goddesscarlie

The movie is essential to watch I feel, for the context, but I agree that I am really loving the series more and how quirky it is.

I visited and just so happened to buy it without realising it was going to be made into a drama! I'm learning Japanese.

As far as I know it's only available in print in Japanese. I read the physical book.

I didn't really get those vibes from the book. The "popular boys" friend group are friendly, not "bullies because we're rich and popular". Unless they've really changed the story, I wouldn't go in expecting Boys Over Flowers / F4 vibes.
Book Watarai is a bit possessive and protective, but not to a negative degree. He is the doting type, and Hioki enjoys being looked after and fussed over by him. The friends are full of banter, even to the degree of teasing Watarai about how he treats Hioki. And Hioki is oblivious to it. They always treat him kindly and integrate him into their group.