Mimicat

ROMANCE not bromance.

This is gay. ෆ

Im not joking, this show is more flaming than a pride parade float lmao.

This masterpiece of chaotic gay tension masquerading as a school drama has no business being as homoerotic as it is. I watched it expecting a fun, angsty teen soap and ended up screaming at my screen like it owed me emotional reparations ffs.

So we have Saint and Shin, two former besties turned raging enemies forced back into each other’s lives when their schools merge. Saint, the cold, stonefaced heartbreaker who apparently majored in being dead inside spends his days ignoring everyone like he is allergic to eye contact. And then there is Shin ♡ bless his hot-tempered, heart-on-sleeve self, who is ready to blow a gasket every time Saint so much as breathes in his direction.

I am telling ya'll, THE TENSION between these two could power the national grid. Every time I watched them on screen together, I felt like I was committing a fucking crime because the way they look at each other is illegal in at least 23 countries I'm not even joking. Shakespeare himself would be clutching his pearls.

Also the flashbacks are so sadistic because they just drip with the bittersweet remnants of a beautiful friendship and they give you just enough “we were once so happy” moments to leave you screaming at the screen, "JUST TELL ME WHAT WENT WRONG!" And when the big reveal finally drops...well no spoilers but let’s just say Saint didn’t exactly follow the friendship handbook.

And the acting is also so DAMN good. Their scenes have me convinced they are soulmates in some alternate universe or possibly in THIS one because they are fooling exactly no one.

My only regret is that these two didn’t get thrown into an actual BL because they are serving LOVERS so hard. They are giving us slow burn. They are giving us tortured yearning. They are giving us “I’d rather stab myself than admit I love you but oh god I love you so much”. Honestly, Saint and Shin have more chemistry in one glare than half the official BL couples out there. No shade GMMTV, but shade.

Side note: shoutout to Mark's character, who has autism and brings some genuinely refreshing and much-needed representation. He is so fucking precious, authentic and provides a nice breather from the on-screen storm that is Saint and Shin’s "friendship" crisis. NGL Mark is probably the only sane one here, while everyone else is busy having emotional stare-downs or fighting.

So, to sum it up: High School Frenemy is the most non-BL, BL series that ever non-BLed. It’s filled with emotions, teenage angst, broken limbs, unresolved sexual tension and enough romantic subtext to sink the Titanic. You will laugh, you will cry and you will absolutely scream at the screen, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” ♡

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More Than a Romance

At first, you may think this is just one more old cliche about two brothers who fall in love. But it's much more than that. It's a beautiful coming of age that digs into feelings of being alone, finding out who you are, love and handling hurt. It goes deep into the youth and not just the easy parts. If you are waiting for a usual boys' love story, think again because this one stays with you. It might even make you bawl your eyes out and leave you wanting more when it ends.

Let's start with Jiang Tian, he is such a deep character, he has many sides and holds a lot of sad feelings. He keeps his emotions hid as if they are dark secrets he does not want to disclose to the world because he is afraid. His past and the marks he has, both in and out, have made him into someone who wants to be near others but is also scared of it. That's when Sheng Wang steps in. What I like is that he doesn’t hit Tian’s life hard like a wrecking ball but rather gently nudges him to drop his guard down.

The two main leads are thrown together because of their parents and suddenly they’re supposed to act like brothers. But they definitely don’t feel like siblings at all. Right from the beginning, there’s this tension - it's not bad, but its definitely not the typical sibling vibe. They are trying to understand each other and coexist but you can feel something brewing underneath even if neither of them is ready to admit it yet.

And yes, it’s a slow burn (a thing that many people did not like) but that’s the beauty of it for me. It pulls you in with all the little moments - quick touches, secret glances and the way they look at each other when they think no one is watching. These tiny details make your heart race. The way their hands accidentally brush together (or maybe not so accidentally) and the gentle, lingering looks they share are all done so subtly - it’s just beautiful.

And it's not only about love, it's also about healing. Wang is gently aiding Tian in facing the pain he has held for ages, just by staying by his side and showing him it's fine to open up and let someone in. And Tian is showing Wang that love can be tough. At times, the ones you hold dear are the toughest to reach, but they are worth the hard work.

And the actors are just amazing. It's not often you see roles played with so much truth. You can sense their sadness, their silent wants and the love they share. Each look and each touch is full of meaning. They act with a rawness that makes it all seem real and nothing feels hurried. This makes their bond really stand out. You are not just seeing love, you are watching it grow, bit by bit.

NOTE ABOUT THE ENDING

I thought the ending was okay but it left some things unresolved. There were moments that felt a bit unsatisfying but since they seem to be hinting at a second season (even without official confirmation) it makes sense. They didn’t rush the plot and allowed the story to develop slowly and thoughtfully. If we’re lucky enough to get a season 2 then we’ll likely see their relationship fully blossom which feels like the natural next step after all this gradual buildup.

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A Step Forward in Danmei

The story sticks pretty close to the novel which a lot of fans will totally vibe with. But one big issue is how they handled the non-consensual scenes. Instead of taking those moments seriously - they were kind of romanticized which is definitely misleading. In my opinion they could have been way more thoughtful about this to show a more responsible perspective of those heavy themes but I do not fully blame them because they did follow the book after all.

On the flip side - the actors really killed it! Their chemistry brought a lot of authenticity to the adaptation, I really loved how they looked at eachother and the kisses were pretty decent too. And even with a limited budget, the creative team made it look pretty impressive.

So overall I think this adaptation is a promising step for the genre. It features Chinese actors and culturally relevant elements and it sets a new standard for future projects. Its awesome to see a production that respects the source material in the DANMEI world. Sure, there are some areas that need a bit more care and improvement but this is a meaningful move towards more nuanced and culturally accurate representations of danmei literature.

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I can't let ChiWei go....

When I started this, I thought I was just going to watch a new show but I didn’t know I was signing a contract to have my soul stolen and my emotions permanently hijacked. I’m sitting here, replaying the same scenes over and over like an addict because my brain refuses to move on.

Episodes 1–3 are the comedic bait. You’ll think, “aww, this is cute,” and you’ll be wrong. Episode 4 creeps in with the first sparks, Episode 5 straight-up injects serotonin into your bloodstream, and then Episode 10… god help you. That’s when it stops being a drama and starts being the most gorgeous, sensual, heart-aching romance you’ll ever see.

