Ahgase

We also finally have Trin sharing his past with Tanwa. I absolutely love how open and honest their communication is. Also genuinely enjoy how they patiently listen to each other, creating a space where both feel safe and can be vulnerable without fear of judgement. Each other's safe zone for real.

Part of the scene reminds me of episode 4, when Trin asked “If you knew your mom was going to die, would you have stopped her” and Tanwa answered “No, everyone has the right to follow their heart”
That was the push Trin needed to open his heart to Tanwa.

And now we are seeing the push Tanwa needed to open his heart to Trin.

Here Tanwa asks "Why did you put yourself back in that situation?" and Trin answered "I don't know. It just happened. Maybe I couldn't stand the thought of losing anyone else." and Tanwa says "In the end, everyone leaves"

It truly shows how their past shaped them to what they are today. But even then they are still trying to open up to each other and let the other in, despite their fears. It is so heartbreaking and yet so beautiful.

And finally we get to see the love they have for each other. MILEAPO CHEMISTRY IS INSANE.

When Trin was humming the song, we have Tanwa's chin resting on Trin’s arm. The way Tanwa looks at Trin is so soft, so full of love and then we see Trin returning that look with the exact same love. And then, Trin takes their intertwined hands and kisses it softly, while Tanwa gently rubs Trin's hand with his thumb.

YOU GUYS THE DETAILS! I cannot stress enough how much these tiny gestures add to the softness and intimacy of their scenes. It is so real, so tender, so MileApo.

THIS! This is why you can't replicate their chemistry. They have such a deep connection and so in tune with each other.

I have so much to say about this episode cause it truly captures so many emotions.

First we start the episode with Tanwa's heartbreak. He wanted so badly to live in the moment with Trin, scared of losing him. But in the end, he still 'lost' him because he couldn’t give the answer Trin was asking for. And now he is just a broken shell again.

"Yes it has ended. In the end, everyone is leaving" - his biggest fear said in such a broken voice because he thinks he lost Trin.

Then we move into Victor and Trin scenes. Which i feel is significant because one, it shows that Trin's attraction to Tanwa is beyond just physical. He only discovered that part about himself, but he sure of what he feels for Tanwa is deeper and his rejection of another man stripping in front of him makes that perfectly clear.

Second, this quote is expressing a clear message:
"You are good enough. But goodness and love, they're not the same thing"

It basically shows that Victor mistakes Trin's kindness for love but kindness doesn't always equals love. Trin genuinely cares for Victor, but it’s the kind of care he would give to a little brother, protective, affectionate, but not romantic. However, Victor interprets this care as something deeper, something he hopes could be love. But Trin sets clear boundaries here, which is so important!

Then we get to Trin's trauma. His trauma (PTSD) from the past is so clear in this scene. The way he is moving so slowly and even reacting so slowly before helping victor. He’s trying so focus on saving the students, but you can clearly tell his he is terrified and stunned. Every step he takes reminds him of his past. So heartbreaking

Meanwhile on the other side we have Tanwa with his hippie friends. In this scene we see Tanwa's stance on war. He doesn't believe in the violence and doesn't think fighting will solve anything. But you can also see him questioning his views after finding out the protestors are student (he is worried about Trin) and also after Sucha said "but staying quiet wont change a thing either"
Shows his internal conflict between what he believes and the reality of what is happening around him.

And now to my absolute favorite scene.

The way Tanwa is waiting for Trin at Trin's house after hearing that the protestors were students, knowing that it is possible that Trin wouldn't even want to see him but still wanting to make sure Trin is ok.

Trin who was trying so hard to stay strong all day and to hold himself together completely loses himself as soon as he sees Tanwa. His safe zone. He knows Tanwa will catch him, hold him, comfort him. Tanwa who can quiet the buzzing in his ear.

GOD THE HUG! SO BEAUTIFUL AND MY GOD APO CRYING ACTUALLY MADE ME SHED TEARS. SO RAW AND BREATHTAKING! I don't even have enough words to express how much I loved this scene.

