Boys in Love

More than the sum of its parts

This was kind of unexpected, but I liked watching this show despite its flaws, which would normally make me dislike a series. There is plenty of things that should have lowered my rating of "Boys in Love", but somehow – to my surprise – they did not. It's not that the positives of this show outweighed the negatives; it's a little more complicated. I think that the things I liked about "Boys in Love" combined, creating an added value – like an overall feel or vibe of the show, which was generally sweet, nice and made me return to it week after week.

What I enjoyed
- As for characters – Kit. He's the only one with something roughly resembling an arc, in course of which he becomes a model boyfriend. As one of only two characters he has some depth: he seems easy going (bordering on spoiled rich kid), but it’s really a pose, a mix of light nonchalance and distance to himself; he's very well aware of his own shortcomings and flaws, finds motivation to change, but nevertheless doubts whether he’s doing good enough. He's flawed and therefore relatable, but – at the same time – he does all the important things the right way: supporting Shane both before and after they become a couple, being open about his feelings, respecting boundaries set by Shane, displaying patience and caring about someone else more than about himself. If I was back in highschool, I'd love to have a boyfriend like that.
- As for couples – Per and Tar. They are there for comedic relief, but most of their interactions were much more than goofy fun, having an emotional layer and a tension of sorts. All four couples in "Boys in Love" are build following the same principle, joining two very different guys; when it comes to internal dynamic and chemistry, Tar and Per work the best. They are almost always together (without being together), they visibly enjoy each other's company and there's that unspoken (yet palpable) thing between them. I loved their last scene in ep. 12, played completely straight (despite the smiles) and serious, with an absolute minimum of lines – a very good conclusion of their plotline.
- As for writing – which is mix of decent and subpar – there's a handful of scenes that deserve special mention: Shane's and Kit's final scenes in ep. 2 and 5, Kit's talk with his mom in ep. 12 (every kid should hear what she said at least once from their parents), the entire "Mr. Tan and Mr. Nut move in together" sequence in ep. 12 and the aforementioned final scene with Per and Tar. Well crafted, they left me with a lasting impression. Another thing worth mentioning: the writers decided to give more attention and screen time to two out of four couples; with only 12 episodes available that was the right move.
- As for performances – Luke and Paul. Very different, but both are solid (although I'm not entirely sure whether Paul was acting or just being himself), with good screen presence and competent delivery. Would like to see both of them in other roles.
- The setting - a vibrant, lively world inhabited by a lot of people. While a school of some type is probably the most common BL setting, it doesn't have to be boring nor mundane - and it isn't here. Same applies to the rest of the world in "Boys in Love" - which is full of students, teachers, family members and ordinary people (compare that to some recent BLs of the same company which seemed to be taking place in a desert or right after an apocalypse - in a desolate, empty world) creating proper background for the story and its characters. I also noticed and appreciated the variety and relatively high number of locations where the show was shot.
- The show – despite some issues I indicated below – was an easy watch.

What I did not enjoy.
- As for characters – ex æquo Mon and his mom. Paraphrasing the proverb: like mother like son. I commented earlier (before ep. 12 aired) on MDL on how Mon is written by indicating that in ep. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11 he was either displeased, annoyed or outright angry because of something Kim did, he was (at least initially) unsupportive of Kim’s efforts to become a model student in ep. 8, failed to notice (or ignored/disregarded) Kim's insecurities in ep. 10 and helped Kim with something only once (in ep. 8). He’s like the anti-Kit – the last person I’d like as a boyfriend. Mon seems focused primarily on himself and likes when things happen the way he wants them to happen – his mom is exactly the same. They may not be outright toxic, nevertheless both are unlikeable – no idea why a main character and a supporting character are written like that.
- As for couples – Mon and Kim. No idea why anyone would call them "KimMon" – Mon is the dominant side of the relationship from the very beginning and the power imbalance is glaring; I don't recall seeing anything like that in a GMMTV show before. While I understand that including such a relationship might be good for authenticity sake, I do believe that the show should have addressed this issue as a problem and at least tried to solve it.
- As for writing – how undecided the show was. Either by accident or on purpose, "Boys in Love" wants to be too many things and tries to include too many topics for its own good. It would be much better if it was just a rom-com (either more lighthearted and fluffy or tilted towards comedy); instead other story elements were introduced (sometimes – shoehorned in, like the conflicts in later episodes) and the show became less coherent when it comes to genre and message.
- As for performances – Mick. He was boring and wooden like a plank throughout the whole show; he can't act and I'm not sure anything can be done with it.

