Boys in Love

Gen Z in love

The series starts slow first episode setting up all the pieces, but picks up starting in the second episode where all the personalities, ambitions, and interests of the various characters interact and bring change in each other. Shane finding out he actually enjoys shooting people in lazer tag to even shooting his own team mates was funny as was the twist that the Literature club aren't stuffy elitist and they actually also enjoy Doremon that Kit brings up as his fave and gives his reading on it and Mon was only upset because he didn't give it a chance before and instantly got the comics to read so that he can also do a analysis on it. Kit is truly down bad to do math problems all night. It was a funny bit that Per happens to be a photo taking savant, taking less than a millisecond to get the perfect school ID portrait. It's cute that Shane and Kit can walk around holding hands though later he has to overcome his hang up of showing PDA around his friends. These kids have so much energy to wake up early to go to school together. Shane already has a an Olympian study schedule though, so he's already up. The way that the issues with the parents are presented and resolved is very nice.

The high schooler seniors act more mature in terms of knowing and expressing their feelings than the math teacher Tan who is ridiculously passive aggressive against the nice fellow teacher Nat who he has a crush on. Nat doesn't care that Tan stalked him though, he's finally found a guy that won't easily ditch him like all the other people he dated, but doesn't want to become serious. Tan is 29 and Nat should be around the same age, so they are about the tail end of the millennials age range. Tan is envious about how the kids are able to be themselves freely in this era with them able to abolish school uniforms and in terms of sexuality. Though Tan can't change his teenager years, he can make the most of the current times and he and Nat has a sweet, supportive relationship where Nat helps Tan realize that he needs to like himself more. It's nice to see the actor Papang get to play outside of the mature or bad guy type he's usually cast in. The scene where goes full soft boyfriend voice to ask a favor from Nat was really cute, his glasses magnifying the puppy eyes to completely melt Nat. Tan is able to give advice to Shawn not just as a math mentor, but also as an intergenerational queer one.

It's good modeling of communication for both the parents and the kids. It was a surprisingly strong point in the series where they don't villainize the conflicting views of the parents and the children nor the views between the two romantic partners. The only exception is Shawn's dad trying to sell the condo and break up their kids who have been raising each other and the lives they have created for themselves as part of the war against his ex-wife, using them as pawns to choose sides. Shawn has taken up a lot of responsibility even though he has two older siblings to take care of himself and them, even having to cover the bills. In the end his elder siblings at least help him by stepping up to confront their parents, his sister laying down the ultimatum that she will change all their last names if their dad makes them leave. There was a sweet and funny scene where Kit begs his parents to send off the Germany to study with Shawn and his dad sharply refuses, but reflects on it and tells Kit his remorse in not being supportive and is willing to send him, but Kit says he changed his mind, not mentioning that Shawn is no longer leaving and that heartfelt moment ends abruptly. It's so sweet that his dad was willing to do that for him. Mon and his school counselor mother though, love each other. He's unhappy with always moving around for her job, but she's not as controlling as she seems like she would be. She chastises him for not properly introducing his boyfriend when she came in and was the one ignoring Kim's calls all night. She's also having a friend get together when Kim takes Mon hope promptly before 10 and is happy that Kim is someone who keeps his promise.

Both Shawn and Kit each had different instances of thinking about where they want to continue their future, either abroad or at home, which major or which school or city, as does their friend group. It's all major life decisions that all 18 year old high school seniors need to make. It's nice that the characters learn that they can't control how it will turn out, but they will make a decision they won't regret not having tried. I like that Kit has some genuine concerns other than his boyfriend as reasons for not wanting to study in the US like the language and cultural barriers. I feel like for him, he made the right choice to study his major in Thailand instead. Surprisingly Kim with the average grades and scholastic performance gets excepted into the engineering program, which makes sense he would accept it and he and Mon become the long distance couple. Per the sports guy finds his calling in the film/communications department where Tar is also applying though unsure of which specific part he wants to specialize in. I'm so shocked that he never considered something in fashion as he's definitely the fashionista in the group. I loved his little dachshund shoulder bag and the shrimp plushie attached to his blue cap.

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A cute simple series

Since I’m not the biggest fan of high school-focused BLs, I initially didn’t think Boys in Love would be a series for me. But with the overwhelming response online, I decided to give the show a go — and I’m glad I did.

Boys in Love was a fun show, with a strong young cast and a variety of romantic dynamics. At first, I thought Kim and Mon would be my favorite storyline. The beginning of their romance — love at first sight — was really cute. But as the series went on, I started to realize that Mon is a bit of a toxic boyfriend. Kim spent a good part of the series afraid Mon would be mad at him about something — and that fear made sense, since Mon was angry in almost every situation. Still, in the end, they are a cute couple and deserved to end up together. Major kudos to Aston and Chokun — GMM really found a strong pairing there.

I don’t have much positive or negative to say about Kit and Shane. They weren’t bad by any means, just a bit bland. I didn’t see much chemistry between Luke and Mick either.

Podd and Papang as Nut and Tan were the perfect mix of chaotic and sweet — a fun, older couple dynamic. I really liked the vibe of their workplace romance. It’s a shame we didn’t get a kiss! I’d love to see them paired again in another series.

Now, Per and Tar were the biggest surprise for me when I look at the series as a whole. You could see from episode 1 that Per might have feelings for Tar, who was completely oblivious. But after the party and their kiss, things began to evolve, and you could tell — bit by bit — that they weren’t just the “single guys hanging out” anymore.

I loved the scene where Tar confirms he’s not mad about Per being his first kiss. But my favorite moment was the rose scene in the finale, where Per pretty much confirms he has feelings for Tar. I really hope GMM gives Ken and Paul another series soon.

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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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