Please. I am begging you. Do not drop it after Episode 1. Give it five episodes. Let it get under your skin. Let it ruin you. You will lose sleep. You will think about them at random moments during the day. You’ll be laughing like an idiot one second and clutching your chest the next.

♡

detailed review, may contain spoilers

So. ARE WE OKAY? Because I’m not. I’m so far from okay. I miss them. I want to cry and throw up just thinking about their journey and how far they have come.

I remember the first episodes, Chi Cheng walked into every scene like he could crush Suowei without even trying, and at first, he would have. He was intrigued but also in control. And Suowei, my clever little fox, my scheming troublemaker...he thought he could keep it all a game. He had no idea that every sly smile, every bratty comeback was driving Chi Cheng out of his mind.

So watching the shift of Chi Cheng go from a man who could pin Suowei against a wall just to make a point… to a man who would drop everything if Suowei so much as frowned?? WRECKED. ME. He went from “you’re my toy” to “you’re my everything.” The same hands that could wrap around Suowei’s throat without hesitation now tremble if Suowei’s in pain. Yeah, he still grabs him by the throat sometimes BUT ONLY WHEN HE’S FUCKING HIM AND THAT’S DIFFERENT OKAY? IT'S AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT BIBLE OF HAND PLACEMENT.

Agh anyway, its just so beautiful to see how Chi Cheng looks at him in the later episodes...like this is a man who started at the top and ended up metaphorically (and probably literally) at Suowei’s feet. The dominance never fully left, but it warped into this worship that’s somehow more intense than any power play. He still has the strength to break him, but now he’d rather use that strength to shield him from the world.

And Suowei…I don’t think I’ve ever been so obsessed with a character’s development in my life. Chi Cheng’s arc destroyed me, yes, but Suowei’s reprogrammed my brain chemistry. I'M NOT EVEN JOKING.

Because like, we start with this man who is the definition of “straight man panic.” He’s dodging Chi Cheng’s touches. He’s rolling his eyes, making faces, acting like ewww NO HOMO every two seconds. He is CONVINCED he’s untouchable. He treats Chi Cheng like just another rich, arrogant bastard who thinks he can get whatever he wants. And I believed him! I thought, okay, this is gonna be one of those slow, reluctant-to-the-end situations.

But no. No, no, no.

Because little by little, without even realizing it, he starts needing the attention he pretends to hate. The touches stop feeling dangerous and start feeling like home. The man who used to swat Chi Cheng’s hands away is suddenly leaning into them. And then one day, he’s seeking them out.

I just love the way he went from “get away from me,” to climbing onto Chi Cheng’s back for a piggyback or nuzzling their cheeks together with this soft, stupid smile. The way he starts embracing the entire truth about himself. His sexuality. His feelings and he’s PROUD of it. He’s not hiding anymore. He’s not embarrassed. He’s not dodging.

He goes from looking at Chi Cheng like, “ugh, you’re annoying,” to looking at him like, “you are my most precious person in the whole damn world.” And you see it. In the way his face softens, in the way he looks at Chi Cheng like he’s something holy, in the way he reaches for him without thinking.

And here’s the part that absolutely obliterated me...in most BLs, the “submissive” role rarely shows this much affection back. The dominant one does all the simping, all the chasing, all the worshipping, while the other just accepts it. But Suowei breaks that in half. He loves LOUD. He adores Chi Cheng so openly.

By the end, Suowei is pulling him in, holding him there, not letting him go. He’s soft and sweet and filthy and bold and shameless, and the pride he takes in their love is so fucking pure.

I want to rewatch the whole thing just to see every micro-shift in his eyes as he falls deeper and deeper until there’s no escape.

Their journey was amazing, and I will never, ever stop praising the actors for it. Like, story aside, the chemistry aside, these two performed their asses off.

I’ve seen plenty of BLs, plenty of good couples, but this was something else entirely.

Ziyu… ZIYU HAS FUCKING WRECKED ME. The emotional range he brought to Suowei especially in those moments of vulnerability is unmatched. Take the scenes when Wang Shou came back. Suowei had to play that insecure boyfriend role, and I was scared. I was scared it might tip into that annoying, desperate, borderline pathetic portrayal that I’ve seen too many times. But no. Ziyu nailed it. He made Suowei’s insecurity feel real.

And don’t even get me started on Episode 19. I swear, that was his episode. The one that cements him as a powerhouse. The scenes with his mom...Oh my god. I was emotionally gutted.

And then there’s Tian Xuning. No less legendary. I have NEVER seen a BL “dominant” character especially one with a BDSM element NOT make me cringe at least once. There’s always that one line delivery or one scene where you’re like, “okay, tone it down, buddy.” But Tian...my god, Tian pulled every single scene off flawlessly. He brought this heat, this precision, to Chi Cheng’s dominance that felt authentic and magnetic instead of forced. And it was hot. Like, dangerously hot.

But it wasn’t just the dominance. Tian’s emotional work was just as strong as Ziyu’s. If Ziyu’s masterpiece was Episode 19, then Tian’s was Episode 18. The way he broke in that episode...the tears, my god. This is a character who walks through the world in total control, and Tian made you feel the weight of losing that control, just for the person he loves. That’s not easy to pull off AT ALL.

And TBH these performances weren’t just good separately. The magic was in how they fed off each other. Ziyu’s vulnerability made Tian’s protectiveness hit harder. Tian’s dominance made Ziyu’s surrender feel more powerful.

I honestly think that’s why this drama will stick with me forever. Not just because of the story or the characters, but because Ziyu and Tian Xuning made me believe in them. They made me care about them like they were real. They made every high higher, every low lower.

I am ruined for other BLs. I am ruined for other actors. And I will die on this hill: what they did here was lightning in a bottle, and I don’t think we’ll see anything quite like it again.

I will say this though...the quality is not high. There are definitely moments where the execution wobbles, where the plot could’ve been tighter, where certain scenes feel a little rushed or undercooked. I know for some people, that might be enough to knock it down a few points. But I rate shows based on my enjoyment, and those flaws were barely registered while I was watching.

