There’s the fight between a messy start and a charming conclusion
The character introduction in the first EP felt too abrupt. My initial reaction was, “Am I watching the right starting point?” However, I appreciated how the story gradually established its foundation, especially with the reveal that Xiao Bai is a secret agent assigned to investigate his roommate, Da Hei.
As the story progressed, I found myself becoming more invested in what would happen to them, right after they began pretending to be a couple. Their chemistry was undeniable, but still needs some flourishing. Andy Ko’s soft, gentle presence is captivating, while Nelson Ji’s emotional performances, particularly the way he delivers dramatic scenes with tearful intensity, are truly fascinating. Although the drama leans heavily on cliché moments, they don’t significantly drag down the overall quality. It’s fairly average in storytelling, but the performances elevate it.
After the confession and major revelations, the series treats us to several intimate kissing scenes that were confidently delivered. Watching them share these moments felt natural and entertaining, just like how a new couple might behave. Their on-screen intimacy was convincing and enjoyable.
One of my favorite aspects of this BL was unexpectedly falling for Mike Lin. This is my first time watching him, and his role as the older brother is incredibly charming. From his first appearance, with glowing skin, a charismatic aura, and clean visuals, he completely stole my attention. Every time he appears on screen, he brings a calm and comforting presence.
Pairing him with Matthew Han was an excellent casting decision. It’s just a shame that they were introduced halfway through the series and only given a few romantic moments toward the finale. Still, those brief scenes were enough to make me want more, perhaps even a spin-off centered on them. They’re undeniably a visually striking pair, made even better by the fact that they can truly act. They deserve more recognition.
I initially thought the second couple would be No Sir and Dou Ke Yi. To be fair, they share some history, and I could definitely see their potential as a pairing as well. Another standout moment was the cameo appearance of Thomas Chang as a gangster boss, such a strong presence. Justin Chang is another handsome man on the list. This drama is packed with good-looking actors, and it amused me that most of their stage names are in English.
Overall, the drama offers a similar vibe to the enemy-to-lovers trope, along with the added challenge of winning over a disapproving grandfather. While it was enjoyable, I believe it could have been executed even better. Still, I loved the cast. That’s definitely one of its strongest points.
This is soooo good! I love the calmness with deep affection towards the two characters' story. I found myself relaxing watching this movie and I really enjoyed it so much. I wish that a sequel or a series might be available. But nevertheless, I still love this show that much. I'm so late watching it in 2026. Thank you for an incredible story that brings comfort to my BL heart.
The second couple is so cute, too. They have that classic cat-and-dog dynamic. I mean, they call each other “gorilla” and “poodle,” so I guess it’s more of a gorilla-and-poodle relationship haha. I really love it when dramas showcase people who appreciate art and music. It just touches my heart.
This is totally my cup of tea. I love the slow build-up of their romance, and the way they communicate their thoughts is just so beautiful. It feels like a piece of art. Chen Ke is so soft; I feel so calm watching him. And I also love how Yu Lei is starting to see how kind Chen Ke really is. He’s definitely falling in love, no doubt about it.
Okay, this is giving nostalgic youthful romance vibes. It’s set way back in the year 2000, and making it BL just makes it even better. This is cute! A bit of a sister complex, haha. From hating someone to eventually falling for him? I’m seated!
OMG, Liu Yi had to step into enemy territory and fight his way through just to buy those lovely flowers for Chu San’s graduation, that’s why he was late! I love it!! And they finally KISSED!!! Aaaahhh, that was so intimate. But wait… was that really just a dream?| Anyways, the second couple is hot too. And Chu San in a suit? So handsome. OMG. So Chu San was actually adopted after his biological parents died because of gangsters
I'm glad the framing aspect only lasted for one EP. If the people around Liu Yi still didn't realize he's innocent, I would've been devastated haha. The bus scene was so cinematic. They were finally able to see one another after weeks of disconnection, but Chu San's tried to ignore and meet eye to eye. It was also funny that the screaming chicken toy already existed in the 1980s haha. And it was so comfortable how Liu Yi felt at home in Chu San's place that he easily fell asleep. The ending photo was adorable! Chu San had his dad and soon-to-be boyfriend with him on his graduation day, and it was just so beautiful.
EP01 looks promising. I love the foundation of the story, and the actors can deliver! The depth and emotional waves they are riding are good things to anticipate.
I love it so much when the scenes I'm expecting to happen turn out to be something different. This show twisted audience expectations and made it more original. I love the vibes it's giving. So far, the best installation of the franchise.
