Original subtitles

(Crushology 101)

(A Good Friend to Meet)

(All places, organizations, characters,)

(incidents, and backstories in this drama are fictitious.)

(Crushology 101)

Who is it?

Hello, ma'am. I'm Bani's boyfriend.

Bani is quite drunk right now.

- Oh, my. - Good evening.

Hi. What has gotten into her?

Well, she didn't drink with me.

I'm only here to drop her off.

I see, so you only brought her home. Thank you.

My goodness. Really.

You should leave for today. Let's meet again next time, okay?

- Okay. - Come in.

- I can't believe you! - Bye.

Really, this is absurd.

(Episode 10: An Undying Ember)

What are you doing right now?

I get that you're in the same department...

and each other's senior and junior partner.

But enough is enough.

Don't cross the line.

- I can't believe you! - Bye.

Oh, no.

Yeol.

I was...

quite drunk last night, wasn't I?

I wasn't just "quite."

Sorry.

What happened yesterday?

Weren't you resting at home?

You see...

That was my plan yesterday,

but the guys dragged me out to drink.

I don't know anymore.

Bani. Professor Park wants you to drop by later.

Okay.

Bani.

Ji Won.

Yes?

About yesterday...

With the recent rumours,

I don't want Yeol to get the wrong idea again.

From now on,

I'm going to put a distance between us.

I'm sorry.

Yes, sir. You're here?

No.

Turn right from there, not left.

This guy has been lost for a while now.

So? Is he here now?

Yes, he's nearby.

Gosh.

(Notice of Additional Assignment for Finalists)

Isn't the deadline too close?

To finish it within one month?

What's this?

Why have you been looking gloomy?

Did you fight with Bani?

Did you order delivery?

- Yes. - I'm sorry.

I barely made it.

- I'm sorry. - It's okay.

It's my first day making deliveries.

I'm sorry.

Have some of this.

Thanks. Gosh.

It's citrus tea, yes?

That hits the spot. I was feeling cold.

My getup shocked you, right?

No, it didn't.

What a lie.

Well, you see...

I caused trouble at home.

I see.

I'm sure Bani has it tough because of me.

My sweetie. She never made us worry...

and led a diligent life.

But I, her dad,

am a troublemaker and not a helper.

Oh, right.

Keep this from Bani, got it?

Promise me.

Sealed. Okay.

The citrus tea is nice.

You've seen this, right?

(Arte Foundation Fine Arts Overseas Scholarship Program)

Yes, I have.

It was up in the hallway.

It has a good mentoring...

and internship partnership program.

It'll help you come up with a detailed career path.

Everything is funded, from accommodations to tuition fees.

None of our students have been accepted.

But with your portfolio, I think you'll make it.

Give it a shot.

I'll write a recommendation letter if needed.

Okay. Thank you.

(Drama and Movie Lovers)

(Come Again Land)

Why isn't she here?

Excuse me. She's a Wacko is coming today, right?

- She's a Wacko? - Yes.

She said she can't make it today.

What?

Why didn't you come to today's D and M community gathering?

Don't tell me you got cold feet at the thought...

of a face-to-face conversation.

(Come Again Land)

Gosh.

(2025 Arte Foundation Fine Arts Overseas Scholarship Program)

(Selection Notice)

(Selection Overview)

(1-year course at the Fine Arts School in the US)

The US.

It's a faraway country.

(Tuesday, December 2, 2025)

Yeol.

Are you still angry?

(Yeol)

I don't know anymore.

(Yeol)

- Kot Nim. - Hey.

- Thank you. - Enjoy.

It came out right on time. Nice.

Was today Bo Bae's blind date?

Yes.

It's her 1st one after being single for 5 months.

It's already been five months?

Time sure flies.

What about you? Did you make up with Jae Yeol?

What? Not yet?

It seems Yeol is really cross with me.

That's why...

I can't contact him first.

What if...

Yeol can't trust me?

No way. He's simply upset right now, okay?

Don't worry.