Because MY ENJOYMENT WAS THROUGH THE ROOF. Like, I was floating. I didn’t care about shaky pacing or low-budget moments, I cared about them. The chemistry, the growth, the obsession, the way they made me feel like I was living inside their story… that’s what I’ll remember forever.

So yeah. I’m giving it a 10. Not because it’s “perfect” by objective standards, but because for me, it was. I will forever love them. I miss them already. I adore them in a way that makes me want to rewatch every single second just to feel that high again.

ꨄ

I am devastated to let them go.

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Certified Immortality Clowns

I honestly thought the title "Immortality" was clever at first but little did I know it was actually a prophecy about how long we’d be waiting for this drama to air. At this point, I feel like I’ve lived three lifetimes, reincarnated twice, and still there’s no release date.

The posters are gorgeous. The cast is perfect. The hype is through the roof. And then... nothing. Just radio silence, broken only by the occasional whisper of a rumor or some vague promise of “soon.” Soon? When?! Are we measuring time in centuries now?

It’s gotten to the point where I check for updates daily, WAIT no, hourly, like a lunatic. I can’t even scroll through social media without being attacked by edits, fancams,and fan theories that only fuel my obsession. I’ve rewatched the same behind the scene's so many times I could probably reenact it by memory. In full costume.

I swear, if this drama doesn’t air soon, I’m going to lose it. Forget immortality, I’ll turn into a ghost and haunt the production team until they release it.

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Why Is This So Good??

OMG I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE INTRIGUED BY MEN WHO CAN GET PREGNANT LMAO

But here we are. This show is crazy high budget, and it shows, the visuals and the attention to detail feels premium. You can tell a ton of work went into it. And despite the fact that ABO stuff usually isn’t my thing (seriously, it’s not), I was fully hooked. It’s weirdly good and really intriguing so give it a try.

Anyway, for the confused and curious, here’s a quick crash course in the Omegaverse (ABO):

Alpha – The top of the hierarchy. Dominant, often temperamental, sometimes feral. They can impregnate Omegas. Often portrayed as aggressive, possessive, and very much in control.

Omega – The bottom of the hierarchy (socially, but in bed too👀). They can get pregnant, go into heat, and are sometimes described as self-lubricating. Male Omegas are just as fertile as females and are often portrayed as more delicate or emotionally intense.

Beta – The "normies" of the system. They’re often background characters or emotional buffers between Alphas and Omegas. Some works ignore them entirely.

Enigma – The holy shit what is that tier. A rare and terrifyingly powerful Alpha variant that can impregnate literally anyone, including other Alphas. Their dominance overrides everything. They’re the “alpha of Alphas,” and people in-universe often have no defense against their presence.

This review will be edited when the show stops airing.

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Slow Burn, Big Feels

This series pretty much has it all tbh, there is action, drama and romance with a provocative plot. The characters are well-developed too, the story is interesting and the visuals are really pretty to look at. Plus, it doesn’t shy away from real-world issues so if you are tired of cookie romances and want something fresh then please add it to your list because any series that can make you root for a heist-loving rebel with a heart of gold is worth your time.

The Master of Disguise: Joker

He is my favorite character ♡ he has a very suave and charming demeanor but under all that there is a man crushing under the expectations of his parents who only show love if he meets their impossible standards, so to cope he channels his energy into becoming a modern-day Robin Hood and I think that his moral ambiguity makes him a fascinating ML. My man is waging a one-man war against oppressive wealth inequality while trying to find his own freedom from familial pressure.

The Heartbroken Fighter: Jack

His story is a polar opposite yet equally heartbreaking. He begins as an idealistic, shy young man with dreams of becoming a taekwondo champion and opening his own school. But life throws him a cruel curveball because he ends up being forced to become a debt collector to survive, he transforms into someone unrecognizable, hard and intimidating on the outside but still tender and kind within. I think watching Jack grapple with his duality was one of the things I loved the most ngl. He’s a man trying to reconcile who he was with who he has become.

Jack & Joker together :

The relationship between these two is the heart of the show. They start from strangers to friends, then to enemies and finally lovers, they go through so many stages to end up where they do and it's slow but I personally think it's refreshing to see a BL series that takes its time building a relationship between the leads, plus their chemistry is off the charts thanks to YinWar. You can tell these two actors trust and understand each other deeply because whether they are working through misunderstandings, confronting their pasts or supporting each other in the present, they always nail the emotions head on.

Cinematography :

In my opinion, the series is stunning to the eyes which is a rare feat in BL dramas lmaoo but here, the cinematography catches the glittering and superficial opulence of the wealthy with the gritty realities of poverty really good.

Social Commentary :

I have to mention this because the heavy themes in this show are really worth paying attention to, like wealth disparity, family expectations and identity without feeling preachy, these were all subjects that really caught my attention. They went deep in how society shapes us and the lengths we go to in order to break free from the chains.

The Main Cast:

I just fucking love them. Their chemistry is just so damn good y'all, their emotional beats hit hard and they bring so much to their characters like it's so obvious how much they worked for this show, they have poured their hearts into these roles so PLEASE GO WATCH it. You won’t regret it.


➭SPOILERS AHEAD - DETAILED INSIGHT

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First, let me start by saying that Tattoo’s character development was really good. I’ll admit it tho at first, I couldn’t stand him. His decisions seemed selfish, reckless and frustrating. But then I started to understand where he was coming from. He was someone desperate for a better life, for a chance to escape the endless cycle of poverty and the choices he made were just about survival. It’s heartbreaking when you realize that desperation can push even the kindest souls to do things they wouldn’t normally consider but by the end, I found myself really liking his character.. Ahem..with Aran. I SHIP THEM SO BAD OKAY?


An other thing I have to mention is that I absolutely cannot stand the father. Every single scene with him had me seething lmao. The way he treats Joke is beyond infuriating, it’s hella toxic, I mean the constant belittling, the endless disapproval, and the way he dismisses every effort Joke makes ( ͡° ʖ̯ ͡°) I deadass think he was actively trying to destroy his own son. How can you call yourself a parent when all you do is tear your child down, leaving them feeling like nothing they do will ever be enough?

