Nam Joo Hyuk and Kim Tae Ri's relationship in "Twenty Five, Twenty One" changed a lot over the eight wonderful episodes.
The drama centers around the stories of youth whose dreams were compromised due to the IMF financial crisis.
Nam Joo Hyuk stars as Baek Yi Jin, an heir whose family declares bankruptcy due to the financial crisis, while Kim Tae Ri plays the role of Na Hee Do, an aspiring fencer.
Here's how Baek Yi Jin and Na Hee Do's relationship evolved so far!
Stage 1: Maintaining Proper Distance
Na Hee Do and Baek Yi Jin met for the first time while the latter was delivering newspapers to make a living.
The two met again at Hee Do's favorite book rental shop where Yi Jin works as a part-timer. Hee Do transfers to Tae Yang high school after Yi Jin shares his opinions on her situation.
However, she had trouble adjusting to the atmosphere of the school, especially when her idol Go Yu Rim (WJSN Bona) was giving her the cold shoulder.
On the other hand, Yi Jin suffers from the resentment of creditors who hunt his father down. Hee Do saves him and comforts him by making him happy even just for a minute, making the two closer.
When Hee Do gets hurt by Yu Rim, she realizes that she failed to keep her distance from the people she adores.
Before a match to secure a spot on the national team, Yi Jin cheers for Hee Do, and says, "You push me to do well, not just yourself. That's why I root for you."
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Episode 5 to 8: Kim Tae Ri Bags the Gold + Nam Joo Hyuk Feels Distant
Because of Yi Jin's sincere words, the two maintained the proper distance between them once again.
Stage 2: Their Support System Despite the Distance
With Yi Jin's support, Hee Do succeeds in securing a spot on the national team. However, Yi Jin was gone when she ran to him to break the great news.
Yi Jin leaves for Pohang without a trace after the creditors don't stop harassing his younger brother.
The two are now far away from each other, and endured the tough reality by sending each other voicemails.
Hee Do also endured a difficult time at the National Training Center. She receives comfort from the fencing sword where Yi Jin had scribed the words "National Team Member Na Hee Do," as well as the recordings of Yi Jin from when he was in the Broadcasting Club at school.
Despite being worn out, Yi Jin finds happiness while watching Hee Do win a bronze medal on television.
Despite the physical distance between them, the two became much closer emotionally.
Stage 3: Closing the Gap Between Them
Yi Jin returns to Seoul and meets Hee Do once more. The former now works as a sports news reporter.
When Hee Do experiences a crisis, she safely makes it to the final Asian Games after Yi Jin rescues her.
After a fierce match with Yu Rim, she bags the gold medal. However, controversies surface about Hee Do's win being a bad call.
Hurt by a lot of people, Yi Jin comforts her. Unfortunately, she remembers her coach's words to maintain distance from a reporter.
To top it all, Hee Do begins to feel heart-fluttering feelings towards Yi Jin. Unbeknownst to her, the latter is also confused about his feelings for her.
ALSO READ: 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Episode 1 to 4: Nam Joo Hyuk, Kim Tae Ri Find Happiness and Hope in Each Other
When Hee Do sees Yi Jin with a yellow rose, which her online friend "Injeolmi" agreed to bring for easier recognition, she confesses and says, "I have to have you."
This marks the beginning of Hee Do and Yi Jin's romantic relationship.
'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Episode 9 Release Date and Time
The change of atmosphere between Hee Do and Yi Jin is a key point to watch for the upcoming episodes.
In addition to that, the measures they will take to overcome and narrow the distance between each other also raise anticipation.
"Twenty Five, Twenty One" airs on Saturday, March 12 at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN.
READ MORE: 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Episode 9 Spoilers: Kim Tae Ri Worries Over WJSN Bona's Sudden Change
Elijah Mully wrote this. KDramaStars owns this article.
