I give this drama a VERY solid 8/10. It was entertaining, I liked the main actors/characters. There was a lot of drama, some predictable and some not super predictable. You won’t be wasting your time if you choose to watch this drama. (and oh my goodness, the cast is super good looking- and little Nao is so ADORBS!!!!!!)

Good things:
1. Nao is not the usual naive, optimistic, too-good-natured protagonist. It's quite refreshing to watch (although ep 3/4 had me doubt this a little bit).
2. The main characters were written well. There were layers upon layers of events and internal conflicts to flesh them out. The conflicts in the family were displayed well.
3. Tsubaki is the typical tsundere but unlike the other tsunderes, he warms up to the audience a lot faster. By the end of the 1st episode, you already see his struggles and empathize with him.
4. I don't watch period pieces so it's great seeing people in gorgeous kimonos and yukatas all in the time in beautiful wood houses. (and the sweets looked so good, I want to try them!!!)
 
Things I think would have improved the drama:
1. I wish it was a darker drama and that it was less theatrical. The opening was very anime-like and I liked that. But as for the actual production, I wish they didn’t have certain scenes like people smiling creepily and ultra dramatic music etc. It would've been great as a melodrama.
2. They did not take enough time establishing Kougetsu An as the leader/brand name it was. I was trying to figure it out for a long time how big they were, how much money and power they had and why they were relevant. Their shop looked small so I just couldn't make the connection in my brain. They should've done a quick monologue/explanation about it in the beginning.
3. They fell in love too easily. His side? Ok, fine. But her side? She's hiding her secret and holding a 15 year grudge against him and his family.... but then she almost sleeps with him... because they were playing a couple... and they didn't even like each other then... Doesn't make sense. They needed more scenes together talking and naturally getting along despite having ulterior motives or scenes where they went out of their way to help each other/care for each other.
4. Nao literally has no friends/no world outside of Kougestu An. There was the potential of the girl in the very first episode, but they never explored that. She needs a "sane" friend, her voice of reason, her escape from this darkness. But it could be very intentional because as a young girl, her closest friend betrayed her, which could cause her to mistrust all people. Either way, I wish it was addressed.
5. I enjoyed the performances from both leads, but some scenes just lacked the emotional intensity it needed. I wanted to see more internal conflict on their faces, especially Nao. and especially the hospital scene after the fire after she talks to Yuko (got some bad news), I wanted her to be balling her eyes out so that I could feel sorry for her poor soul and all that she’s suffered and cry with her... but I didn't.

I love that it is 8 episodes, but I think they could've made it better with another episode or two.