RL

So far this drama has 2 parallel paths, one the murder mysteries, the other the relationship between Junichi and Makiko. The 1st half of the 6th episode is mostly about the relationship side. The final confession of Junichi is both for Nara, and also to Makiko why he couldn't be with her 23 years ago. The character of his gf shown in this episode is not one with sympathy. So if anything happens to the job of Junichi after his confession, might be Makiko would be the one stays by his side now she understands not that Junichi rejected her 23 years ago. But of course she is also in trouble now. Pure guess.

This 6th episode to me, is the best episode (at least one of the best) I ever watched in any drama, Japanese or Korean. Condensed, no second wasted, multi- dimensional. Intensity built up so well done, reaching climax at the very end! Hat's off to the director, and the acting in particular Junichi, Makiko and Nara.

Hope virginity of fl is not in the equation.

The key reason watching this long weekender is the matching 2 leads, both in looks and age. And unlike so many dramas with all those arrogance, cold, ridiculous ceo mls (in the beginning), here comes a cheerful, warm, smart, independent thinking, humorous, matured man/boss right from the start! That's really refreshing.

Let me add that the 2 leads did act their hearts out in that emotionally suppressed, temptation of forbidden love phone call. Luckily this is only mid drama, if it takes place at the end would be a sad sad ending.

The 1st 5 episodes of this drama is very entertaining and fast moving. Great 2 leads and good supporting leads. Don't know how it can keep up with 45 episodes to come though.

Watching so many dramas and reading so many forums, it is always the case of seeing what you want to see. If one doesn't like romance arc in a drama one would just turn a blind eye to all romance hints given by the PDwriter. And if one like a certain lead one would always see the chemistry accordingly instead of the setup given by the drama.

By mid point the drama clearly shown Jeong U the smartest, clever and reliable one apart from Miss Hong. What matters most always the brain and the heart of course), not external looks?

Indeed anything can happen in the second half of the drama. Trust no viewer would believe Naoto actually killed his brother so who he tried to protect is the biggest mystery.
The real character of Makiko is yet to be disclosed. But because she is setup in the drama or novel as a single mom who put her young son as top priority right from beginning, might be her insecurity just caused by her worrying about her son not having the security of a proper family, which is understandable (and her next man has to be closed to her son. Money or power? None of those). Pure speculation here.

This drama is so amazing that the story can be made so complex with just a few characters. All characters are 'grey', mysterious which are the deciding factors of how the drama will develop, besides who is actually the killer of the shop owner.

Very very good analysis

And Naota's defence explanation is so full of holes. Once Nara takes a look at his phone and see the call history lots of questions will be raised (he likely already deleted the message from Makiko)

Junichi also a poster boy status at school, one got look up to, envy or love. So actually the 2 leads are a matching pair at school.

Meaning Junichi not likely can be a detective at the end.

Google silent truth romance you will see this is inevitable. Recipe for tragic ending. Only saving grace is she got a young child who needs a father in future.

It is so good but so bad that I have to wait for another week for another 45 minutes extremely short episode.

Everyone around her fell for this 6th grade junior school girl! The gun is the key for the current murder and at this stage I trust Naoto of course not Keisuki. From the expression of Makiko it is quite possible that she heard the conversation between Junichi and Keisuki that Keisuki has a wife. The romance is certainly in the forbidden love territory between the 2 leads.

So same happened in Pro Bono finished in early January (where many shipped for the supporting fl). The production team put a very attractive photo of the 2 main leads in Allure December issue, where the above 40 ml put his head on the shoulder of the above 30 fl, both dressed like a special agent.
I did learn my SLS lesson back in Start Up. Since then I tried paying attention to what the production team is telling us (telating to usual kdrama tropes), rather than using chemistry nor attractiveness of actor/actress

From the very old Reply 1988, even the 2020 medical drama Hospital playlist of the same writer, multiple ships always there in any drama with a romance line and prediting the EG always divisive. Thats part of the fun in forums. And even though romance is a tag in this drama there is actually no certainty that it will have an EG!
Just a joke the FL labelled herself an old virgin in the beginning of the drama. Would she at all interested in male's body shape?

I actually found the storyline not that interesting to me thats why I still haven't watched it.