Lorenzo

I can see where you’re coming from and I agree that directing, staging, and editing can make or break an intimate scene for anyone. For me though, it didn’t feel lacking in that way. In fact, the NC scene, if you could call it that, matched the tone of the drama and the personalities of the characters. Not every story aims for high-intensity passion! Sometimes the stiffness or awkwardness is intentional, reflecting the nervousness of first love. Kanade and Kouske's first love.

I think wanting intimacy that sweeps them away and others (like me) preferring intimacy shown through small gestures, communication, and emotional growth are both valid, but I personally value that slice-of-life authenticity that matches the characters and story. So while I respect your point about technical execution, I think this series chose to lean into awkwardness and emotional realism which is exactly why I found the romance compelling rather than laughable.

Nothing twisted about my perspective on sexuality. As a gay man living in the Southern United States, I value romance dramas for the storytelling, not for whether they show porn-level intimacy. From my experience, when a drama leans too heavily on overtly sexual content, the focus on character growth and emotional nuance tends to get lost. I’m not saying it’s impossible to balance both, but I haven’t yet seen it done well.

What made this BL compelling to me was exactly those small moments you brushed aside the affirmations, the quiet touches, the emotional growth through communication. That’s romance.

Also, I find it ironic that you reduce gay men to being “horny 24/7” as if that stereotype should dictate how every relationship is portrayed on screen. There are plenty of series that cater to that preference, but not every story needs to fetishize intimacy to be meaningful.

And regarding cultural context, the embarrassment between Kanade and Kosuke is not a flaw it reflects Japanese modesty, humor, and relational subtleties. Ignoring that and calling it unrealistic feels more like a cultural misunderstanding than a valid critique.

At the end of the day, it’s about what we value in romance. For me, that’s intimacy rooted in love, growth, and culture, not just physicality. If that makes me twisted, then I’ll happily own it.

“Apathetic” now that’s a funny word to try to use with this BL.

Man… it’s sad to see so much criticism on the kiss and “NC” scene especially comments about how their relationship is not exciting. Completely overlooking the little moments between the characters, such as the comforting touches and affirmations of their love for each other that are way more romantic than a Sex Scene. Like did they shut their brains off to even notice the excellent character development? Their emotional growth of the relationship with COMMUNICATION and agency? Just because they aren’t sticking their tongues down each other’s throats or throwing each other around doesn’t make this a bad romance. I blame the Thai BLs for the over-sexualization of homosexual relationships. I should just avoid the comments on this site by now but I don't want potential viewers to get discouraged from watching an Amazing slice of life BL.

Looks like it’ll be on iQIYI too, judging from the tags in the trailer description. I can watch it in 4k!

Oh wow, that sounds unfortunate. I was kinda looking forward to watching it too! That is crazy to have the main couple sidelined and switch to a different couple not in the Manhwa, especially nowadays. Well, it’s good to know to watch out for the team behind that series if they ever work on another "BL" project. Hopefully, this one doesn't disappoint but from the trailer it looks pretty good!

FR but I guess it matches the Manhwa more. The other poster had a more Korean drama feel to it.

It’s called an adaptation for a reason and tbh I find the R-rated Manhwas lack quality storytelling. I am glad to see any BL story get a drama series and actually have improved plots with some romance. It’s just funny to me to see so many wanting a “direct adaptation” which would just be porn half the season. I wouldn’t mind fade to black intimacy scenes but to say they shouldn’t adapt R-rated Manhwa if they don’t want to film sex scenes is very narrow-minded. A good adaptation should elevate the source material, not chain itself to every explicit panel. If anything, trimming the over-the-top smut gives more room for character development, emotional payoff, and actual romance. Things that make a series memorable long after it airs.

Taiwan maybe but please not Thai. It’s unfortunate how some newer Taiwanese BLs are following the Thai trend of speed running to the NC scenes over quality plot and romance.

Well after seeing other adaptations, I prefer the dramas over the Manhwa.
I prefer the improved plots with character-relationship development over the how fast to get to porn scenes from the Manhwas. Semantic Error is a good example of streamlining the plot and avoiding the dubious consent situation from the Manwha. I haven’t seen Heesu in Class 2 yet but I heard about its issues mainly with sidelining the main BL romance. I hope this one turns out good but so far I have not been disappointed with KBLs.

Hopefully, I prefer plot and development over porn.

oh yeah! I thought I recognized your profile, the Konno pfp. That was an awesome edit.

Plot = Soulmates

Yeah I noticed that too and what’s funny is that there’s no concern for age gaps when the character is a gorgeous vampire or a 300+ year old with a young body. I liked how this drama didn’t go full tilt into creepy with the grandfather in the grandson’s body. The grandfather wants to preserve and improve the grandson’s life for his return and he doesn’t live vicariously through his grandson’s body.

I have a feeling they’ll use the grandson to address your ick with the soul swaps. In the beginning, it’s sorta implied that the grandson gives up on life and since the grandfather has unfinished business with Haiyuan, and with his life ending like that in general, he gets his grandson’s body and the grandson stays dead. However, showing the grandson lingering with envy, I think he’ll reclaim his body and it’ll be the catalyst for resolving a few issues. Hopefully.

I have to rewatch but I do believe that using his grandson’s body was a concern for the Grandfather and why he focuses on creating a better life for his grandson’s return in the beginning. At least until Haiyuan's flirtation wins him over and the connection between their souls.

I also agree with you on the ridiculous criticism of the “age gap” when many of them wouldn’t bat an eye if the Grandfather didn’t physically age and had a body like his grandson from the beginning. I’ve seen other BLs with 300+ year old characters and their age gap doesn’t get brought up at all.

My issue with the age gap trope is how they gloss over the differences between someone older and younger. This show does an amazing job of keeping the personality of the grandfather and showing the different mindsets between the generations. The “culture shock” of the leads returning to the college hits that concern head on and how their relationship develops further explores it. Overall I’m enjoying this drama way more than most because of the interesting plot and character dynamics.

Hopefully the grandfather stays with Haiyuan because honestly it’s seems the grandson wasn’t that good of a person like he believes.

I was wondering if he was reprising his role in this one! Can’t wait to see more of him

Hopefully! Many of the Manhwa adaptations I’ve seen benefit greatly from omitting sex scenes for relationship development and plot. I enjoyed Semantic Error Drama way more than the Manhwa. Especially when those scenes are very dubious with consent. Might just be me preferring romance and development over pay gorn.

From just one short episode I can tell this is gonna be an amazing drama. The great cinematography and whimsy soundtrack gives off a sorta nostalgic feeling. The dynamic between the three friends is super fun and the acting is so good. Especially with the guy playing Ju Do Wan! You can feel the character’s longing from the little looks and touches. Can’t wait for more.

Yeah that little attention to detail sealed it as one of my all time favorites. Recognizing their development in the intro was a treat. I would love to see the edit!

The opening being the montage of their relationship hit right in the feels.