lost in sub plots
This is my first time writing a review because this series left me with too much to say, both in admiration and in frustration.
The series had great potential but missed critical marks that could have made it unforgettable.
Starting with the intimacy: I had modest expectations, but even the emotional scenes like the hug felt underwhelming and lacked the emotional impact they deserved. The protagonists were starved of meaningful development, and the focus was scattered unnecessarily into subplots like tennis and music.
The most frustrating part was how much narrative weight the side couple received.
Their slow-burn romance was tender and well-developed to the point where it felt like they were the true protagonists.
Meanwhile, the main couple’s relationship was barely allowed to breathe.
Even by the second-last episode, instead of deepening the main emotional arc, the series chose to showcase the side character improving at tennis, a subplot that felt increasingly irrelevant to the emotional heart of the story.
It was genuinely frustrating to see precious screen time spent on character achievements in sports, while the actual romance between the leads was left undeveloped and unsatisfying.
While I appreciate the climactic structure of the final episode, it’s disappointing that the love interest only became vocal and expressive at the very end.
Until then, he remained so tightly written that it was difficult to connect with him or invest fully in the main couple’s journey.
I haven’t read the manhwa, so I can't speak about the adaptation accuracy.
But based solely on the drama, it’s clear that the series had incredible potential, especially with such talented actors at the helm. Instead, the narrative focus shifted heavily onto side plots like music, tennis, and personal dream struggles — giving the side couple an almost protagonist-level arc. Meanwhile, the main leads didn’t even share one truly memorable romantic moment, making it hard to stay emotionally engaged.
In the end, it’s a series that shines in parts but ultimately leaves you wanting so much more from the story that should have mattered most.
With a little more focus on the main relationship and character development, it could have been something unforgettable.
The series had great potential but missed critical marks that could have made it unforgettable.
Starting with the intimacy: I had modest expectations, but even the emotional scenes like the hug felt underwhelming and lacked the emotional impact they deserved. The protagonists were starved of meaningful development, and the focus was scattered unnecessarily into subplots like tennis and music.
The most frustrating part was how much narrative weight the side couple received.
Their slow-burn romance was tender and well-developed to the point where it felt like they were the true protagonists.
Meanwhile, the main couple’s relationship was barely allowed to breathe.
Even by the second-last episode, instead of deepening the main emotional arc, the series chose to showcase the side character improving at tennis, a subplot that felt increasingly irrelevant to the emotional heart of the story.
It was genuinely frustrating to see precious screen time spent on character achievements in sports, while the actual romance between the leads was left undeveloped and unsatisfying.
While I appreciate the climactic structure of the final episode, it’s disappointing that the love interest only became vocal and expressive at the very end.
Until then, he remained so tightly written that it was difficult to connect with him or invest fully in the main couple’s journey.
I haven’t read the manhwa, so I can't speak about the adaptation accuracy.
But based solely on the drama, it’s clear that the series had incredible potential, especially with such talented actors at the helm. Instead, the narrative focus shifted heavily onto side plots like music, tennis, and personal dream struggles — giving the side couple an almost protagonist-level arc. Meanwhile, the main leads didn’t even share one truly memorable romantic moment, making it hard to stay emotionally engaged.
In the end, it’s a series that shines in parts but ultimately leaves you wanting so much more from the story that should have mattered most.
With a little more focus on the main relationship and character development, it could have been something unforgettable.
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