What makes it worse is that he doesn’t even try to understand Joke or his choices. Instead, he clings to this outdated, rigid sense of control expecting blind obedience while offering zero support. It’s no fucking wonder Joke feels like he has to bury so much of himself just to survive under that man’s shadow. Tbh watching their interactions made me sick because you can see how much damage the father’s words and actions have done to Joke’s confidence and that little redemption shit they tried to give him wasn't enough for him, sorry but I can not and WILL NOT forgive that man, he is literally emotionally abusive and Joke deserved better.

Lastly I will say that I am absolutely floored by our main leads ღ The way Jack and Joker started as complete strangers, slowly growing into something that could have been so much more. Sometimes, I catch myself wondering, what if Joker had never gone to that bank? What if Jack had never felt betrayed? Would things have been different? Well I'll never know ಥ_ಥ but seeing Jack so hardened by everything he had been through was painful however after the time skip, when his eyes met Joker’s, I didn’t see hate in his gaze ngl, not for one second. I don’t think Jack ever really hated Joker. Deep down, I think he hated himself. He carried so much guilt, so much anger and Joker became an easy target for it. But as he let go of that anger as he forgave Joker, he started to find himself again and the way their friendship rekindled so slowly, so naturally was what made it all the more powerful. There was no rush, no shortcuts, just a slow rebuilding of trust. Watching them fall for each other, piece by piece, moment by moment, felt really satisfying after all the emotions I have been put through with this show. At the end I think it was more about healing than just love. They became each other’s safe haven.

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Honey as Lube, GO WATCH IT

THIS IS SO GOOD. Like actually GOOD good, not “I watch for the pretty faces” good (although yes, the faces are stunning). But I mean well-written, emotionally intelligent, gorgeously acted good. The chemistry between the leads is off the charts and Im pretty sure they are not acting, they are in a whole relationship and forgot to tell us. (I am in fact delulu)

Anyway the chemistry between jin and akin is ridiculous. These two accidentally invented a new form of communication via eye contact because GOD DAMN, the way they orbit each other?? the tension?? the softness?? it’s so natural it makes other shows look like staged table reads. (Ya I am shading some bl's so what) THE POINT IS...it’s warm. it’s intense. it’s addictive.

The writing is tight, thoughtful and they actually use the characters' personalities and histories to drive the story, not just to sprinkle in backstory when it's convenient. everything connects.

Ok now let’s get into why boom and smart are actual sorcerers.

Boom’s physical acting is a whole experience. like, the man acts from his spine, from his kneecaps, you can tell what his character is feeling from the way he slumps his shoulders or tightens his hands. He uses his body language so so well.
And Smart’s vocal acting is unreal. the way he shifts tone depending on who he’s talking to, what he wants, what he’s scared of...ugh it’s so precise and layered. Sometimes he says something soft and i’m like “oh no... oh NO he means that.” his voice will crack just a little and suddenly I am spiraling.

And their scenes together?? good god, all of it is magnetic. I was locked in. The range is INSANE. like one minute I was laughing because akin is being a lovable menace and the next I am pausing the show to just BREATHE.

And YES. yes. there is a certain infamous scene involving HONEY (I know ya'll came in here for that trending honey scene) which sounds unhinged (because it is) but it’s also deeply emotional and a whole metaphor for love and indulgence and knowing someone so well you can give them exactly what they crave. It’s symbolic and it’s sweet and yes jin knows what akin likes and wants to give him everything and that is beautiful. I was deeply moved and deeply stressed. Peak television. okay, I want to frame it and then power wash it.

I hope boom and smart get everything after this. I hope they win awards. I hope they get roles that challenge them and let them show all the layers they have clearly got stored up. And I hope everyone watches this show so they can scream about it with me.

WATCH IT, fall in love. and text your friends “YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS” every 5 minutes. (Because mine screamed at me after saying I will drop it at episode 1, I picked it up and I love it so give it more than one chance please)

You’re welcome.

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OhmLeng Deserved Better

I was genuinely hyped for this show. With Ohm in the lead, there is always a promise of natural chemistry, especially with a new face like Leng. The trailer painted a picture of darker themes in my head, I mean, a kidnapping subplot? Intriguing, right? It seemed like this could be one of GMMTV’s more serious or emotionally grounded series, maybe even a hidden gem but I was wrong.

➬ Plot and Execution

To put it as nicely as I can, it's a dumpster fire. It feels like they pulled random ideas out of a hat and slapped them together without any thought lmao. I think they cater to a 12-year-old audience while simultaneously throwing in themes that should never be anywhere near a show for kids. A kidnapping subplot? Really? How do you take that and mix it with juvenile humor? It’s embarrassing and that's not to say a show can't be dark and funny at the same time but it has to be well done which isn't the case here. The storyline is not only predictable but it’s also shallow as fuck, there is no substance whatsoever.

➬Tone and Pacing

This is where things went completely off the rails. The tone oscillates wildly from (attempted) intense drama to cringeworthy + over-the-top humor which makes it nearly impossible to get emotionally invested. One moment, I was watching a serious “kidnap” scenario that should be thrilling or tense and the next it’s as if the characters are filming a skit lmao. This back and forth annoyed me a lot. I’m not sure what they were aiming for but whatever it was, they didn’t reach it and the pacing is equally disjointed which makes the show feel like a mishmash of scenes rather than a cohesive story. Important moments are rushed while trivial scenes drag on smh.

➬ Character and Performance Analysis

Ohm → is as talented as ever but even he struggles to shine under this weak script. I can see he is trying his best but with stilted dialogue and poor plot development, there is only so much he can do. It’s disappointing to see an actor with his range stuck in a story that doesn’t even let him showcase half his potential.

Leng → For a first-time lead, Leng isn’t doing a bad job but he does need improvement. He has potential, his charm comes through and he has an innate sweetness that works well for his character but again the plot leaves him stranded. Even with great chemistry with Ohm, the weakass dialogue makes it difficult for him to deliver anything memorable.

➬ Chemistry and Romance

Ohm and Leng have a good on-screen chemistry which is honestly the only reason to keep watching. But even that suffers due to the poor writing. Romantic scenes that should feel sincere instead feel forced and hollow and this is mainly because of the misplaced humor. With a better script, these two could have delivered a very good romance.

