Chapter Text
KITTY (Voice Over): They say senior year is all about finding your future. But what happens when your past, present, and future are all wrapped up in the same place?
[Montage of clips from previous seasons: Kitty arriving at K.I.S.S., meeting Minho, their first kiss, Jiwon teaching at K.I.S.S., Soon Ja giving Kitty the matchmaking pouch.]
KITTY (Voice Over): I came to Korea to chase my mother’s memories. I stayed to find myself. And somewhere along the way, I found my people.
[Shots of the friend group laughing together, Q and Jin holding hands, Dae playing music with Eunice, Juliana working on art with Praveena by her side, Yuri at her fashion internship, Madison and Mihee working on organizing school events together.]
KITTY (Voice Over): But now, we’re all facing the same question: What comes next? And what happens to us when we have to go our separate ways?
[Camera focuses on a calendar showing senior year milestones: college applications, prom, final exams, graduation.]
KITTY (Voice Over): Everyone says senior year is when everything changes. I’m just hoping we can all change together.
[TITLE CARD: XO, KITTY]
Scene 1: Minho and Dae’s room
The dorm room is dimly lit by the glow of Minho’s laptop, the credits of a movie quietly rolling. Kitty is curled up on Minho’s bed, having fallen asleep during their movie night. Her face is peaceful, hair slightly spread across the pillow. Minho is on his phone next to her when he realizes the time.
MINHO: (nudging Kitty) Covey. Wake up. You’ve got twenty minutes to get back before check.
KITTY: (groggily) Five more minutes…
MINHO: (pulling the blanket) Not unless you want detention. Principal Lee is doing checks today, not Professor Kim.
Kitty immediately sits up, suddenly wide awake.
KITTY: (panicked) Why didn’t you say that first?!
She quickly gathers her things scattered around his room – her bag on his chair, her phone charger still plugged in by his bed. Minho watches her scramble in amusement as he gets up and goes to his closet.
MINHO: (handing her a hoodie) Here. It’s cold out.
As Kitty pulls the hoodie over her, Minho’s phone buzzes with a text. He checks it quickly.
MINHO: (casually) Dae’s almost back, too.
KITTY: (gathering her things slightly faster) I’m gonna go before he gets here. (sighing) I shouldn’t stay so long on weekdays.
MINHO: (with a smirk) Yet here we are.
Kitty tries to look annoyed but fails, a smile breaking through. She quickly crosses back to Minho and rises on her tiptoes to give him a goodbye kiss. What starts as a quick peck lingers for a moment longer than intended. Chimes can be heard in the background.
KITTY: (softly, after pulling away) Worth it though.
MINHO: (smirking, but genuine warmth in his eyes) Always is, Covey.
As Kitty slips out the door, checking the hallway first, Minho watches her go with a mixture of affection and amusement at their situation.
Scene 2: Conference room
It’s a meeting for the upcoming K.I.S.S. International Cultural Festival. Several students sit around a table in the student activities room, including Madison, who is the committee chair, and American, Korean, and other international students. Kitty was dragged here by Madison but now finds herself unexpectedly involved in this last-minute planning effort.
MADISON: (frustrated) The language barriers are just too big. We would need translators for everything. Why don’t we just separate out the events? Just do it in English this time?
KOREAN STUDENT: (mumbling in Korean) That wouldn’t be a true international event.
AMERICAN STUDENT: (confused) What did she say?
KITTY: (hesitantly) She said that wouldn’t really be international then. (to Korean student, in basic Korean) Right?
The Korean student nods, surprised and pleased that Kitty understood.
KITTY: (gaining confidence) What if we focused on the food so that language isn’t the main focus? (animated) Like a food festival but with music performances?
MIHEE: (skeptical) But how would people understand what they’re eating or hearing?
KITTY: (thinking quickly) Visual guides? (excited) We could make cards with pictures and simple descriptions in both languages. Not a lot of work for a week. (to the Korean student in Korean) What do you think?
The Korean student begins responding enthusiastically.
KOREAN STUDENT: (in English this time) I can help with the Korean food descriptions.
The committee members look at each other, the energy in the room shifting.
