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Love Is Blind, But Suzuki Is Blinder
I actually enjoyed this BL significantly more than I expected to! Honestly, the first episode did NOT sell me on this series. I spent approximately 40 minutes staring at my BL watchlist, trying to decide what to watch next because I've been on a lowkey winning streak with good BLs lately, and I was terrified of ruining my streak with a disappointing watch. So when I started this one and saw the first episode, my heart genuinely dropped. I was sitting there like, "NOOOOOOOOO". But alas, I persevered, and somehow, the more I watched, the more I enjoyed it. Before I knew it, I had binged the entire series.
I will admit that this series can be a little cringe, but honestly, that's not entirely unusual for JBLs, especially when the characters are particularly lively, exaggerated, and cutesy. It's not necessarily my preferred vibe, but I didn't dislike it either. In fact, I found the series genuinely funny, and I appreciated that it didn't take itself too seriously. Sometimes, I just want to watch two idiots fall in love without having to emotionally recover from a devastating plot twist every other episode, and this series delivered on that front.
One thing I particularly loved was how accepting and supportive the majority of the characters were toward BL and LGBTQ+ relationships in general. It was genuinely refreshing and incredibly sweet to see so many people being so supportive of Serizawa and Suzuki. Their friends were especially adorable, and I loved how kind, funny, and encouraging they were toward the two of them, as well as towards Takeuchi. The supporting cast really added to the wholesome atmosphere, and their presence made the overall experience even more enjoyable.
Speaking of Takeuchi, though, I NEED a second season or some kind of continuation exploring his potential relationship with Iwasaki because I SHIPPED THEM SO HARD. AND I KNEW TAKEUCHI HAD A THING FOR THAT TEACHER. I JUST KNEW IT.
Now, I do agree with the criticism regarding Suzuki's obliviousness to Serizawa's feelings. I understand that a lack of self-confidence, especially when you've never really experienced being liked romantically, can make it difficult to recognize when someone has feelings for you. Sometimes, even the most obvious signs aren't enough when you've convinced yourself that nobody could possibly be interested in you. I can understand that perspective, and I think it makes sense for Suzuki's character.
HOWEVER. THERE IS A LIMIT.
Because at some point, Suzuki wasn't just oblivious, he was practically conducting an independent study on the possibility of Serizawa NOT liking him. Serizawa could practically have held up a neon sign reading "I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU," and Suzuki would've probably wondered whether it was part of a promotional campaign. Like fr Serizawa was hiding behind a door and that door was made of glass.
I would've been perfectly fine with one or two episodes of Suzuki struggling to recognize Serizawa's feelings, but dragging that misunderstanding across nearly half the series felt a little excessive. At some point, the plot needed to stop spoon-feeding us the same realization and let these boys make some actual romantic progress. Nevertheless, I still found the characters incredibly cute and wholesome, and their dynamic remained enjoyable despite my occasional urge to shake Suzuki by the shoulders.
My biggest disappointment, however, would have to be the kissing scenes. Listen, I wasn't expecting an award-winning cinematic masterpiece, but I would've appreciated a little more chemistry and enthusiasm. Some of those kisses were DRY. Where was the passion? The urgency? The indication that these two people actually wanted to be kissing each other?!
And I genuinely need someone to explain how Suzuki was supposedly struggling to breathe while kissing Serizawa because, from where I was sitting, there was PLENTY of oxygen available. At this point, I wasn't questioning the romance, I was questioning whether Suzuki needed an appointment with a pulmonologist. Somebody get this man checked for asthma because those kisses were not exactly giving him a reason to run out of air.
That being said, I don't think the lack of particularly impressive kissing scenes ruined the romance. If anything, I found the tension and chemistry between the characters outside of those moments much more effective. Their interactions, awkwardness, and overall dynamic were enough to make their relationship feel cute and worth rooting for. The chemistry wasn't groundbreaking or anything I'd classify as top-tier, but it was certainly enjoyable, and I think the series worked better when it focused on the softer, more wholesome aspects of their relationship.
Overall, this turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable watch! It's funny, sweet, lighthearted, and wholesome, with an adorable cast of characters and plenty of moments that genuinely made me smile. It has its flaws, particularly with the pacing of Suzuki's obliviousness and the rather underwhelming kisses, but I still found myself growing increasingly fond of the series as I continued watching.
