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HIGENEKO Episodes 5–6 gave me a warmer impression of The Crow Club than I had expected.Patty has an appealing voice, yet he cannot bring himself to sing facing the audience. Being invited to join a group by someone he has admired since high school gives him a chance to pursue his own dream again. His struggles with dancing also make it clear that having a good voice is only the beginning.The scene that stayed with me most was Linda sending him off. Patty expects to be scolded for breaking the club’s rules, but instead, Linda is happy to see a bird with broken wings take flight again. That made me feel I understood something about why this club exists. Linda’s awkward reaction when Patty hugs her makes the moment even more endearing.The conflict over the AI-arranged debut song adds another interesting layer. The members worked on that song together, so hearing it drastically changed without their input hurts. Their chance to debut is finally within reach, but what happens to the feelings they put into getting there?I especially liked seeing Patty take the initiative when the group risks losing a member. Someone who usually seems uninterested in other people is beginning to act for their sake. That quiet change made these two episodes rewarding to watch.
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The Journey to Killing You Season 2 Episode 4
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Odajima’s determination stood out to me in this episode. With Kataoka abducted, he searches desperately, then deliberately gets himself captured so he can reach him. Kataoka saved him from a terrible past, and his love runs deep enough that he is willing to share whatever danger comes next.Meanwhile, Kataoka still has the presence of a former yakuza underboss. Even in captivity, he demands to know who is pulling the strings. That composure makes a good contrast with Odajima’s frantic search.I’m finding the yakuza storyline more engaging than in the previous season. With Motoki and then Ihashi confronting them, the threats are becoming more tangible. Quite a place to leave us waiting for the next episode!
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Episodes 2 and 3 show how Ao fell for Midori, and I liked that it was Midori’s honesty that caught his attention. Being able to admit that he involved his teammates for his own reasons and apologize sincerely says something lovely about his character.Ao finding happiness simply in seeing Midori at school, and later in Midori remembering his favorite foods, feels sweet. But as they grow closer, Ao also becomes more afraid of losing him. Saying “because we’re friends” keeps his real feelings safely hidden, while also making it harder to ask for anything more.Still, I find Ao a little frustrating. Arisa seems to have to push him forward each time, and when he worries that Midori might date a girl, he withdraws instead of talking to him. I understand his fear, but I wish he would take a little more initiative.Midori doesn’t seem particularly interested in finding a girlfriend himself. To me, it feels as though Ao already occupies a place in his heart, even if he hasn’t quite understood it yet.There are tender moments here, but the pacing feels a little slow for my taste. I’m hoping to see these two take a step toward each other.
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You Should Be the One to Kiss Me Episode 1
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Suzuki Jin and Oshida Gaku feel perfectly cast as Ueno and Kanda. I’ve liked Oshida’s voice since Kamen Rider Zi-O, and Suzuki’s slightly goofy charm in My Love Mix-Up! left a good impression on me. It’s fun to see them together in these roles.As someone who works in accounting, I have to wonder how such a capable salesman keeps making mistakes on his expense reports! Is correcting them just another reason for these two to interact? lolUeno tries to act cool while hiding how much he likes Kanda, but Kanda makes himself completely at home in Ueno’s apartment. That closeness must be both lovely and frustrating when Ueno is afraid of losing their friendship.And that elevator scene… just what were they both thinking? A charming first episode.
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I started this drama because of James. His role as Pobphan in Don’t Say No stayed with me, and I still occasionally wonder what became of that couple. I had been waiting to see him in another series—and he certainly made a bold return! (laughs)Gear wants his first time to mean something. Being dumped and then told that his reluctance to have sex was the reason clearly hurts his pride as well as his feelings. His response is to reinvent himself as someone sexy enough to make his ex regret leaving him.Watching him cling to someone who treated him so poorly is frustrating, though. The new boyfriend is so unpleasant that I wanted to tell Gear to forget them both.Then his attempt to find someone to teach him leads him into the wrong room and straight to Kanthi. Gear’s blunt request, followed by Kanthi’s equally blunt rejection, sets up what feels like a rather adult version of My Fair Lady. The heart-shaped pendant also suggests there may be more to their connection.For now, I’m curious, although still adjusting to seeing James in this role. Part of me is watching Gear, while another part is quietly asking for my Pobphan back. (laughs)
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What I liked most about this episode was how small changes in Jirapat’s attitude changed his experience of school life. Waking up a little earlier and letting his classmates get a little closer makes the days he once found unbearable surprisingly enjoyable. The people he dismissed turn out to have qualities he never bothered to notice.His adult knowledge coming in handy during math class was satisfying, although the teacher’s refusal to accept his answers was infuriating. Apparently, even getting everything right can get you into trouble! (laughs)But the person who interests me most is Ruth. Jirapat wants to become a “good boy,” while Ruth seems to have been one all along. Yet being perfect in everyone else’s eyes may come with its own difficulties. His strained relationship with his father makes me curious about what lies behind that image.There also seems to be unfinished business between the two, and I’m beginning to wonder whether Jirapat is the only one who wishes he could live his life again.Tay and New’s adult versions and Mick and Luke’s younger versions are starting to overlap in my mind. I’m looking forward to discovering more about these two—this already feels like it could offer more than an ordinary school romance.
