoon-bok's well-being, while Yoon-ah notices his unusual behavior. At a bus stop, Yoon-bok waits for Hong-do under the pretense of drawing. She invites him for dinner, where he displays subtle care, further fueling her suspicions.
Threads of the Past
At Seongsan restaurant, Jun-ho offers Yi-bok a traditional remedy for her cough, reminiscing about similar moments when he cared for her as a child, a memory tainted by the punishment he received for her illness. He later repairs a broken fan, hinting at his hidden depths.
A New Collaboration
Camille, now residing in the village, stumbles upon a forgotten sandal design called pichohye. Inspired, she revamps the design and seeks Wi-Fi near Chilbok's room, causing him temporary anxiety. Once online, she shares her creation, sparking excitement among the villagers who flock to buy the modernized pichohye. Delighted by the revived tradition, the store owner and Camille agree to collaborate on future designs.
Seeking Clarity
In Seoul, Hong-do, consumed by uncertainty about Yoon-bok's feelings, seeks guidance from a fortune teller. Instead, she encounters her former colleague, fired for plagiarism. Their conversation, echoing past betrayals, leads them to believe Yoon-bok must harbor deeper feelings.
A Revelation and a Confession
Overhearing Hong-hak's conversation about a student potentially liking their teacher, Yoon-bok misinterprets it, realizing he might have misled Hong-do. The next day, he misses her and learns about a possible connection between Seongsan Hall and the Gamjjok case.
Collision Courses
Franky proposes Camille's collaborative project to the Cultural Heritage Administrator, securing a pop-up store location at Seongsan Restaurant. As Hong-do photographs the restaurant, a handsome Yoon-bok approaches, promptly offered a modeling job by a surprised Franky.
A Suspicious Discovery
At the restaurant, a tense encounter unfolds as Yoon-bok, Yi-bok, and Hong-do run into each other. Yi-bok, informed about the Gamjjok case's connection to a fire, learns to look for someone with a burn scar. Observing Jun-ho with his arm covered, she ponders his involvement.
Unexpected Heroism
Back in Seoul, Hong-ah notices positive comments on Hong-hak's webtoon, "Strong Woman Oh Yoon-ah." When a man attempts to hit his girlfriend, Hong-hak intervenes but gets punched. Returning from the restroom, Yoon-ah effortlessly knocks out the attacker, earning praises from a smitten Hong-hak.
A Moment of Truth
At the office, Hong-do again avoids Yoon-bok, leaving him disheartened. He finds her sleeping at her desk and, overwhelmed with his feelings, confesses his love and kisses her.
Lingering Confusion
The episode concludes with a humorous scene as Yoon-bok and Hong-hak argue about the meaning of a kiss while working on the webtoon. Yoon-bok insists it signifies a couple considering marriage, leaving the true interpretation open to question.