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Not groundbreaking but a good watch

This series ended up being much more mature than I expected. While it’s still a light and fluffy high school story, what really stood out was how the characters actually communicate with each other. Instead of dragging out misunderstandings forever, most conflicts are talked through, which is honestly refreshing for a BL. The writing feels simple but thoughtful, focusing on everyday teenage problems, insecurities, and first love.

Kim and Mon are absolutely adorable. From the moment Kim falls for Mon, their story is full of sweet and memorable moments. The library scene, Kim searching for the book Mon wanted, and Mon reading the entire Doraemon series because Kim recommended it were incredibly cute. Their stargazing scene and confession were also highlights. Even when they argue, they come back and talk things through instead of letting problems grow. Their relationship feels surprisingly healthy for a high school BL.

Shane and Kit were another great pairing. They’re total opposites: Shane is more serious and reserved, while Kit is playful and carefree. But that contrast works perfectly. Shane helps Kit focus on studying, while Kit teaches Shane how to loosen up and enjoy life. Their chemistry is fun and natural, and their scenes together are both funny and sweet.

Tar and Per were also very enjoyable as the supportive best friends. Their dynamic felt warm and natural, and there were definitely hints that their relationship could become something more in the future. I was disappointed that this storyline wasn’t pursued further, it left a sense of unfinished potential.

The teachers, Nat and Tan, were surprisingly charming and could have been my favorite storyline. At first, their interactions felt awkward, with some friction and forced proximity in shared spaces, but slowly, subtle moments built a quiet, believable connection. The way they navigated their differences , the calm, patient approach of one against the slightly more stubborn, principled personality of the other was both endearing and realistic. Their chemistry was understated but compelling : glances, hesitant gestures, and small acts of consideration carried far more weight than overt romance. I really wish the series had devoted more time to them, as their slow-burn development had the potential to rival the main couples in emotional impact.

Overall, the plot itself is simple and sometimes a bit too safe, but the charm of the characters and the wholesome relationships make it a very enjoyable watch. It’s not a groundbreaking story, but if you want a soft, heartwarming series about first love, friendship, and growing up, this one delivers.

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Sweet but Sleep-Inducing

Boys in Love had all the potential to hit the right notes—a sweet coming-of-age love story navigating high school and those cute moments of first love. While it had those elements, it was poorly executed overall. It’s supposed to be a feel-good romance, but for the most part, I found it dull and lacking depth.

Shane and Kit. They're polar opposites in every way, from the way they think to the way they dress. Shane is uptight and follows the rules, while Kit is carefree and playful. As the series progresses, both characters experience growth: Shane learns to loosen up and have fun, while Kit becomes more focused on his studies. They slowly fall in love, especially as Shane tutors Kit, helping him with his academics. I appreciated how their relationship evolved and how they found comfort in each other. Their love story was sweet and fun, but after a while, the series did a poor job of keeping me engaged. It felt dull and boring, especially in the later episodes. The chemistry was there, but the pacing just wasn’t.

Kit and Mon. It was clear from the start that Kim and Mon liked each other, but their relationship was frustrating. Kim struggles to show his true emotions, only ever presenting a happy-go-lucky side, and he has a hard time communicating his thoughts with Mon. He’s constantly trying to keep the peace, fearing that if he expresses himself, Mon might break up with him. Because of this, Kim never feels like he's truly himself. Mon, on the other hand, is a bit more studious and serious. His mom works at the school, and he has a strong sense of justice. It feels like he’s the boss in the relationship. Their dynamic became more annoying than endearing, especially with Kim's inability to communicate and how Mon reacted in those situations; it was just so frustrating. I just couldn’t get invested in them.