This drama gave me so many kawaii feels. It’s a light, easy watch with little to no heavy plot, and I did enjoy it. Maybe not intensely, but just enough to appreciate the chemistry between the main couple. Kaname is undeniably handsome, and Kakeru is such a cutie. That said, there were moments when their acting felt a bit stiff, though that might have been intentional to suit their characters.
Story-wise, I think it would have worked better with fewer episodes. The pacing felt stretched, with slow and minimal character development. Wataru’s hesitation, in particular, needed more depth. His fear of shifting from best friends to lovers wasn’t explored enough. I enjoy a good slow-burn romance, but it has to move forward, not just circle the same point.
The kiss was sweet, but it could have used more intensity. Their first kiss made sense as it reflected their gentleness and respect for their “just friends” boundary. But as a viewer, I couldn’t help wanting Wataru to finally cross that line and do more.
The cinematography was beautiful and really enhanced the story, especially with the characters’ shared love for cameras and photography. Minato stood out as a warm, caring presence, and I always enjoyed his scenes. And Wataru’s soft, almost “baby” energy made him incredibly endearing. I genuinely liked watching their dates and photography walks.
Overall, it needed more twists and emotional depth to feel fully satisfying. It’s an average BL drama; not groundbreaking, but still charming enough to capture my interest and heart. I did love the ending, though. Seeing them together. Almost like newlyweds, talking about their likes and future. It was a simple but heartwarming conclusion.
I was in awe. This drama carries a profound depth and a sorrowful story I wasn’t prepared for. However, from the very first episode, I already knew it would bring me to tears when Chihiro says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. When I opened it, it was empty. Until I met Keito, who is both bitter and sweet, like chocolate.” That metaphor alone perfectly establishes the emotional journey the audience is about to experience.
Both characters carry deeply traumatic pasts that continue to haunt them. One is neglected by his loved ones, while the other suffers sexual and physical abuse at a very young age. I didn’t expect the story to go that dark. Watching Haoren’s past was devastating. I felt so much pain for him. No one deserves to experience such cruelty.
Haoren having multiple names reflects the different stages of his life and the traumas tied to them. When he finally reveals his real name to Chihiro, it becomes a powerful moment. It signifies trust, healing, and the beginning of a connection where he can finally lean on someone, feel love, and be loved in return. Kaji also plays a vital role as a father figure to Haoren. Together, their trio forms a family bond that both main characters have longed for.
The storytelling is unique and emotionally impactful. I initially watched this drama because of Rei, and his portrayal of Haoren is truly admirable. He is an incredible actor. The ending left me emotional. After confronting each other’s deepest wounds, they reunite, finally free from the weight of their pasts. Haoren is liberated from Maya, and Chihiro finally achieves his dream of becoming a photographer.
This drama gave me both laughter and romance. It’s not particularly deep, but it absolutely delivers what it promises. I also appreciate how the story handled the relationship between the main characters. They never directly expressed their romantic feelings for each other, which makes sense given their student-teacher dynamic. That boundary could have been uncomfortable or inappropriate, but the show handled it carefully and respectfully, which I really admired.
If a second season ever happens, it would be the perfect opportunity to take Toru and Kishi Kishi’s relationship to the next level, especially now that Toru has graduated and is preparing for his college entrance exams by the end of the series.
That said, this show truly shines as a comedy. From the exaggerated delinquent reactions to Toru’s inner monologues. The unexpectedly soft, girly voice was just funny and endearing. The delinquent quartet was also a standout; all of them charming in their own ways. From the sexy mustache guy, to the cute “cucumber” type, to the overly dramatic one. Each character brought something unique to the story. And of course, Kishi Kishi himself is effortlessly good-looking, with an almost angelic presence in both his expressions and gestures.
What I love most about the series is its progression. By the end, we see Toru chasing a newly discovered dream, to become a teacher just like Kishi Kishi. That moment felt touching. Seeing someone inspire a younger person to shape their future like that is genuinely heartwarming.
Throughout the entire show, I felt a sense of positivity. Watching the characters immerse themselves in studying while still learning to enjoy life made the experience feel comforting and uplifting. Rei stood out as a memorable character, and I loved this side of him. The entire cast did a fantastic job, delivering strong performances that elevated the series.
In the end, despite being a light and easy watch, the drama carries meaningful lessons about the importance of studying and finding purpose. It’s a simple story, but one that leaves you feeling good long after it ends.
One of my favorite J-BLs is finally back! That was my immediate reaction when the sequel was announced. Since the prequel was such a success, I was genuinely happy to see Natsume and Toma again. However, the outcome turned out to be somewhat disappointing.