Yeol held out strongly,

even with that weird rumour on our community board.

Dig in already.

Bo Bae.

You look more like an idol than an actress.

An idol.

Why? Because I'm crazy about idols.

Watching idol videos was my joy during exams.

Oh, yes.

You match the vibe YJ Entertainment looks for.

I only liked female idols from YJ Entertainment.

I'm surprised by such a fate.

I'm sorry. I need to use the restroom.

- Excuse me, where's the restroom? - It's inside.

How boring.

(You have an unread message.)

(From Come Again Land)

Again? He was quiet for once.

Why didn't you come to today's D and M community gathering?

Don't tell me you got cold feet at the thought...

of a face-to-face conversation.

"Get cold feet?"

Unbelievable.

(Favourites: Bani)

Get cold feet, my foot.

I'm afraid I have this pet theory.

Do not associate with anyone...

who has a bad taste in movies.

(From She's a Wacko)

Come to think of it,

your movie reviews are lousy,

but your nickname is gold.

You live up to your nickname.

I live up to my what?

Is he saying I'm a real wacko?

Can you handle a face-off with me when all you do...

is watch the public's choices and have no personal taste?

I'm worried you might pee your pants.

What?

Another word for the public's choice is "major,"

and those who mention taste are minor.

You be careful not to pee your pants.

Seriously.

Why don't we meet right this instant?

Let's find out who the major and minor are in person.

Fine. I've been waiting for this day.

I'm in. Let's meet in front of The Cinematic Table.

Darn it.

Where are you going, Bo Bae?

I'm sorry, but I look more like an actress.

I hope you fall in love with someone who's like an idol.

What...

Come on.

Hey. Where are you going? What about the proposal?

I'll finish it even if I must pull an all-nighter.

I've waited a year for this real-life face-off.

I'm off, Yeol.

Wait. Lee Dong Ha!

Dong Ha!

What? Pee my pants?

(The Cinematic Table)

- Are you... - She's a Wacko?

Come Again Land?

(Apply)

(Your application has been submitted.)

All done.

(Fine Arts Overseas Scholarship Program Competition Rate)

It's 280 to 1?

That's too low.

Yes?

Hey, Bani. Are you busy?

What? No.

You see...

I just want to tell you not to worry about...

your tuition fee because of me.

I'm more than capable of paying for that.

I'm not worried. You shouldn't be either.

I've applied for this program.

Get accepted, and I can study abroad with a full scholarship.

If not, I can take time off from school.

Taking two semesters off is the norm now.

Thanks.

And I'm sorry.

You're already busy with school,

but I'm troubling you too.

No, Dad. I understand.

You did it for my and Mom's sake, right?

Right. Continue what you were doing.

Oh, and...

your boyfriend.

Yes?

He seems like a nice guy.

(Bani)

Where are you going?

I was going to go to you.

Bani, has somebody come?

Who is it? Oh, my.

You're Bani's boyfriend.

Hello.

It's cold. Come on in and talk inside.

- I'm okay, ma'am. - It's cold.

No. Come in and talk inside.

Come in.

Well... Go ahead and talk.

It might be stuffy. Should I leave it open a little?

Come on.

Well...

Do you want to sit here?

Sure.

Jae Yeol.

Thank you for coming first.

I was going to go to you.

Why did you drink so much at that time?

Did something happen?

Actually,

my dad was scammed.

Why didn't you tell me immediately?

Something good happened to you at that time.

I didn't want to ruin your mood.

But I want you to tell me immediately...

no matter what happens.

If something happens to you,

I should be the first one to know and stay by your side.

Okay. Thank you.

I'll do that from now on.

Oh, right. There's something...

I wanted to tell you first.

What is it?

Because of what happened to Dad, our family is struggling,

and I'm worried about the tuition for the next semester.

So...

I applied for an overseas scholarship program.

If I get accepted,

they'll fully fund a year of study abroad in the US.

The US?

Why do you think people watch movies in the end?

There are stories I want to see.

But I enjoy movies that present those stories...

in ways I haven't seen before.