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School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To Season 2 Episode 1
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Watarai and Hioki are now a couple, but being in different classes gives them a new challenge: simply getting through the school day apart.Watarai keeps appearing whenever he has a chance, with “I’m your boyfriend” and “You’re cute” practically becoming his catchphrases. His affection can feel rather possessive—“Don’t talk to anyone” is quite a request! Yet Hioki remains wonderfully natural. He knows Watarai loves him, but seems completely unaware that anyone else might find him attractive.That difference makes their interactions so amusing. Watarai plans precious time together at their study camp, only to discover that their classes have different schedules. Watching him wilt is almost as entertaining as watching him fuss over Hioki.And Tsujiya has exactly the mischievous energy of that one classmate everyone remembers. A fun start to their life as a couple.
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Ing is arrogant, sharp-tongued, and completely unapologetic about what he wants. But the more I watch him, the more I realize that he is actually one of the most straightforward characters in this story.Yok, on the other hand, appears polite, composed, and perfectly capable of controlling his emotions.Except when he's with Ing!Whenever Ing gets close, Yok loses his composure. He becomes angry, impulsive, and surprisingly passionate. The funniest part is that Yok himself doesn't seem to realize how differently he behaves around Ing. 😂Episode 4 takes this contrast to another level. Their business trip to Pattaya leads to a shocking reversal of expectations. The man who always seems determined to take control suddenly finds himself on the receiving end of Yok's overwhelming intensity.But physical intimacy doesn't necessarily mean emotional understanding. Yok is still struggling with feelings he hasn't even begun to recognize.And then there's Itt. His reaction to seeing Ing and Yok together suggests that this complicated relationship may become even more painful.What fascinates me most is the contrast between these two men: Ing never bothers to hide his true nature, while Yok doesn't even recognize his own.So who is really the wolf in sheep's clothing?Only four episodes into a twenty-episode series, and the psychological tension is already incredible. I can't wait to see what happens next!
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This episode felt like a turning point for both Moss and Dean.Moss has admired Mes since university, not only as his first love but also as an artist. When Mes returns from New York and encourages him to pursue painting seriously, Moss decides to face a blank canvas again.He asks Dean for some time apart so he can concentrate on his work.Surprisingly, Dean accepts.Dean has always been impulsive and eager for affection, but this time he understands that loving Moss also means respecting his need for space. Even though he misses Moss terribly, he waits.And while Moss is painting, whose face keeps appearing in his thoughts?Dean's, of course. His smile, his sulking face, his anger, and all those little expressions that make him Dean.When the painting is finally revealed, it shows two people embracing amid beautiful colors.But what impressed me most was what happened afterward.Mes sees Moss's talent as an opportunity to launch him into the fine art world. Moss, however, finally stands up for himself. He tells Mes that the character designs and illustrations he has created are just as valuable to him as painting on canvas.For years, Moss was blinded by his admiration for Mes. Perhaps he never noticed how different their values had always been.Now he can appreciate his own work without needing Mes's approval.And when he takes Dean's hand and leaves the exhibition, it feels as though he has finally broken free from both his old crush and the expectations that held him back.Like the butterflies he draws, Moss is finally spreading his own wings. 🦋I also loved the gentle moments between Pan and Ten. Their relationship is so warm and comforting. Why should anyone else decide whether two people are suitable for each other?An episode about learning to love without losing yourself — and learning to respect the person you love.Only two episodes left!
