MUST WATCH I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE
I originally watched this drama because of the high ratings and reviews it had on MDL, but boy I was NOT expecting it to be the literal MASTERPIECE that it is.Like I've only felt this level of heart-wrenching, soul-shattering obsession once before and that was with MDZS. I've literally put off important things in my life to spend time obsessing over this drama.
The story of High School Frenemy is about Saint and Shin, two boys who used to be best friends but then ended up breaking off their friendship for reasons that watchers find out as the drama unfolds.
...Well, I call them best friends, but I use that term a bit loosely. The truth of the matter is that what Saint and Shin have goes far beyond friendship. Hell, I don't think anyone would be able to justify it as just friendship no matter how they try. The dynamic between the two of them gets showcased every single episode and it's so beyond-friendship-coded I don't even know where to begin.
The phrases that constantly cross the friendship line, Shin's supposed "hate" that we never truly believe is hate, and most of all the stares oh my god the STARES. 10 seconds of Saint and Shin just looking into each other's eyes with all of the love and conflict and devotion in the world. Actors Sky (Saint) and Nani (Shin) really outdid themselves. The chemistry between these two was absolutely phenomenal, a transcendental kind of love that goes beyond labels.
HSF is a wonderful exploration of intimacy between two people who have had conflict, but ultimately cannot live without each other. Yes, mistakes were made, but with Saint and Shin, they would spend any amount of time to mend their bond because life without each other is simply inconceivable.
It was such a pleasure watching the two of them reconcile. I know I'm being repetitive, but what they have is a world-breaking kind of love, and that is one of my favorite things to watch on screen.
While the relationship between Saint and Shin is undoubtedly a central theme of the drama, a lot more is also addressed, including school/gang violence, the expectations of overbearing parents, wonderful representation of characters on the spectrum (through Chadjen), found family (Class 2), etc.
Promise by SkyNani is also a wonderful song. It's been on repeat ever since I watched this drama.
I can't wait for WU to come out soon! So hyped for Niran and Pete to serve that red string of fate kind of connection!!!
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