In the seventh episode of DNA Lover, titled "Gut Racing, Not Heart Racing," the storyline takes a dramatic turn as Han So-jin's attempts to deepen her relationship with Shim Yeon-woo through shared experiences and food preferences backfire, leading to a series of comedic and heart-wrenching moments.
The episode opens with So-jin and Yeon-woo on their first date, strolling through a park and engaging in light-hearted activities. Their date continues at a restaurant, but due to the unavailability of a table, So-jin takes Yeon-woo to her favorite convenience store, a place she considers her sanctuary during emotionally distressing times. This choice, however, leads to an internal conflict for Yeon-woo, who is health-conscious and not a fan of junk food.
Back at home, Yeon-woo's distaste for the convenience store food is evident as he opts for saffron tea to cleanse his body. Determined to introduce So-jin to healthier eating habits, he invites her to a Belgian restaurant. So-jin's excitement is palpable, but her friend A-ri's warning about the fleeting nature of casual flings casts a shadow over her enthusiasm.
As the episode progresses, So-jin's desire to take things slowly with Yeon-woo is tested when they encounter Jang Mi-eun, a polyamorous romance columnist and one of Yeon-woo's former romantic partners, at the Belgian restaurant. Mi-eun's presence complicates the dinner, as she and Yeon-woo share a past that So-jin knows little about. The conversation between Mi-eun and Yeon-woo about their shared memories of Belgium highlights their deep connection, making So-jin feel like an outsider.
Adding to the tension, Mi-eun's date expresses discomfort with her continued interaction with Yeon-woo, leading to a heated argument and the date's departure. Mi-eun apologizes for the disruption but is visibly affected by the encounter. So-jin, trying to maintain her composure, is internally struggling with the realization that Yeon-woo and Mi-eun share a bond that she might not be able to replicate.
In a subplot, So-jin's friend Seo Kang-hoon, a firefighter, and Mi-eun have a chance meeting at a food stall, where their differing food preferences lead to a humorous exchange. Kang-hoon's aversion to liver and his accusation of Mi-eun engaging in animal cruelty add a light-hearted moment to the episode.
The following day, So-jin, dressed to impress, arrives at the restaurant to meet Yeon-woo, only to find Mi-eun there as well. Mi-eun's intention to discuss a matter concerning So-jin's mother adds another layer of complexity to their relationship. So-jin's discomfort is evident as she watches Mi-eun enjoy the food that Yeon-woo ordered, a stark contrast to her own lack of enthusiasm.
As the episode unfolds, So-jin's attempts to connect with Yeon-woo through food take a toll on her physically. Her lactose intolerance, triggered by the dairy-rich meal at Yeon-woo's apartment, leads to a painful episode in a public restroom. Her vulnerability is exposed as she calls Kang-hoon for help, a moment that underscores the theme of the episode – the race between her desire for a deeper connection with Yeon-woo and the physical limitations of her body.
The episode concludes with a concerned Yeon-woo searching for So-jin, only to learn from Kang-hoon that she has been rushed to the hospital due to her stomach pain. The final scene leaves viewers with a sense of concern for So-jin and anticipation for how Yeon-woo will respond to her sudden illness.
"Gut Racing, Not Heart Racing" is a pivotal episode in DNA Lover's first season, showcasing the complexities of romantic relationships and the challenges of trying to fit into someone else's world. So-jin's journey to find love through her DNA research is met with unexpected obstacles, reminding us that love is not just about compatibility but also about accepting and understanding each other's differences.