The popular movies I like are those kinds.

The movies that pursue novelty...

within familiarity.

Why? What's the matter?

This is fun.

Well... I'm glad it's fun.

It's fun to me as well.

Of course, I thought it'd be fun...

even before we met.

I'm so glad it's been you the whole time.

I was so happy when I found out it was you.

Don't you think it was meant to be?

What...

What are you doing? You have a boyfriend.

Oh, my.

We broke up a long time ago.

You broke up?

(My baby, Hee Jin, I love you.)

You haven't changed at all.

- I haven't? - No.

I haven't seen these for a long time.

(Something is going on between Bani and Hyun.)

Who is this?

A guy who lived next door.

He's not just a guy.

You look suspicious.

What? No.

Hey, why are you looking at it so closely?

Come on. It's more suspicious when you're trying to hide it.

Was he...

your first love or something like that?

No. It's not like that at all.

- He was. Let me see. - He's really not!

Bani, it's snowing.

- Is it, sir? - Is it?

Yes.

- Let's go and see. - Yes.

It's so pretty.

Gosh, I can't believe we're seeing the first snow together.

Oh, yes. To celebrate the first snow,

why don't you have dinner with us? I'll make tasty tteokbokki for you.

You don't make delicious food for me.

Aren't you ashamed to say that now?

I am.

You should taste her tteokbokki. It's amazing.

- Okay. - Oh, my gosh.

I checked one thing off my bucket list.

What?

Seeing the first snow together.

I already told them...

to let it snow...

because we're going to be together tonight.

What?

(First Love)

Yes, Hye Won.

- Are you at school? - Yes.

I talked with Mom on the phone.

I plan to go to the States before starting school.

I want to adapt to life there...

and spend time with my parents.

Yes. That'd be better.

Will you come with me?

Come with me. Will you?

Take a leave of absence next semester...

and spend some time with me there.

Our parents miss you a lot too.

Please, Ji Won.

Ms. Ban.

(Arte Foundation)

Why did you apply for this program?

The art school offers a wide range of high-quality art courses.

I want to take those classes...

to better define what kind of work...

I want to do in the future.

If you're selected for this program,

what are your academic plans in the US?

First, I want to take an installation art class.

So far, I've only created individual pieces,

but I want to broaden my perspective...

and learn about spatial composition as well.

That's nice.

Okay. Get home safe.

Call me when you're home.

Bye.

Hey.

What do you think about long-distance relationships?

Why do you ask? It's the worst.

- Is it that bad? - Yes. Hey.

Even if you're together every day, your feelings can change.

Why do you think there's the saying, "Out of sight, out of mind?"

Hey, I'll get going first today.

- Are you not going to eat dinner? - No.

I have to go somewhere. Don't skip meals.

I'll get going.

I think we should make it clear...

about our kiss last time.

Technically, you initiated the kiss.

And I can't tolerate meaningless kisses...

between a man and a woman.

- Let's date. - Yes. Let's do that.

What?

I don't kiss just anyone either.

So are we really dating?

Are we in a relationship?

I hope we can make it work!

Bani. Eat something.

What are you looking at all day?

(2025 Arte Foundation Fine Arts Overseas Scholarship Program)

(Congratulations, Ban Hee Jin. You've been officially accepted.)

Have you been accepted to the American school?

Honey, come here right now!

Oh, my gosh. She's in a daze. She must be unbelievably happy.

Honey, she was accepted into the program to go to the US!

What?

Oh, my gosh! Seriously?

- My daughter, I'm so proud of you! - Oh, my gosh.

- Yes. Who else would be accepted? - Oh, my goodness.

- Gosh. - I'm so happy.

You're the best.

With the recent rumours,

I don't want Yeol to get the wrong idea again.

From now on,

I'm going to put a distance between us.

(First Love)

Hello?

- Hye Won. - Yes?

I'll go to the States with you.

Really? Are you sure?

I'll tell my parents then.

When do you want to leave?

