So, I will start off with the one thing that bothered me in this series: the gun metaphor and associating standing up to bullies with that image. Mind you, there is no gun in actuality, but it is shown in a daydream. Especially, because the setting is a school. And maybe that is a cultural difference because I live in America. But, we have experienced a lot of school shootings, and it hits a bit too close to home. So, even though, there were only two times this was brought up, and both times were rather short, it actually really bothered me.

Now, onto the good things. To start off, please note that I generally tend to dislike romance between a bully and their victim. Despite this, I really appreciated this series. The characters were flawed in very realistic ways, and the acting, also, seemed very genuine to me. The main characters are not angels but they are not unredeemable, and often, while I don't agree with some of their actions, I can understand why they act that way. I do not think they fit in the stereotyped molds. While Hira is an introvert, he is not the stereotypical introvert you see in mainstream media. Rather than just being socially awkward and possessing low self-esteem, Hira can be kind of gloomy. Often, such characters are shown as antagonists or side characters. I liked that they made him a protagonist. As for, Kiyoi - he is supposed to fit into the bully role, but even though he does boss Hira around, he is more gentle. From the start, even when he tries to show he isn't interested, he actually listens to Hira when Hira speaks. Oftentimes, the bully character just steamrolls over their love interest's thoughts and words, but Kiyoi is not like that. That's not to say that Kiyoi doesn't say mean things, but there is something about the context that gentles what he says. Also, even though Kiyoi bosses Hira around, Hira seems to actually be glad to be bossed around, because it establishes a connection between him and Kiyoi.

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This is such a lovely drama. I was amazed I liked it so much, because I had just finished rewatching The Master's Sun (one of my favorites). I was hesitant to watch another drama, because I felt it might pale in comparison. Surprisingly, it didn't do that. The story is very thought provoking. It gave me a whole new viewpoint on plastic surgery, beauty, and prejudices. I have never judged anyone on their looks, but I also never understood why someone felt the need to do plastic surgery. However, seeing Kang Mi Rae's way of thinking, certain prejudices I held really changed. Kang Mi Rae is reserved, due to her insecurities, but she is also strong, and doesn't let herself be pressurized into anything. The male lead, Do Kyung Suk, is one of the best I have ever seen. He is caring, and respects boundaries, and women. He has a very straightforward manner and how he doesn't judge people on their looks. The acting is amazing. You can tangibly see the chemistry between Kang Mi Rae and Do Kyung Suk. Each episode was well done. The story's pacing was just right. One of the things that stood out to me most was the music and sound effects. This is the first time I actually took notice of them. The music is so pretty, and they are tailored to each scene they are added onto. This is such a charming drama. I would really recommend it; it will not disappoint.

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Well, at least, they acknowledged it - that something is wrong with them. Look, these guys were aiming for a certain aesthetic, and they got it. Namely, that aesthetic is Japanese culture (as in pretty sweets, nature imagery, beautiful kimonos, & Japanese architecture) with a side of murder, infidelity, and conspiracy. The drama has a darker tone to it. I adore the aesthetic, but I have to admit, I don't really agree with anyone. And if I met any of the main characters in real life, I would run in the other direction. I also think I could stick around for all the plot twists because it was on the shorter side. I was actually able to enjoy the drama and dark tone in this one. If you can ignore pesty moral conflicts, this one is hella fascinating. I really enjoyed it!

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This is amazing overall. It is just so cute!!! But, what bumps it to a 10 for me are the gestures of affections. They are abundant and done with such ease - both platonic and non-platonic gestures of affection. I have actually never watched a drama with as many kisses, but despite that, it doesn't come off as hypersexual. It comes off as melt-my-heart-romantic. And they did - they totally melted my heart.

The female lead is adorable, and the male lead is so sweet. Sometimes you watch a drama or read a book for this one character, because you want a partner like that, but there are some fictional couples that have so strong a bonding that while you do want a partner like that, you can not imagine either of the pair being with anyone else. (I'm thinking of dramas like Doom at Your Service, Come and Hug Me, & The Untamed. Literally can't imagine the main pairs being with anyone else in any lifetime.) They are literal soulmates. In this drama, the female lead and the male lead are literal soulmates. They balance each other out, and their relationship is one of equals. It might not have worked out this well if the lead actors weren't as good at acting as they are. I am so, so happy that I found this treasure of a drama!!!

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To be honest, if I had not read the manga, it would be a 10. I adore the manga, and I think their plotlines might be diverging (I am not sure though). I think I would have preferred a more open ending. It is just that if the creators chose to diverge in the plotline, I would have liked if there was more of a buildup to the relationship. But that would have not worked, because it is very short, and I do understand there are budget constraints. Personally, I was waiting for the guy who was the main character's little brother's classmate to show up. He is another potential love interest for the main character in the manga, but he didn't show up. Still, I am very pleased with what they have done, and I really, really love it.

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