MADISON: (impressed) That works. (nodding to Kitty) Kitty, you’re in charge of that.
KITTY: (surprised) Me? (uncertain) I’m not fluent in Korean…
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT: (encouraging) You’re better than you think. And you understand different perspectives.
KITTY: (with growing confidence) Okay. I’ll try.
As the meeting ends, Kitty finds herself energized by the problem solving in a way she didn’t expect. Kitty revels in the idea that she has learned more Korean than she’d noticed.
Scene 3: The girls’ dorm
Kitty returns to her dorm room after the successful committee meeting, still energized by solving the festival communication problem. She opens her laptop to multiple browser tabs showing various university websites and starts a video call with her dad.
DAN: (smiling as the call connects) There’s my girl! How’s senior year still treating you?
KITTY: (enthusiastic) It’s going! I just got put in charge for the international festival. (realizing) Which I definitely didn’t plan on.
DAN: (proudly) I’m sure you’ll do a great job. (shifting topics) Hey, have you thought more about college applications? Deadlines will be here before you know it.
KITTY: (overwhelmed) I’m looking at a lot of options. Seoul National, NYU, UC Berkeley…
DAN: (encouraging) That’s a good range of schools. Both here and in Korea.
KITTY: (sighing) I don’t know what I want to do with my life.
DAN: (supportive) You don’t need to have everything figured out right now, sweetheart. Just follow what interests you.
KITTY: (hesitant) I am. I just…
DAN: (understanding) Is this about Minho?
KITTY: (surprised) How did you know?
DAN: (with a knowing smile) You brought him back for Thanksgiving. (carefully) But your future shouldn’t be determined by a relationship. (encouraging) Your mom would want you to follow your heart, but also your dreams. The big, scary ones.
KITTY: (with a small smile) Thanks, Dad.
Kitty notices the time.
KITTY: (quickly) I should go. I have a lot to work on for the festival.
DAN: (proudly) Love you. Call me this weekend?
KITTY: (nodding) Yeah. Love you too.
She ends the call, looking thoughtfully at the university websites before closing the tabs.
Scene 4: International cultural festival
The school courtyard is transformed with food stalls, music performances, and cultural displays. Kitty moves between groups, helping facilitate interactions. Alex and Yuri approach, observing Kitty’s interactions.
YURI: (impressed) Look at you. The whole festival is running smoothly.
KITTY: (surprised but pleased) It’s actually been really fun. (enthusiastic) Did you try the fusion dishes?
YURI: (smiling) That was your idea, wasn’t it?
KITTY: (modest) I just suggested it. And we all did the work.
ALEX: (changing topics) So, how are your college applications coming along?
KITTY: (anxiously avoidant) I might just stay in Korea. And those application deadlines aren’t until March.
YURI: (surprised) You’re considering Korean universities?
KITTY: (hesitant) Maybe? (overwhelmed) But my dad keeps asking about my applications, and I don’t know what to tell him.
ALEX: (carefully) Well, do you know what you want to do?
KITTY: (anxious) Not yet.
Kitty looks down in concern briefly before she notices some students hovering near the Korean food stall. She goes over to help explain the dishes to American students while also explaining American reactions to the Korean students. She’s clearly in her element, moving naturally between languages and cultural contexts. When the students leave, Alex walks over.
ALEX: (observant) You know, if you like this kind of thing, there are careers where you could do this professionally.
KITTY: (curious) What, plan parties?
ALEX: (laughing) No. International relations.
KITTY: (confused) What do you mean?
ALEX: (direct) Bridge cultures. Help people understand each other.
KITTY: (intrigued) You think I could get into a program like that?
ALEX: (gesturing to the festival) After seeing you in action? Absolutely.
Before Kitty can respond, she notices a miscommunication between students at one of the stalls.
KITTY: (apologetic) I should go help with that.
As Kitty moves away to solve the problem, her confidence and natural ability are evident. Alex’s words have clearly struck a chord.
Scene 5: Advisor’s office
The academic advisor’s office is small but cozy, with diplomas and certificates hanging on the walls alongside photos of past K.I.S.S. graduates at prestigious universities. Q sits across from Ms. Kang, his advisor, who reviews his academic file.