Speaking of which, let's go before the end of the year.

I should search for the flight tickets first.

You went to get a cake for Bani. Why are you still not coming?

You didn't go out for delivery, did you?

We promised not to do that anymore.

No. What delivery?

I just got a cake at the bakery.

I'll be coming soon. See you.

Hold on. "Delivery complete."

(Blueme Kitchen, 5 dollars)

"Blueme Kitchen?" It's on the way home.

Okay. "Accept." I can earn money before going home.

Bani.

Oh, Jae Yeol.

It's cold. Why didn't you go inside first?

I was waiting for you so that we can go together.

- Let's go inside. - Yes.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

What do you want to have?

- How about you? - I want meat.

- Let's have a steak. - Sounds good.

I'm here at the Blueme Kitchen to pick up a delivery.

Could you distract her for a moment?

Why?

It's a spam message.

- I see. - Yes.

What? Why are you sitting next to me?

I want to sit close.

- Do you like me that much? - Of course, I do.

Here's the delivery.

Thank...

The person who just left. Don't you think he's my dad?

No way. You must've been mistaken.

I saw him too, but he wasn't your father.

He wasn't?

Be safe on the road, Father.

(Bani's father)

Bani, what did you want to tell me?

Oh, that.

Well...

What are you hesitant to share?

That program in the US.

I got in.

Really?

Congratulations, Bani.

Thanks, Jae Yeol.

I didn't think I'd get in.

It feels surreal.

That's great news.

I heard it was highly competitive.

But you still got in?

My girlfriend sure is impressive.

Just a second.

(Father)

Hello?

I'm calling from Ban Yeong Min's phone.

There was a motorcycle accident here.

He's being taken to Chaon Hospital ER.

Mom.

Bani.

Dad!

Dad, what...

Don't worry. I'm fine.

Are you Mr. Ban's family?

- Yes. - Mr. Ban needs surgery...

for injuries in his right arm and leg,

but all our operation room are occupied.

We're searching for other hospitals that can admit him,

but none are able to.

Won't something bad happen...

if he doesn't get surgery right away?

Can't you do something?

Well...

- What do we do? - Doesn't it hurt?

(Cha)

(Cha Ji Won)

(Surgery in progress)

I told him not to deliver.

(Operation Room)

But he was adamant about earning money for your tuition...

on his own.

I saw this coming.

He's not even skilled at riding a motorcycle.

But your father wouldn't listen to me.

(Surgery in progress)

(Operation Room)

The surgery went well.

We'll see how he does in the following eight weeks.

I'm sure he'll recover sooner with physical therapy.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Thank you, Professor. I know it was your day off.

Who am I to turn down your request?

Thank you.

You have no idea how grateful I am.

Ji Won, thank you so much.

You heard the professor.

Your dad will recover in no time.

I'll get going, then. Keep me in the loop.

Sure.

My gosh.

Hey.

Thanks...

for today.

It was nothing. I'm glad his surgery went well.

Thanks for contacting me.

It's a relief to know that he'll make a full recovery.

Tell me about it. It's a relief.

You should hurry back in. Don't keep your mom waiting.

Sure.

That reminds me. I was going to ask you earlier,

but why did the guy call you of all people?

Have you been in touch with my dad recently?

Well...

You see,

I knew about your father's part-time job.

He made a delivery to the studio once.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.

He asked me to keep it a secret.

Still, you should've told me.

I know.

I feel like I caused this.

That's just silly.

How is it your fault that he was in an accident?

I'm just saying.

It seems like I'm no help to you.

What are you saying?

You were by my side all night.

You got me through it all today.

So please, don't ever think that again. Got it?

Sure.

I think I'm good.

Here.

What?

(Flight to New York, 14 hours)

Is the long-distance thing becoming a reality?

Are you okay with this?

She'll be gone for a year, not a week.

(Flight to New York, 14 hours)

Gosh, my whole body's aching.

My dad was discharged, and we just got home.

Yeol, I'm as good as new!

Tell him I'm fine.