➬ Overall Production Quality

While the show looks pretty decent, the direction is inconsistent with no clear vision guiding it and don't even get me started on those damn cakes they keep shoving on my screen, I know sponsorship isn't new to GMMTV and this is something that has always pissed me off because there are show's that make the Ads very subtle and then there are other's who shove it in my face, like this one.

➬ Final Thoughts

Watching this has been frustrating because GMMTV has access to talented actors but instead of capitalizing on that talent and creating good stories, they are more focused on quantity over quality. This series feels like a product made for the sake of staying in the game, rather than any real effort to push BL forward.

Why I am watching? → Out of respect for Ohm and Leng because they deserve so much better. I hope GMMTV takes note of the show’s shortcomings and reconsiders their approach in the future but I have no hopes lmao.

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A BL You Can’t Miss

This is everything a BL fan can only dream of: just the right mix of a good plot, super-high-intense chemistry and cinematography that is seriously mind-blowing. From the first episode, you can already feel the magic brewing between Great and Tyme. Their acting is so good, they are one of those pairings that just make you hold your breath in anticipation every time they share a scene.

What makes it even more special is seeing Bible take on this role in a unique way. His performance as a character who is flustered and caught off guard by Tyme’s presence is both cute and surprisingly meaningful. Watching him struggle with his emotions is very endearing and makes their interactions even more heartwarming. It’s nice to see this kind of vulnerability, especially in a BL series where those tender moments can feel very real.

The way their story develops requires your full attention because, although it may seem quick on the surface, when you really get into it, you'll see how intricate and deep their relationship is. Each look, each conversation, carries a lot of meaning. It's like uncovering layers to find their emotions, and trust me, it's worth the time to fully understand.

Visually? Oh. My. Gosh. Every frame looks like it was crafted with so much care and the cinematography just takes your breath away. The use of color and lighting doesn’t just make things look pretty (though it does), it adds meanings to the story. The way certain hues are used to highlight emotions or underline the tension between characters is just… chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of show where every detail counts and those tiny touches in the visual storytelling make the whole experience richer.

And this cast, wow, they really hit the mark. Every actor adds something special, making their characters feel so real that you almost forget you're watching a TV show. The connection between the main characters is fantastic, and it's not just the romantic parts that work well - it's all the emotions they show. They've created characters that feel complex and easy to relate to, which is what really draws you into their story.


Episode 8 EXTRA REVIEW

The ending wasn’t perfect but I'm not mad at it. Could the main leads have had more time to bloom and more space to grow? Absolutely. Yet in the end, what I got was closure and sometimes that’s all the heart craves.

Spoilers unfold from here, so tread carefully.

Great and Tyme -- oh my greatness, what an odyssey they traveled. Their love wasn’t confined to just one world or one life but stretched across time itself. Three lives, three timelines and in each one, they found each other. They fell for each other, not once but three times over, each time a little deeper, a little more profound. And the miracle? They remember. Every glance, every touch, every fall from every world, they carry it all.

Can you imagine? The same soul, found again and again in different universes, until your heart can barely contain it?

And the way they change each other… it’s more than growth, it’s transformation. Tyme breathes life into Great’s fractured soul. He makes him better, stronger, softer. He leads him to his truth, until Great is standing at the crossroads of his life and chooses redemption. He turns himself in and takes responsibility for his past. And it’s Tyme who gave him that strength to face the fire.

But Great - he pulls Tyme from the abyss. He’s Tyme’s peace, the reason he lets go of his vengeance. Tyme who was drowning in darkness, in rage, he could’ve taken his revenge, ended his enemy, but he chose a different path. A softer one. He chose Great. He chose love. The healing between them is sacred like they are stitching the pieces of themselves together, thread by fragile thread, each one held by the other.

And in the end, they choose the real world - the messy, bruised, beautiful reality where their love can thrive, no matter how many scars it bears.

But then there’s Tonkla and Korn - and oh, how different their story is. I’m sorry to the Win and Tonkla shippers, but there was always something… unsettling in that dynamic. Win’s connection to Tonkla was surface-level at best, a shallow crush built on fleeting moments. But Korn? His love for Tonkla was deep, forged in years of devotion, even if it was twisted and tangled in darkness. Some might say Korn didn’t truly love Tonkla but I disagree. He started that whole dangerous business because he wanted a future, one where they could be together, where they didn’t have to hide. But power consumed him. He lost himself in the journey.

And in the last episode, when Korn lost everything, his power, his control, it didn’t matter. Because in his mind, he still had Tonkla. That was all that kept him going. But then he lost his baby, his one last tether to hope. And in that moment, the weight of the world crushed him. He couldn’t bear the thought of living without Tonkla. So, with a heart already shattered, he chose to escape. A bullet, a split-second decision and he surrendered to the dream. A world where reality couldn’t touch them, where they could be together forever in an untouchable fantasy. In that dream, they are safe, preserved in a perfect, tragic eternity.

And this is where the contrast shines. Great and Tyme chose the bitter reality, the world that hurts and heals, the world where love has to fight to survive but where it’s real, where it’s alive. Meanwhile, Tonkla and Korn, they chose the dream, the fantasy where nothing could break them, but nothing could grow either. They chose a love that was frozen in time, safe from the world but suffocated by it too.

Great and Tyme, chose the sun, the warmth of something real, the promise of a future where they can grow and change and live. It’s painful, it’s imperfect but it’s theirs. Tonkla and Korn, they chose the moon, a cold, distant dream, beautiful in its stillness but untouched by the life that burns outside it.

And that’s the beauty of it all. Love doesn’t just live in happy endings; it lives in the choices we make. It lives in the worlds we choose to build or abandon. ✨ And for Great and Tyme, their love is something that can stand in the light, scarred but whole. Meanwhile, for Tonkla and Korn, their love is a shadow, beautiful, but fleeting, forever lost in a world that never truly existed.

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My boyfriend is an Idol.

The series does a great job of portraying the reality of idol groups and how they are constantly under scrutiny, how internal conflicts and competition can arise and how difficult it can be to maintain unity when the industry often pits members against one another. I appreciated how the show tackled the issue of favoritism, where one member is pushed into the spotlight while others are sidelined. That’s a very real struggle for many groups.

