heera

“If meeting me hadn’t brought you so much misery, then could we see each other again?” — Lee Hyeon Jae

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, given the duration of the episodes. I loved how it felt short and yet, at the same time, whole—transitioning through its layers with each episode. The actors were amazing. Ha Jung Hoon did exceptionally well portraying that raw deprivation and emotional vulnerability. The way he nailed every expression of showering warmth while craving and yearning for the teacher's affection! It staggered me to see how his character, Lee Hyun-jae, who is quiet, isolated, and distrustful, cloaks himself as a brash troublemaker. He is someone who has entirely stopped expecting anyone to see him as a person, which brought so much curiosity to the story. I enjoyed the first few episodes immensely. Later, however, I must admit it didn't pique my interest as much, whether it was the pace or the script.

And how does one fall in love again? How does love bloom? Do just a few words of concern and comfort really move a soul? What does it take, and how much, for one to fall completely in love? Seeing Lee Hyun-jae made me ponder whether his 'love' for the teacher was true love or simply an attraction—an attachment he tried to weave because no one had ever shown concern for him before. How did his deserted soul instantly build an obsession and complete attachment to a teacher, driving him to go to extreme heights, even if it meant falling or being hurt by the public? And how does the teacher reciprocate that love? How does his heart waver for the younger student? Is it the boy's constant presence and unwithering, impulsive desire for him? The beginning of their love for one another was lost in blurred lights.

But I would say the series tried and succeeded in capturing the tone of dark, emotional, and complex relations, as the narrative focuses on emotional trauma, forbidden attraction, and the power imbalance of a teacher-student relationship. It carried the psychological toll and societal taboos of their bond with a solid intensity that gripped me the whole time.

Although I wasn't entirely into the second couple at first, their story became an instant highlight for me. I loved how the themes of pride and shame were deeply woven into Kim Jeong Ha and how they molded his embarrassment and the slight agony of confronting Park Seong Won (who was so gorgeous). Honestly, I was wholly taken aback by their confessions! I needed more of their scenes.

And I liked how it concluded with an open ending (I shall consider it that way), though I was a bit puzzled at first. This way, it ultimately emphasizes and weaves the story's themes more strongly, highlighting the difficulties of separating affection from responsibility and the consequences of their actions. Although there were a lot of unresolved things and it felt like the story got nowhere, it remained a truly interesting KBL.