Seriously? Stop it already.

Would you like to hurt something else?

My dad has always been quick to recover from injuries.

You should invite him over later.

Jae Yeol, would you like to have dinner with us today?

Dad will be treating us to celebrate his return home.

- Can you start with the red ones? - The red ones.

- Sure. - Good.

That's nice.

Another person means another set of hands.

Dad, be honest with me.

I bet you invited him over to make him decorate the tree.

As if. I did so because I like him.

What?

Says the man who had him under scrutiny.

You know how I like men who are tight-lipped.

Yeol, thank you for keeping my secret.

Although I messed that up myself.

Here.

My gosh.

Goodness, you're the one who helped us at the hospital.

- Right? - Yes.

Hello, ma'am.

You have no idea how grateful I was.

It was nothing.

Are you here to see Bani?

What? Oh, I...

No, I was just in the neighbourhood passing by.

I'll get going, then.

Sure thing.

I ran into that guy outside our house.

That young man who helped us at the hospital.

- Won? - Yes, Won.

I asked if he was here to see you,

but he left, saying he was just in the neighbourhood.

I'll step out for a bit.

Sure.

Ji Won.

I heard you were outside our house.

Right.

Well, I had something to say to you.

It wasn't urgent, so I thought I'd just call.

I see.

Now is a good time too.

Bani.

I'm going to the US.

To the US?

Yes.

I'm going with Hye Won before she enrols...

to help her settle in.

I'll be staying in New York with my parents.

I see.

Still,

I thought I should at least say goodbye.

Thanks...

for everything.

Likewise.

I'm grateful for everything too.

Your family will be waiting. You should hurry back.

I'll get going.

Sure.

- I study visual design. - Visual design?

- That's so nice. - Visual design.

- You're back. - Hey.

What did he want?

He just had something to say to me.

I see. What did he say?

He'll be going to the US to be with his little sister.

- He came to say goodbye. - Where in the US?

New York.

New York? That's where you'll be going.

- Maybe you could meet up. - Goodness.

This place had some of the best reviews.

We should try the food.

Sure, let's dig in.

It'll go cold.

I was full after dinner, but that walk helped.

Right?

Sure.

Bani.

Yes?

Do you have to go?

To the US?

What?

Can't you choose not to go?

Is it because...

of Won?

Don't worry about him.

It's not like we're going there together.

We have to be apart not for a month,

but for a year.

I haven't spoken about it,

but coming to terms with it wasn't easy.

Still,

since it's a good opportunity for you,

I knew it was only right for me to wait.

But now,

above everything else,

even Won will be there.

If that's the case,

I can't let you go.

You know how hard I worked to get into this program.

I do. Of course, I know.

But you must know how he feels about you.

Can't you have a little more faith in me?

I won't meet up with Won in the US,

nor will I make you worry.

I don't know.

I just feel...

like I shouldn't let you leave.

I'm sorry.

Your father is snoring like a sailor today.

You'll be going to the US shortly,

so I wanted to sleep next to you.

Sounds good to me.

What's with the long face?

Is something troubling you?

Mom.

Is going to the US...

the right choice for me?

Come on.

You were thrilled to get into the program.

A year is far from short.

I'm worried that I didn't think it through enough.

I don't know if I'll be able to adjust.

I'll have to spend...

too many days away from Yeol.

I get it.

I see you care deeply about Yeol.

I think I felt the same way when I was your age.

I wanted to have a great career as a volleyball player...

and a great love life.

I wanted to have both,

so I was worried that I might end up losing both.

But I didn't want to give up either one.

That's how I truly felt. You know?

Bani.

Don't worry about how things might turn out.

Just follow your heart for now.

There's nothing you can do regarding what happens later.

But if you're not true to your feelings now,

you'll really regret that later.

Even if you're together every day, your feelings can change.

Why do you think there's the saying, "Out of sight, out of mind?"

He'll be going to the US to be with his little sister.

- He came to say goodbye. - Where in the US?

New York.

Jae Yeol.

