Minoli Palihena

I mean the story literally represents its name Step by Step. So the pacing is definitely correct in this one. Given Jeng's character is mature and Pat is still young I'm sure they do not want to make Jeng come off as a sugar daddy but rather an actually caring partner. He doesn't jump into situations, doesn't try so hard, considers before taking action, actually cares about people around him, and gives space for growth. Finally, a character that plays his AGE!!!

It's been too many college BLs even the slightest mature BL character excites me. So Jeng is like Christmas, especially in a Thai BL. He's not a Green flag but a freakn ecosystem! I hope that they keep the consistency.

My faith in K-BLs are restored again after this. Love Mate and Happy Merry Ending fell wayyyy too short in K-BL standard. After Eighth Sense, Starstruck brings out the emotional attachment again. The rookie actors are killing it. I love the Yoo Jae and Han Joon dynamic. Their personalities sync so well. The chemistry and the build-up is fantastic. Love the story so far. I'm grateful that Korea always has a different take on BLs. Very much looking forward to this.

It was watchable. Not the best. But not the worst either. But Korea can do better with the plots. If this is the same company that did Our Dating Sim, this should've been the next upgrade but sadly it fell wayyyyyy too short. We need our standards back.

p.s. patiently waiting for them to announce ODS S2 btw. Fingers crossed that they will give us something!

Maybe I'm an old-school romantic, but I like the pacing. I can literally understand and see the relationship between Jeng and Pat building from a regular employee to something more. I like the fact that they've actually put the effort into getting real with the office work and not just make it seem like a sloppy office romance where the boss and the employee just fall in love after the employee trips over a frekn chair and the boss is magically standing there to catch him and they do a half an hour staring contest and realize they're in love. Could it BE more cliche??!! So YES, I'd choose this plot over that a thousand times.

The story was progressive in the 6th episode and it was super adorable to see Jeng and Pat being so domestic in the furniture shopping and cooking together scenes. I like Jeng's character, he's not the intimidating and demanding kinda boss, yes they've tried to make him look like a mean boss but I understand the perspective of how he's handling things. As a leader, you need to ascertain authority to an extent to get the work done, so if it's being a little harsh on your team as employees we need to take it in, see what went wrong, correct it, and move on. I actually don't mind his work ethic. I also commend the fact that the producers have put in efforts to be more realistic with the office environment. Some scenes do feel a little unnecessarily detailed or draggy with office stuff but it's close to reality.

One of the better Thai BLs to come out this year. Compared to some of the trainwrecks Thailand's been airing lately, this series is a breath of fresh air.

And also seeing someone like Man doing a character like Jeng makes you feel some type of a way. Gosh, it's the frekn eyes of his. The way he LOOKS!!! He's so HOT with his hands in his jeans pockets. I don't wanna get my hopes up yet cz Put is in the picture, and Pat seems to need closure from that relationship, so I'd rather see them get it over with so Jeng can actually have his chance. And Kong scenes weren't too bad cz that means Jeng actually gave Pat good advice.

At least this was a tad better than Chains of Heart. That was a trainwreck. I did not like the miscommunication trope and if you really look at it there wasn't much of a plot in the series. There wasn't anything interesting going on I ended up skipping most of the scenes. I actually liked the YouTube videos more. They felt more intimate than this. The leads have talent I hope they'd get to do a better drama next time, together or not.

I see peeps are getting a bit tired of the slow burn but for me it's what's making this series more interesting and curious. And something about older men playing BL roles just makes it 100x hotter and attractive. Like look at Jeng!!! Just look at that fine hunk of a testosterone radiator! And them going the extra mile to depict a more accurate atmosphere of an office job is also somewhat refreshing. Like this is how it should be to some extent. Cz we see realistic depiction of real life scenarios in legal/medical dramas but shows tend to neglect regular office scenes cz they're more common. And it's cringy when they seem like they're clearly pretending to do some dumb work. I really admire the producer for trying to use more accurate terms and situations to show an ordinary department's work-life. It feels more natural.
I'm so glad Pat and Jeng are really building up their relationship from work to outside of work. So glad Jeng's character is a gentleman. He's not abusing his power to attract Pat and the relationship seems more realistic.
I really don't understand how some shows just make a boss and an employee fall in love after one accidental fall and boom all rules are bent and forgotton for the name of love.
Anyways, yes there are some scenes which are a bit draggy and seems like fillers but the overall plot is pretty decent and the cast is actually doing a better job than I expected.
I'm ready for Pat and Jeng to move forward. Not liking the ex's invasion but we need a bit of drama and a jealous Jeng to giggle about. For once I'm more focused on the main couple cz the second couple is surprisingly not that interesting to me.
Hoping they'll give us more plot in the coming episodes.