Now, when it comes to the romantic side of the show, I have to say, I really liked it. Thame and Po are the definition of green flags. Their relationship was built on patience, care and understanding. Thame’s attentiveness toward Po, the way he never rushed him and always made sure he felt safe, was just so refreshing. Some of their scenes made me feel like I was experiencing a first crush all over again hehe. Their relationship just felt sooo pure, yet deep.

However, I do have some critiques. The first half of the show was excellent but the second half lost some of its momentum. The two episodes focused on Jun and Po felt unnecessary to me. I understand why that subplot was there and I know some people connected with it but personally, I felt it took time away from the core of the story. I would have much preferred more focus on Thame and Po’s development instead.

The breakup arc was another part that didn’t entirely land for me. It was realistic given how brutal the entertainment industry can be, a relationship like theirs was bound to face challenges. I saw it coming and I understood why it happened but at the same time, it felt a bit frustrating since their romance was already such a slow burn, they barely had time to fully be together before they were torn apart again. It created a bit of emotional whiplash for me...I get the drama of it but I wish we had more time to actually see them as a couple before the conflict hit.

That being said, the chemistry between the leads was really amazing. And the kisses left me gasping. Both actors did an amazing job, not just them but the entire cast delivered strong performances. Every character, even the side ones, felt fully realized and I liked that.

Overall, while I had some issues with the pacing and a few plot choices, I still enjoyed it and I hope to see WilliamEst in a new project again.

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Revenge Never Looked So Good

The title of the drama 春花厌 {Chūn Huā Yàn} means "The Withering Spring Blossom." I feel this is important because it holds the key to the surface of the story but also to the tragedy that the characters are going through. In Chinese, 春花 {chūn huā} means "Spring Blossom": something vibrant and full of life. On the other hand 厌 (yàn) shows feelings of disgust or waiting for things to go awry, like Mei Lin's spirit who was once colorful but now it wears down and withers. ╥﹏╥

The story begins with Prince Murong Jing He - the proud commander of the Weibei Army who successfully reclaims Qingzhou {a lost territory of the Great Yan Dynasty} It’s supposed to be his crowning achievement and a chance to be known as a hero. But things turn dark because a massive fire breaks out soon after he takes back the city and it burns everything in its path and leaving only ruins sorrow behind. Rumors spread everywhere and soon people are branding Murong Jing He as the "Butcher General" They accuse him of ordering the city’s destruction as punishment for Qingzhou’s "betrayal" of Great Yan. His victory turns into something dark and now he is painted as a cold-hearted killer rather than a savior.

Then we meet Mei Lin who is a young girl who loses everything in the flames of Qingzhou. Her entire family is gone and her bright future is reduced to ashes. She now hates Murong Jing He, who she believes is responsible for her pain. She is devastated and alone so she swears to make him pay. Mei Lin joins a secret organization known as the Shadow Works, where she undergoes years of punishing training and physical suffering, she is even made to consume a deadly poison to prove that she can survive.

After years of training, Mei Lin is finally assigned to kill her target aka Prince Murong Jing He. She is then disguised as one of a hundred Xiyan beauties sent to Great Yan in a political marriage alliance and infiltrates his world. She hides her true identity and becomes one of many beautiful faces in the court while she plans to fulfill her vow of vengeance.

But here is the kicker, hehe (ˊ˘ˋ*): Mei Lin doesn't know that Murong Jing He is in fact the mastermind of her life right now and the one behind the Shadow organization she joined. He manipulated the events behind the scenes to ensure she turned into his assassin. In a very twisted way, she has been working her way through a path he had always planned before her because she was blinded by her hate and was willing to follow anyone who could lead her to be successful in her revenge.

But while she is trying to kill him, the sparks between Mei Lin and Murong Jing He are so intense that half the time, I was just thinking "Wait, do they want to kill each other or kiss?" Spoiler: it’s definitely both and it’s absolute fire lmao. I felt like watching the most dangerous love game ever where survival is on the line and the weapons are swords, poisoned tea and those looks they keep giving each other. I think it was part a deadly chess match, part flirtation and I was just screaming at the screen like “JUST KISS ALREADY!” But also “Wait, don’t trust him GIRL!” my emotion's were all over the place ngl because one second they were swinging swords at each other and the next they were exchanging horny stares across the room. It was too much for my brain.

Leaving that aside, even more than the amazing hate-to-love plot, another thing I liked about this show is the psychological part. I mean, you see cool martial arts (and they are great and very badass), but from the start, it felt like the true fight was in Mei Lin's thoughts. She wants revenge but also fights with herself about if the prince is the beast she has been told. You get caught up in her inner fight. Do you cheer for her to beat him, or do you hope they join up and set the world on fire together? (I picked the second one from episode 1, to be honest)

Regarding the male lead, I really loved him because he isn’t just some villainous warlord, the show does a good job giving him mystery and charisma so that you are constantly guessing his true intentions. I love him - he is definitely one of my top “red flags turned green.” As the episodes went on and I started seeing the way he cares about Mei Lin, my heart went weak at him all the damn time. He goes from “dangerous enemy” to “obsessed protector” and I am a sucker for that trope.

The female lead is amazing as well. She is not your typical soft and naive character we are used to in cdramas - she is fierce and has this tough exterior that instantly sets her apart. And I love that beneath all that strength, she is still soft and deeply caring especially when it comes to the main lead. Once their love kicks off, she shows this warmth and loyalty that just melts your heart. She is both a fighter and a lover.

And visually, this show pops. I mean the ethereal landscapes and the detailed costumes look like they belong in a museum, everything is so beautiful, most scenes were a FEAST for my eyes ffs, everything looked so dreamlike especially when the energy between the two leads takes over. It’s like the entire world shrinks down to just the two of them, fighting, plotting, and yearning. Wu Jin Yan and Liu Xue Yi are pure fire on screen, their chemistry legit radiates more heat than that flame which killed 100k people.


Why 8.0?

SPOILER AHEAD – DON’T READ UNLESS YOU FINISHED THE SHOW

I think the last episode was just completely unnecessary. The novel this show is based on actually gives the characters a happy ending, so for the show to go the sad route just doesn’t make any sense to me. After all the build-up, all the intense character development and the way their love grows through betrayal, danger, and everything in between, the tragic ending feels like a slap in the face. They had so much potential as a couple and both Mei Lin and Murong Jing He deserved a real chance at happiness after everything they went through.

