The moment we’ve all been waiting for—and dreading—has finally arrived. The X Dates.

Episode 12 was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with more tears and raw sincerity than any previous episode. The comfortable familiarity of ex-lovers clashed with the excitement of new connections, leaving everyone in chaos. Here is a breakdown of the key moments and shifting relationship dynamics.

1. Woo-jin & Ji-yeon: A Scent of Memories and Closure

Woo-jin prepared a "Perfume Date," something he had always wanted to do with Ji-yeon. Throughout the date, Woo-jin looked genuinely happy and alive, a stark contrast to his usual self. He expressed a touching wish: even if they don't reunite, he hopes she remembers him whenever she smells this scent.

However, Ji-yeon’s energy seemed lower. She appears to be weighing the reality of a reunion—worried that the same problems will repeat once they leave the show. Woo-jin offered a sincere apology for the past and stated he would respect her decision. With Ji-yeon saying, "Oppa is a person I'm thankful for," it felt like they were moving towards a mature closure rather than a reunion.

2. Min-kyung & Yu-sik: Tears of Familiarity (The Saddest Couple)

This was undoubtedly the tear-jerker of the episode. Coincidentally matching in navy outfits, the two shared a heartbreaking day. Min-kyung expressed regret over not entering the X Room, realizing it might have helped her understand Yu-sik better.

The moment Min-kyung mentioned her mother’s words—"Don't say bad things about Yu-sik; there is no kid as kind as him"—it broke everyone's hearts. Sharing ice cream and feeding each other felt so natural, highlighting their long history.

At dinner, Yu-sik couldn’t even lift his head. He broke down in tears, overwhelmed by guilt for what he couldn't do for her in the past and the pain of the present situation. Min-kyung, watching him cry, realized that their breakup had valid reasons. Yu-sik apologized for hurting her even here on the show and seemed to leave the final choice in her hands.

3. Baek-hyun & Hyun-ji: An Explosion of Suppressed Emotions

Baek-hyun took Hyun-ji to a place filled with hydrangeas, her favorite flower. Their vibe was natural, not awkward at all. He gave her a letter, and the line "I loved you the most" resonated deeply with Hyun-ji. However, the past tense of that sentence made her cry.

The real climax happened after the date. After sending Hyun-ji away, Baek-hyun sat alone and began to sob uncontrollably. It turned out he had been suppressing his feelings because of Seung-yong’s presence. Seeing him cry, Hyun-ji returned to comfort him, and they shared a hug. Baek-hyun confessed, "I didn't want to let you go." This moment might be a game-changer.

4. Seung-yong & Hyun-ji: Putting Down His Pride

Seung-yong had been waiting for this day. He was desperate enough to tell Baek-hyun, "If there's only one X date, do it with Seung-yong."

Known for his high self-esteem, Seung-yong dropped his pride completely. He confessed his feelings honestly, admitting that the uncertainty made him anxious. He told Hyun-ji to make a choice that would satisfy her, tearing up as he felt like he was going through a breakup all over again. While his desperation was touching, his talk about reality seemed to weigh heavily on Hyun-ji compared to the emotional connection she felt with Baek-hyun.

5. Won-kyu & Ji-hyun: Marriage Talk vs. Reality

Won-kyu and Ji-hyun enjoyed a date doing things they hadn't done before. Ji-hyun asked a heavy question: "If we meet again, is marriage in the picture?" Won-kyu answered, "Yes."

However, Ji-hyun seemed conflicted. She admitted she enjoyed the bustling atmosphere of the house during the show. Despite the romantic reassurance, the weight of making a decision and taking responsibility for it seems to be scaring her.

6. The Secret Dates & The Aftermath

  • Yu-sik & Hyun-ji: Yu-sik chose Hyun-ji for the secret date. Hyun-ji, looking for certainty about the future (marriage), asked him direct questions. However, Yu-sik, being realistic about his financial situation, couldn't give a definitive answer. He told her to "make a choice that makes you happy," which sounded ambiguous to Hyun-ji. This hesitation might have cost him points.
  • Baek-hyun & Yoon-nyeong: Yoon-nyeong enjoyed the date, but Baek-hyun seemed confused after his emotional outpouring with his ex. Yoon-nyeong sensed this and gave him back the bracelet, signaling a crack in their relationship.

[Final Thoughts]
The dynamics have completely shifted. Min-kyung is terrified of regretting her choice, Yoon-nyeong is losing confidence, and Hyun-ji is at the center of the storm. In the preview, Hyun-ji asks Baek-hyun, "You weren't serious yesterday, right?". The final decision is approaching, and the tension is at an all-time high.