This gave a new meaning to BLs. The aesthetics, cinematography, acting, OST and the whole production was profound. So good. The actors did amazingly well for amateurs. Longer episodes and a unique plot. I'm so grateful that Korea, Taiwan and Japan are always bringing refreshing stories for BLs.
Keep this up SK. You're doing exceptionally well.

Here to give my final thoughts on this it's-a-mess-but-we-watched-it-anyways series.

- No one frekn can aim. You tell me none of those bullets killed Lue?? That's some fantastic main character shit. Sigma bruh. A frekn lone wolf. Din died from one bullet earlier but here he was bullet proof, I think the surgery did wonders. Also the bike is the next bat mobile.
- It turned from a gun fight to a fire festival. And the background music,, from a metal concert to club music.
- You tell me for 10 episodes there really was no chance for Lue to be with Ken. Slept only once and disappeared the next. Gosh he sure slept with him more with his old face. Maybe he should get it redone cz the new one is jinxed. Can't believe we literally watched a love story in flashbacks.
- What was that ending?! Are they really keeping it open for a second season?! They really do have balls if that's the case.
- So the mayor not only liked wood, but organs too?! The man really had issues.
- Closure?! Pfftt we don't have that in this relationship. We leave things hanging. We don't know that word.
- Only good thing about the finale was the HOT DOC returning. And he was a good guy?! Who knew.

Anyways, I tried to give this my benefit of the doubt but man it was a bad idea. But I will commend the production quality. This was such a missed opportunity. It looked like they spent a decent amount to make this. Such a shame the script was crappy. Wasted potential. I hope the actors will get a better chance to show their talent cz this story did none of them justice.

I’m here to do my weekly comment dump on this ridiculous yet we’re-still-watching-it-anyways BL. I swear the writers didn’t give a donkey’s ass trying to make sense out of this plot. Bruh at least you should’ve put some effort for the money you’ve spent making this. But since we’re finally in the last episode, no point in trying to redeem what’s left. Ok here goes my thoughts on episode 9:

- Finally Lue beat the dead guy and literally gets the ass of the man he likes. I feel for him. The poor guy was in the most ridiculous love triangle of all time
- If Lue was a whole ass different person, his loved ones sure didn’t give a shit about him. Not once I saw anyone reaching out to him this whole time
- Thankfully Ken’s neck was safe for once. But his crying fest continues
- Hin is the elder brother?!!! NANI Dafaq?!!!
- His friend is a psychic???!!! I swear the writers were tripping at this point
- So the cop is not a bad cop. The only plot twist I didn’t expect
- I’m sure the whole plastic surgery thing was an advertisement for SK. Our dude didn’t have a single scar on his face after surgery
- For a person who should be careful of threats, Lue seriously keeps his place unlocked and open. Ken was walking around like he was in an art gallery
- They should stick to one face. They sure can’t keep the consistency of Lue’s scars. His face is all bruised in the day time, and it’s already ready for a makeup commercial by night

As much as how chaotic this is, we’re still here watching. I’m actually enjoying the madness. The leads have chemistry, I hope they’d get another chance together with a better plot. Bahaha, can’t wait for the finale.

Only the Japanese can take a ridiculous concept and make it into a cute story. BAhahaHa this is gonna be a chaotic ride. I already love Ichijo's inner monologues. I dunno how he's gonna redeem himself next time when he sees Miki after getting caught like that. The episodes are too short, I wish they could make at least 30min eps. SK has progressed already in airing time, it's high time Japan too do it. Cz their stories are always refreshing and unique.