I've given this a lot of thought.

But I still want to go.

It was hard to get into the program. I want to see this through.

Could you be...

more understanding about my decision for my sake just this once?

Can't you try to understand how I feel?

I might end up regretting a lot if I miss this opportunity.

Jae Yeol.

Could you please understand my decision...

just this once?

I can understand just about everything,

but I really can't accept this.

But what do we do?

If I go to the US, are we going to break up?

That won't happen, right?

Now that I've told you how I feel,

I'll wait.

- Ta-da. - My gosh.

Bani. When you go to the US,

you won't get to eat a lot of Korean food.

Eat as much as you can. Okay?

My gosh. There are so many Korean restaurants in New York.

Of course, I know that. But it won't taste like my food.

- Finish that. Okay? - Okay.

Oh, right.

I texted Yeol to come over...

- for a meal too. - Yes.

He said he couldn't come because he didn't have time.

Is he that busy these days?

Oh, that? Well,

he has to deliver his final presentation...

for the contest today.

He's probably busy preparing for that.

My gosh.

I wanted all of us to have a meal before you left for the US.

That's a bummer.

If today is his final presentation,

will he not be able to come to the airport to see you off?

No. Well,

the thing is, this is a major contest.

- Is that so? - Yes.

- He must be bummed out too. - Right.

- Gosh, this is good. - Yes.

Yes.

(Yeol: Make sure to have lunch.)

(Bani: You too. Don't skip your meal even if it's a hassle.)

Jae Yeol. You know that my flight is today. Right?

I hope I can see you before I go.

(Bani)

(Jae Yeol. You know that my flight is today. Right?)

(Jae Yeol. You know that my flight is today. Right?)

(I hope I can see you before I go.)

Yeol, are you nervous?

Don't be nervous. We can do this. Just stick to our script.

(Jae Yeol. You know that my flight is today. Right?)

(I hope I can see you before I go.)

Bani. Let's go.

- Okay. - It's time to go.

- Did you pack everything? - Yes.

Attention, please.

(Airport Main Number, Customer Service and Report)

Bani. Once you land,

get your luggage first.

Then call us right away.

My gosh. I got it. How many times must I tell you?

Gosh, you're such a softie when it comes to Bani.

Girls, thank you for coming today to see her off.

Of course, we should be here.

It would've been great if Yeol had come too.

My gosh. The awards ceremony of the contest is today.

I'm sure Yeol wanted to come. Right?

First of all, I would like to congratulate...

all the finalists here today.

Thank you for completing the assignment...

under a tight schedule.

Today is Christmas Eve.

I hope you didn't have to cancel your plans...

for the presentation.

- As today is a special day, - Going to the ice rink.

- leave no regrets. - Eating carp bread...

and fish cakes from the streets,

and enjoying the first snow.

And lastly,

spending Christmas Eve together.

My all-time wish is to spend Christmas Eve...

with my boyfriend.

Then let's hear it from the first team.

Handsome Dolphins, could you begin your presentation?

Yes.

(Handsome Dolphins)

Hey, why are you just standing there?

Dong Ha.

I'm sorry.

Could you take care of the presentation?

Okay.

Bani. Shouldn't you head in now?

Yes, I should.

I'll be fine. I'll check in with you regularly.

Mom. Dad. I'll get going now.

Don't worry about me.

Don't skip your meals there.

I won't.

My sweetie.

- Be safe. - Okay.

- Bye. - Safe travels.

If it's too tough, come back home.

Okay.

(KR 702, New York)

Bani.

Jae Yeol. I'm leaving now.

Take care of yourself.

(Crushology 101)

Bani!

Bani came back to Korea today.

You and Yeol never talked, right?

To be honest,

I thought we might be able to go back to how it used to be...

once we saw each other again.

It's been a while.

Why are you going through this trouble of telling me that?

It's always been you for Bani.

It's been six years.

Hey, you really haven't changed at all.

Nothing ever captured my heart the way sports did.

Nothing except for one person.

My first love.