Airis Winter

I haven't watched the two other dramas that you've mentioned, I think the timing of this drama was especially important for me since I had stopped watching Thai BLS for those exact same reasons back then, so this made me jump back into it. I've since watched maybe 1 or 2 other Thai BLs, I don't doubt there has been great ones but I haven't been in the mood for it, I might check the others out. Enemies to lovers is also one of my favorite tropes so it Bad buddy definitely clicked with me, but it's in no way perfect.
He's coming to me，also with Ohm, was another one I found very interesting with an unique plot. It came out before Bad Buddy as well.
Expectations definitely plays a huge role, I'm always scared to be disappointed to watch anything super hyped. I force myself to think "it won't be as good, it must be over hyped" and have enjoyed shows much more with that in mind. In basically just tricking my brain haha. Definitely give it another go with a fresh perspective like you said

Replying a bit late, did you end up finishing it ? I also loved this bl and I think a bit of extra context will help : this came out at a time where Thai bls were very limited in terms of tropes, style and full of casual homophobia. It really seemed like a fresh air back then, I forgot which episode but Pat rebuked his sister when she admitted thinking he would "would not be into men except Pran", by saying he could be into anyone, men or woman, poking fun at old bls tropes. Despite some cliché plot, I found tthe level of communication, how they show affection, conflict solving etc between the main leads so endearing, that's especially after they've established their relationship though. Ever since, BLS in general have evolved, portraying more realistic plots and healthier relationships, but this drama was truly a turning point. Watching it now without the context might make it seems overrated. What doesn't change for me however is how good the acting and the chemistry was, I'll never not be impressed by Nanon's (actor portraying Pran) crying scenes. The rest is up to personal taste I guess, but I can see how your expectations could of ruined it a little, hearing all those incredible reviews.

Responding late but I highly recommend Cross Fire ! It's so underrated, the similarity with this would be that 1. it's centered on a passion: video games instead of go 2. The characters and relationships are very well written, friendship, teammates, family, romance, you have it all. There is even a splash of mystery and supernatural but still mostly grounded in reality. You won't be disappointed trust me

Well at the end you see them ride the scooter together, but most importantly there's the extra scene of her showing up with a cake for his birthday in her highschool uniform. They filmed it a year later after the ending was leaked, look it up !

Replying late, but the ending is bittersweet because they successful ended the time loop, which caused all of them to loose memory of all events. We are still shown that the two of them still meet and fall in love, as their original self so with a few years of age gap

For the modern ones, yes that would be amazing. The historical/wuxia/xianxia ones however might not be possible 😭

This is an interesting review, thanks for sharing. I read the novel first as well and I just couldn't connect the two together, for reasons I can't pinpoint. I don't like the added scenes between the two of them either, I agree it would of never happened in the novel setting especially since it's in mainland high school, but it fits with the drama ok. I didn't have any expectations so it managed to surprise me in a lot of ways, like the chemistry between the actors and the acting during emotionally charged scenes, the OST, etc . The biggest flaw is the extra plot of the three teachers, so unnecessary. Otherwise I do regard the two as almost stand alone works

Responding late, you should really watch it to see yourself but let's just say the ending made sense 😅

It is more complicated than that, there is no written law or anything since the government's approach is more pretending it's not a thing rather than addressing it directly, which is why it's so unclear with bl adaptations. Some have tentatively aired, but getting cancelled, the most famous being The Spirealm putting everything online only to be banned in two hours lol. Real BLs (the first and only known one, Addicted) are definitely banned but again the length of what's allowed for actors is not clear, the government are definitely aware of how profitable the market is. Like others have said, both actors from Addicted are very active and respected in the entertainment industry, especially Huang Jing Yu who is very popular, they were forbidden to appear together on stage otherwise there hasn't been real punishment. Nobody knows where he lines are so Eric's company is definitely playing it safe, not making him promote as much with the team imo

Yes I'm aware, that's not an bl only issue though, it's just a shitty situation for a lot of series being made in China and Taiwan. One of the biggest IP in China and amongst the most popular series only got a second season this year after 5 years (Joy of life ) when the "original plan" was three seasons over 5 years. The cast is top tier, they definitely don't lack funding either yet no news on the next season, story is unfinished. This is just an example, I get the frustrations but some people are genuinely confused because they aren't aware it was an adaptation, so I'm clarifying it. I even saw someone say it's queer baiting which it definitely isn't. In this case I'm clarifying why this is 100% a BL, just because the story wasn't complete doesn't mean it needs to be "rebranded"

Personally I get impatient with slow burns, even if it's worth it so I usually fast forward a little, then come back to enjoy the process once I got some "results " lol that's just me. That's what I did with the novel, I skipped ahead chapters because I was getting bored, it didn't stop me from loving the characters and reading through the story again properly. Makes me frustrated to read comments that don't get it, but I can't judge them since I'm the same, only difference is I know how sweet things will be later in the story so I'm convincing people it's all worth it

Thing is it was adapted and the original novel is very much BL, plenty of skinship and legitimate dating. It's unfortunate they only did half of the story for now, it is meant to be slow burn so everything explicit (both physically and emotionally) comes in the later half.

