Foreigner

Thai people are really scared of ghosts, especially those who live in the countryside. P'Aof, the director of "A Tale of Thousand Stars", explained that when they went location scouting in Chiang Rai, they found a house that would be perfect for the series, but the inhabitants there didn't allow them to use it because they were afraid that they would anger the spirits of the village. They explained it in many interviews, but here you have one: https://youtu.be/a7sNeX0bTPQ?t=26.

Edit: but remember that it's not just in the countryside. Here you have GMMTV's actor Mond Tanutchai, born and raised in Bangkok, explaining that at night he sleeps in a very particular position so that ghosts can't catch him: https://youtu.be/hzPeiFUmJr4?t=300.

Trailer (with Eng Sub): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60R2IPL-Kfg

A teaser clip (no Eng Sub): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BKim9nf51I

I totally agree with you. The backstory fits the narrative perfectly and gives a sense of completion.
Now we know what Pi had to go through (my God, I want to punch those guys and hug Pi). My heart was crying for him when I saw the flashback, but I'm proud of how strong and lively he has become. This episode just made me respect him even more. I'm glad that he has found someone like Mork, who loves him wholeheartedly and can make him happy.
Also, we finally have an overview of how Mork's feelings evolved. I like the fact that they didn't make him fall in love at first sight, in contrast to what often happens in BL dramas. Mork himself explained that it started as empathy/sympathy and then it developed into something more as he kept looking at Pi. It probably intensified even more after he got to know him better through the text messages.
Oh, and now we also know why Mork thinks that Pi is kind-hearted!

These are EXACTLY the scenarios I've been visualizing in my head too, but unfortunately I don't think they will use those. As far as I know, Mork fell in love with Pi during his first year at university. This is what Mork says in the novel (context: some seniors were interviewing him as he is one of the hottest students): https://twitter.com/JayBL_/status/1382952360851361797.

Oh right, all those unsent messages! Another perfect example. I really appreciate that they showed that in the series because it was the proof that Mork didn't want to deceive Pi. He wanted to reveal his own identity (and his feelings), but he was never brave enough because he was afraid that Pi would run away and he would lose him forever. That's also why he got close to him little by little. As he explained to Nan, he kept teasing him because that was the easiest way for him to get his attention and interact with him without scaring him. You know, you've compared Pi to a cat in the past -- and I totally agree with your views -- but when I think about Pi in these terms, I'm reminded of a deer: if you move too fast or make too much noise, the deer will disappear and you won't be able to find it again. I understand why Mork was being so cautious.

I always love reading your comments about Mork. Your interpretation of his character is so fitting and makes him even more charming. A couple of weeks ago, I myself wrote a comment (https://kisskh.at/682613-fish-upon-the-sky#comment-6220873) where I explained that I like how Mork is confident yet cowardly. The scene where Mork confesses to Pi while he's sleeping is the perfect representation of that duality: confident about his feelings (when Pi isn't listening to him), yet too cowardly to let Pi know (he retreats like a scared puppy whenever Pi is about to wake up).

Thanks for sharing! ^^

Me too, but I'm way more curious about Pi and Mork's dating probation. I can't wait to see Pi being more relaxed around Mork ^^

First of all, you should keep in mind that in the balloon scene at the end of episode 8 Duean was wearing a white gown (https://i.imgur.com/RptGBil.png). With that in mind, I've enlarged the screenshot of the scene in episode 1 and this is the result: https://i.imgur.com/2n8wKid.jpg. It's pretty clear, isn't it?
Now, my theory is: either the director tried to fool us by showing some fake versions of the original scene or Pi will be kissed by all the people there and then by Mork.

In the previous episode it was Duean. BTW, last week a user made some observations about the original scene in episode 1 and pointed out how obvious the context is now that we know all the characters. I've rewatched the scene myself and I've found even more hints; it is indeed very clear. Let me know whether you want me to explain it ^^

"I expected that Mork being the "Guy From the Nearby Faculty" would be a bigger conflict and I'm quite happy that this didn't happen".

Same. I thought they would use that to create a new conflict in the last two episodes, but I'm glad they solved it early and quickly. To be honest, I also didn't expect this episode to be an actual turning point in Pi and Mork's relationship, but I'm happy we're finally seeing some real progress!

It's completely subbed now ^^

I've read somewhere that in the novel Pi keeps getting bullied even after his makeover. I guess they decided not to show it too much in the series due to the comic nature of the show, but as you say, talking about it would have helped the viewers understand Pi better. I also like him as a character. I personally find him quite relatable.