Per and Tar were cute, but unfortunately, they didn’t get much screentime. The series tried to explore their relationship after the kiss dare at the party, but it felt like a missed opportunity. There was some decent communication between them afterward, but it wasn’t enough to give their relationship any real depth. They never fully explored their potential as a couple, and in the end, one of them gives the other a rose, but that’s about it.

The love story between Nut and Tan, the two teachers, was sweet but ultimately boring. They never even shared a kiss, which felt like a huge letdown, especially when compared to the other teenage couples. Their scenes were brief, but I liked them the most because they had some nice chemistry. Tan’s clumsiness and over-the-top reactions added a bit of fun to the show, while Nut’s calm and sensible nature was a nice balance.

I understand that most of the actors were relatively inexperienced, but the acting here really needed work. There were times when the performances felt flat, and it was hard to connect with the characters because of that.

Overall, Boys in Love was a bit of a waste of time. While there were some sweet and fluffy moments, most of the show felt like a bore. I found myself constantly checking my phone and struggling to stay engaged. The plot wasn’t particularly heavy, just boys falling in love, but it was poorly executed and didn’t make it worth the watch. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you're really into fluffy romance and don’t mind feeling bored for most of it. But if you enjoy the genre and can look past its flaws, go ahead and watch it, just don’t expect much.

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BEST COMFORT SHOW EVER

I honestly had so much fun watching this. One of my favorite things was how the characters actually communicated instead of dragging misunderstandings on forever. It made the relationships feel really refreshing and so much more enjoyable to watch.

The chemistry between all the couples was amazing, but Pertar was easily my favorite. Every time they were on screen I couldn't stop smiling, and I was always waiting for their next interaction. Kit and Shane were adorable too, and Mon completely stole my heart. Every scene with him made me smile.

I also ended up loving the teachers way more than I expected. They were so cute, and I liked that the show balanced the romance with funny moments and emotional scenes without making it feel overdramatic.

Overall, this was such a wholesome, feel-good series. It genuinely had me smiling through most of the episodes, and a few moments even made me emotional. I finished it with the biggest smile on my face and would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a sweet BL with lovable characters, great chemistry, and healthy communication.

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Cutie patootie romance

This story was so stinking cute! I loved the characters so much! Everyone was so fun, and all had great chemistry with each other! A very cute high school love story!

Shane and Kit were pretty adorable together. I loved seeing them grow closer as friends and then into a relationship! They had such sweet moments together!

Kim and Mon were my favorite couple! Their story felt the most natural on how they got together. They are both just so cute together! Need a show of these actors as the lead couple together!

I figured Tar and Per would get together just based on how much they were on screen together. I think they're a cute besties to boyfriends' relationship.

Tan and Nat's relationship was definitely the least interesting to me, but they were still cute!

If you want a cute high school romance, I highly recommend!

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Adorable but slow

The whole cast is very lovable and sooo cute.
The plot is very slow and i catch myself watching it sped up until some kind of romance is happening.

What in the world is wrong with Mon's mom, shes getting on my last nerve! In the episode where the boys are taking trip, and she calls professors all angry to bring them back??? Like who died and made you the president, shut up.

Main couple is also super cute but story is slow moving. From kissing immediately to denial and avoidance, a bit weird

Anyway, the show is cute and chill, i didnt finish yet but its a bit boring. Cast is saving the script with being so cute!

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High school BLs are not mature? Watch this

Putting aside my fangirling self on the young and new faces, this is one of the best BLs of 2025 fight me. The acting, considering this is the first series or at least first with much more screen time (except Chokun) and they did THIS well in terms of acting. The drama exceeded my expectations on everything, plot, acting, direction, cinematography and character development.

