Friendship Blossoms into Love in ‘Star Struck’ Episodes 7-8

BL Recaps Korea

2023-07-01
22:31

What lies ahead for the two now that Yoo Jae has initiated a kiss with Han Joon?

Does this kiss mark the beginning of their relationship, or will they face further challenges? Can they achieve the happy ending they deserve as a couple? To discover the answers to these questions, let’s explore what happens in the series finale below:

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD. Read at your own risk!

Episode 7: 62 Days

Yoo Jae tries to initiate a conversation with Han Joon at school, suggesting they grab a meal to talk. However, Han Joon declines, mentioning prior plans. Yoo Jae doubts Han Joon’s claim, and his suspicion is confirmed when the next scene reveals Han Joon sitting alone, eating at a convenience store. During a group project meeting, Yoo Jae tries to call Han Joon, but Yubin informs him that Han Joon had already texted her, stating that he won’t be able to make it because he’s feeling unwell. Yoo Jae doubts the excuse, but Yubin assures him that Han Joon already finished his part. Despite his doubts, Yoo Jae still buys medicine for him. Yoo Jae, holding the medicine, waits for Han Joon’s call at night and eventually falls asleep. He rushes to meet Han Joon at the playground after waking up, where they discuss the kiss they shared. Han Joon tries to downplay it, claiming he didn’t feel anything, but Yoo Jae isn’t convinced. Yoo Jae pulls Han Joon’s swing closer, causing Han Joon to panic and push him away. Han Joon assumes that Yoo Jae wants to pretend that nothing happened, but Han Joon wants to reconcile with Yoo Jae because he can’t imagine being without him. Feeling embarrassed, Han Joon quickly changes the subject to stargazing, something Yoo Jae enjoys, before suggesting they head home. Yoo Jae tells Han Joon that he didn’t come there just to stargaze, and he suggests that they go out together.

In the next scene, Han Joon and Yoo Jae are playing basketball together when Han Joon’s senior comes. The senior asks if Han Joon has switched from the boxing club to the basketball club as a joke. Han Joon clarifies that he hasn’t, showing the fighting club t-shirt he’s wearing, which happens to be the same shirt his senior is wearing. Han Joon declines the invitation to the training camp, stating that he is unable to attend due to a part-time job that day. Yoo Jae encourages Han Joon to attend the training camp if he desires. However, Han Joon reiterates that he had no intention of going. Yoo Jae sighs and tells him to take off his fighting club shirt with a hint of sulking in his voice. At home, Han Joon and Yoo Jae decide to take a photo together. As they pose for the picture, Yoo Jae proudly asks Han Joon how long they have been dating, to which Han Joon responds “62 days.” Afterward, Han Joon successfully reserves a restaurant for their 100-day anniversary celebration, which has a semi-formal dress code. Han Joon and Yoo Jae hold hands while eating ice cream outside and talk about the semi-formal attire needed for the restaurant. Yoo Jae suggests going elsewhere due to his lack of appropriate clothing, but Han Joon insists on dining at that specific restaurant.

On the day of their celebration, Han Joon sends Yoo Jae a text, informing him that he won’t be attending class and will head straight to the reserved restaurant but in truth, he actually went to go meet his mom after receiving a message from her when they went out to get ice cream. He arrives at her place, but there’s no answer, and the landlord informs him that they moved out some time ago. Meanwhile, Yoo Jae’s mom calls him to meet up. Yoo Jae’s parents inform him of their separation and financial arrangements, but an argument ensues over the amount of money. Yoo Jae becomes upset and decides to move out, wanting no part in this unpleasant situation. In a fit of anger, his father hits him, but Yoo Jae walks away, determined to cut ties with them.

Watch ‘Star Struck’ on GagaOOLala

Episode 8: Couple Ring

Han Joon hurries to the restaurant where his mother works, only to discover that she has taken a week off under the pretense of meeting him. The owner of the restaurant informs him that he found it suspicious, especially after debt collectors began showing up. It turns out that his mother had borrowed money and disappeared. However, Han Joon later learns that his mother didn’t actually run away but had undergone surgery. In a rush, he sets off to meet her. Meanwhile, Yoo Jae arrives at the reserved restaurant and texts Han Joon to come soon. The waiter informs him that their last order is at 9pm so Yoo Jae orders food for both of them as he waits for Han Joon’s arrival.

Han Joon’s emotions overwhelm him as he sees his mother’s condition in the hospital. His mother kept her illness a secret to spare him worry. To divert the conversation, she brings up his attire, which reminds Han Joon of his planned meeting with Yoo Jae. Realizing it’s almost 10pm and he has left his phone and jacket in the taxi, Han Joon feels discouraged, thinking it’s too late. However, his mother urges him not to give up easily and encourages him to go. In a flashback of their previous conversation about going out together while he’s on the bus, Yoo Jae had added a condition to Han Joon. He requested that Han Joon promise not to disappear again, emphasizing that if he were to do so, Yoo Jae will never meet with him again.

In a panic, Han Joon rushes to the playground to find Yoo Jae. Yoo Jae notices Han Joon’s teary eyes once he’s there and playfully asks if he believes they won’t see each other again. Han Joon tries to explain but gets distracted when he sees Yoo Jae flinch in pain from his lip. Concerned, Han Joon asks what happened, and Yoo Jae opens up about his parent’s situation. He assures Yoo Jae that he has nothing to worry about because he is with him. Suddenly, Han Joon remembers the gift he was supposed to give him—a lip balm. Yoo Jae requests that Han Joon apply it for him, and Han Joon obliges. Yoo Jae mentions that he also planned to give him a gift—a couple’s ring—but the store where they were supposed to get it closed at 9 pm. Han Joon feels disheartened, blaming himself for ruining everything. However, Yoo Jae reassures him by asking for his hand. Han Joon extends his hand, and Yoo Jae presents him with a makeshift couple’s ring made from a twist tie. This gesture warms Han Joon’s heart, and they hold hands while gazing lovingly at each other in the place where they first met and where their bond has grown. They admire a falling star in the night sky, cherishing the moment together.

Writer’s Thoughts:

The series delves into the challenges of concealing one’s feelings for a close friend, focusing on the captivating journey of Han Joon and Yoo Jae, who have shared a deep friendship since childhood and later transitioned into a romantic relationship as they grew older. ‘Star Struck’ emphasizes that love has its complexities and hardships, not just moments of bliss. It highlights both its beautiful and challenging aspects. Despite the circumstances they face at the end of the series, the protagonists remain determined to face and conquer them together.

Watch ‘Star Struck’ on GagaOOLala.

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