I'd definitely recommend this as a fun, binge-worthy BL if you're looking for something lighthearted, cute, and entertaining without an overwhelming amount of angst. Just be prepared to occasionally question whether the male lead has functioning eyesight.
Overall: 8/10
I will admit that this series can be a little cringe, but honestly, that's not entirely unusual for JBLs, especially when the characters are particularly lively, exaggerated, and cutesy. It's not necessarily my preferred vibe, but I didn't dislike it either. In fact, I found the series genuinely funny, and I appreciated that it didn't take itself too seriously. Sometimes, I just want to watch two idiots fall in love without having to emotionally recover from a devastating plot twist every other episode, and this series delivered on that front.
One thing I particularly loved was how accepting and supportive the majority of the characters were toward BL and LGBTQ+ relationships in general. It was genuinely refreshing and incredibly sweet to see so many people being so supportive of Serizawa and Suzuki. Their friends were especially adorable, and I loved how kind, funny, and encouraging they were toward the two of them, as well as towards Takeuchi. The supporting cast really added to the wholesome atmosphere, and their presence made the overall experience even more enjoyable.
Speaking of Takeuchi, though, I NEED a second season or some kind of continuation exploring his potential relationship with Iwasaki because I SHIPPED THEM SO HARD. AND I KNEW TAKEUCHI HAD A THING FOR THAT TEACHER. I JUST KNEW IT.
Now, I do agree with the criticism regarding Suzuki's obliviousness to Serizawa's feelings. I understand that a lack of self-confidence, especially when you've never really experienced being liked romantically, can make it difficult to recognize when someone has feelings for you. Sometimes, even the most obvious signs aren't enough when you've convinced yourself that nobody could possibly be interested in you. I can understand that perspective, and I think it makes sense for Suzuki's character.
HOWEVER. THERE IS A LIMIT.
Because at some point, Suzuki wasn't just oblivious, he was practically conducting an independent study on the possibility of Serizawa NOT liking him. Serizawa could practically have held up a neon sign reading "I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU," and Suzuki would've probably wondered whether it was part of a promotional campaign. Like fr Serizawa was hiding behind a door and that door was made of glass.
I would've been perfectly fine with one or two episodes of Suzuki struggling to recognize Serizawa's feelings, but dragging that misunderstanding across nearly half the series felt a little excessive. At some point, the plot needed to stop spoon-feeding us the same realization and let these boys make some actual romantic progress. Nevertheless, I still found the characters incredibly cute and wholesome, and their dynamic remained enjoyable despite my occasional urge to shake Suzuki by the shoulders.
My biggest disappointment, however, would have to be the kissing scenes. Listen, I wasn't expecting an award-winning cinematic masterpiece, but I would've appreciated a little more chemistry and enthusiasm. Some of those kisses were DRY. Where was the passion? The urgency? The indication that these two people actually wanted to be kissing each other?!
And I genuinely need someone to explain how Suzuki was supposedly struggling to breathe while kissing Serizawa because, from where I was sitting, there was PLENTY of oxygen available. At this point, I wasn't questioning the romance, I was questioning whether Suzuki needed an appointment with a pulmonologist. Somebody get this man checked for asthma because those kisses were not exactly giving him a reason to run out of air.
That being said, I don't think the lack of particularly impressive kissing scenes ruined the romance. If anything, I found the tension and chemistry between the characters outside of those moments much more effective. Their interactions, awkwardness, and overall dynamic were enough to make their relationship feel cute and worth rooting for. The chemistry wasn't groundbreaking or anything I'd classify as top-tier, but it was certainly enjoyable, and I think the series worked better when it focused on the softer, more wholesome aspects of their relationship.
Overall, this turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable watch! It's funny, sweet, lighthearted, and wholesome, with an adorable cast of characters and plenty of moments that genuinely made me smile. It has its flaws, particularly with the pacing of Suzuki's obliviousness and the rather underwhelming kisses, but I still found myself growing increasingly fond of the series as I continued watching.
I'd definitely recommend this as a fun, binge-worthy BL if you're looking for something lighthearted, cute, and entertaining without an overwhelming amount of angst. Just be prepared to occasionally question whether the male lead has functioning eyesight.
Overall: 8/10
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