Love that BOC posted the meaning of the of origami's Tanwa folds for Trin. They are so romantic.

EP1 CRESCENT MOON - "WELCOME TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON”
EP2 BIRD - “I LOVE TO FLY FREE, BUT I WANT TO TAKE YOU WITH ΜΕ.”
EP3 HEART - “MOMENT BY MOMENT, IT BECOMES FOREVER”
EP4 BOAT - “WHEREVER THE JOURNEY GOES, THE BOAT RETURNS TO THE SHORE IT BELONGS.”
EP5 STAR - “EVEN WHEN THE NIGHT HOLDS NO LIGHT, A STAR STILL SHINES, JUST LIKE LOVE.”

It does have a lot of historical elements and politics. We get romance too but this is a complex story and romance is not the only focus.

And although Trin clearly wants to share Tanwa’s burden even stepping in when his father hit him in public (which actually only made Tanwa’s fear worsen, because now Trin is on his father’s radar), the truth is, Trin hasn’t yet properly shown him that he won’t leave him. Just saying we are lovers is not going to be enough for a traumatized man with broken family

In most scene, we see Tanwa running after Trin, Tanwa sharing about his past. So we have yet to see Trin open about his past and show that he wont leave him like his mother. Not just with words but actions too.

I am really hoping we see a bit more development in their communication in the next few episodes. Their dynamic is so beautiful and MileApo does such a wondeful job at potraying them and their pains.

He was only 12 when he lost his mother, a child with no support, and he never truly processed her death. She had been happy and had taken him to the beach, a place full of happiness with her friends, so he couldn’t understand why she would leave him. So like her, he started to internalize his sadness, masking it behind a happy smile.

Essentially his haunted by nightmares of his mother drowning. His father is abusive, even hitting him in public, and Tanwa has openly acknowledged that his father is dangerous and could even have been responsible for his mother’s death. Because of this, he keeps people at a distance. One, out of fear of what his father can do, and two, because he’s terrified that if people saw his miserable side, they would leave. He doesn’t believe he is worthy of love.

So as a result of his unresolved trauma, he lives in the moment, holding onto whatever small happiness he can get.

I finally had the time to sit down and analyze the scenes and I want to talk about the last scene of the episode with Tanwa and Trin in the kitchen.

One thing that’s clear in this scene is the depth of the love they have for each other. Mile and Apo are such incredible actors. The way they delivered such a heavy scene with perfection, it makes the viewers' heart ache at their love.

I love this scene because we can actually see the difference between how they perceive love.

Tanwa's Love = Happiness. Even in pain, if he smiles, then those around him will be happy (Just like his mother).
Tanwa's sorrow = It kills love. He associates this with his mother's death, sorrow means he will be left behind, so he doesn't want Trin to see his misery and leave him (fear of abandonment).

When Tanwa says: “When you are with me – aren’t you happy, Trin? why isn’t happiness enough for you?”

What he means is "If I give you happiness, isn't that enough to make you stay? I am scared to show more, because everyone leaves in the end."

Trin's Love = Sharing everything. Joy and sorrow
Trin's sorrow = Not supporting the person you love destroys love. His passiveness from the past haunts him. He lost a partner due to his inability to support their burden. He wants to hold all of Tanwa, even the parts Tanwa wants to hide.

When Trin says: "Is happiness enough? Is living day by day enough? This is real life, Tanwa. In love we share both joy and sorrow"

What he means is "Don't shut me out. Don't make me go through the pain of losing another partner. I want all of you, not just the smile you show the world"

Both want love but both have a different definition of it. And this is shaped by the way they were raised and the way they were loved. Trin has a loving family, despite his traumatic past, he understands loving someone means loving them through everything. Tanwa on the other hand had never had that. He doesn't have anyone who he can rely on. His definition of love is what his mother showed him. Which is to keep smiling through the pain and to live in happiness. Before Trin, he lived day to day, not even knowing if he would survive another.

