I didn't expect all that much from the show after watching the first few episodes but I luckily got attached partway through. ?

The three storylines were progressing steadily and I feel like no scene was wasted despite (or maybe because of) the short runtime - except the last episode, but it was so cute that I'm gonna let that slide.

The acting was solid and the atmosphere, sets and background music felt mostly cohesive and served the stories well. The sound mixing could do with some adjustments but at least we didn't get cheesy songs blasting over impactful scenes.

I think my main gripe is that there's a disparity in chemistry/ earnestness in the couples. The TA/student couple felt incredibly real and their intimacy was so well-presented that it felt.... sorry for being dramatic, but kinda revolutionary for k-bls? They really knocked it out of the park. 10/10.

Minwoo and Maru weren't exactly on that level but through the relationship progression, you could really feel the characters grow more comfortable with each other and their romantic scenes felt earned and intimate and were super rewarding. (GREAT kisses, too.) How Minwoo opened up and became so smiley in the last few episodes was SO lovely to see.

The third (main?) couple however....... at the start, I understood that their dynamic was more complicated because of their history/ the circumstances etc. but even as we moved along in the story, it didn't feel like they genuinely warmed up to each other. Their kisses were painful to witness, sorry. Watching them right after we saw the other two couples be so visibly in love was staggering. Their storyline itself was the most unique and I appreciate that, but the chemistry between the actors just wasn't there. I personally feel like they were miscast.

All in all, it was a mixed bag but it did defy my expectations and I grew to love the second half of the season especially. Do give it a try.