TheDarkestPath

I said no one is actually being hurt in reference to the fact that the character playing Chaeha is not actually being hurt. I agree that those are abusive behaviors, but in a fictional story, they are called ~character flaws~ because it is a portrayal. This is a written piece of fiction, thus I am using terminology in line with that of creative writing. No one is constantly portraying abuse as romantic or acceptable, not this drama and none I’ve watched. It was made clear that Taeseon’s behavior hurt Chaeha and that he was wrong. I agree with the idea that we do need more healthy dynamics in BLs, however I don’t see the point in forcing this narrative on a piece that never promised such a thing. This is a darker romance, (this is evident in the teasers, trailer, tags etc.), it never claimed to be anything else. This simply is not for you, that’s quite clear by how negatively its content has affected you. There are works that have those healthy relationships you would like to see, I wouldn’t mind recommending some if you’d like?

Selfishness, pettiness, violent tendencies and seeking a conduit for revenge (all of which Taeseon displays) are character flaws. Not sure if I would call this romanticization. No sane person condones Taeseon’s early behavior and he himself realized that he was wrong. I once again generally agree with everything you said in a real life scenario, it would in fact be unacceptable, even here. Is that not the point of fiction though? To at times portray extremes, including Taeseon’s toxicity and Chaeha’s people pleasing attitude? No one is actually being hurt here, these are characters, we can acknowledge that certain behaviors are wrong and separate our feelings about them in reality from a fictional story. And that’s what it is, fiction; I can watch and enjoy this show and still condemn these behaviors in my real life. Anyone who cannot make that distinction should probably not consume this type of media or perhaps isn’t mature enough to do so.

I mean I generally agree but flawed characters/relationships breed conflict, which can make a story more engaging. Most fictional characters aren’t meant to be perfect moral examples, they’re meant to be entertaining.

I cannot stop watching the trailer and character teasers, It looks so good. After so many mid series, KBLs are officially making a comeback this year : D

Trigger, One: High School Heroes, A Shop for Killers, Study Group, inspector Koo and I heard The Manipulated was good.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. It really felt like these characters were trying to understand each other. When Watarai said to himself at the beach, “this is the person I fell for, he always sees the real me.” Or something along those lines, it’s a beautiful thought to have after confessing and coming out. I loved the whole interaction so much and felt immense respect for the way these characters were written; for their empathy, their understanding, patience and gentleness with each other. I also hate drama that is dragged out, God knows how many Thai BLs and even GLs I’ve dropped for this same problem. It always felt like it was moving forward as you said, there was growth and they both changed for the better. I adore this show, these characters and I won’t forget just how warm it made me feel, thank you for your comment.

Yeah, I completely get that. That’s also part of the reason I don’t want to read it because I don’t want to change any of my feelings about the show. If I happen to read a manga/manhwa beforehand I’ll watch the show, usually not the other way around though. And yeah, I never viewed it as a ranking, that’s why I made sure to reaffirm that both our points are valid and that we simply have different perspectives. I also want to say that regardless of their canonical identities, you as a gay man as you previously said, align more with the characters in this show than I ever can. So I don’t want to make it seem as though I’m talking over you. Yes, there are certain scenes and dialogue that make me feel seen but my identity is not represented here. That is to say that I fully respect your opinion, even if mine differs. That’s the great thing about art, it can be interpreted in many different ways : ) I know that you’re loving this show though from you other comments, so at least we agree on that lol.

I’m gonna preface by saying that I have not read the novel nor do I plan to. I get what you’re saying, and you’re feelings reading and interpreting the novel are valid. But the adaptation while it is a remake of the original work has to stand alone. I’m sorry, but comparisons to the novel don’t hold much weight to me, as once again I don’t plan to read it so I don’t have much to say about that. You say that that line makes something that should be explicitly queer into something “safer,” for straight audiences but I find that it’s actually quite the opposite. Straight audiences I find actually prefer a more clear cut view of attraction with less ambiguity. As a queer person myself I have noticed that those who like more than one gender are often times judged or questioned more than someone who is simply gay. I found that that line was actually fundamentally queer. And yes maybe Watarai is gay, same for Hioki but as you said they are teenage boys, they are still discovering themselves and I felt that whole scene including all the dialogue was very fitting for such an endeavor. Well, we all have our own perceptions. I think you’re point is valid but I believe mine is too. You and a few others may find it offensive, but I personally found it to be a bit validating. Thanks for the talk!

I really didn’t see it that way. Watarai is attracted to Hioki as he is. He is not attracted to a gender-neutral version of Hioki, he is attracted to Hioki as a boy and if he was a girl, he’d be attracted to him as such. Is the issue that Watarai is not fully gay? Because to me that seemed to be an indication that he is bi/pan. Watarai never said he doesn’t like guys or that Hioki is the only guy he likes, rather that he likes Hioki as a boy and as a person and if he imagined it the other way around he would still like him. I’m a bit confused what the issue is. Can that not be a true feeling that people experience in real life? To me it isn’t any less queer, just not clean cut gay or straight.

Saying this show doesn’t deserve a high rating makes no sense to me. Maybe fluff isn’t someone’s cup of tea but there’s nothing bad about it. Both MCs are green flags, I love Watarai’s confidence and Hioki’s maturity, their mutual respect for each other, and they just look so cute together. There’s very little drama, not much angst, no trauma; just two boys falling in love and being part of a wholesome friend group. With how stressed I am, watching an episode of this show just puts me in a better place. Sometimes I don’t want a complex plot or neurotic characters, I just want cute queerness and this delivers.

If he’s a 5 and you’re being generous I’d hate to hear what I would be 👀

Haha, the girls that turn around and see them in the gymnasium?? Yes, those are the same girls, that’s why Hioki was worried about them specifically turning and seeing them.

They questioned Watarai on why he likes Hioki even though it’s none of their business, purposefully tried to exclude Hioki and cornered and interrogated him about his relationship with Watarai. They made fun of him behind his back as well. All pretty cringe behavior to me…

I think he knows deep down that this is flirting, as we all would. However he is taking Watarai’s words at face value and believing that this is only friendship even though he and everyone else would know that it’s not. I think if it was just any girl at school it would be easier to process but it’s the fact that it is not only another male but also the most popular one that makes it seem so surreal. So yes, he knows but he is choosing to pretend that he doesn’t?? Or rather it’s just easier that way? If that makes any sense lol

Yeah, TL wasn’t shown kissing him on the sidewalk. So what scene did they kiss??

When did TL kiss him? To me it looked like the two almost kissed but Gyeon stepped in before they could. As far as I know they never showed it happening?? Is it a different scene?

Disagree with you there, the MC in Ball Boy tactics wasn’t near as immature or shallow of a character.

I think it depends on where you’re watching it cause I watched it on OneTouchTV and the title card is there and all the text bubbles have text in them??

So happy to see Subin again. I’m honestly excited for this, I need something cute and, judging from the synopsis maybe messy too lol.

Nah fr, them throwing in their dating era for the last 10 mins was criminal. We need a whole episode 😭