EPISODE RECAP
Something’s not right. Clearly, something was in that “protein shake” that Dan drank. After collapsing in the hallway, the other fighters manage to get Dan back to his bed in their room. Dan’s convinced that he just needs to rest, but soon realizes that it’s not rest that he needs. He tries to relieve himself from the intense sexual desire on his own but fails and ends up heading to Jaekyung’s suite much earlier than scheduled.
When Dan arrives, Jaekyung’s surprised by his forwardness. Normally, the doctor shrinks back whenever Jaekyung touches him, but it’s the complete opposite this time. He wants Jaekyung badly. After teasing Dan a little bit, the pair get to it, and not only is Dan more aggressive than usual, but he’s also more affectionate. He ends up kissing Jaekyung on the lips multiple times and even tells the MMA fighter he loves him multiple times.
The next morning, Jaekyung gets ready to leave for the match. He takes one quick look at Dan sleeping peacefully in bed before heading out the door. When Dan finally wakes up, he panics when he realizes the match is in less than an hour. He scrambles to get ready and makes it on time to the arena.
The match goes off without a hitch. At first, Jaekyung’s at a disadvantage after taking a few solid hits from Dominic. During one round, Jaekyung reflexively reacts to the pain in his left shoulder, which Dominic catches and uses to his advantage. He pummels Jaekyung’s sore shoulder in hopes that it’d take him down, but it’s no use. Jaekyung is able to muster his strength and fight back. He eventually knocks Dominic back, and after four rounds, the fight is over. Jaekyung wins.
Elsewhere after the fight, Dan’s been brought to a separate room for questioning from MFC security. Apparently, they learned that some unauthorized individual had tried to give Jaekyung a protein shake last night that was laced with illegal substances. Dan, however, can’t understand a thing that he’s being told, but he can understand that whatever is happening is a big deal and at the very worst, it could harm Jaekyung if he isn’t careful with his answers.
Before Dan can say anything, Jaekyung busts through the door. He yells at the guards saying how irresponsible it is to put the blame on an innocent person when they’re the ones at fault. Before they leave, the security ask Jaekyung who Dan is since they had never seen him in his entourage before. Jaekyung tells them, “He’s one of my own,” and the two leave.
As the two are walking back, Dan is in the middle of asking Jaekyung about his shoulder when he’s suddenly hounded by the press. As Dan watches Jaekyung talk to the reporters, he recalls how in the very little English he could understand, he could tell Jaekyung called him one of his own. And while he stands there in the hallway, Dan comes to the realization of his feelings for Jaekyung.
MY TAKEAWAYS
Honestly, I thought the fight was going to take at least one full episode, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it lasted even less than that. The author definitely knew how to balance the pacing of the fight scenes to the rest of the story. In other words, they know their audience lol
I laughed at the fact that the MFC security didn’t bring an interpreter for Dan’s questioning. It’s so realistic; I can see that actually happening. I hate making such broad generalizations of my own country-people, but there’s an inordinate amount of people in the US who don’t fully grasp the reality that not everyone speaks English. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across people who assume they’ll run into someone who speaks English when they travel abroad, or they get upset when someone they interact with here in the states can’t speak English clearly. Their privileged attitude astounds me.
Anyway, good on Jaekyung for calling that out, among other things. The MFC was 100% responsible for whomever it was that distributed the fake nutrition shakes. It’s a good thing that Dan didn’t suffer any ill effects other than what he did. Also, Dan seriously has the worst luck. The poor guy really can’t catch a break. I’m just glad that Jaekyung didn’t take it out on Dan in any way… at least, so far.
This is one of those rare episodes where I actually like Jaekyung. I’m willing to bet that’ll change yet again once the next episode comes around, but it’s nice to view him in a positive light again… no matter how short-lived it’ll be.
Series Details
Episode release date: Thursday, Oct 12, 2023
Original Title: 징크스
Author/Artist: Mingwa
English Publisher: Lezhin
Audience: NSFW
