Disappointing Sunset with No Vibes!

There was absolutely nothing in the show that worked for me except Sam and Yoh the side couple who appeared for only 2-3 minutes in each 1+ hour episode.

The trailer promised a fantasy element, but except for a few brief moments, I did not get that. What was presented was so anti-climatic that I would have preferred if they had stuck with Office Romance as the genre.

I had hoped Lin and Sun's chemistry would be the saving grace of this series, but unfortunately, I cringed at almost all their scenes together. Mos and Bank have more believable offscreen chemistry in their YouTube videos than in this whole series. That much-hyped and anticipated painting scene was meant to be iconic but it was a disaster. I am all here for artistic expression but this didn't feel like it was necessary at all.
Also, that necklace (you know what I am talking about) was UGLY.

Sam and Yoh were the only reason I kept watching this but they were also far from perfect. The screentime was very less to make their love story believable. I am still wondering how Yoh fell for Sam. But again , this was the only silver lining.
The other couples except Sam and Yoh looked forced and literally contributed nothing of value to the plot.

The dialogues were so poorly written that they felt like Chatgpt wrote them. A special mention to 'Khun Dad' !! Because NO.

Overall, I would NOT recommend this and hope the actors choose a better script next time.

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Familiar Faces , Fading Plot But still seated for Haiba Jin's extra charm!

The consistency from season 1 to season 2 was there ! Haiba Jin was still unhinged and charming and Mikoto retained her endearing awkwardness!
The romance was again handled delicately but took bolder steps this season while still maintaining "that" boundary. I did enjoy their interactions and the ensuing frustration.
One of my favourite moments were when Mikoto put Haiba Jin in his place whenever he had saucy ideas. *grins*

But that's it! Lesson 2 felt stagnant. Nothing much was explored!
The characters were still the same as last season! While the story did progress it felt like it was treading familiar ground!!
I do see Haiba Jin being vulnerable in front of Mikoto but it was very briefly touched upon. Maybe I expected a deeper exploration.

Also the side characters storylines were completely undeveloped ! Mikoto's brother's story arc felt completely incomplete and rushed. Honestly I couldn't make myself care for any them.

For me , season 2 felt like a fan service , a follow up to high standards that was set by 1st season!

That said, I loved the acting of both the leads and was totally digging their undeniable chemistry!
The intro song was very catchy!! Also I felt the quality of shots was improved!

Overall , the season 2 is still enjoyable and binge-worthy but when you put it beside season 1 , it sort of loses its shine!
Would still recommend it 100%!

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L'air du temps - The Flow of Time

The movie is Japan-Taiwan co-production that takes us on a journey of Jimmy who after experiencing failures in his adult life embarks on a soul-searching quest to rediscover and meet the love of his youth.
While the story itself may not be groundbreaking and unique, the narration is compelling and engaging. From the afterglow of that first love to the monotony of being a 36 year old guy, the movie effectively captures it all.

The movie explores the theme of self discovery and the importance of taking a break. Sometimes taking a break can provide clarity and a fresh perspective on life. Also sometimes detours can lead us to where we need to be!
The color contrast made it easier to differentiate between present and past scenes. The flashback scenes color tones have certain warmth to it reflecting happy memories while the present scenes were more sombre and grey to fit the melancholy vibe.

The cast delivers believable performances. Greg Hsu as Jimmy, a lost soul who evokes sympathy at times and then his energy in the flashbacks to his youth is convincing. Kiyohara Kaya as Ami does a decent job, though she could have been a bit more expressive. Michieda Shunsuke, as Koji, captures the chaotic spirit of an 18-year-old that is both charming and inspiring in his own way!

The cinematography is stunning. Some locations are so beautifully shot that they make me want to take a trip to Japan soon.

While the ending is somewhat predictable, it still has enough engaging elements to keep you sailing through.

Overall, this was a visual treat with few valuable life lessons on the way along .

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Sea of Wasted Potential with Weak Story and Fragmented Chemistry!

