Kai

This comment should probably go towards the uncut version, but I have to say YinWar NC scene in this show is one of the most convincing I've seen in BL. Not over the top crazy (Kinnporsche, 4 Minutes, I'm looking at you 👀 ), and not overly romanticized (see: Cutie Pie & the majority of BLs in general).

So, my guy:
> You’ve been crushing on a dude forever.
> Got yourself into a dry relationship with a girl you “respect” and thought maybe—just maybe—you could magically un-gay yourself. Spoiler alert: didn’t work.
> You and the girl low-key (?) cheated on each other, and you know about it. Real healthy, I’m sure.
> She was into someone else, and you kinda caught her red-handed.
> Eventually, you decided to quit the act and finally chose the guy you were really into from the start.
> Took some time, had a “healing” moment, and then finally broke up with the girlfriend. Still stayed friends, tho.
> So now you’re single, healed, and free to date whoever, but suddenly you’re like, “I need time to process my breakup”?

Like, bro, are you following? Cuz I’m over here absolutely bamboozled.

Alright, so I started watching this because the MLs actually have some solid chemistry, and the storyline was kinda cute. But, bro… Phun… let’s get this straight (pun totally intended lol).

(read below >> spoiler alert)

I'm aware it is based on a book. It's ok if he has a girlfriend - I don't care either way, honestly. What’s wild is how they just slap it in last minute, like they ran out of better plot ideas (which they obviously did, and usually do whenever they resort to this solution). If they had hinted at it earlier, sure, I’d be cool with it—it’d actually make sense. But the way they tossed it in there? Nah, it’s just grotesque, and feels so forced.

No matter where it came from, this subplot was still weak af. Isn’t it super convenient how in these shows there’s never a girl around, then outta nowhere she shows up right when the main dude stumbles upon some random, mysterious trinket? It’s like rubbing a genie’s lamp or something 🙄 You see that watch/letter/you name it, and you just know what's coming lol

I don’t have any beef with the MLs, but I feel like they were miscast, for "technical" reasons. I’m guessing the real-life age gap between the actors led to a directing choice that robbed us of the intimacy (a.k.a. kiss & NC scenes) this show should definitely be going for, given the original story.

It also felt like I was watching two completely different shows. When they’re at school or in Pop’s house, it feels like we're watching their teenage years, which is what we should be watching. But when they’re at Hero’s new place, it’s like they’re already a much more mature college couple in their mid-twenties (which they’re definitely not yet). As the show goes on, it gets so disjointed I legit thought I missed a time skip or something.

Last, don't even get me started on the Pailin subplot, it was a waste of time🙄 I liked the storyline until she showed up, but somewhere around ep 5 I just started fast-forwarding through to hit the major plot points and wrap it up. Fingers crossed it picks up from episode 8.

I'm too old to be watching this toxic shit...🙄

The 2nd ep was much better. It was almost worth it getting thru the 1st one. I'll continue watching it, let's see if the show keeps the momentum up.

Cute. But tbh, the actors are bit young for me (hence inexperienced). Too many characters introduced all at once. Also, 15 episodes - say what?

I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.

Nonetheless bruh... for ghosting the MC for 5 years you're just an all around black flag. Dude's acting like some sort of a hot shot who graciously offers his attention (or not) to the MC.
It's 2024. Can we please stop romanticizing ghosting? It ain't cute.

That tattoo was a crime.

Let’s get real: what you see in BL and kdrama isn’t the real deal. Trust me, there are guys everywhere that think plushies are cute - culture doesn’t change that much. Stereotyping is never a good look. But that scene? Totally out of left field compared to the rest of the show. Grotesque, even.

Also, I'm curious where you got that memo, cuz I'm a grown Asian man & it is news to me that Asian men don't perceive plushies as childish. I'd really like to see some data on that, cuz that is not what my experience tells me.

Hm, and your source for that interpretation is...?
Regardless, it's not about the toys being childish, but about the emotional rollercoaster that's giving me whiplash. One second we're in deep, brooding territory, next we're in candyland. It's jarring af. The mood shift is too extreme for what this show is trying to be.

Not often do we get Thai LGBTQ+/BL shows that even try to pretend they are serious. Trying to act grown? I'm all ears, but with great power comes great responsibility. That's why I can't let slide what I'd easily turn a blind eye to in fluffy romcoms.

Don't get me wrong, the show is really good, but I'm still going to be very nitpicky.

Time for some tough love, ep 3 edition:
- They try to be all mature & deep, and then they choose stuffed animals playtime as their next storyline. I legit LOLed, and not for good reasons.
- Kudos for semi-accurate depiction of gay sex, but your choice of music was super distracting during that scene. Pretty sure my ears filed for divorce.
- Called the doctor one time: nah, he's not responding, time to swipe left and find a new one same day 💀

#youcandobetter

I'm happy for MeenPing for finally starring in a decent show.
They have amazing chemistry together. Like, I don't know what kind of magic they're working, but it's legit. Whatever experience they lack in acting they make up for tenfolds with their chemistry. Sure, they might not be seasoned actors or whatever, but who cares? The way these two vibe on screen is next level. It's like they make up for any rookie moves with pure, unadulterated connection. Honestly, I'd rather watch them learning the ropes, but sparking like crazy than some veteran actors just going through the motions. MeenPing's got that 'can't take my eyes off them' energy. That shit's rare.

It's a sports BL. I'm not sure what you expected?
Also, there is the BL/rom/love triangle part, the gang arc, and some other minor storylines. Sure, the screenwriting could've been better, but I think overall it holds up pretty well.

Gotcha. I really liked they included that scene. It's age-appropriate for a teen drama, but I think it meshes well with the overall vibe of the show not being all cotton candy and puppy kisses, but having just slightly more edge.

You mean the last episode? No I haven't seen it yet. Good for them! Like I said, I'm just a guy with a laptop and a bunch of opinions lol 😁

Ok, thanks for the recommendation. I'll see if it's any good if I have time.

Hahah, thanks 😏 When people aren't faking it, you can totally tell on screen, and we did have one actual couple come out of His Man 2. It just hits different.