MS. KANG: (impressed) Your academic record is great, Q. Top scores across most subjects. And your extracurriculars look great. (looking up) You’ve been on the pre-med track since freshman year, correct?
Q: (hesitant) Yeah. (nervous but determined) But I’ve been researching psychology programs. I think that’s what I really want to pursue.
MS. KANG: (thoughtful) Your personality assessment tests do show strong aptitude in interpersonal understanding and empathetic reasoning. (cautiously) Have you discussed this change with your parents?
Q’s expression immediately falls.
Q: (quietly) They aren’t supportive. They’re still expecting me to apply to schools with great premed tracks.
MS. KANG: (gently) It might be easier if you can show your parents concrete alternatives. (pulling out pamphlets) These are some of the top psychology programs both in Korea and internationally.
She hands him several brochures for schools like Georgetown, Columbia, UCLA, and Seoul National’s psychology department.
Q: (taking them gratefully) Thank you.
CUT TO: School courtyard, later that day.
Q sits on a bench, carefully reviewing the psychology program brochures when Jin approaches and sits beside him.
JIN: (curious) How did it go with Ms. Kang?
Q: (showing him the brochures) She gave me a bunch of options for psychology. (holding up the Georgetown brochure) This one looks promising.
JIN: (with a sad smile) Georgetown is a long way from Seoul.
Q: (meeting Jin’s eyes) I know. (carefully) What about you? Still set on auditioning for Moon Entertainment?
JIN: (nodding) And the Korean National Dance Company. But Moon Entertainment tours internationally…
Q nods, understanding the implication.
JIN: (supportive) We’ll figure it out. One step at a time.
Q nods, leaning against Jin as they both sit in comfortable silence, contemplating their futures.
Scene 6: K.I.S.S. art studio
The K.I.S.S. fashion studio is quiet in the late afternoon, most students having left for the day. Yuri sits alone at a sewing machine, concentrating intensely on the precise stitches of a complex garment. Swatches of fabric, sketches, and fashion magazines are spread across her workspace.
Juliana enters, carrying her portfolio case. She pauses, surprised to find Yuri there.
JULIANA: (friendly) Hey. Didn’t expect anyone to be here this late.
YURI: (looking up, slightly startled) Oh, hey. (gesturing to her work) College application portfolio. Gotta make it perfect.
Juliana approaches, looking at Yuri’s design with genuine admiration.
JULIANA: (impressed) This is awesome, Yuri. Where are you applying?
YURI: (with a mix of pride and anxiety) I’ve decided FIT is my first choice.
JULIANA: (curiously) FIT? In New York?
YURI: (nodding) Lee Ji-young is writing my recommendation. She thinks I have a real shot.
JULIANA: (hesitantly) I actually applied to Parsons and Pratt. Early action… also in New York.
The information hangs in the air between them. Neither acknowledges what it might mean if they both end up in the same city.
YURI: (changing the subject) What about Praveena? Where’s she applying?
JULIANA: (with a small smile) She’s focused on political science programs. So, she wants to end up in D.C.
YURI: (careful) That’s… different.
JULIANA: (shrugging) We’re both applying to lots of places. We’ll see what happens.
YURI: (sincerely) Well, your work is amazing. Any school would be lucky to have you.
JULIANA: (returning the sentiment) Same to you. FIT would be crazy not to accept you.
As Juliana moves to her own workspace, Yuri returns to her sewing, a small smile playing on her lips.
Scene 7: Restaurant
A cozy Korean restaurant with warm lighting. Kitty and Minho sit at a small table near the window for dinner. They’ve just finished their main course, and dessert has arrived – patbingsu for Kitty and coffee for Minho.
KITTY: (excitedly) Professor Choi said my essay on cultural diplomacy was one of the best in class.
MINHO: (genuinely happy for her) That’s great, Covey. (teasing) Looks like my tutoring is helping after all.
Kitty rolls her eyes but maintains her cheeriness. She takes a moment to consider before speaking again.
KITTY: (stirring her patbingsu) Alex actually suggested I look into international relations programs. (a shy smile crossing her face) He thinks I have a “unique cross-cultural perspective” or whatever.