If the original source material had a tragic ending, maybe it would have felt fitting or necessary to stay true to that tone. But in this case, it’s not even how the novel ends. Choosing a heartbreaking finish here feels like a forced twist that adds unnecessary sadness to an already intense story. In the end I think its a letdown to deviate so far from the source material, especially when a happy ending would have felt so satisfying and earned after all they went through. I genuinely think this choice was more about shock value than good storytelling and it’s disappointing when you consider how well they handled the rest of the show. Instead of leaving me with a sense of closure, it leaves me asking, “Why did it have to end like this?”

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Heartbreaking.

Bible has once again pulled out all the stops to reveal what a great actor he is! His performance was so moving, so beautifully enacted, so deliriously loaded with emotions, it really hit you right in the feels. Heartbreaking, yet so powerful; he just nailed it. Jes, whom I am less familiar with brought his A-game as well. You could see his experience and talent oozing out of every scene, and he was fantastic too. They could tell a super powerful love story, truly affecting, within 20 minutes of screen time for both.

To me, the story is all about the love between two people - one who loved too much and one who loved too little. It was a love for which Garn was ready to give everything; he poured his heart and soul into that love until his last breath. On the other hand, Tul chose to go by the expectations of society and so he went for a wife and child. He did not repent his choice, but somewhere in his heart, he felt sorry that his love for Garn was not strong enough to match Garn's feelings.

Seriously, they both did amazing! ꨄ

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Absence of Acceptance 대도시의 사랑법

From the very first scene, you know this show isn't here to play it safe. It hits hard and it tackles the kind of deep topics a lot of people avoid. Go Yeong's story feels painfully real, he is drowning under the expectations of his family, dealing with the constant judgment from society and on top of that struggling with the kind of love that consumes you but might never be enough. And there is also his mom's denial of his sexuality which isn't just a personal issue it's also showing what so many families go through. They love their kids but can't reconcile that love with the traditions they have been brought up to believe. The show doesn't sugarcoat this and it's not here to hand out easy answers. It is messy and uncomfortable, the way it is when you are queer in a world where acceptance is still trying to catch up.

And unlike with other shows, Go Yeong's growth isn't that epiphany that comes out of the blue and then suddenly everything just falls in place. It is slow and it is frustrating at times. The pressure of fitting into the mold wanted by society and family does not just disappear and the show keeps the tension alive. It's his story but at the same time it says something many people are feeling right now....the struggle of trying to figure out where you fit when the world is constantly shifting and when who you are is in direct conflict with who everyone expects you to be. And the beauty of it all is in the balance which is great because the show manages to be introspective and deep without tipping into melodrama and there are still these little moments of humor that remind you that even in the darkest times there is still room for joy.

Mi Ae is another key piece of this puzzle. She is proof of how important chosen family is especially in LGBTQ+ narratives. In a country like Korea where traditional family values are so embedded in the culture, acceptance doesn't always come from your biological family. Mi Ae and Go Yeong's relationship is showing that the people who really have your back aren't always the ones you share DNA with, they are the ones who choose to walk alongside you through the mess and the beauty of it all.

I think this show is a gutpunch in the best way possible. Messy love, identity and family are all told so delicately. I also really like how real these characters are: the struggles are real and it doesn't shy away from hard truths with respect to what being queer entails. Heartbreaking at times, hopeful at others and yet another reminder that love in all forms leaves its mark on you, even when the happy ending isn't there. I am STILL not over it!

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Three men, one love.

Kim Nam-gyu : He represents the kind of love that Go Yeong wasn not prepared to face, it was intense, genuine and emotionally demanding. He is everything Go Yeong might have needed but wasn’t ready to reciprocate. Nam-gyu is the "what if" love, the one who could have been a transformative presence in Go Yeong’s life but circumstances, timing and Go Yeong's own hesitations held them back from ever fully realizing that potential. He is the person who stood on the edge of becoming something more, someone who could have brought stability but it never quite happened.

Youngso: He is the love that Go Yeong was finally ready for but the other one wasn’t prepared to meet him at the same place. Unlike the other relationships of his past, with Young-so, Go Yeong had reached a point of emotional maturity where he was willing to invest, to open up and to fully commit. He saw in Young-so the potential for something lasting, something real. But did not get the love he needed in return.

Gyu-ho: His true first love ♡ the one who he genuinely loved and who wholeheartedly loved him in return. There was no pretense in this, Gyu-ho was the love that Go Yeong needed, someone who truly saw him, accepted him and loved him for who he was. I think Yeong found a security that had been missing in his other relationships. It was a love built on understanding and care. He is the one who made him feel safe, seen, and wanted in a way no one else had. He was the anchor Go Yeong needed, the one who grounded him in a world that often felt unstable.

Gyu-ho was that person, the one who embodied everything Go Yeong had been searching for and at last found.

His only Wish.

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On that note, can we just take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent of the actors in this show? they are absolute STARS and they completely brought these characters to life in a way that left me SHOOK! Go Yeong is portrayed so sensible and I am just in awe of how the actor brought all those emotions out. You can literally see the struggles in his eyes, he perfectly shows us the heartache and longing that makes you root for him.

One last thing: as someone who has read the novel, I can confidently say they absolutely nailed it with this adaptation! they managed to keep the essence of the story intact while adding just the right amount of creativity to the characters and their struggles. You can tell the creators really understood the source material and respected the things that make it so impactful.

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VEGAS APOLOGIST

VEGAS PETE

Everything about their relationship flies in the face of all that I know is LOVE. This couple breaks into your vulnerability and turns you weak for them. They’re deeply, violently kinky, and that just does it for me, and no amount of moral's can make me doubt that what they have is real. Pete and Vegas are both people who protect their hearts, they have chains locked around their emotions so it's hard for them to define any of this. They are closed off to the world and maybe they will be each other's freedom but it starts as an understanding. Vegas is seeking validation so he doesn't want to hurt Pete because he is the only one who can provide it. He unlocks something new and exciting far from reality and beyond heaven but not hell. It's again something right but at the same time wrong. Their relationship simply can't be described in black and white. The last close-up in ep 12 is very important with Pete is smiling like he feels fulfilled about unlocking this side of him, he finally allowed his dark side to come to the surface and it's clear he feels liberated.

