Zack

This drama has a lot going for it.
The level of acting is high.
The chemistry is great
An actual out queer couple/characters and the problems that come with it in China
Acknowledging some character's flaws

Now I just hope that the remaining eps aren't just pure angst.

Yes. This.

I waited patiently all week for this?

The second couple actors should try their own drama (offshoot or original) if the opportunity arises.

The first 5 mins was the past part of this ep, if not this series.

Same. It's taking waaaaaayyyyyy too long to get to the payoff

Really good acting by Haruse

There's talk of a season 2?

I wonder if this is going to be FL (day)dreaming about her coworkers making out etc?

Yes. 10 eps with the 11th being the special ep.

I appreciate that the couple don't exist in the bubble as a couple. A friend knows. Their families know. And they engage in (not OTT) PDA.

We are different people to different people. Same holds true here. In this case, it seems more binary.

As long as he's alive, he's possessive. If he's dead, she can do whatever she wants. Ain't that sweet.

He's actually been like this before. Well, not as sweet, but close enough to it. I guess they did it that way to resolve things quickly.

And their interaction with Shioiri Kohei at the end too.

I appreciate Minato's conversation and confession with Grandpa at the end. It accepted some realities while remaining positive. It was well done imo.

The biggest problem to me is that she was allowed to do what she did. It's absolutely mind boggling to me. She should have been stopped. It's a poor use of a plot device to get her to learn a lesson/grow.

It's been a while since I've seen a ML dig a hole this deep for themselves.

He's well above average imo. He emotes well. Makes good use of his eyes. Has good timing. Gives a lot with a little. If I were to give a criticism, he has a little more work to do when he's in aggressive/fight mode, but that's nitpicking.

Is there really going to be a special episode?

The way they all became friends was a bit unique. It was also refreshing how they really didn't care that Hioki and Watari got together, and if anything, were quite supportive.