I had expectations from this drama but was ultimately disappointed! We had 10 episodes and such a weak narrative throughout!
When they were on the beach , it at least provided the visual appeal and was at least enough to keep me engaged in the story but as soon the story shifted to the city , it went downhill !
It felt one dimensional and boring!
Nothing substantial happened and the things that did happen didn't contribute to a positive development nor seemed necessary.

Coming to acting, Fort as Mut carried the whole show single handedly. His acting has improved and felt natural but in the case of Peat , the whole cold ML role was very unconvincing often coming off as overreaction.
Yes , the chemistry between them was there and was good but was very fragmented and inconsistent.
The tantrum that Rak threw in the last episode shows he literally had no to zero character development. And his sudden epiphany in the last 10 minutes felt rushed and unnatural. It might be impressive if the realisation came a few episodes earlier to make it more sincere.

And the other GL couple, they felt too forced. Vivi's treatment of Khaimuk didn't look like playful teasing to me. Treating the one you like as a slave and troubling them is not funny in my books! We are not in kindergarten where we tease the one we love to get their attention!

Even the friendship between all the characters felt utterly superficial, and I felt no emotional connection whatsoever!

Overall , I see only a sea of wasted potential with a weak story , underdeveloped characters with  fragmented chemistry!

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A Visual Feast of Stunning CGI and Unforgettable Friendship

This was a visual feast! The drama balanced political elements with a touch of light-heartedness that managed to maintain my interest. As someone who isn't usually into costume dramas, it was a perfect pick.

Baili Dong Jun's character was well-written; a responsible spoiled brat with an unhealthy amount of love for liquor and a soft heart for the people he cares about. I particularly enjoyed his interactions with his father. His friendship with Ye Dhing Zhi and their story were the highlight of the drama for me.

Ye Dhing Zhi's character evoked mixed feelings - it made me both sad and mad. Sad because he didn't deserve such harshness, and frustrated and mad due to the choices he made that led him to his predicament. The journey from Ye Yun to Ye Dhing Zhi was tough!
But promises were kept, and we saw our liquor and sword deity and I devoured every scene of them!

I knew how it was supposed to end, but it was still devastating for me. But actions have consequences and some of those consequences are sad! Can't shake off that bitter-sweet feeling! *sigh*

The character who I couldn't sympathize with until the end was WenJun. Her choices and motivation behind them are still unclear to me, and seemed pretty selfish and stupid at some point. (A bit harsh but I am still frustrated!) She didn't deserve Dhing Zhi.

Also, I enjoyed the master-disciple interactions. The dynamics were fun to watch !

All the fight scenes were visually stunning, some of the best CGI I have seen in Asian dramas! It was such a stand-out aspect. Also, all the cast adds up to the rich visual experience. All of them are very attractive. The title does suit the drama perfectly because everyone is truly dashing! *grins*

Though I haven't watched TBOY and thus I can't compare the two, I still enjoyed this.

Overall, this was a visual treat with an amazing cast, impressive CGI and a plot that remained engaging throughout the 40 episodes.

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"Happy of the End" : Toxic Bonds and Healing Journeys!

The heart of 'Happy of the End' is the turbulent life of the characters with a raw and poignant exploration of love, trauma and healing. It captures both the passionate life and shadowy corners where pain and beauty coexist.

The series beautifully explores past trauma with their present struggles.
Chihiro is a man grappling with the aftermath of rejection both from his family because of his sexuality and haunted by the break up of his ex-boyfriend. His encounter with Keito, a charming yet very troubled figure marks the beginning of a relationship based on shared sufferings.
Chihiro is lonely and longing for home while Keito's backstory is a harrowing tale of abandonment and survival.
Somehow both of them became each other's refuge and mirror despite the chaos and trauma they were subjected to. Both the characters's journeys were heartbreaking but seeing them receive affection from each other was heartwarming.

The flashback scenes were powerful adding the layer as to why the characters are as they are. I liked the seamless transition plus the clear contrast between present and past. You can feel and know that both the lead characters need serious therapy but you still keep watching it for the rawness and athenticity.