MINHO: (studying her) You seem excited about it.
KITTY: (animated) I am! I mean, I did come to Korea to find out more about my mom. (after a long pause, hesitant) And I’ve been looking at some programs…
MINHO: (curiously) Where?
KITTY: (testing the waters) Georgetown has an amazing program. But so does Seoul National.
Minho takes a slow sip of his coffee, processing this information. Kitty watches him carefully.
KITTY: (cautiously) I know we haven’t really talked about next year…
MINHO: (with deliberate casualness) I’ve been thinking about it too.
KITTY: (surprised) You have?
MINHO: (nodding) Columbia’s business program is good. And there are opportunities here too.
Kitty’s eyes widen slightly at the mention of Columbia – a clear indication he’s been considering American schools.
KITTY: (hopeful) So you’re considering applying to schools in the U.S.?
MINHO: (with a small shrug) Yeah. Keep our options open.
KITTY: (excited by this solution) So we can be together?
MINHO: (with vulnerability) That’s the plan. I’m not doing long distance with you, Covey.
Kitty’s heartbeat quickens with this sentimental comment. Minho’s phone buzzes. He checks it, then looks back up at Kitty.
MINHO: (changing the subject) That reminds me. Joonho called earlier. Sooha’s Baek-il celebration is on December 11th. They want us both there.
KITTY: (touched) Both of us?
MINHO: (with a hint of a smile) Joonho specifically asked for you. (pausing) And Baek-il is kind of a big deal in Korean culture.
KITTY: (leaning forward, interested) What exactly is that?
MINHO: (explaining) It’s a 100-day celebration that marks a baby surviving the first months. There’s food and family, and people bring gifts.
KITTY: (excited) Oh! What should I get her?
MINHO: (thinking) We’ll get something gold. For good health and prosperity.
KITTY: (deepening in thought) Wow, there’s so much I still don’t know about Korean culture…
MINHO: (with sudden inspiration) I have an idea. We could watch some Korean films instead of our normal shows. It might help you.
KITTY: (connecting the dots) Wait, would that count for my Korean culture studies assignment?
MINHO: (with a smile) Two birds, one stone.
KITTY: (reaching for his hand across the table) So… movie night tomorrow?
MINHO: (squeezing her hand, semi-sarcastically) It’s a date.
They share a look that communicates both excitement about their immediate plans and the growing realization that they’re starting to make decisions that will affect their future together.
Scene 8: K.I.S.S. practice room
The school’s music room is dimly lit in the evening hours. Dae sits at the piano, playing a melody and making notations on sheet music. Eunice sits nearby, listening attentively.
EUNICE: (encouragingly) It sounds perfect.
DAE: (focused) I’m still not sure about the key change.
EUNICE: (with gentle challenge) It works. Trust yourself more.
She moves to sit beside him on the piano bench, their shoulders touching. Dae continues playing, more confident with her beside him.
EUNICE: (confident) You’re definitely going to get in to K-arts. This piece alone would convince them.
DAE: (changing subjects) What about you? Any news from those recording studios?
EUNICE: (excited) Actually, yes. They’re offering me a recording contract. Six months in L.A., starting next summer.
DAE: (processing this) L.A.? That’s… (forcing enthusiasm) That’s incredible, Eunice.
EUNICE: (watching him carefully) It would be right after graduation.
An uncomfortable silence falls as they both contemplate what this means for their relationship.
DAE: (finally) We always knew this would happen.
EUNICE: (vulnerable) Are you upset?
DAE: (reaching for her hand) No. (sincerely) I’m proud of you. This is what you’ve worked for. (with a small smile) Besides, we’ve got the rest of senior year together.
Eunice leans her head against his shoulder as he begins to play again, the melody somehow both hopeful and melancholy.
Scene 9: Jewelry store in Gangnam
The bell chimes softly as Kitty and Minho enter an elegant jewelry store in Gangnam. Glass cases gleam with meticulously displayed gold pieces, and a sales associate in a crisp suit approaches them with a respectful bow.
SALES ASSOCIATE: (recognizing Minho) Mr. Moon, welcome. It’s nice to see you again.
