first-with-love

Sang Yan is capable of taking initiative to have greater affection because of the love he saw growing up but Yifan is also capable of loving deeply as she experienced her father's love - she just struggles believing in it especially being of her mother abandoning her multiple times.

I also appreciate how you recognize someone's strength based on how they handle their weaknesses and I love the analysis you shared. Yifan is far from a coward, she is innocent, kind and strong. I wonder how Yifan will eventually "forgive" herself for her "failures." She has forgiven everyone she could humanly forgive (like her mother) but I sometimes think she forgot herself.

I've read the novel some time ago but I want to go back and reread it while I watch the drama. But yes, you should absolutely read the novel, if you need the link let me know. The only part I haven't read is their "extra" chapters, I need to find a good translation for it. I'm the same way when I watch dramas too 😂

Of course! 🩵 Your comments didn't spoil anything for me, if anything it's making me want to go back reread the novel and sit with the characters even more

I would read in the same paces the drama so you can spot the (small) difference and understand the characters in between lines, but I wouldn't finish it before the drama (if you can help it) 😂

Key word: safe 🩵

These two become more and more special as each episodes goes.

I'm so happy drama has little moments like this which not only are symbolic but also exclusive to the drama. When I was reading the novel I always used to wonder how these two characters would be portrayed and what their "little moments" would be like and to see these moments in a live adaptation it's so special

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks BJT and Park Hyung-Sik look alike! If First Frost ever got a kdrama adaption I can see Park Hyung-Sik playing Sang Yan's role and maybe Go Youn Jung for Wen Yi Fan.

Our girl is finally giving her heart a chance! Like you said learning to accept love and how to love are two different things but they do go hand in hand, just like that Yifan is learning to acknowledge that she's capable/deserving of love and now she needs to have the courage to own/act on her feelings. It's so beautiful to see this shift and transition visually.

As for Sang Yan I think during his highschool days he was more attentive but he's also shown growth since his heartbreak, I find him to be more perceptive of Yifan. Also have you seen the interview with BJT in response to those who are looking for their own Sang Yan? I want to know what you think about his response!

I agree! To be honest as far as the main leads are concerned, their pace and development is as realistic as it can get, especially for a drama. Yifan hasn't had an environment that changed for the better so expecting her to change/chase the minute an old lover comes back into her life wouldn't be normal or healthy. The girl has been surviving with whatever was in front of her and only after experiencing a healthier/normal environment with Sang Yan she's considering that her life can change for the better if she gives her heart a chance. A lot of her beliefs started from home, whenever she's given her heart a chance in the past it's landed her in abandonment so it's all she knew to give forward (it's not right) but I think people forget these two were only high school back then.

What do you think so far? Do you still feel excited to watch even after reading the chapters?

Before SY I think his parents are the OG green forest themselves, especially in the c-drama universe

I did haha! Have you read the novel? There are *so many* scenes I'm looking forward to!

I'm still behind on some episodes but I plan on catching up soon.

Have you seen this?

https://x.com/onlyforbjt/status/1892608717553844546

I've heard amazing things most of the show you mentioned! Lee Junho is pretty good actor but I don't know if my heart can handle The Red Sleeve 😭 Lovely Runner was a mixed experience for me, it's sort of how I felt about Hidden Love. It was a good watch but I gravitate between something like Twinkling Watermelon and The First Frost.

Have you watched Reply 1988? I think it's by the same makers who made Prison Playbook and Hospital Playlist (I'll get back to both when I make my way back to kdramas haha!)

My tastes are pretty similar, long as the storytelling is solid I'm usually open to watching the show and if it has romance that's a plus! Have you watched The Double or the Dr. Romantic series?

I haven't seen all the promos either, I came across it through someone's comment a few days ago and yes they do look so happy! I think one of the reasons why their chemistry is good is because they look like they're having fun in the BTS.

The voice messages and the countdown to Sang Yan's birthday are coming! 🥳🥳

This is probably one of my fav promos for the drama!

One of the best comments and analysis as always 🩵 I'm still catching up on the episodes but now having watched some of the sleepwalking scenes I completely agree with you. The sleepwalking scenes are some of the best parts of the drama. I love the amount of symbolism, care and attention they've given to this part of the source material, they haven't brushed it off as a miscellaneous medical condition. Symbolizing Sang Yan as her sun was truly heartwarming and Sang Yan lighting up her sleepwalking path was admirable.

Exactly, I'm not too worried because Sang Yan is not one to flirt with girls out of boredom. When you mentioned "how out of character Yifan will react" what was that in reference to?

On how out of character Yifan will react - are you referring to when Yifan is asking Sang Yan to move out?

I'm trying to remember if she ever does this in the novel and I can't seem to remember her doing such a thing

Both of these characters have jarring difference in their upbringing and you're right, I don't know if the relationship would have worked out then had either of them been rash about love. I also saw another comment mentioning that Sang Yan's heartbreak shaped him into becoming a better man. Looking back at Hidden Love he was more compassionate seeing his sister's "heartbreak" and more supportive friend of Duan Jiaxu. This heartbreak led him to becoming a better friend, better brother and a better lover.

As far as Yifan being "strong" goes I agree. She is strong from how you're understanding and appreciating her. Sometimes I get hesitant when people use this word to describe a FL or anybody who's gone through hell because if this is what it takes to be appreciated as a "strong" woman, do the characters themselves think it was worth it? Is there a way to be strong and still feel loved/looked after by a lover in life? How does a strong person finally get to the place of authenticity and vulnerability? Can they get there on their own or does it take Sang Yan to show up in their life for them feel safe?

Do you plan on reading the novel? I would be so curious to see what you think about the writing development/characters after reading about them especially since you've picked up so much simply from watching the drama 🩵