One of the best comfort BLs from SK. No doubts on Seo Won's acting, he deserves a lead role in a mainstream drama. Gongchan needs more polishing, he's not too bad, but some scenes are a bit awkward for me, like he's doing exactly like the script says, a bit animated. But if he's gonna continue as an actor, he has time for improvement. Their chemistry wasn't the greatest, but it'll do for this story. I feel like if Gongchan was a little more relaxed, this would've been way better. But Seo Won sure seemed like a great hugger. It looked so warm whenever Taejoon hugged Wonyoung.
Okay, now the best part of the show. My personal scene stealers: Dong Hee and Ho Tae! Tbh, I liked them more than the leads but ironically they didn't get enough scenes together. Chemistry was so adorable, their bickering synced their relationship perfectly. My wishful heart hope that their lack of scenes might open up an idea for a season 2 ORRRR at least a spin-off of them. They need to tell their story. They can't leave us hanging when Dong Hee just started letting Ho Tae in. Dear producers, take a hint, don't waste this solid couple, you need to use them for greater good.
Anyways, this was a light watch, it had most of your everyday K-drama cliches and a very predictable plot. Kudos to the whole team for creating a wholesome series.
I'm so glad that SK is really delivering some great BL content lately. Keep it coming! We're here to support!

I'm sure they've taken reference from SKAM. Like Even is bipolar and has manic episodes and Isak eventually becomes his safe place. Here I see traces of their characters in JW and JH. Some scenes, like their love scene and how JW sometimes seem like he switches himself off from the real world. I don't think he's bipolar but his mental health issues comes close.
SKAM is like one of my all-time favorite series, nothing can top the chemistry between Henrik and Tarjei but I see that Ji Sub and Jun Taek are trying to do something here. They might not be the best but for rookies they sure are doing a great job.

They ain't gonna do Jae Won dirty twice. Karma cannot be that cruel to him. He already has enough trauma to deal with. Toxic friends (that Tae Hyung bastard, I dunno why JW's still so nice to him, I wanted to break his teeth so bad during the drinking scene. Ji Hyun and Ae Ri did well), toxic father (how dare he break the camera, HE is your CHILD TOO), college/career pressure,,,the dude really can't catch a break. The writers can't fuk up the one happiness, the only good thing that's happening in his life atm. That'll be evil if they do. He can't keep losing the people he loves.
The production is close to a cinematic masterpiece. I love the indie, chill aesthetic. They bring the depth of each character so vividly. Everything feels natural and honest. SK is literally teaching the subtle art of BL to other countries. Taiwan, SK and Japan are the best so far when it comes to Asian BLs. Thailand either hit or miss, mostly they just choose quantity over quality. Nothing awkward between Ji Sub and Jun Taek, they have natural chemistry and their relationship is not defined by their sexual orientation. I mean the way they somehow synced into being together without making it a big deal is what makes it feel natural. I hope they won't make it a big issue tho. But given JW's family and some friends I doubt they'll look past this relationship. At least don't drag it too much, I mean we're already starting next week some pain and suffering.
This is easily one of my favorite BLs this year. ODS and these guys are certainly redefining some BL standards and we're here for it.

I love how all of us are collectively complaining yet still watching this mess. Bahaha tbh I'm in too deep with this series to take back the time I watched 8 frekn episodes. So might as well see the end of it. If only the quality of the story was as high as its production value. Wasted potential.
Some of the observations I've made in this drama so far:
- Ken will either cry or get strangled each episode
- Lue is still in a love triangle with a dead guy, and the dead guy is winning. I feel like Lue is the second lead that we always cheer to get the guy but always ends up getting bish slapped
- If Lue is Din, bish it's sad that you need to compete with your own damn self to win over your crush
- Nothing would've escalated this far if they let the Mayor have his wood
- Nok is like a phoenix, you seemingly kill him but the guy is still alive
- What da heck did Din's sister take when they asked for the "stuff"??? It looked like a lipstick to me
- Does Lue have a GPS on Ken? How does he always appear outta nowhere where ever Ken goes?!!!
- Also they need to keep the consistency of the injuries, one moment Lue's face is all bruised when he unmasked in front of the mayor and later in the last scene there is not a single scratch on his face. Stick to one face guys.
- Everyone's busy chasing everyone, how da heck do they find the time and money?!! I want to know about their day jobs! Are they still WFH?
- I swear they gotta pair up Ken and Lue at least next week. We've been THROUGH 8 episodes without a single proper romantic scene between them. It's high time everyone touch some grass, take a chill pill, let the Mayor have his wood and move onnnnn.

I have to say tho, I'm enjoying this mess. At least it keeps us entertained.

Japanese BLs hits different. There's nothing exceptional but the general atmosphere and their culture itself brings a certain calmness and peacefulness into the screen. I love the subtle characters and the cute story line. This is gonna be my weekly dose of comfort.