It is obvious they both love each other and are scared to lose one another. The last scene where Tanwa cries as he drives away and Trin looks like his heart just broke, truly hurts so much.
For them to overcome this conflict, Tanwa would need to learn to trust and let himself be loved fully by Trin. And Trin would need to show Tanwa he wont leave him even when he sees the parts of him Tanwa tries to hide.

I am really curious to see how they would tackle this in the next episodes.

How Trin love's Tanwa (Episode 5 break down)

1. Trin is open to Tanwa’s world, letting himself be swept up in everything that is Tanwa.
2. He is always initiating kisses and touches, like he can't pull himself away from Tanwa.
3. He gets happy when Tanwa gives him origami. Keeping every single one of them as his precious treasures.
4. He is unable to resist Tanwa's smile and cuteness.
5. He is usually so composed and proper but with Tanwa he is free and bold.
6. His eyes never leave Tanwa, smiling the moment he sees him, watching him perform with awe.
7. Can’t stand to see his beloved hurt, stepping in to protect him even at risk to himself.
8. Chasing after Tanwa, that broken smile shatters his heart, he wants to be someone Tanwa can lean on.
9. Holding onto Tanwa’s token of love, staring at it even in sleep, even after Tanwa walked away instead of sharing his pain.
10. Going to his family home to distract himself from constant thoughts of Tanwa, only to light up when Tanwa follows him there.
11. Seeing Tanwa laughing with his family fills him with joy.
12. He can never stay angry with Tanwa. Just his presence is enough to make him happy.
13. Teasing him, yet secretly swooning at his beauty.
14. So fond of the Tanwa's childish side, teasing him with a smile on his face.
15. Holding him gently in sleep, chasing his fears away.
16. Even in the family kitchen, he reaches out to hold and teach him.
17. Wants a label, not for show, but to prove his devotion. He wants Tanwa to know he’s all in, willing to risk what he’s never risked before.
18. His heart breaking as he watches the man he longs to hold walk away. Unsure how to reach Tanwa’s guarded heart.

How Tanwa love's Trin (Episode 5 break down) - so much details are going right pased yall. Shine lives in the details. Look closer.

1. Showing Trin his world, teaching him to see life differently (freer, lighter).
2. Always letting Trin set the pace, never pushing, just patient and happy with whatever Trin gives.
3. The soft touches, the tender kisses. Like he can never get enough of Trin.
4. Token of love - always gifting Trin origamis (this time the star one - good luck, love, and well-wishes for the recipient).
5. Addicted to Trin's scent.
6. Love sick, grinning like a fool whenever Trin shows affection.
7. Even in a room full of people, he only has eyes for Trin.
8. Angry and fighting with his dad, but the second Trin says 'it is enough Tanwa' he stops and walks away.
9. No matter how angry he is, when it is Trin calling him, his voice softens and he smiles.
10. Hiding his pain behind a smile, trying to shield Trin from the chaos of his family.
11. Only thinking of Trin, nothing else interests him. No longer sleeping around or living his free life in haze.
12. Angry when a friend touches Trin’s record, carefully placing it back where Trin left it.
13. Scaling the gate to see Trin, unafraid of danger. Nothing matters but seeing Trin.
14. Even after finding out Trin is not home, he goes to find their mutual friend to ask about Trin's house in the farm.
15. Driving into the night with only a hand-drawn map, not knowing if he’ll find Trin, but going anyway.
16. Feeling the warmth of Trin’s family, subtly confessing about the one he loves, and his hope to win him back.
17. Teased by Trin, but instantly glowing because Trin called him handsome.
18. Finally sleeping peacefully, hand in Trin’s.
19. Running to him like an excited puppy, joy lighting up the moment he sees Trin.
20. He doesn’t care about labels. To him, love is making Trin happy. He’s already committed, already changed, his whole world now revolves around Trin.
21. He listens to Trin deeply, even if he doesn’t fully understand. Afraid that showing his chaotic life will drive Trin away.
22. Doesn't cry when he gets humiliated and hit by his father, but the thought of losing Trin breaks him.