The plot is quite simple of high school boys falling in love but what sets this part is how they tackle certain situations with utmost maturity and sincerity. I like how this is the most non-toxic yet least boring series I have seen. The characters has flaws, they aren't perfect but at the end of the day they talk to sustain a healthy relationship. This is the closest I have seen characters being to the real life people. All the characters with their worries and flaws and trying to rectify, learn and grow is such a great sight to witness. Another great part of the story is how they do not solely focus on romance. They showcased the teenager's high school life so well. All the worries about future and their love and studies and everything. It made it so real.

The cinematography and direction gives me butterflies. Not a single boring moment. Whoever did the color grading did a fantastic job. It's so Narak and fluffy. The minute details in the plot and in the direction sets this drama apart from all high school BLs.

The actors, while being young and little experience did a splendid job. The crying scenes were so well done. It felt very real that it brought my emotions out. The behind the scenes are an added bonus. These 6 cuties are so cute. Special mention to Papang and Podd for delivering once again. Never knew I would love romance between teachers in a high school drama so cute.

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Sweet, funny, happy, bubbly.

I loved, loved, loved this series! This series made me so happy while watching it.

The visuals were beautifull, it had a good OST and even though most actors are very young, the acting was so good.
They did the comedy part perfect, not over the top, but just funny moments complimented with funny sounds.

I found it refreshing that there were no big drama's, just small problems. And how surprising that even though they are so young, they solved these problems with talking to each other.
One thing i dislike in so many drama's is that people don't talk to each other and the problems get even bigger that way. So this was a breath of fresh air!

I will definatly watch this series again and i am hoping that there will be a second season. Maybe with new students and their own new relations ad problems. And maybe some guest roles from the couples of this season?

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Love is for everyone

We met, we fall in love and we move on, could be the theme of this drama but they choose to give happy ending. We always think that every love story should have happy ending but i don't think so. Even the creator couldn't give happy ending, still i would have given 100/10 coz this very drama is all about teenage live with their struggle, setbacks, unsuccessfulness. Best part of this drama is no popular male lead or shy male lead, no music club, no guitar, just simple boys fighting too be in top or chill out guys without caring about their futures. At least they show 50% story from real world and 50% looks fictional. I am sure Asian parents will kill their children if they miss out to go USA for teenage love. Still, of best teenage gay love story

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DEFINITELY A COMFORT SERIES

When I first watched the pilot trailer during GMMTV 2025, I was already planning to watch it because of Mick & Chokun, since I had known them. I also fell with Luke & Aston when I saw them first in that pilot trailer. When the first EP premiered, I actually watched it, and then I became lazy with the two subsequent EPs, so I continued watching it the first week of May. I honestly liked the chemistry between the actors, like all of them, including PerTar & NutTan.

At first, I was just watching it for all of them but when I finished watching EP 2 & 3, KitShane already got me. They really got me kicking my feet because of how cute their stares were, especially Kit's. I also love how they were written. Honestly, I don't have any complaints about the story in every episode. I think it got better and better every episode, and I got to see their side more. I always like a couple who kinda get to know each other first, even though what they feel for each other is clear. I love how wholesome the couples are.

For KitShane: Omygod these twoooooooo!! I have always loved them from the start til the end. Their chemistry is so good. Best written in the entire series. I love how in every episode, there's always something to talk about them. For me, they don't get overpowered since I love a series with this type of plot. I relate to their character more as well, even though my story is different from theirs, I get them. I love seeing Shane being more open as the episode goes by, but the feelings of restriction will never go away with just one resolved conflict yk. Sometimes feelings like that come back, especially if it really made a hole in your heart and mind. So I get him kind of feeling restricted at times. Kit's character is soooo good. He was written so well. He may lack intelligence, but his emotional quotient is so high. He is so understanding & patient, which a person like Shane needs. He needs someone who can deal with his issues well and Kit is the perfect one. They compliment each other so well. Their conflicts make sense as a teenage couple, but they are also so mature. They needed that huge fight somewhere in between the final episode, it proved something to Shane and to Kit, individually and finally together. They needed that space, I love how they handled that. The ending scene as them being sooooo lovey dovey and reassuring is everythingggg to me with that kiss. Their kisses as well is sooooo cuteee, hand holding and huuugsss, theyre the sweetest, cryinggggg.