I love this series. Love ForceBook pairing. I just love Force in general so I might be totally bias. The plot is not that impressive but I love the leads. Their dynamic is refreshing for a Thai BL. I like the fact that Gun is not the typical intimidating, grumpy CEO. Maybe he's defined as one but his actions says otherwise. Soft spoken, rational and sensitive and is not shy to show his feelings. I like that he's always straight to the point with Cher. And Cher is also the same with him. Their whole relationship is a green flag. Nothing toxic. I really hope they don't bring in any stupid misunderstandings between them cz they've been doing so well so far. This should be my favorite currently airing Thai BL. Even the second lead couple is adorable, their chemistry is natural. Hope they could get more air time tho. Also I hope they won't turn Jack bad or something cz he deserves some happiness.

Ok saw that betrayal trope coming a mile away, BAhahaHa we're so used to this now. I liked the 7&8 eps better I suppose cz we see the plot is progressing, I love a little angst and heartbreak to keep me anticipated. Lead couple is still a bit too awkward for me but we got plenty of hugs this time. Seo Won is already doing a great job, it's just Gongchan needs some polishing. He's still a little too animated for me. His actions are a bit stiff. I was waiting for my TaeHee couple but we barely saw them this time. Even though with less screen time and nothing physical between them, the second leads are winning in chemistry (I mean just look at the above poster, it's clearly showing even without trying). They are not awkward, and the bickering makes it more entertaining. I'd like to see a spinoff of their chaotic relationship. It'll be super fun to watch. BAhahaHa I don't mind if Ho Tae keeps on asking to date Dong Hee for one month and keeps getting rejected until the series ends so the producers can give us their own series to start their relationship.
Next week seems like the finale. I'm surely going to miss this drama. Even with ups and downs all the actors have done a good job. The story is refreshing, all the leads are pretty decent, the production is noteworthy. Super thankful for giving a healthy amount of air time for this series considering it a BL. It's like mainstream drama episodes. SK is killing it this year.

Love the whole ambience of the series. Their cinematography is so aesthetic, maybe the scenes could be very cliche for some other drama but in this they've done it so poetically. I love how subtle things are between JW and JH. I was kinda confused with how JW's gonna be towards JH cz he was completely ignoring him after the kiss happened but seems like he's done a 180° turn. JW's character is kinda complicated I still need some validation on whatever he's feeling about JH. JH obviously is head over heels for his Hyung, I really hope he won't get hurt. That ex girlfriend really needs some karma getting back at her, hopefully it happens soon.
I'm beyond grateful that were getting more than an hour long air time combining 2 episodes. It really gives room for the plot to develop. JW really needs to find new friends cz his so called best friends aren't it. They only want to take advantage of him. Especially that one guy. Gosh I wanna punch him whenever I see him. Him and the ex could be the ideal couple.
Anyways, I am so glad we're getting some quality BLs these days from SK. After Our Dating Sim, this is my favorite for this year. They remind me so much of Semantic Error.

I think the Mr. Lue actor actually has potential. His emotional scenes are actually good. His eyes convey a lot of expressions. He's just given a shitty series. My brain is not braining anymore trying to make sense of this story.
They're just going back and forth with flashbacks and present and isn't even trying to develop anything between Lue and Ken yet. The main romance is still Din and Ken but it's episode 7 already. The dead guy is deadass winning the game still.
Even the slightest moment between Ken and Lue is either interrupted or Ken is being a little shit towards Lue refusing to accept whatever he feels towards him. I still don't know what the main plot is even. Either it's trying to find out who the helmet guy is or the mayor trying to sell his wood while treasure hunting for a camera. They shouldn't have named this Chain of Hearts. It should've been Confused Thoughts. Or The Masked Man Or Mayor's Wood Or Is He Really Dead? Or Din is not Dead Or Choking Him,,,ok I should stop. Lol.
I mean this seems to have a high production value too, the plot actually could've turned into something meaningful but they totally missed it. Such a shame. I dunno if I still should give them the benefit of the doubt when we're like only 3 eps away from the end. Thai BLs just either hit or miss (royally) even with promising actors.

Gun is a walking green flag. He's like one of the best BL boyfriends from a Thai series. I love how he's so open and honest with his feelings and just speaks his mind without beating around the bush. Same goes for Cher too but the difference is Cher doesn't have a filter. Lol. The series is not that progressive plot wise but oddly I'm enjoying it. I don't want to dig too deep with this one. Maybe I could be bias cz I just love Force in general.
I'm just gonna keep watching, it's a nice way to end the week. If anything this is way better than Enchanté.