KITTY: (surprised, whispering to Minho) They know you here?
MINHO: (matter-of-fact) My family’s been coming to this place for years. (then pausing, slightly embarrassed) And I got your necklace here.
The background chimes build quickly in intensity. Kitty’s hand instinctively rises to touch the delicate star and moon pendant at her throat, a smile spreading across her face at the memory of the night he gave it to her under the Portland stars.
SALES ASSOCIATE: (professionally) How may I assist you today?
MINHO: (politely professional) We’re looking for traditional gold gifts for my niece’s Baek-il.
The associate leads them to a display case featuring delicate 24-karat gold rings and bracelet sets designed specifically for babies.
KITTY: (examining the tiny gold pieces) These are so pretty.
MINHO: (nodding) Most families give gold rings or bracelets. And they keep the gifts until the child is older.
KITTY: (curious) Then what happens?
MINHO: (with a small shrug) Sometimes they’re melted down to make a larger piece of jewelry. (pause, with unexpected sentiment) My halmeoni’s wedding ring is made from gold her mother received at her Baek-il.
KITTY: (touched by this insight into Korean family traditions) That’s really special.
The sales associate returns with a tray of selected items for them to examine more closely.
SALES ASSOCIATE: (respectfully) These are our finest pieces. The traditional ring, of course, but also these gold bracelets with protective symbols.
Kitty’s eyes light up as she picks up one of the bracelets.
KITTY: (excited) Oh, my god. This bracelet is adorable!
MINHO: (smiling at her enthusiasm) You want to get that one?
KITTY: (nodding confidently) Definitely this one.
As they complete their purchase, Kitty notices Minho briefly glancing at another display case containing engagement rings. Their eyes meet for a second before both look away, neither acknowledging the moment, but both clearly affected by it. As the associate goes to wrap up the bracelet, Kitty’s fingers once again find the moon and star pendant, reassured by its presence.
Scene 10: Mr. Moon’s penthouse
The penthouse is filled with quiet conversation and soft traditional music. Mr. Moon greets family members and business associates while Joonho proudly shows off baby Sooha, who is dressed in a miniature traditional hanbok with vibrant colors. Eunji sits nearby, looking tired but happy.
Kitty and Minho arrive, Minho carrying their gift in an elegant gold-trimmed box. Joonho spots them and immediately waves them over.
JOONHO: (excited) You made it! Come see Sooha. She’s been waiting for her favorite uncle.
MINHO: (skeptical) I’m her only uncle.
JOONHO: (teasing) Exactly why you’re her favorite.
Eunji looks up as they approach, genuinely pleased to see them both.
EUNJI: (warmly) Kitty! I’m so glad you came. (looking at the box) Please tell me you didn’t let Minho pick this out alone.
KITTY: (laughing) Don’t worry. I supervised.
Minho kneels beside Eunji, looking at Sooha with genuine affection. Kitty watches, noting how natural he seems with the baby.
MINHO: (taking Sooha’s hand, softly) Hey there. Happy 100 days.
He offers the gift to Eunji, who opens it to reveal the delicate gold bracelet.
EUNJI: (touched) It’s beautiful. Thank you both.
Joonho reaches over, carefully taking the bracelet.
JOONHO: (to Minho, sincerely) I’m glad you’re here, really. Dad wants to talk to us both after the ceremony.
MINHO: (tensing slightly) About what?
JOONHO: (with a meaningful look) Business.
Before Minho can respond, Mr. Moon calls for everyone’s attention. The traditional ceremony begins with the family gathering around the ceremonial table. As the youngest member of the family present, Minho is asked to place special rice cakes at the four compass points in the room – an ancient ritual to protect the child.
After the ceremonial portion concludes, guests mingle while enjoying the catered food. Mr. Moon approaches Minho and Kitty.
MR. MOON: (with genuine warmth) Kitty, thank you for joining us today. It means a lot to have you here.
KITTY: (touched) Well, thank you for having me. I’m so honored to celebrate with your family.
MR. MOON: (to Minho) Son, can I borrow you and Joonho for a moment? There’s something important I need to discuss.
