Apologies and Confessions Unfold in ‘Star Struck’ Episodes 3-4

BL Recaps Korea

2023-06-13
11:08

Will the tension between the two friends be resolved, or will one of them confess their true feelings, risking their friendship?

The delicate balance between friendship and romantic feelings hangs in the air, adding uncertainty and anticipation to Han Joon and Yoo Jae’s story. The upcoming episodes might hold the answer to our questions:

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD. Read at your own risk!

Episode 3: Star Band-aid

During a dodgeball game at school, Yoo Jae and Chae Young find themselves on the same team, with Chae Young selflessly protecting Yoo Jae. Meanwhile, Han Joon on the opposing team, holds the ball, ready to attack. Fueled by the memory of their previous argument, Han Joon hurls the ball forcefully toward Yoo Jae. Taken aback by the strength of his throw, Han Joon rushes over to check on Yoo Jae, who has been knocked down to the floor by the ball. They swiftly reconcile in the infirmary, where Yoo Jae assures Han Joon that he will apologize to Jin Hwan to prevent himself from becoming like his parents. They later study at Yoo Jae’s house instead of the academy because Yoo Jae feels uncomfortable seeing Chae Young. He explains that he rejected Chae Young because he wants both of them to focus more on their studies. He also clarifies that he has no intention of pursuing a relationship with her since he has already rejected her once.

Instead of studying further, they opted to visit a new manga cafe. They discuss their college plans and playfully talk about dating. While Yoo Jae steps away to use the bathroom, Han Joon receives news about Yoo Jae’s dad earning a lot from stocks from their group chat. He becomes upset that Yoo Jae didn’t inform him because he wanted to be the first one to congratulate him. Yoo Jae explains that he kept it from him due to Han Joon’s family situation, but this only angers Han Joon further as he interprets it as Yoo Jae pitying him. Filled with rage, Han Joon walks away from Yoo Jae and accidentally hits him on his jaw while leaving. At home, Han Joon talks with his mother about their plans now that she has a job in Daejeon. His mother feels sad that he is going through a tough time because of what’s happening. Han Joon becomes even more dejected when a container of burdock root accidentally falls from the fridge as he opens it. The sight of it reminds him of Yoo Jae and the argument they had earlier on.

At school, Han Joon’s classmates gossip about the injury on Yoo Jae’s jaw, speculating that Han Joon, known for boxing, might be responsible for it. He gets called to the school office, but Yoo Jae who has just arrived approaches him and tells him that he doesn’t need to go. They spend time together at the playground after school, where Yoo Jae offers his apology for not informing Han Joon earlier. Han Joon reassures Yoo Jae that it’s okay and apologizes for hitting him. He expresses concern about Yoo Jae’s injury and asks if it hurts, to which Yoo Jae playfully exaggerates the pain. Han Joon wants to take a look at it, but Yoo Jae declines and instead asks him to put a band-aid on it. He confesses that he purposely didn’t apply the band-aid to make Han Joon worry about him. Han Joon applies the band-aid and they instantly make up. Yoo Jae surprises Han Joon by suggesting they move in together, considering Han Joon’s family situation and the upcoming exams. Han Joon agrees given that it seems to be the right decision at the moment, and they make plans to head home. Before the episode ends, Yoo Jae notices Han Joon’s loose shoelaces and ties them, creating a sweet moment between them after the recent fights they’ve had.

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Episode 4: Confession

Han Joon woke up to noises outside his window, and while he gazed at the glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling, memories of his encounter with Yoo Jae at the playground when they were children flooded his mind. He reminisced about the game they played, where he lost at the term “Star Struck”, having no understanding of what it meant then. On his way to school, Han Joon suddenly changes direction upon receiving a text from Yoo Jae. He rushes back to meet Yoo Jae, who has just arrived at his house. Yoo Jae disregards his own question about Han Joon’s morning workout and instead focuses on putting a jacket on him. Puzzled, Han Joon wonders why Yoo Jae is treating him so well, to which Yoo Jae plainly answers that he is his one and only best friend. They discuss Yoo Jae’s parents and their sudden improvement in life, noting how his parents haven’t changed despite their newfound success. Yoo Jae declares that once he gets into college, he will move out immediately while Han Joon plans to live in a condominium. Yoo Jae corrects him, reminding him of their promise to live together.

At night, Han Joon and his group of friends light up small fireworks to have some fun before the exams. Yoo Jae enthusiastically suggests that they should go on trips together once they start college, mentioning visiting New Zealand during their second year —and the plan visibly makes Yoo Jae happy. At the Seuneung Entrance Exam Hall the next day, Yoo Jae and Han Joon come across a ginkgo tree outside, and Yoo Jae plucks a leaf and offers it to Han Joon, explaining that it’s believed to bring good luck. Han Joon expresses his gratitude by giving Yoo Jae chocolate to achieve a perfect exam score. They gaze at the ginkgo tree as snow begins to fall, feeling hopeful before proceeding to take their exams.

While checking for his exam results at night, Han Joon receives an unexpected phone call from his mother, mistaking it for Yoo Jae. Han Joon’s mother notices his cheerful tone and assumes he must have gotten good results. Just then, Yoo Jae calls Han Joon, and his mother playfully remarks that Han Joon comes first before anyone else. The two discuss their successful results for the day, and Yoo Jae asks Han Joon if he’s at home, notifying him that he will come over. Without much hesitation, Han Joon quickly agrees but soon realizes his mistake. He hurries outside to meet Yoo Jae, and it becomes clear that he has been residing elsewhere due to financial constraints. Han Joon admits that he didn’t want to bring up his current situation because he didn’t want Yoo Jae to worry. Yoo Jae argues back, saying that Han Joon shouldn’t have been angry before when he is now the one keeping secrets. He becomes even more upset that Han Joon bought him expensive chocolate despite having no money. Han Joon explains that it was all for Yoo Jae, but Yoo Jae interprets it as Han Joon being prideful. However, Han Joon confesses that the reason behind his actions is that he likes Yoo Jae and wants to date him. Yoo Jae is in disbelief and, unable to do anything or say anything, he leaves.

Writer’s Thoughts:

In these two episodes, a series of miscommunications and escalating arguments take place between the two best friends. Just when it seemed like they were getting along again, they fought once more. And to make things even more complicated, Han Joon finally confessed that he has feelings for Yoo Jae. Will the upcoming episodes show how Yoo Jae will react to this surprising revelation? Will it be good, or bad?

Watch ‘Star Struck’ on GagaOOLala

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