A lot of us are judging Tanwa because we are seeing it from Trin's perspective. And from this view, he seems evasive. Someone who is not willing to commit but in reality, he is just struggling to process his trauma (Reminder, mental health was not a thing during that time)

Tanwa’s actions make sense if we see him as someone who grew up in a violent, unsafe environment where sharing pain resulted in punishment or abandonment.
His dad clearly has no problem hitting him in public and as a child who was probably going through pain and acting out, I can only imagine the abuse he went through behind closed doors.
And then there is his mom, who chose to leave him in such a heartbreaking way.

I feel like for him, love equals safety, joy, escape from reality, and pain equals rejection and danger. That’s why he is trying so hard to only show Trin happiness, even if it looks kind of shallow and dismissive. He is worried that if he shows the miserable part of himself, then he won't be loved. I also feel like he thinks he doesn't deserve to be loved and that everyone will leave in the end.

Trin has his own trauma too. The reason he’s so focused on fully committing to this relationship is because of his past and he regrets not being able to do so, he feels like his inability to fully support his past partner is the reason he lost them. So with Tanwa, he really wants to be all in, to make sure Tanwa never feels alone. That Trin will support him no matter what.

The thing is Trin can open up like that because he comes from a loving family who supports him, when he is tired or upset, there are ppl he can lean on. Tanwa doesn't have that luxury.

They are processing trauma differently. They'll need to meet in the middle ground. Trin will need to be more patient with Tanwa and realize how deep his wound is and Tanwa needs to be more open and learn that it's ok to be loved and that Trin will be there for him no matter what.

Such a nuanced characters. I just wish there were more scenes to show their depth a bit more clearly.

Also the parallel of Tanwa asking his mom to stay at the beach forever and then later (ep 3) asking Trin to stay with him forever in that little bubble of happiness is so heartbreaking and beautiful.

He wants to be loved, but is scared that what he has won’t last, that he will lose it again. I can't wait to see Trin show him what true love is. To teach him that love doesn’t always mean loss.🥺

Let him have his forever with Trin!

I absolutely love Trin's development. He went from thinking his feelings for Tanwa were abnormal/disorder to bravely and openly initiating intimacy with Tanwa.

And it's always in an open space, where anyone can see them. And given the time this is risky but to them, their love is not something to be hidden.

We see Tanwa kiss him in public and flirt with him openly in public spaces. I really love that Trin is returning that same energy (also can't wait to see Tanwa get flustered)

Exactly and from episode 2 we know that he absolutely hates sharing a last name with his dad. Yet here, he’s using that very name to show support (again all of this is just a theory but I just think the timing of his perfect entrance is too much to be a coincidence)

My theory on Tanwa showing up to Trin's work place:

The first time, I saw this scene, I was thinking it was just a comedic thing and Tanwa was just being his chaotic self. But as I rewatched it, I noticed that Tanwa showing up Trin's workplace seems almost purposeful.

Trin was trying to convince the policy makers about interviewing the villagers before they build the power plant in that village. He wanted to get their views and get real time data from the actual affected area.

There seems to be some push back from the policy makers at first but they were not opposed to Trin's idea. They were in the middle of discussing it, when Tanwa shows up.

At first it seems to be just him being a menace, but Tanwa was actually pretty put together (for Tanwa), so he is aware of the importance of the meeting. Also when he walks in, the policy makers immediately recognize him as the son of Mr. Padeom, who we know is involved in the power plant project and also a big name.

It almost seems like Tanwa showing up was like a backup for Trin. Using his name to protect Trin. It was like Trin suddenly had this unspoken shield. It gave off the vibe that Trin wasn’t standing alone at the front trying to get his point across. Also the best part is, Tanwa did it in such a casual and playful way.

