heera

A very sweet and joyous enemies-to-lovers trope, I was actually smitten over from the start. At first, before starting this adoring series, I was seriously unsure how much I would like it, but episode one alone completely locked me in. Genuinely, Teshow impressed me so much with his acting. There is a goofiness in his eyes that never withered to spark any frame, perfectly contrasted by the aloofness he performs to hide his affection and the whipped mischief he wraps his character in. My god, Teshow brought so much magnetic attraction that he kept me tuned in throughout. This is also my first time watching Ping, and he was remarkably good at playing Sun. His mature nature and soft humbleness provided a joyous contrast to Bay, making them a perfect match.

Although I was gullible enough to think I might not enjoy a series that has a sports element, it was indeed an interesting story that didn't lean too heavily on the entire sports side. Instead, we got cute, platonic bonds that beautifully balanced the heavy hostility of Bay and Sun's fathers. On that note, it is fascinating to observe the art of imposing one's hatred onto souls that it doesn't belong to.

Watching Bee and Chun taught me that sometimes detestation isn't helped. Their intense revulsion, ego, and aversion were a reflection of what could have been a completely different tale. Their parenting didn't just only sabotage their kids' growing friendships but also shaped their spiteful nature and watered down their familial relations until they became distant strangers.

I didn't expect to see Chai (Chun, Sun's father) in this series lol; he was again a hot-headed father. He was so good in The Edge of Horizon that I couldn't unsee his Prince Vasin character. However, it was a relief that he was finally revived from his resentment before the final episodes.

"I think people in their 50s still have their own coming-of-age moments." — Sun

It was beautifully portrayed that often not only teenagers need their coming-out sessions, but even adults, regardless of age boundaries, would have one to confront their own secrets, bitter pasts, and the longing of their ripe youthful careers. The pining for truth and accountability and the agonised and constant fight for dignity were delightful themes I enjoyed.

"I'm afraid that if we love each other, someone will take you away from me some day." — Bay

The audacity of a human heart to let go of a loved one out of fear is too vigorous and needs to be studied. Bay was a character who constantly seemed to be flying from his own compulsions, unable to live in the feelings he desired or pursue the interests he sought. Oh, what a pain! At one point, it honestly felt a bit like a mood swing, as seen in Sun's POV—yet it was a lonely tragedy. He had to let go of his only friend at a very young age, when they should have been playing tennis forever, and chose to become an enemy just so that he could at least keep Sun in his life. If not a friend, at least as an enemy. *cries

Boat: "Do you really hate each other, or are you just pretending, huh?"
Bay: "We do hate each other."
Boat: "I think you're just pretending to. If you really hated each other, no one would try to stop you from being with Sun. You chose to act like this because it might be the only way you can have him in your life."

Though how tearful it is in the script, it was a comical banter that I laughed my heart out at—Bay and Sun's moments are crazily chaotic. Their chemistry (in principal's voice) had me hooked. Their teasing curses, the sheepish eye contact, and Bay's 'my tofu' endearments to Sun—everything about this duo is pretty dear. And most importantly, Sun's appalling facial expressions whenever Bay acts cosy or affectionate with him suddenly never failed to make me cackle, lol. Also, ahem, the fact that Bay is redder by each episode and clingy with Sun is too much, haha.

"Why would you want me to hate you so much?" — Sun
"I feel like I would go crazy every time you leave me." — Bay
"Please be my genuine, simple Sun again." — Bay

The one thing I mostly loved in this series is that it didn't force a new massive unnecessary conflict between main leads the way many series do. By episode 9, even though things got a little fudgy in Bay and Sun's relationship, it was such a relief that they didn't drag it out into a big quarrel. Bay was highly empathetic and understanding, and so was Sun. Both of them were excellent at listening to each other, putting their goals first, and remaining selfless and considerate in supporting one another. #healthyrelationshipgoals

Furthermore, Bay's father not accepting him lore felt a bit realistic. The whole thing about how Bay's livelihood changed and that his humorous father didn't instantly accept him was a surprise and close to reality. It reflected how pride, arrogance, and vainglory take over any close, comfortable relationship.

Now for my absolute favorite part of this series that I have gone more than a little berserk, lost my sanity over is seeing CHIMON. He is so freaking good!! I love him as Kong here. That little cutish, sheepish glamour he brings in every damn frame!! Ack, I can't; he's just too adorable. *crying.

Kong's presence provided a huge, refreshing contrast to Bay and Sun's rivalry-turned-romance! He was always there at every turn! And the way he eats—his cheeks are always filled completely!! (I collected plenty of pictures of him eating carelessly, lol.) I thoroughly enjoyed how flexible and more natural Chimon felt while playing Kong. I also loved how deliberately they made his character have a romantic interest that is a more-than-10-years-long discreet secret.

It was interesting how Kong was too witty with Boat. I liked their every simple, genuine, 'I-am-here-for-you-if-you-need-anything' moments. Finally, I adored Chimon's chemistry with Sing. It seemed like the pair, SingChimon is undemanding and more cosy.

Every single actor did an amazing job in this series. Even though it was a first-time experience for some of them, the acting felt incredibly natural. BaySun and BoatKong are just the absolute cutest pairs!