Love Untangled

Se-ri projects a sunny image at school, but she is insecure about her natural curly hair. She also harbors a crush on Kim Hyun, one of the popular students. The longing for approval shapes her early interactions and self-image.

The Jangmi salon debuts with promises of transformative treatments that lure many students. Se-ri cannot afford the service, highlighting her financial frustration. The salon's arrival becomes a catalyst for later events.

Se-ri rescues the new transfer student from drowning, and their bond begins to form. He is wary at first, but her act of courage earns his trust. This accidental heroism marks the start of their friendship.

Se-ri learns that the salon's owner is Yoon-seok's mother and offers help to win her approval. She uses her connection to smooth things over and supports him in conversations with his mother. The gesture foreshadows her growing influence and loyalty.

Beyond transaction or convenience, Se-ri stays by Yoon-seok's side and encourages him to come out of his shell. He begins to trust her with his worries and dreams. Their friendship deepens into mutual support.

A neighbor reveals that Yoon-seok's father is a professor who places heavy expectations on his son. The pressure pushes Yoon-seok toward giving up on his CSAT aspirations. The family dynamic foreshadows conflict and escape plans.

Se-ri and friends strategize a shared confession to Kim Hyun during a school trip. At the last moment, she admits she loves someone else and chooses not to reveal her feelings for Hyun. The moment reorients her affections toward Yoon-seok.

The two briefly start dating, but Yoon-seok is forced to rush to Seoul to be with his mother after he is assaulted by his father. The upheaval strains their relationship and forces new distances between them.

In Seoul, Se-ri overhears Yoon-seok telling his mother that his aunt wants them to move to the US to escape domestic violence. Yet he expresses a desire to return to their life in Busan, shaping future choices. The revelation deepens the sense of separation between them.

Wanting a peaceful life away from his father, Se-ri leaves a voicemail telling Yoon-seok she liked him as a friend and does not want to continue the relationship. The message marks a painful turning point in their relationship, though its intent is ambiguous to him.

Months pass after high school as Se-ri graduates and pursues marine sports in college. Her friends arrange a blind date for her, but she does not attend, choosing to move on. The quiet anticipation hints at new independence.

The date turns out to be Yoon-seok who calls to explain and apologize for the voicemail. He understands her other voicemail was meant to be deleted. They reunite, and the group celebrates their renewed bond.