So glad you are enjoying it !!

Wow you put it so well ! I agree it is a smart move, I feel better after you lay it out in such details.

In the current context, different risks will always be there no matter how it ends.

Thanks, I'll take a look!! I did hear great things about Hidamari ga kikoeru, I followed the manga for years it is absolutly one of my favorite, so happy the story got a proper adaptation

I haven't been watching much lately, what would you recommend from this year? Most recent I loved were Bad Buddy and Cherry magic

I hear him, but I do wonder how much of it is also a promotional choice, he might not have a big say in it vs investors who want to end it on a cliffhanger. There was definitely enough screen time to do 15 more chapters to get a temporary happy ending that gives closure to this stage of their relationship instead WITHOUT the random plot of the trio teachers that weren't in the original. They followed the overall story but changed some details to adapt the pace- for the best, so I'm not saying they need to follow it 100% but some choices were clearly intentional (ending at this specific point) wether it's the director himself or other influences

I don't disagree that season 2 might never happen, but I disagree that you call it queer baiting. If it was an original script and they wrote it to be this slow without the rest, sure, but this isn't the case. As others have pointed out, it's a very complete and novel, the story has is a well rounded tale of their relationship and a realistic take on a gay relationship for teenagers at that time and space.
In an ideal world, every adaptation should only happen if they can do all of it -without leaving a story unfinished like now. Unfortunately it's just not possible with the current entertainment industry. You mentioned the live action of Heaven's official blessing : nobody could predict the ban on danmei (chinese bl) adaptations. Around 50 danmei novels' copyrights has been acquired at that time to be adapted, some at filming stage like HOB, other's being completely done but can't be released.
In the past, some Taiwanese dramas were literally writing the script while filming, episode by episode without any assurance they can even finish it. I don't know the details of The Only One, apart that the copyrights were originally acquired by Chinese company but got sold to Taiwan since they couldn't make it anymore. If the production team has the means, I'm sure they would of filmed everything as well. All this to say I think it's unfair to call it queer baiting when clearly it's more complicated than that.
One of my biggest regret is Princess agents, a hetero costume drama also adapted from popular novel, they even lied to the lead actress (Zhao Li ying) promising her the entire thing will be adapted through multiple seasons, but got cancelled after season 1 which barely covered 1/3 of the story.

Quick and incomplete summary :
Q1: What type of show is MouMou to you?
"It's a show that describes love with the heart "
Q2: What scene left the most impression/what line touched you the most ?
"Is there also a certain MouMou (someone ) in your heart ?"
Q3: What do you have to say to your character, Sheng Wang
"I hope for him to be more courageous, both towards the person he loves and towards the society"
Q4 : What is your favorite song from this album?
" The title song MouMou since it reminds me of some scenes when I listen to it, and the lyrics really matches the plot "
The rest is general promotional speech

Passage from chapter 75
SW : "Let me ask you a question."
JT : "Say it."
"Externally I've always said that you're my brother." Sheng Wang hesitated for a few seconds and looked at him, "Can we change it to something else internally?"
"What is internally?"
"Behind closed doors" Sheng Wang's voice was a bit muffled since he lowered it, "when no one else is around."
"What do you want to change it to?" Jiang Tian asked.
"What can I change it to?"
///
SW : "How about *boyfriend*?"
The back of Jiang Tian's head rested against the wall, and his half closed eyes blinked lightly. He was about to open his mouth when Sheng Wang added, "If you say no, I'll kiss you until you say yes."
Jiang Tian turned his eyes to look over before abruptly retracting his stare, saying, "Then no."
Sheng Wang's brain was on fire, burning his ears red. He blinked and turned his head to kiss him.
Jiang Tian restrained himself, letting Sheng Wang touch him in an inexperienced and hurried manner, until the other licked between his lips probingly, only then did he turn his head away to avoid it.
Sheng Wang squinted and saw the knot in Jiang Tim's throat.
A moment later, Jiang Tian turned his head and said, "You really want to spread the infection, don't you?" (Context : he is sick )
"You shouldn't of refused then" Sheng Wang didn't get enough, barely getting a little was not intimate enough.
"Now I accept it" Jiang Tian said.
"Oh, then let's celebrate." Sheng Wang smiled triumphantly, then licked his lower lip and went back to messing with him. He doesn't don't know how many times he kissed him, until Jiang Tian finally became a bit impatient.
He shifted aside slightly, and slid his right hand down the side of Sheng Wang's face to his lower jaw, pushing his thumb against it lightly, turning Sheng Wang's head sideways, kissing the side of his neck.

Restrained yet uncontrollable.