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The Journey to Killing You Season 2 Episode 3
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Kataoka is kidnapped, and Odajima races around the neighborhood searching for him. Meanwhile, Kataoka seems strangely relaxed for someone being held captive. The contrast between them is what makes this episode fun.Odajima’s stern, brooding expression conveys his worry for Kataoka without needing words. I particularly like these quiet moments with him.There are power struggles between yakuza groups and competing interests in a redevelopment project, but what I’m curious about is how Kataoka will handle this mess. Even with everything going on, there’s an amusing quality to the drama that makes it easy to sit back and enjoy.And the chairman of Kotokukai certainly has an unforgettable sense of fashion! His look reminds me of Muzan Kibutsuji from Demon Slayer.（笑）
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What moved me most in this episode was James telling Ken that he smiles when they are together—when he feeds James, dances with him, and kisses him. James sees the joy Ken still finds in living, which makes his question all the more painful: why does Ken still want to die?James’s love is so direct, almost like a stubborn child refusing to accept an answer. Yet I can understand Ken’s hesitation, too. After discovering the happiness of loving and being loved, the thought of losing it must be even more terrifying.Chita and Ji’s story makes that fear feel darker. Chita once asked his own lover not to turn him into a NOUR, yet he has now turned Ji into one. Wanting to save someone you love and respecting the life they want are painfully different things.Ken, James, Chita, and Ji seem caught in a dance between life and death. With only one episode left, I’m afraid that happiness may remain out of reach. Still, I want James’s stubborn, straightforward love to overcome their fate.
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What would you do if you could return to being seventeen?At thirty, Jirapat is so lonely that, as he lies dying after a traffic accident, he realizes there is no one he wants to attend his funeral.Then he wakes up in his childhood home, thirteen years in the past. His father is alive, his mother is making breakfast, and his sister is calling him to get up.What touched me most was not the chance to change his future, but the chance to experience those ordinary family moments again.His mother casually tells him to go out and get some ice cream. His beloved cat Mee is there, too. These little things feel precious when we know what he has lost.Determined to become a "good boy," Jirapat starts making small changes. He arrives at school on time, opens his heart to Tyler, and even tries to help a classmate in trouble — although that gets him scolded!I like that his second chance isn't about becoming rich or successful. It's about learning to care for other people and allowing them into his life.And then there's Ruth, the student council president. Jirapat seemed to have some lingering feelings about him in his previous life, so I'm curious to discover what happened between them.Accidentally hitting Ruth with a basketball and sending him to the infirmary is certainly an interesting way to begin their story! 😂A charming first episode, with warmth, humor, and a little sadness beneath the surface.I'm looking forward to seeing how Jirapat's second chance changes both his life and his relationship with Ruth. 🍧🐈🏀
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Van has always believed that money is the most important thing in life. His dream is to study engineering in Japan and build a successful future.At first, pretending to be Rakun's boyfriend is simply part of his job. But as they spend time together, exchanging messages and sharing ordinary moments, Van gradually falls in love.What I liked most about this episode was how Van's understanding of love changed.He realizes that loving someone means caring about their happiness, even more than his own.The ghost's story was heartbreaking. In the past, the person the ghost loved was killed as punishment for their same-sex relationship. The ghost was trying to protect Rakun from suffering the same tragedy.Van promises the ghost that if Rakun ever becomes unhappy because of love, he will offer his own life in return.That's quite a promise from someone who once cared more about money than anything else!Van initially decides to leave for Japan because he believes someone from his background isn't suitable for Rakun. Fortunately, they finally become a couple, even though they will have to maintain a long-distance relationship.I loved seeing Van discover something more precious than money without giving up his dream.And of course, our dinosaur-loving Van deserves his happy ending! 🦖The first mission is complete. I'm looking forward to seeing which Crow Club member takes the spotlight next!
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Ing is a wealthy and successful businessman who is used to getting whatever he wants. However, despite his success, he has a complicated relationship with his family, especially his father and stepmother.When he meets Yok, his younger brother's best friend and the son of a politician, he is immediately attracted to him.Yok is handsome, intelligent, and determined to live his own life rather than follow his father's expectations. He also has an older brother who seems to be everything their father wants him to be.Ing makes no effort to hide his attraction, but Yok skillfully avoids his advances.What makes their relationship interesting is that Yok is clearly attracted to Ing, too. He simply refuses to let his feelings control his actions.I particularly like Copter Nuntapong's performance as Yok. He doesn't show much emotion on his face, but somehow you can sense the feelings hidden beneath his calm expression. I've been interested in this actor since watching him in La Pluie, so I'm delighted to see him in this role.Both men seem to carry emotional scars from their family backgrounds, and I suspect those experiences will have a significant influence on their relationship.Ing may be able to control his business empire, but winning Yok's heart will not be so easy.I'm looking forward to seeing how long Yok can maintain his defenses! LOL.
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The Journey to Killing You Season 2 Episode 2
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What stayed with me most in these first two episodes was Odajima’s wish to protect Kataoka’s happiness.His past is painfully heavy—so much so that I don’t really want to describe it here. But what moves me is how he carries that pain while still caring so deeply about Kataoka’s future.I hope Odajima can find a place for his own happiness in that wish, too. Watching him makes me want more than ever for both of them to be happy.
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