At first, I was completely drawn in by their domestic, almost sophisticated life together. The kisses and cuddles were absolutely to die for. But as the episodes went on, it started to feel like the focus drifted too far toward the side characters rather than the main couple.
I understand that this season places Toma’s dream at the center of the story. But if I’m being honest, the addition of the new male BA as a rookie in Mamiya’s store felt unnecessarily prolonged. It dragged on to the point of being quite dull. I get that a new character was needed to help Mamiya grow into a stronger leader, highlighting his firmness despite his overwhelming kindness. But the pacing of this arc was simply too slow. Because of this, the sequel doesn’t come close to the level of the first season, and saying that genuinely saddens me as a fan of the prequel.
Thankfully, the onsen date felt like a turning point, as if the story was finally shifting its attention back to the main couple. It was such a breath of fresh air. Natsume was incredibly cute and endearing, as always. Then we get Tenma again, still the handsome and protective brother of Toma, somehow even more charming this season. And the introduction of Sahashi’s dad was a delight. He added a bit more spice to the dynamics of the main couple.
The selfies at the bridge looked so kawaii and genuinely beautiful. Toma stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue his dream was an interesting direction for the story. However, the drama seemed more focused on heightening emotional tension than on showcasing the couple’s chemistry. And that’s where it falls short. We wanted more romantic moments from Mamiya and Toma; that’s arguably the very reason a sequel exists in the first place.
Nevertheless, I still found moments to enjoy in this sequel. It just wasn’t enough to make me scream with happiness the way I did during the previous season.
I swear to all the Thai temples out there… I am in love
Short, but seriously impactful. I didn’t expect to fall this hard for SurfJava, but here I am, completely head over heels. Their portrayal of Tum and Oh fits them perfectly. I’m such a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope, especially when it comes with this level of tension and chemistry. Their performances? Electric. It was fun, romantic, and ridiculously addictive.
I love how the story creatively weaves through the adventures across nine temples, the legendary pants, and even the recurring motif of face scars from beginning to end. It all sounds quirky on paper, but it works, and it makes every TumOh moment feel big and incredibly meaningful.
And can we talk about Surf’s speaking voice? So soft, it’s honestly mesmerizing. Then there’s Java, whose tiny, adorable tattoos add so much personality to Oh. And that couple tattoo at the end? I lost it. The dynamic between Tum’s soft-hearted gang leader persona and Oh’s charismatic, slightly chaotic charm is just a chef’s kiss. Their constant bickering never misses; it’s playful, sharp, and full of chemistry.
Watching Tum stare at Oh had me melting like ice cream under the sun. Their dynamic, like a dog and a cat during the day, then suddenly intimate at night, felt like an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. And those scenes where Surf grabs Java’s waist were so great. But then Java hit me with those teary eyes after the betrayal, and suddenly, I am drowning in emotion. They can act with an insane range. And yes, Christopher Boonying is an icon because of that.
The temple fair scene was another highlight. It was fun, chaotic, and even funnier in hindsight when we realized Messi felt completely invisible in the couple’s clingy little world. I’m obsessed with the ending, probably just as obsessed as Tum is stealing kisses from Oh.
This drama feels like an indie film with a surprisingly high-quality finish. It made me fall so hard for SurfJava that now I desperately need them to headline another series together, the sooner the better.
The character introduction in the first EP felt too abrupt. My initial reaction was, “Am I watching the right starting point?” However, I appreciated how the story gradually established its foundation, especially with the reveal that Xiao Bai is a secret agent assigned to investigate his roommate, Da Hei.
As the story progressed, I found myself becoming more invested in what would happen to them, right after they began pretending to be a couple. Their chemistry was undeniable, but still needs some flourishing. Andy Ko’s soft, gentle presence is captivating, while Nelson Ji’s emotional performances, particularly the way he delivers dramatic scenes with tearful intensity, are truly fascinating. Although the drama leans heavily on cliché moments, they don’t significantly drag down the overall quality. It’s fairly average in storytelling, but the performances elevate it.
After the confession and major revelations, the series treats us to several intimate kissing scenes that were confidently delivered. Watching them share these moments felt natural and entertaining, just like how a new couple might behave. Their on-screen intimacy was convincing and enjoyable.
One of my favorite aspects of this BL was unexpectedly falling for Mike Lin. This is my first time watching him, and his role as the older brother is incredibly charming. From his first appearance, with glowing skin, a charismatic aura, and clean visuals, he completely stole my attention. Every time he appears on screen, he brings a calm and comforting presence.