For KimMon: I find them soooo cutee since the first episodes. Their confession was cuteee but they got together so quickly, so their relationship isn't well established, for me. But thats the difference between couples, some get together quickly and some take their time first, both are fine as long as theyll know how to handle conflicts on their own and besides, they are still kids even if theyre mature in some ways. I just sometimes gets stressed out with their conflicts because they dont really talk abt it well enough for me to say that it's solved. Maybe thats the reason they have repeating problems. Sometimes, I get supeeer cringe on their moments lmaooo but its still good bc their characters are built like that. I really can't relate to them, I find it hard to resonate with them on a deeper level but I dont think it matters lmaooo they are still sweeeettt.

For PerTar: I love their bickering so muchhh and I love their jokes, I love all of their interactions. The only thing that I can't stop thinking is about the kiss, they couldve talked more about it and why Tar did all of those (telling ppl abt it without consulting Per). I just feel like Tar shouldve been talked more about being sensitive to other ppl's feelings. Per was just so understanding lmaaaooo but they are one of the reason the series is lively. I love their valentine sceneee omygod djdjgbgjb

For NutTan: Myyyy parennntsss omygoddd I love them so muuuchhh. I wish there were more scene of them being so couple, but heyyyy they got a decent screen time so it doesnt feel like we forgot they are in the series. I love their parallels with KitShane, as an adult version of them. I have always thought they are quite similar but not so much because NutTan are NutTan & KitShane are KitShane. Anyways, I love their trope so muuuchh. They are so insufferably sweet sometimes and I love it so muchhhh. I love how they have their own conflict and fixed it on their own, like how adults should handle issues. I am so happy for them.

All of their valentines scenes reflects what type of couple they are and I love it. KitShane being the comfort one, just being with your bf alone in a quiet place is an ideal date for me.

For other characters: Fcking hate Shane's parents for being shitty parents. Him and his siblings deserved to be loved. I hate how Shane got so affected with it and made him doubt himself more, put down himself more, if only I can punch both of them for being so selfish. His mom be like saying he loves Shane more, btch if you even love one of your kids, you wouldnt do those things to them bffr. Mon's mom, I dont understand her. He is like always on a spectrum, I honestly dont get her character and I dont think she is needed yk. Kit's parents are the best for me, they took care of Kit, so Kit is so expressive, he is full of love, he is always smiling. I love hoe soothing her voice is when Kit and her are talking on the final EP. I just love her, they deserve an award.

Acting: Mick's acting on Shane is on-point. If yall ever encountered a person who have a hard time expressing their feelings, youll understand. His character is supposed to be like that. Do y'all see the difference between the acting when the EP progresses, he became a little more expressive. I can imagine Shane being like that. Luke's acting is so gooood. He is really doing soooo great. His eyes are so expressive, I can tell what he's thinking just by looking at him. He did so well. Chokun & Aston as well, they did so well. All of them did so well. I don't feel like they lacked. Sometimes I feel like some of them are overdoing it, but idk maybe its just how their characters act since it's consistent lmaooo

If you want a comfort series with no complicated plots, this series is a good one. I can recommend this to anyone. Such a cute, breath of fresh air series. OSTs are so good as well. I really don't have any complaints. I love this series so much. I am actually so sad that it ended, this became part of my routine every sunday yk for 10 weeks ig since I skipped 2 weeks of this series. Anyway, if someone wants a sign if its worth watching, for me it is. Give it a try and open your heart to all the characters, so youll get to understand them all.

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