Drama Digest
Sky is best friends with Chris and Paper. Chris is proficient in martial arts while Paper is a flawless student and the president of their student council. Sky is especially close to Paper.
Unfortunately, he has recently lost his father. However, Paper is always by his side. They spend a lot of time together, be it hanging out at school or sleeping over at each of their homes. He learns to accept his father’s recent loss. Eventually, his friendship with Paper takes a new turn.
As happens in most schools, there is a bullying problem there, which is headed by a delinquent called Arthur and his equally unruly friends. Their common target is his ex-boyfriend Jeno. This takes a toll on Jeno.
Hurt and stressed, Jeno gets into the same self-defense class as Chris. Chris not only mentors him but also tries to get him to open up. But even if both of them get close Jeno keeps his guard up.
The Feel Good Part
The drama is unbearably sweet. It was telecasted in 2021, but somehow it had that nostalgic charm of the early 2000s. Instead of wasting screen time by throwing girls into the same vapid roles of annoying fujoshis and toxic ex-girlfriends, it portrays the vulnerabilities of growing into adulthood, discovering the authentic self, and the highs and lows of first love.
The Disappointing Factor
The writers have brought in together different stories into 6 episodes. While their heart was in the right place, parts of this drama were not developed properly and rushed through. The acting in the first few episodes definitely could have been more nuanced, although it does get better.
In-Depth Analysis
The story is not new to this particular genre, but the execution was nearly flawless. For this particular BL, it’s all about the small details, small gestures of love, and moments of tenderness that make it such a subtle, profound gem. It holds a candle to the love that people in real life show each other, which is not in grand gestures, but in small loving actions.
The thing that stood out to me the most is the maturity of the relationships. BL has a nasty reputation for normalizing toxic relationships as romance. But here we see the characters respect each other’s personal boundaries, and different perspectives, and show a willingness to communicate and understand in times of conflict.
The direction is perfect. With beautiful background music and a very catchy original soundtrack, the drama is a new favorite among the viewers. Even though the ending could have been improved.
Star Power
Fluke Chinnathan Rojrawee Thanakun, Thanayut Thakoonauttaya, Mawin Tanawin Duangnate, and Run Kantheephop Sirorattanaphanit are beautiful and expressive as the central characters and they bring the story to life.
Theepop Phanitprasert, Games Nanthipat Sirorattanaphanit, Chuthikan Chawasathienphong, Potchana Lertchanachomphu, Nara Chitrat, and Pitayut Orsuwan make a great supporting cast. They are actually instrumental in pushing forward the story and they make the most of their roles.
Overall Opinion
This is a beautiful, soul-stirring journey of visuals and feelings. It is simple and to the point, and unapologetically vulnerable. I would recommend it to everyone.