Pairing him with Matthew Han was an excellent casting decision. It’s just a shame that they were introduced halfway through the series and only given a few romantic moments toward the finale. Still, those brief scenes were enough to make me want more, perhaps even a spin-off centered on them. They’re undeniably a visually striking pair, made even better by the fact that they can truly act. They deserve more recognition.
I initially thought the second couple would be No Sir and Dou Ke Yi. To be fair, they share some history, and I could definitely see their potential as a pairing as well. Another standout moment was the cameo appearance of Thomas Chang as a gangster boss, such a strong presence. Justin Chang is another handsome man on the list. This drama is packed with good-looking actors, and it amused me that most of their stage names are in English.
Overall, the drama offers a similar vibe to the enemy-to-lovers trope, along with the added challenge of winning over a disapproving grandfather. While it was enjoyable, I believe it could have been executed even better. Still, I loved the cast. That’s definitely one of its strongest points.
This is totally my cup of tea. I love the slow build-up of their romance, and the way they communicate their thoughts is just so beautiful. It feels like a piece of art. Chen Ke is so soft; I feel so calm watching him. And I also love how Yu Lei is starting to see how kind Chen Ke really is. He’s definitely falling in love, no doubt about it.
Anyways, the second couple is hot too. And Chu San in a suit? So handsome. OMG. So Chu San was actually adopted after his biological parents died because of gangsters
This drama gave me so many kawaii feels. It’s a light, easy watch with little to no heavy plot, and I did enjoy it. Maybe not intensely, but just enough to appreciate the chemistry between the main couple. Kaname is undeniably handsome, and Kakeru is such a cutie. That said, there were moments when their acting felt a bit stiff, though that might have been intentional to suit their characters.
Story-wise, I think it would have worked better with fewer episodes. The pacing felt stretched, with slow and minimal character development. Wataru’s hesitation, in particular, needed more depth. His fear of shifting from best friends to lovers wasn’t explored enough. I enjoy a good slow-burn romance, but it has to move forward, not just circle the same point.
The kiss was sweet, but it could have used more intensity. Their first kiss made sense as it reflected their gentleness and respect for their “just friends” boundary. But as a viewer, I couldn’t help wanting Wataru to finally cross that line and do more.
The cinematography was beautiful and really enhanced the story, especially with the characters’ shared love for cameras and photography. Minato stood out as a warm, caring presence, and I always enjoyed his scenes. And Wataru’s soft, almost “baby” energy made him incredibly endearing. I genuinely liked watching their dates and photography walks.
Overall, it needed more twists and emotional depth to feel fully satisfying. It’s an average BL drama; not groundbreaking, but still charming enough to capture my interest and heart. I did love the ending, though. Seeing them together. Almost like newlyweds, talking about their likes and future. It was a simple but heartwarming conclusion.
I was in awe. This drama carries a profound depth and a sorrowful story I wasn’t prepared for. However, from the very first episode, I already knew it would bring me to tears when Chihiro says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. When I opened it, it was empty. Until I met Keito, who is both bitter and sweet, like chocolate.” That metaphor alone perfectly establishes the emotional journey the audience is about to experience.
Both characters carry deeply traumatic pasts that continue to haunt them. One is neglected by his loved ones, while the other suffers sexual and physical abuse at a very young age. I didn’t expect the story to go that dark. Watching Haoren’s past was devastating. I felt so much pain for him. No one deserves to experience such cruelty.
Haoren having multiple names reflects the different stages of his life and the traumas tied to them. When he finally reveals his real name to Chihiro, it becomes a powerful moment. It signifies trust, healing, and the beginning of a connection where he can finally lean on someone, feel love, and be loved in return. Kaji also plays a vital role as a father figure to Haoren. Together, their trio forms a family bond that both main characters have longed for.
The storytelling is unique and emotionally impactful. I initially watched this drama because of Rei, and his portrayal of Haoren is truly admirable. He is an incredible actor. The ending left me emotional. After confronting each other’s deepest wounds, they reunite, finally free from the weight of their pasts. Haoren is liberated from Maya, and Chihiro finally achieves his dream of becoming a photographer.
A truly happy ending, indeed.
This drama gave me both laughter and romance. It’s not particularly deep, but it absolutely delivers what it promises. I also appreciate how the story handled the relationship between the main characters. They never directly expressed their romantic feelings for each other, which makes sense given their student-teacher dynamic. That boundary could have been uncomfortable or inappropriate, but the show handled it carefully and respectfully, which I really admired.
If a second season ever happens, it would be the perfect opportunity to take Toru and Kishi Kishi’s relationship to the next level, especially now that Toru has graduated and is preparing for his college entrance exams by the end of the series.
