Ashu

Essentially, it's a love story between a high school teacher and a host who cannot read or write properly because of his SLD. It begins from a fateful encounter to teacher classes and blossomed into love. But it's so much more. Manami, is a 35 year old woman who still lives with her family and patriarchy still runs her family so visibly. She teaches at another very conservative environment of a catholic school where she herself previously studied. It's like she's stuck from everywhere in her environment and she constantly feels suffocating but she doesn't attempt to run away from this environment because she's too scared to live life without constraints.

Scared of what SHE might do. She's not used to breathing freely. This story is then about her journey to finally take steps to be free. To see her progress and journey in that is an utter joy. Of course, this development happens because of the male lead character but his presence solely acts as a catalyst for her. It's a perfect portrayal of "I'll make myself a better person for you, because I love you".

She's brilliantly written as a character because of the nuances and her contradictory nature. In some instances, she's very brave and her pride is very dear to her but some instances she just shuts down. She's very self-aware of what she's feeling but at the same time refuses to admit them. She's like a human. Every single character in this show is what makes it so beloved to me.

Kaoru/Taiga is a host who did not complete his elementary school because he couldn't receive proper help with his SLD (specific learning disorder, specifically dyslexia in his case). He's a charming 23 year old young man who's competitive as he's aiming to be No. 1 but in reality it's just so he could pay for his distant (dare I say abusive) family.

He's your typical "playboy" "jokester" personality but in reality that's all a persona. He's actually a very sensitive person but he was never allowed to be one because men aren't allowed to be vulnerable. So he hides parts of himself in jokes and sometimes uses his manipulation skills to anger the person so he can just avoid talking about his emotions but still oh he feels SO DEEPLY.

After meeting, Manami he's finally facing a person so diligent and serious towards him (and literally everything) that he has not choice but to face himself. He finally meets someone who does consider him "stupid". Who sees him for all he is.

I loved him so much and the portrayal of growing with SLD was so perfect that I wrote to him as an example in my exam recently lol(rip my teacher).

Another thing I love about this show is that they both heal each other's inner child and that's just so....aftccjrtaratxyd.

It talks about many social issues such as patriarchy, class system (as both of the leads are from different backgrounds and I love how they portray that in their dynamic) and the taboo nature of a relationship. It addresses host culture with a deep critical analysis and views from both sides.

Over-all, definitely a favourite, the only thing i disliked was there definitely could've been another episode to wrap things up more beautiful and I needed more screentime for gay teacher 🥲 otherwise Masterpiece!