Minho glances at Kitty, who gives an encouraging nod.
KITTY: (reassuring) Go ahead. I’ll get to know Eunji better.
As Minho follows his father, Kitty joins Eunji, who is holding Sooha.
EUNJI: (noticing Kitty watching Minho leave) They’ve come a long way, haven’t they?
KITTY: (curious) What do you mean?
EUNJI: (thoughtful) When I first met Joonho, he and Minho barely spoke to each other. And now they can help each other be in the same room with their father for more than five minutes without an argument.
KITTY: (pleased) Yeah. We should be proud of them.
CUT TO: A quieter part of the apartment. Mr. Moon leads Minho and Joonho into his home office.
MR. MOON: (grave) I’ve been meaning to discuss this with you both for months now. There’s been some troubling news about the company.
JOONHO: (concerned) What kind of news?
MR. MOON: (choosing his words carefully) It appears someone had leaked confidential contract information to competitors. (looking at Minho) Specifically, information that only executives would have access to. It might be connected to Stella.
The mention of her name makes the room go silent. Minho’s expression hardens.
JOONHO: (carefully) Is that why Dark Star is no longer with us?
Mr. Moon looks down and gives a brief nod.
MINHO: (with concern) How bad is it?
MR. MOON: (gravely) Bad enough that we could lose several other major artists.
JOONHO: What are you going to do?
MR. MOON: (looking between his sons) That’s why I wanted to speak with both of you. I need help to fix this.
JOONHO: (nodding firmly) Whatever you need, Dad.
Mr. Moon turns his attention to Minho, waiting.
MINHO: (after a long pause) What exactly are you asking?
MR. MOON: (direct) I want you to come help me at Moon Entertainment for the foreseeable future. Not as my son, but as someone who understands the business from the inside out.
MINHO: (surprised) I’m still in school. Applying to college.
MR. MOON: (persistent) You can still do that. But I need someone I can trust to help rebuild our artist relations.
MINHO: (conflicted) I don’t know…
MR. MOON: (with rare vulnerability) Please, Minho. I’m asking for your help.
CUT TO: Back at the main celebration.
From across the room, Kitty watches as Minho emerges from the office, his expression troubled. She excuses herself from Eunji and makes her way to him.
KITTY: (concerned) Everything okay?
MINHO: (distracted) Just family business.
KITTY: (carefully) Do you want to talk about it?
MINHO: (with a weak smile) Later, Covey. I promise.
The celebration continues around them, but Minho remains quiet, occasionally glancing at his father and brother, clearly processing whatever was discussed. Joonho approaches with Sooha in his arms.
JOONHO: (to Minho) Hey, don’t feel too pressured about what Dad said, okay?
Minho nods, his expression still conflicted.
Later, as they say their goodbyes, Mr. Moon places a hand on Minho’s shoulder.
MR. MOON: (quietly) You’ve grown into someone I’m proud of, Minho. More than you know.
The sentiment clearly affects Minho, who seems unable to respond. Instead, he simply nods before taking Kitty’s hand and leading her out.
In the elevator down, Kitty finally speaks.
KITTY: (gently) Whatever it is, you can tell me. You know that, right?
MINHO: (after a long pause) My dad wants me to work with him. To help fix some… problems.
KITTY: (surprised) What kind of problems?
Kitty studies Minho’s face. There’s a tension in his jaw and a slight downward pull at the corners of his mouth.
MINHO: (after a long moment) The kind Stella might have caused for the whole company. (looking at Kitty directly) The kind that might make me need to stay in Seoul after graduation.
The elevator doors open, but neither moves to exit.
KITTY: (understanding) Your dad asking for your help… that’s huge, Minho.
Minho doesn’t respond. Kitty sees the conflict and shame in Minho’s eyes and steps forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Minho’s tense shoulders slowly relax as he returns the hug, burying his face in her hair. Kitty moves one hand to stroke his back in slow, soothing motions.
KITTY: (softly, against his chest) It’s gonna be okay.
Minho holds her tighter, drawing strength from her certainty. The elevator doors begin to close on them as they’re still locked in their embrace, neither willing to let go.
[End of Episode]