The dynamic between these two characters is too complex to decipher. Both of them wear professional crafted masks. Vegas is a psycho seemingly without empathy. Pete, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine with a layer of darkness underneath. Pete's desires are covered and Vegas is bringing them to the surface, we can already see that in episode 11-- he physically reacts when Vegas licks his face, his eyes close, he is shivering under vegas's tongue. Pete feels connected to Vegas because of his own childhood, they are bonding over their trauma and Vegas is reticent to connect with Pete but the chains are already tied between them both and there is no escape any more. Both Vegas and Pete will cave in irrevocably. And we can see the last drop of their self control when the hedgehog dies. Pete chooses to console him and Vegas willingly let's him. When Vegas hurts himself, Pete is finally discovering the unseen hatred he has towards himself and he tries to reason with him without success until Vegas brings his layered, cold behavior out again. He tries to lure Pete in a new game thinking he won't play along but Pete surprises him and takes the lead, easily winning. Vegas uses his body as a catalyst and it's electrifying. Their body language lays everything they feel bare for the audience to see. They are tiying the chains around them tighter, they strengthen their connection through physical attachment. An other thing I want to point out is Vegas's blood type. AB means universal receiver, he will take any love he can get because he's that starved for it and Pete's blood type is O which means universal donar, he has the capacity of loving anyone and this is a clear metaphor for the receiving dynamics and I admire the details in the show.

In the end Vegas is the one who is trapped. The same man who likes to be ahead of everyone, who is calculated enough to over do everyone, simply doesn't know what to do anymore. He is scared. He is actually afraid of the consequences because it'll all be like a chain reaction. He is the vulnerable one despite being free, he may not have physical restraints but I assure you his head is in a cage.

Now compared to the novel, their story seems to go faster than the speedlight, it's extremely rushed and I don't think that what they have is anything rational to begin with. To me it seems like they developed an emotional support that they gradually got addicted to. Vegas is layered with so much affection but there is an unabashed violence to this because of his trauma as for Pete, he seems to free himself into chains, he was masked with this fake appearance his entire life and now Vegas undressed him, leaving his dark side exposed and Pete can finally be himself. Vegas is the other way around, he can be evil when he pleases but his sensitivity must be hidden from the world, with Pete he is able to let it out. They are literally like Yin and Yang. They need each other for balance. Pete needs Vegas to be dark and Vegas needs Pete to be light. It's not love, it's balance.

The scene where Pete was "eating" the ramyeon and breaks down crying reminded me that he is alone, no one really knows him beside Vegas.

Vegas and Pete can't kill each other because if one of them dies, the other will crumble. If one of them is hurt the other one will shatter in pain. That's why Pete couldn't pull the trigger.

They honestly broke my heart, together & individually.

Also can we talk about the tenderness with which vegas treats Pete in the moments where he lets himself be vulnerable? He looks at Pete like he's the most precious thing he's ever laid his eyes on, he touches him as if he was a fragile treasure that was too frail to break. Especially when he comes down from his anger and suddenly turns into a little puppy, you see his eyes change and you realize he is guided by his feelings for Pete.

Honestly, even though their story is going faster than expected it surprises me how a few episodes managed to get me this invested, the writers are following through with all the angst and twisted devotion between them and it's truly gratifying to watch. I think the development was carefully done and rightfully so because it's a very complex story and I’m so happy both characters have been given adequate time to process their individual trauma and desires.

KINNPORSCHE

Porsche and Chay display their affection through physical service act of service, their care is established properly and visibly. And for kinn is the exact opposite, within his family It's always the small details that covey their feelings. They are used to different environments and I think it's important, kinn's perspective on what " caring " means is very different in contrast to what it means for Porsche, they are different but somehow the same and I loved to see their journey together, they balance each other out so well. They ended the season trusting each other, going through various extreme situations together, fighting together, keeping their mutual attraction. They had time to built their relationship, they were cared by the creators and it shows, nothing was rushed and it was all perfectly executed.

KIMCHAY

The power imbalance between them is more celebrity/fan. For most of their relationship, Chay has seen Kim through rose-colored glasses. Because Chay was obsessed with the celebrity, there’s still a lot to be discovered with their relationship and their feelings together. But there is definitely a change in control now compared to how it started, and I’m interested to see how it will evolve in season 2.

ACTING

I'll give a special row of lines to Build. Those screams are just so raw and extremely convincing. He truly made me believe his pain is real. Bible was so great with Vegas as well, I was shocked to find out how introverted and shy he is in real life, I have deep respect for them. Bible sells it at every moment, he is magnificent in his role. For every one of Pete’s panicked, despaired looks, Vegas returns an equally unsettling one, their dynamic on set is actually mindblowing. Vegas is such a convincing manipulator, he is a master minded psychopath and it’s hard to distinguish him. We see Vegas's eyes seizing Pete, analyzing him with each stare and there’s a degree of arrogance there as if he's trying to be superior when in reality he's inferior. The way they both observe with the details of their eyes is immaculate. They are delivering.

Mile and apo's friendship is so authentic and real compared to so, so many actors and musicians and other entertainers who work together and claim to be close, but these two seem incredibly bonded and their connection is brought onto the screen which makes their acting even more phenomenal, their chemistry feels natural and it's easy to watch them without cringing one bit.

Jeff and barcode managed to steal my breath for each 5 minutes of the little screen time they had, with such a short amount of time they succeed to convey so many emotions and draw the audience so deep within their story.

OVERALL

I can only describe this show as vulnerable -- It was done so tastefully and grounded in humanity. It was sexy yes, but it was fragile. It was immaculate accompanied by the perfect scenery and an outstanding cinematography, watching their love bloom was so heart wrenching but evenly so beautiful.

ON A SIDE NOTE

The fantasy is aimed at the people who are mature enough to see it for what it is, and to distinguish between the morality and ethics of real life and those of a immoral fictional universe, if anyone is questioning the series based on the representation of a healthy relationship then you shouldn't watch it.

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