Adapting an Anime: A Sign of Affection

It’s crazy to think I might have missed out on this lovely anime if not for a drama slump. Thank you, C and K-ent?

I’ve been running laps around my room and giggling while watching this because the cuteness is just so overwhelming. 

For one reason or another, many often struggle with feeling deserving of romantic love, but this anime shows that anyone can find love. Regardless of a disability or whatever quirk you may have, there’s someone out there for all of us. 

10/10 would recommend it if you're looking for a lighthearted, short, and sweet anime. 

So, as you can see, I initially hesitated to watch the show, fearing it would lean more towards slice of life than romance. Well, spoiler alert for my past self: I was dead wrong! If one thing I want to complain about, especially to Berd, is why didn't she stop me from watching it while it was airing? 

Often, we find ourselves asking, "Why not me?" Yet, the key lies in taking action. Itsuomi Nagi and Yuki Itose, through their portrayals, teach us the importance of not concealing our emotions. Their approach, marked by confidence and genuine feelings, makes the series irresistible and oh-so-satisfying! I was smiling so much while watching it that my parents were side-eyeing me, probably thinking I had finally lost it. But seriously, can you blame me? This show is turning me into a  blushing mess. 

Is there really anything that needs to be said? If you’ve seen Hyeyoon as Eun Dan Oh in Extraordinary You or even as the currently airing Lovely Runner’s Im Sol, you know that she would be perfect for the role of a doe-eyed Yuki who’s enchanted by the world around her. And if you are watching Lovely Runner, I bet you'll agree that her chemistry and dynamic with Wooseok are exactly what's needed to pull this off. 

This is a bit of a recast, but I imagine his role in Extraordinary You as Baek Kyung fits the vibe of Oshi. Jaewook does "pouty yearner" extremely well, which is how I'd describe Oshi. There's also a childishly jealous side to the character that I know Jaewook would be able to perfectly convey. 

I’ll be honest; this is the casting I struggled with the most. When I picture Kyoga, I imagine that he’s a mature-looking, strong, yet approachable man who can at times be silly. Try imagining a mix of Lee Joon Ho from Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Run On’s Lee Young Hwa. Do you see the vision?

The K-drama world’s resident BF is here. Jinjoo’s resume is perfect for this character. Who better to play the role of the bright and supportive bestie who encourages you, goes shopping with you, creates moments for you to be with your crush, etc., all while pursuing her own love story?

As Aehsassy described Ema, we needed someone with sex appeal but also some bubbliness. Ema spends a lot of time chasing and pining for Itsuomi, but there are times when we get glimpses of her personality outside of him, and she has a bright and fun side.

Shin is a talented hairstylist who’s always there when his friends need him. I think Hyungsik has, on more than one occasion, displayed that he can pull off a role like this. And wouldn’t it be fun to see him experimenting with different hairstyles and colours?

When I think of Yuki, I imagine someone like Li Wei from New Life Begins, who was wonderfully portrayed by Tian Xi Wei. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention her eyes since that was the deciding factor. Yuki has these sweet eyes that draw you in and make you want to protect her; I think Xiwei’s eyes elicit the same feeling.

Did you watch Lighter & Princess and wish for Feiyu to play another role similar to Li Xun? Well, here you have it. Itsuomi, just like Li Xun, may come off as unapproachable, but they care deeply for their friends and, when in love, are all about their girl. No one could’ve played Li Xun better, and I can’t imagine anyone else as Itsuomi. 

After asking a friend for her input, she recommended Minghao for the role of Itsuomi. But when I look at him, I see an unrequited childhood lover. I know that might not be reason enough for you, but I can't picture anyone else in this role. And if you need some more convincing, go watch him chase after the female lead in Back From the Brink, and you'll see the vision.

Chenjun is still fairly new to the industry, but after his performance in My Journey to You, I think he gives off the vibe of a reliable, strong, but soft older brother, which is basically what Kyoga is. 

If you’ve watched any Lusi drama, you know she perfectly embodies this role. Whether on or off-screen, she and Rin are very alike. In The Romance of Tiger and Rose, Who Rules the World, Gen Z, Hidden Love, and more, she plays strong characters who are bubbly, friendly, romantic, supportive of their friends, etc. 

A pouty, slightly whiny, dark-haired beauty crushing on her friend while oblivious to those interested in her? There’s no doubt in my mind that Zhou Ye would portray this character well. Emma has an initial image that seems cold, but you get a glimpse of her real personality aside from crushing on Itsuomi. I think Zhou Ye can deliver that duality. 

Honestly, I’ve only seen one Zheyuan drama, but I think he’d pull off the bromance chemistry with Feiyu as Itsuomi, and I know you’d like to see him yearning and suffering through an unrequited love.

If you haven't watched the anime!

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