This J-Drama Proves You Don’t Need 16 Episodes to Tell a Great Story!
Just watched this mainly because of Minami Hamabe (yep, the actress from the live-action Kakegurui) and I honestly had no expectations going in. I just wanted to give it a try—and I ended up getting completely pulled in.
The plot revolves around Tsubaki, the heir to Kogetsuan, a traditional Japanese sweets shop, and Nao (whose real name is Sakura), who returns under a new identity to uncover the truth behind her mother’s wrongful conviction. Years ago, Tsubaki falsely testified that Nao’s mother killed his father. That lie shattered her life. Now she’s back, close to him again, and he doesn’t recognize her.
At first, it seems like a typical revenge drama—but it’s much more layered. The twists and emotional depth keep you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve figured out who the real culprit is, the story flips in a way you don’t expect.
One thing that surprised me was how strong the chemistry between the leads was. Their connection sizzled on screen—so much tension, passion, and vulnerability. I didn’t expect such intimate scenes from them, especially since they both look quite young. There's even a pregnancy storyline, which added more emotional weight and intensity to their relationship. It really took the drama in a more mature direction than I anticipated.
What I also loved is that despite only having 8 episodes, the series managed to build a compelling, complete story with solid pacing and satisfying development. It’s honestly impressive how J-dramas can pack so much into a short series without dragging things out.
It’s a great mix of thriller, psychological drama, romance, and even a few light moments to break the tension. The music was charming and fit the scenes well. The cast delivered strong performances across the board, and while some moments might feel dramatic, they really worked for the tone of the show.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you’re into revenge plots, mystery, and emotionally charged romance, this one’s definitely worth watching!
The plot revolves around Tsubaki, the heir to Kogetsuan, a traditional Japanese sweets shop, and Nao (whose real name is Sakura), who returns under a new identity to uncover the truth behind her mother’s wrongful conviction. Years ago, Tsubaki falsely testified that Nao’s mother killed his father. That lie shattered her life. Now she’s back, close to him again, and he doesn’t recognize her.
At first, it seems like a typical revenge drama—but it’s much more layered. The twists and emotional depth keep you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve figured out who the real culprit is, the story flips in a way you don’t expect.
One thing that surprised me was how strong the chemistry between the leads was. Their connection sizzled on screen—so much tension, passion, and vulnerability. I didn’t expect such intimate scenes from them, especially since they both look quite young. There's even a pregnancy storyline, which added more emotional weight and intensity to their relationship. It really took the drama in a more mature direction than I anticipated.
What I also loved is that despite only having 8 episodes, the series managed to build a compelling, complete story with solid pacing and satisfying development. It’s honestly impressive how J-dramas can pack so much into a short series without dragging things out.
It’s a great mix of thriller, psychological drama, romance, and even a few light moments to break the tension. The music was charming and fit the scenes well. The cast delivered strong performances across the board, and while some moments might feel dramatic, they really worked for the tone of the show.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you’re into revenge plots, mystery, and emotionally charged romance, this one’s definitely worth watching!
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