Pi suffering or having suffered from depression wouldn't surprise me, considering his past and present condition. In any case, as you say, the situation could be a lot worse. And this reminds me that I really admire Pi's approach to life. Despite all the hardships and the pain he went through, he is not defenseless and he definitely isn't lacking personality. He is still strong and determined. He isn't the type to just let other people push him around and he isn't afraid to speak up and act according to his will (see how he confronted the shippers immediately after the problem arose). That's amazing for someone who has experienced physical, verbal and psychological violence for years. Not everyone has that fighting spirit inside them.

Sometimes Pi's indecisiveness, incoherence and reluctance to accept his feelings for Mork can be frustrating, but Pi's words in episode 1 are the key to understanding his behaviour: "I quit thinking that people actually meant it when they gave me a smile. I was afraid to show my true feelings, even when I wanted love, friendship or support from other people". Doesn't this describe exactly how Pi has been treating Mork? At the beginning he didn't trust him, not even when Mork was being nice to him. Now he probably does -- to a certain extent, at least -- but there's another problem: he is too scared to let down his guard and let his feelings show. Deep down inside, he wants Mork's love, but as he himself says in the quote above, he is afraid. Because he would feel naked and vulnerable, because he would be exposed, because he would risk being hurt again. And you know what? Being in love with Nan was okay because in the end Nan was just a crush, or we could even say an idol, who brought some light into his dull, grey days, but Mork is an entirely different story. Mork is quickly evolving into something much deeper: the need to have someone by his side, who cares about him and makes him feel loved. That new emotion is making him uncomfortable and terrified. What if he follows this instinct, he falls for Mork but then he gets rejected? What if Mork gets tired of him? What if Mork is just fooling around? Remember that Pi also has a very low self-esteem and he believes that Mork is too cool to be with a "loser" -- Pi's words, not mine -- like him.
That's why Pi is so hesitant and, yes, also inconsistent. But, personally, I can find a logic to all of his contradictions (if you pay attention, Pi always changes his mind after either listening to someone's words or experiencing something that makes him want to step back and return to his personal 'safe zone').
I don't know when or how Pi will open up to Mork, but what I can say for sure is that when that will happen, it will be because he has complete trust in him, he is convinced of his own feelings and he wants him in his life.

Now, this series may have its own share of imperfections, but I still find it enjoyable and hilarious. I wanted to write this down as a reminder to myself, but it may be useful to someone else, so I'll leave it here.

Aww, sharing my excitement with someone else feels so nice! I've read way too many complaints ahah.
I also loved both scenes. And honestly, Mork's loving stares were more than enough to melt my heart.

LOL, that's actually amazing! I've recently found the YT channel of a Thai girl who has played some songs from 2gether on her guitar and I thought it was so cool!

I've read on Twitter that they have started scouting locations for the series.

As far as I know, she doesn't. Maybe you're talking about Star In The Water. It's a spin-off novel that covers Mueang Nan's story, but the author said that she regrets writing it and she is not going to adapt it.

I also get the same vibes from it sometimes. I think it's due to the similar dynamics between the leads (Tine/Pi's initial obliviousness to Sarawat/Mork's feelings + Tine/Pi's stubbornness and Sarawat/Mork's confidence in their courting) and the hate-to-love trope.

I must say, even though Sarawat and Mork are similar, I kinda prefer Mork. While Sarawat's confidence was the result of his determination to win Tine over and could come across as arrogance sometimes, I feel like Mork artificially built his in order to hide his insecurities, and I can see that every time he looks into Pi's eyes. Take the teeth-brushing scene in episode 7, for example. Someone in the comment section thought it was a mere "staring contest", but for me it was so much more than that. The hopeful, weak look in Mork's eyes as Pi was getting close to him is so memorable for me. His trembling pupils, his holding his breath, his docile demeanor... and the smile at the end. I'm pretty sure that the smile wasn't only directed at Pi, but also at himself. He was looking forward to that kiss, but he ended up fooling himself. Another scene that comes to my mind is the one where Mork confesses to Pi while he is sleeping, but retreats immediately when he is about to wake up. I remember it so vividly: he looked like a scared puppy. All that made me think that his confidence is indeed a facade, a teasing game that serves as a flirting tactic. I mean, Mork knows that Pi is developing feelings for him, but his confidence is purposely overblown, in my opinion, and I like that. Who doesn't like to see their favorite characters struggling a bit? Even superheroes always have a weak spot because it makes them more human, relatable, worth your sympathy. I feel like that lacked a bit in Sarawat's character.

You explained it perfectly.