This review may contain spoilers
Trying to convince y'all to watch this
This is quite possibly the best BL I have ever watched, and I have watched quite a bit. I was skeptical about watching this at first since I typically find high school plots dry and boring. However, it has been circulating around my fyp on tiktok for a while, and when I saw their Just Being Friendly parody, I thought why not. This was around when episode 9 just aired, and now I wish I started when they aired episode 1. It's just so adorable and heart warming.Story/Relationship:
It might seem boring when you just read the summary, but I promise you it isn't. The execution and development was so well done. It was fast paced but not at the same time. I felt like so much happened in one episode, but it didn't feel rushed. Everything was resolved within one episode, so it did not feel frustrating. The plot fell more on the fluffier side rather than angst, but it had its moments. The fluff was not overdone or so overbearing to the point of nonsense or dullness. It had just the right amount, a perfect balance. I also liked how they had a clear goal, and the main plot didn't involve cliche events. It wasn't driven by homophobia, miscommunication, parental conflicts, or third parties. Their development was also very clear. Although they seemed like typical silly, dumb high school boys at the beginning, you can sense their maturity as the plot progressed.
Their relationship was also gradual. Yes, they didn't get together early on, but it felt like they did. All they needed was a confirmation. I loved how Gun realized his feelings early in the story. Most characters painted as naive or clueless don't get the hint until really late in the story that it becomes annoying. Other than the main relationship, we were able to see side couples that were also adorable and enjoyable.
Tinn and Gun, wow I love their love so much. Their relationship is so healthy. It was filled with mutual understanding, trust, loyalty, respect, and fondness. Tinn is the greenest green glowing flag you will ever encounter. He uplifts and tries his best to support Gun in his dreams without demanding anything back. He essentially finds opportunities and sets the stage for Gun and then allows him to go through with the tasks on him own, this way it doesn't take away his sense of accomplishment for reaching his goal. I find this extremely important because at the end of the day, if someone does everything for you, the achievement loses all meaning if you didn't go through the process yourself. Also, he never emotionally blackmailed or guilt tripped Gun with all the things he did for him to get him to like him back or date him. Gun's emotions were developed on its own as he could see and feel that Tinn truly loved him. As time went on, that love became mutual and so did their support for each other. Everybody deserves a person that loves them unconditionally, and that's what these two showed. I want a Tinn in my life so badly.
Aside from romantic relationships, I loved their friendships and bonds with their parents. Each friend had a chance to shine, and their support for each other was so endearing, especially Tiw and his absolute support for his bestie's love life. As for their parents, I liked how they showed different types of parenting. Gun's mom gave him her full support and did not restrict him in anything he decided to pursue. That's why he was able to tell her anything because he knew that he wouldn't get judged or admonished. Tinn's mom on the other hand was the typical tiger mom. She was more strict, protective, and had a set of expectations for him. It could be shown through the way Tinn was more timid when wanting to share or ask anything of his mom. However, I was so glad that they did not make Tinn's mother a villain. From the beginning, although she was more stern towards Tinn and it took a bit more convincing, she never restricted him from doing anything that he wanted to do nor did she get upset when he did not do things her way. Despite these vastly different parenting techniques, the show showed us that a mother's love is unconditional. Whether they were strict or more care free, both mothers obviously cared for their child and wanted them to live in a world that would only give them happiness and security.
Acting:
Gemini and Fourth did so well. If I didn't know they were rookies, I wouldn't have been able to tell. For a lot of BL shows, I noticed that their touches and movements seemed awkward, especially their hugs. It just looked stiff in a way. However, the hugs, little touches, and stares between these two were top tier. I didn't sense any awkwardness at all, and all their hugs and conversations seemed so comforting and flowed well. I was honestly fine with no kiss, however, I was glad that they did because it literally embodied their characters' feelings for each other and depicted first, innocent love. The other cast members did a great job as well. The way they exaggerated their characters did not seem too fictional or off putting. It was very natural and befitting for high schoolers.
Music:
Nothing to say other than this show gave bangers. They ate. The songs were well placed, and the lyrics related to the scene that was happening. My favorite was when Tinn and Gun danced to Come Closer. The mood, the lighting, the dancing, the melody, and the way they looked at each other was perfect. Another honorable mention, Tinn's love song to Gun. I was obsessed with Hook as soon as I heard it. I found it so sweet when he said Gun wrote the song since it came from his heart, and his heart belonged to Gun.
Lighting/color:
This is an odd category, but I just wanted to point it out. The lighting on Gun when Tinn entered the room after he abandoned his interview opportunity with a doctor in favor of watching Gun perform was soooo well done. When Gun saw him as he performed, the lighting hit his eyes and it looked like his eyes were shining from happiness due to seeing Tinn. I just found that so adorable. The bright and vibrant color throughout the whole show was also something I liked. It really matched the light hearted and youthful atmosphere in the show.
Something I wished they expanded more on was Tinn's character and personal life. The show mainly depicted him as a boy in love and his goal to become his crush's boyfriend. I wanted to see more of his personality and career goals outside of Gun. However, I understand that they can only pack so much into a 12 episode drama. It would be nice to see, but I still love my adorable love struck idiot, Tinn.
All in all, I would give this an infinity/10 if possible. It had its second hand embarrassment moments, but it wasn't cringey and just showed that at the end of the day, they're kids. This was quite a long review, but I wanted to rant about why I love this show so much. I'm actually very nit-picky, and if there's something I don't like, I drop the show even if I'm more than half way done. I'm a sucker for romcoms, and this show hit all the points. You guys don't understand, this is literally my comfort drama. I've fully watched it at least 3 times, and I'm still entertained. Everybody has their own preferences and enjoy different genres more than others, so some might not like a light hearted storyline. However, everybody needs a little sweetness in their lives, and this show provides exactly that. So don't hesitate and give at least 3 episodes a try. The praise and popularity this show and the people involved got was well deserved.
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