Punks Triangle

Overpromised but Underdelivered

I remember binging the 1st 3 episodes and coming on here where I wrote a note that said in part, 'Great chemistry, pacing, and tension. Hope they keep it up till the end.' Clearly, I was thoroughly impressed by those episodes; unfortunately, the chemistry, pacing, and tension all but disappeared after that. We got some of that chemistry and tension back for a while in ep 6, but then it disappears again. Then, 2 episodes later, the show ends very anticlimactically.

Let's go back to those 1st 3 episodes coz this is where they overpromised - and show the multitudes(?) that are AE/Enaga. As AE, he is the walking, talking definition of debauchery. He's very sexy, not just in how he carries himself, but his face. The man is gorgeous. And also because he parties, drinks, and smokes, something that is foreign to Chiaki. I think AE even mentions at some point that he wants to 'ruin' Chiaki. Ruin that air of innocence that he has (I'm paraphrasing here). However, as Enaga, he's naturally clumsy, very shy around his design idol (who he eventually likes), slouches when he walks, and has this quiet sexiness, more like cuteness, about him.

I was very curious to see how these two sides of him would meld together. Especially when you remember that in ep 3, AE is jealous of himself when Chiaki tells him that he had fun with Enaga on a night out. How far was AE going to push Chiaki? He'd already gotten him to drink, party, and smoke, so... what else was there? Well... Nothing. There was nothing. Because after ep 3 AE basically ghosts Chiaki, and we spend the next episodes bouncing between Chiaki's & Enaga's heads/thoughts and prepping for the fashion show. The chemistry, pacing, and tension that I was very excited about are sacrificed for a series of inner monologues.

I guess you could argue that his realization of his lie (and feelings?) made him step back, but I feel like he sacrificed a part of himself. AE is Enaga and vice versa - two sides of the same coin, two halves of a whole. The side of him that loves partying and is very forward and flirtatious doesn't go away simply because he likes Chiaki. I'd have loved to see that side of him more. I think seeing that constant struggle happening in real time as he interacts with Chiaki would have shown a better light on this tentative IdolxFan relationship and his larger-than-life vs everyday clumsy classmate personas

🤘🏾Aside from that🤘🏾
🧷Music gets a 4 coz I don't like it when shows use the same song over and over again - not including the OST. Can't change that. I mean the songs within the episodes.
🧷If anyone were to twist my arm to rewatch, I'd stick to the 1st 3 episodes
🧷I didn't quite like how Sumiura was portrayed. I never like that wide-eyed, innocent, submissive look UNLESS it plays a part in the characters/relationship dynamic. E.g., underlying tones of a D/S relationship - My Beautiful Man and My Personal Weatherman are great examples of instances where I think this character portrayal works best

All in all, the show let me down, and the story feels unfinished. From what I've seen, the manga only has 1 volume, which would perhaps explain why this story is the way it is. I lowkey wish that those adapting this for TV had worked with the mangaka to expound this story to better fit a well-rounded TV storyline

Side Note:
If Mr. Kim Namjoon, my ult bias randomly showed up infront of me, I doubt I'd go wide-eyed, submissive, and clumsy like Sumiura did. Chances are that I'd run and hide like Soobin did when he met that babe from KARA😅

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Another one of my sweet, feel good series from November. Since I love anything related to fashion, the punk vibe here was such a refreshing and original surprise. Chiaki is a dreamy, disciplined, and creative young guy with a unique punk rock style. Obsessed with seeing his designs on the runway, he comes across as arrogant and indifferent, which pushes people away, but deep down he’s actually pretty insecure.

The “triangle” reflects Chiaki’s inner struggle between chasing his dream (AE) and facing reality (Enaga), while AE/Enaga embody the tension between authenticity and idealized perfection. As Chiaki and Enaga are forced to work together, they slowly build trust and open up to each other, revealing their insecurities and vulnerabilities.
The real charm of the series is definitely the chemistry between Nagano Ryota and Fujibayashi Yasunari, which made it such a fun watch. Their performances are natural, genuine, and convincing. I was instantly won over.

