Joon-hyuk is forced to be her mixed doubles partner. The first practice is brutal. He refuses to sync with her. She refuses to adjust her stance. They lose a practice match 21–5.
Joon-hyuk freezes. Episode ends with him watching her leave, his own heart visibly shattered. Layla is offered a spot on the national team—the same team that rejected her twice. Her new coach, a sharp-tongued former Olympian named Coach Sun-mi, warns her: “Talent gets you in. Discipline keeps you here. And love? Love will destroy you or save you. Choose wisely.” Joon-hyuk is forced to be her mixed doubles partner
He holds up the same hand towel from five years ago. She realizes: He kept it. The season builds to the National Mixed Doubles Finals. Layla and Joon-hyuk, now inseparable on and off the court, face the defending champions. The match is a war—each point a confession, each rally a memory. She refuses to adjust her stance
They win.
“Why do you still play?” he asks.