In the quietude of dawn, as the world awakens to a fresh day, 'Frankly
Speaking' Episode 8, "Starting Today, We Are…", captures the essence of new
beginnings and the trepidation that accompanies them. The episode opens with the
lingering warmth of a shared kiss between Ki-baek and Woo-joo, an act that has
set their hearts aflutter and their minds in turmoil.
The day after their tender moment, Ki-baek finds himself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, contemplating the best way to reach out to Woo-joo and seek clarity on the kiss's meaning. Fate intervenes when his mother sends him to deliver potato pancakes to Woo-joo's home, a chance encounter that only adds to the morning's awkwardness.
Atop the rooftop, the tension between Ki-baek and Woo-joo is as thick as the morning fog, their conversation filled with unspoken words and lingering glances. Ki-baek's desire to understand their relationship is palpable, yet Woo-joo's focus on work leaves him yearning for answers.
As Ki-baek assists his father with household chores, Un-baek's reopening of his gym brings a glimmer of hope and a chance encounter with Cha-yeon, who becomes his first client. Meanwhile, Woo-joo's visit to the studio stirs up a storm of gossip and speculation about her appearance on the show.
When Woo-joo arrives at the shooting location, she is met with a director in distress, a tardy host, and a call for help that reaches Ji-hu's ears. His call to Ki-baek sets the stage for a surprise appearance on the show, a gesture that brings a smile to Woo-joo's face and a sense of relief.
The show's theme revolves around reviewing the city's famed restaurants, and the episode takes them to a rib stew joint run by an elderly matriarch and her family. Ki-baek's candid critique of the food, a departure from his college memories, sparks a confrontation with the son but ignites a challenge in the mother.
The old lady's determination to reclaim her culinary legacy is matched by Woo-joo's promise to assist her, leading to a personal demonstration of the famous rib stew. Ki-baek's honesty and Woo-joo's teamwork impress the director, who extends an offer for Ki-baek to become the show's permanent host, an opportunity that leaves him contemplating his future.
The day's events culminate in a conversation between Ki-baek and Woo-joo about their relationship, a dialogue filled with accountability and the need for secrecy until the show's end. Ki-baek's promise to behave on the upcoming promotional shoot is met with a renewed sense of caution and care.
Bok-ja's date with Young-won, Woo-joo's mother, turns sour as the latter's mother displays signs of early-onset dementia, a revelation that brings a moment of understanding despite the harsh encounter.
Jung-hyeon's attempts to bury his feelings for Woo-joo under a pile of work are met with physical exhaustion and emotional turmoil. His sickness and the promotional shoot that follows bring him and Woo-joo together, stirring up old feelings and new misunderstandings.
Ki-baek's jealousy is on full display during the shoot, his every glance and gesture revealing his true feelings for Woo-joo. The teasing from the cast and his near slip-up with the heart-shaped Songpyeon only add to the tension.
Mi-ra's introduction and her offer to represent Ki-baek as his agent present a new opportunity, but Ki-baek's heart is elsewhere, waiting for Woo-joo and the chance to head home together. Their photo booth escapade captures their genuine affection, a moment of bliss that is fleeting as Ki-baek's father spots them.
Jung-hyeon's visit to Woo-joo's mother's salon and his heartfelt apology bring a sense of closure to their past, a conversation that Woo-joo overhears and that Bok-ja facilitates with understanding.
Ki-baek's meeting with Mi-ra and Ji-hu at a high-end salon presents a vision of a potential future, one that he is eager to discuss with Woo-joo. His confession of his feelings and his desire for clarity are met with Ji-hu's advice to take action.
The episode concludes with Ki-baek's disappointment at seeing Woo-joo and Jung-hyeon in an embrace, a sight that complicates his emotions and the future of their relationship.