That said, this show truly shines as a comedy. From the exaggerated delinquent reactions to Toru’s inner monologues. The unexpectedly soft, girly voice was just funny and endearing. The delinquent quartet was also a standout; all of them charming in their own ways. From the sexy mustache guy, to the cute “cucumber” type, to the overly dramatic one. Each character brought something unique to the story. And of course, Kishi Kishi himself is effortlessly good-looking, with an almost angelic presence in both his expressions and gestures.
What I love most about the series is its progression. By the end, we see Toru chasing a newly discovered dream, to become a teacher just like Kishi Kishi. That moment felt touching. Seeing someone inspire a younger person to shape their future like that is genuinely heartwarming.
Throughout the entire show, I felt a sense of positivity. Watching the characters immerse themselves in studying while still learning to enjoy life made the experience feel comforting and uplifting. Rei stood out as a memorable character, and I loved this side of him. The entire cast did a fantastic job, delivering strong performances that elevated the series.
In the end, despite being a light and easy watch, the drama carries meaningful lessons about the importance of studying and finding purpose. It’s a simple story, but one that leaves you feeling good long after it ends.
One of my favorite J-BLs is finally back! That was my immediate reaction when the sequel was announced. Since the prequel was such a success, I was genuinely happy to see Natsume and Toma again. However, the outcome turned out to be somewhat disappointing.
At first, I was completely drawn in by their domestic, almost sophisticated life together. The kisses and cuddles were absolutely to die for. But as the episodes went on, it started to feel like the focus drifted too far toward the side characters rather than the main couple.
I understand that this season places Toma’s dream at the center of the story. But if I’m being honest, the addition of the new male BA as a rookie in Mamiya’s store felt unnecessarily prolonged. It dragged on to the point of being quite dull. I get that a new character was needed to help Mamiya grow into a stronger leader, highlighting his firmness despite his overwhelming kindness. But the pacing of this arc was simply too slow. Because of this, the sequel doesn’t come close to the level of the first season, and saying that genuinely saddens me as a fan of the prequel.
Thankfully, the onsen date felt like a turning point, as if the story was finally shifting its attention back to the main couple. It was such a breath of fresh air. Natsume was incredibly cute and endearing, as always. Then we get Tenma again, still the handsome and protective brother of Toma, somehow even more charming this season. And the introduction of Sahashi’s dad was a delight. He added a bit more spice to the dynamics of the main couple.
The selfies at the bridge looked so kawaii and genuinely beautiful. Toma stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue his dream was an interesting direction for the story. However, the drama seemed more focused on heightening emotional tension than on showcasing the couple’s chemistry. And that’s where it falls short. We wanted more romantic moments from Mamiya and Toma; that’s arguably the very reason a sequel exists in the first place.
Nevertheless, I still found moments to enjoy in this sequel. It just wasn’t enough to make me scream with happiness the way I did during the previous season.
Short, but seriously impactful. I didn’t expect to fall this hard for SurfJava, but here I am, completely head over heels. Their portrayal of Tum and Oh fits them perfectly. I’m such a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope, especially when it comes with this level of tension and chemistry. Their performances? Electric. It was fun, romantic, and ridiculously addictive.
I love how the story creatively weaves through the adventures across nine temples, the legendary pants, and even the recurring motif of face scars from beginning to end. It all sounds quirky on paper, but it works, and it makes every TumOh moment feel big and incredibly meaningful.
And can we talk about Surf’s speaking voice? So soft, it’s honestly mesmerizing. Then there’s Java, whose tiny, adorable tattoos add so much personality to Oh. And that couple tattoo at the end? I lost it. The dynamic between Tum’s soft-hearted gang leader persona and Oh’s charismatic, slightly chaotic charm is just a chef’s kiss. Their constant bickering never misses; it’s playful, sharp, and full of chemistry.
Watching Tum stare at Oh had me melting like ice cream under the sun. Their dynamic, like a dog and a cat during the day, then suddenly intimate at night, felt like an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. And those scenes where Surf grabs Java’s waist were so great. But then Java hit me with those teary eyes after the betrayal, and suddenly, I am drowning in emotion. They can act with an insane range. And yes, Christopher Boonying is an icon because of that.
The temple fair scene was another highlight. It was fun, chaotic, and even funnier in hindsight when we realized Messi felt completely invisible in the couple’s clingy little world. I’m obsessed with the ending, probably just as obsessed as Tum is stealing kisses from Oh.
This drama feels like an indie film with a surprisingly high-quality finish. It made me fall so hard for SurfJava that now I desperately need them to headline another series together, the sooner the better.