And the moment Tanwa leaves, Trin tries again and this time, he actually gets the permission he was fighting for. It’s like Tanwa confused everyone just enough, leaving the policy makers so thrown off that they didn’t even have the energy to form a thought. They were too busy being baffled by Tanwa’s little chaotic entrance, and Trin ended up slipping his request through perfectly. Chaotic backup at its finest.

P.S. Also I can’t stop wondering how Tanwa even knew to show up at that exact moment. The timing was too perfect. We already know he follows Trin around half the time, so maybe he overheard a conversation and decided to drop in. But he is so mysterious, need to see more of his perspective.

Some Tanwa character study from my friend and I:

My friend pointed out how even though, we see Tanwa as being free spirited, he’s still quite guarded as we don’t see him having men hanging off his arm, as we have done with women.

This is actually so true. Had he not kissed Trin in episode 1 and also said "don't limit yourself or you won't know what you missed" line we wouldn't even know he is bi. Even free spirited, he is still aware of the consequences of these type of relationships.

Moreover, in this episode he mentions with his dad's power the media covered up his mother's death...so we wondered if one of the reasons why he doesn't get into a relationship (a queer one especially) might also be related to what his father is capable of doing. As much as he wants to antagonize him, he doesn't want to risk another person's life.

My firend also pointed how that could be partly why he said he was Trin’s good friend, in front of Victor. We feel like he was being somewhat protective, as he would be aware of some of the potential consequences of being with a man. He teases Victor, but all of that could be written off as a part of his eccentric personality. But actually confirming a relationship will put Trin in danger.

But despite that, him driving for hours to go see Trin and then to take him to the beach a place that is both filled happiness and grieve for Tanwa, shows that he cares about Trin, he wants to open up with him and allow him in. Tanwa sharing about his mother's death shows that he is willing to be vulnerable with Trin. Even the line "everyone has the right to follow their own heart" seems like a push for both of them.

We need to remember this is 1969 and being in love or relationship (especially a queer one) is not easy. Even a hippie is still living in a society they cant escape. We see that when Tanwa says in the first episode. He tried to run many times that he lost count.

Episode 4 was like bookends for Tanwa’s inner feelings and experiences, using the sea as a reference. The beginning was that of sadness, loss, anger, confusion - the sea representing the worst part of his life. The end was new beginnings, new love, healing - the sea now being a source of comfort and companionship. This episode was beautiful and gave us a glimpse of Tanwa’s depth of character. The episode also started with a storm but ended with him watching a sunset and finally letting the past be the past...letting it rest and moving forward with Trin

Yeah this series have so much depth and each characters and their interactions have so many layers to them. It is like a puzzle putting it together. I hope people see that Tanwa is the one that Trin needed. He was not happy. He was only focused on his duty but Tanwa entered his life and gave him a little of piece of happiness. Tanwa is similar, although he puts up a happy front, he is clearly broken inside, but having someone like Trin to ground him and supports him is exactly what he needed. Theyre different but together they are whole 🥹

Their relationship is such a slow burn, but the chemistry between them is so obvious! The way Trin can’t help but smile just at the thought of Tanwa, or even a single glance, it's everything. With him, Trin feels completely free, like he finally has a safe space to just be himself. And in 1969 Thailand, an era full of so much turmoil and chaos, having someone who makes him genuinely happy? That’s everything. It’s so precious and honestly, my heart can’t.

There is another line in episode 4 that i missed which adds to this point:
Tanwa: "Destination is not as important as traveling with someone by your side"
Trin repeats it "The Journey's all I need to see. As long as you walk with me"

I saw some people saying that Victor is the one “challenging” Trin and they don't understand Tanwa's purpose with Trin, but I feel that although Victor shows a more direct challenge to Trin's views it is Tanwa who has been quietly, subtly challenging Trin from the very start. Tanwa is the one helping him open his heart, shifting the way he sees the world, and helping him face the feelings he’s been hiding... This is something we can see even from episode 1.