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Heart Fluttering and Cute

The story is simple but done well! They got me hooked right from the first eoisode and it's revelation. I was so shocked and that itself kept me intrigued for several episodes as I stared at their faces while watching each new episode.

Each episode brought something new and exciting and I loved the development between the main characters. I loved how they emoted and how differently they acted based on the situation and who they were with. There are several exciting moments and encounters between them.

My only disappointment lies in the final episode. It could have been so much more but it didn't live upto the mark of the other episodes which is why I only gave it a 9.5. Their kiss is also disappointing considering the build up.

The main OST is awesome! Very catchy!

The series is short and very easy to binge. Definitely worth watching!

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hit or miss I guess

My overall opinion of it is very cringe. I don’t like that the actual reason behind Chiaki aesthetic was just to basically copy AE. That for some reason bugged the crap outta me. Then the fact he has his whole room decorated with AE, stares at this mans face allllll day and can’t put two and two together and see Enaga is AE. Just was very off putting to me. Honestly, I wouldn’t rewatch this and you personally could skip it and wouldn’t be missing out in my opinion. It’s definitely a hit or miss, I guess some love it. Just not my cup of tea. The ending was good tho and I think all the actors were wonderful.

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Punk Fashion Meets Interesting Love Story

Yes, I know it’s only two episodes into the show, but this is such a solid start.

I didn’t expect to like the story the way I do. I love it; the first episode had my attention from start to finish.

I haven’t read the manga so I have no idea what’s to come but I can tell this will be another great JBL.

I won’t say much about the story to avoid spoilers; but I like the concept, the punk fashion style, the characters, and the plot too so far.

I’ll edit this review as I watch, but this is for anyone wondering if they should start this show - YOU SHOULD!

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could've been better

Mediocre (less than ideal) parts:
1. Casting of Chiaki (his looking down and trembling the entire fucking time just pmo lowk. also, the manga chiaki was super pretty imo)
2. Pacing towards the end of the drama (expected but sad)
3. Fashion arc between both of them could've been better
4. AE's greasy looking hair in the confession scene
5. AE's dora azz bob during the final presentation scene

Good parts:
1. Music!! JUST BANGER BRUHHHH
2. Casting of AE/Enaga (managed to create a v beautiful distinction between the two)
3. Production was really good and did not feel cheap at all
4. Chemistry between the two main characters
5. Tattoo scene

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Surprising, fun and slightly nostalgic

This was a nice surprise, I only saw the poster and some reviews and it turned out really fun. It has a unique story revolving around fashion and models. Where the main lead is an aspiring fashion designer, he is reserved, shy and a bit sheltered. His main and only inspiration is the model AE who he saw on the runway, thus sparking his career choice.

This is not a 3 way romance or throuple as the poster suggests, instead it is two main leads where one has a double identity which is actually quite believable as his style is wildly different, including a wig and a hat.

The music is fun and at times, really lovely. This is a story about growth, maturing and hidden identity.

I get so much nostalgia from this show as I was also timid and into alternative fashion as a teen like many people were a few years go.

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Fashion, Deception, and Sexual Tension

The series centers around two main characters: Sumiura, who is inspired to become a fashion designer thanks to AE, and AE, a model with a hidden persona, Enage, who is a fashion student. They are teamed up to create a design for a competition. What I love about AE is his deceptive nature and the hidden agenda he has toward Sumiura, as well as his desire to draw out the darker, more corrupt side of Sumiura’s innocence. Sumiura, who was once a social outcast by choice, begins to slowly open up as the story unfolds. He definitely doesn't hide the fact that he is a massive fan, which is both funny and totally embarrassing.

One of the things I love most about this series is the electrifying chemistry between the two main characters. If you haven't seen the cigarette scene in episode 1. Check it out. There’s so much sexual tension, and it really amps up the intensity of the story.

What I didn't like was the fact that Sumiura failed to recognise his idol. Like is he blind or just stupid? They both (AE and Enage) have the same facial features.

The plot is engaging, the music complements the mood (mostly punk rock, but it's so good), and the tension keeps building. If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

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