Episode 1:
Trin believes in belonging to a whole. Being part of something bigger and taking responsibility for others through his actions. Tanwa, on the other hand, values individuality, believing that everyone should be free to make their own choices.

Example of their conversation in Episode 1:
Tanwa: “I think he said ‘a man’ not just ‘man’. What Neil Armstrong said when he landed on the moon. He should’ve meant his own small step, a man’s step. That’s ‘a man’.”
Trin: “He could’ve meant all of humanity – the entire human race.”
Tanwa: “Can we evaluate a man without forcing him to be a part of something?”
Trin: “You think we can really escape the fact that we have to belong to something?”
Tanwa: “You’ve never run from anything?”
Trin: “How about you?”
Tanwa: “I lost count.”

Clearly shows the difference in their worldview and this conversation is what got Trin curious about Tanwa.


Episode 2:
In this episode, Tanwa sparks a shift within Trin, making him question something he’s never considered before. The kiss from episode 1 changed everything.

Trin has never doubted his sexuality, not even in Paris, surrounded by queer friends. But Tanwa changed that. Suddenly, attraction to the same sex isn’t an abstract concept, it’s real and it is happening to him. During this episode we can clearly see how conflicted and confused he is, yet so intrigued and even smiling at the thought of Tanwa.

Tanwa asking "Why are you running away" although it seemed comedic, but it actually highlights what Trin is experiencing..Because he is trying to run away, not just from Tanwa but also what he is feeling because he fears what the society will think.


Episode 3:
We actually had quite a few interesting lines in this episode. First let's start with the music conversation.

Trin: “Because it’s great, people have been listening to it for generations. That’s why it’s called classical music.”
Tanwa: “So you like it ‘cause you like it or because others like it?”
Trin: “Like is like.”
Tanwa: “I like all kinds of music. If we limit ourselves to one category, how would we know what we might have missed?”

Here Tanwa is challenging Trin to leave his comfort zone. Not just choose to like or experience what is safe but to actually look within himself and find what he truly likes, what he truly feels and wants.

Tanwa also says " Not choosing is also a choice.”

That’s Tanwa pushing Trin to face what he’s been avoiding. “not deciding”… it’s still a decision.


And in episode 4

Trin: “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Tanwa: “You don’t need to know everything. Just go with the flow.”

Trin: “If you knew your mom was going to die, would you have stopped her?”
Tanwa: “No, everyone has the right to follow their heart.”

Tanwa is helping him realize that some things: like attraction, emotions, and even life itself can’t be fully controlled or predicted. Sometimes, you just have to let yourself live them.

In episode 4 we also see Trin challenge Tanwa

Trin is calling him out because it shows how far Trin has come to accept those feelings and then to see Tanwa say they are just a friend, shows that Tanwa, although really interested in Trin, is scared to open up fully. But Tanwa definitely needed that push, to embrace his own feelings and stop being so fleeting.
And this actually helps Tanwa open up. Because what he feels for Trin is more than just an attraction. In the beach scene, we see that he deeply wants to open up to Trin, to allow someone to share in the parts of him that are broken. The moment he speaks about his mom, his broken voice lays bare the vulnerability he’s been holding back, showing he’s seeking someone to help mend his shattered heart.

If you are looking for depth and wonderful storytelling, this is definitely a must watch.

They’re not actually overshadowed at all. KinnPorsche and their scenes are still going viral because of their chemistry and are constantly talked about in the BL industry even today.

In Shine, their storyline is simply different from the other couple’s. A show can have more than one couple in parallel, and people are allowed to enjoy both. We’ve only had two episodes so far, and TanwaTrin is more of a slow-burn romance. Cute, funny, and exactly the rom-com energy we asked for.

Even in episode 2, they both had significant screen time. Even when not together, their solo scenes were important to the plot. People need to stop comparing and enjoy the show and the plot.