Kaji was another character that I liked. Throughout he was such a good friend to first Kieto and then to Chihiro. The unconditional friendship and found family. <3

The series deals with serious themes like homophobia, child abuse, prostitution and animal abuse (Please read trigger warnings before starting this) faced by those living on the margins of society, it also speaks loudly about acceptance and capacity of love to heal even from the deepest wounds. This was dark and toxic but at the same time hopeful and happy. I know it doesn't make sense but at the end of it, it was actually 'happy of the end'.

However, it does feel rushed at times but that is due to the short run time. Maybe 2 more episodes would have justified the ending better and might have done better justice to this Art.

Overall, recommended if you're okay with dark themes, but please consider the trigger warnings. Again, be sure to read the TW before starting. It’s not all shining stars, but you can see the light throughout!
8.8/10

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Recipe of Only Boo: Sugar, spice and Everything nice!

The story is simple - Cute and endearing one meets the stoic and cool. They fall in love. Fluff...fluff..issues..fluff.
But in this case, it is executed VERY well.

It is sweet, heartwarming and a drama you watch when you want to snuggle up on rainy gloomy days to cheer yourself up!!

Moo and Kang are both green-est flags with adorable and entertaining chemistry.

Moo's conviction towards his goal was really cool to watch. I liked how his journey was portrayed. From him being naive and an irresponsible kid toward his studies to meeting Kang and falling in love and still not giving up on his lifelong dream for the sake of love !! *slow claps*
Kang was the opposite. Given up on his dream (sort of) but then him meeting Moo and falling in love gave him a much-needed push to start chasing his own dreams. And he does!!
He is the epitome of being understanding.

I loved how the motto of their relationship was - "WE GROW INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER!"

The interruptions caused by the constraints of Moo's idol life and their separation later actually made sense (Though I did cry with Moo). It didn't feel out of place and was not an unnecessary plot device. The time skip was manageable and wasn't ridiculously dragged.

As for the acting by the leads, it is done well considering it is Keen and Sea's first main role. Looking forward to seeing them in more! The other side actors also delivered well. Though I was a bit confused at first for the 2nd couple's story but glad it worked out in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship and bond between Potae and Moo in the last few episodes.

While the ending did feel somewhat rushed and the story could have better connected it's loose ends but it didn't diminish the enjoyment it brought !

Overall, RECOMMENDED if you want to watch something light-hearted with overflowing cuteness and green flags!

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Flames, Fumbles, and Fierce Chemistry!!

Kill Me Love Me unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, with themes of love, revenge and shadows of past tragedies. Set against the backdrop of the Yan Dynasty, the story introduces Murong Jinghe, a proud general whose victory over the lost territory of Qingzhou spirals into a nightmare as a catastrophic fire burns the city to waste. And Mei Lin, a young woman whose dreams are reduced to ashes in the aftermath of that fire , gives birth to a fierce assassin. Once a vibrant-spirited Mei Lin now wears the cloak of vengeance.

The chemistry between Jing He and Mei Lin was the driving force for me here. It was electric and so palpable. The constant push and pull were filled with tension that simultaneously exuded animosity and attraction. The emotional complexity of their relationship was portrayed well - the conflicting desires, and the weight of their both past and present choices. Each interaction revealed layers of vulnerability showing how their shared pain both drew them together and kept them apart.

Visually, this was a feast for the eyes. The cinematography was beautiful with ethereal landscapes and rich costumes. The attention to detail in the setting made the experience both grandeur and tragic when needed.

But this wasn't without flaws. The show started on a very high note with a revenge plot (enemies to lovers trope) but it felt like they revealed everything too quickly and anti-climatically diluting the initial tension. I was glad they didn't stretch the misunderstanding part for half of the drama, but I was expecting the duality of ML to be maintained for a few more episodes to do justice to that arc.

All the antagonists in the story felt weak to me. The crown prince acted as a jealous angsty teenager wielding immense power wreaking havoc and burning cities knowing that his father wouldn't intervene. And the emperor was just blind eye to everything and for so many years, sort of came as foolish to me.
The second FL was too stoic for me. Some nuanced deep plot arcs didn't come across effectively due to her flat expressions. I didn’t feel she contributed much to the story. It would have been almost the same without her.
Also, I found the romance between the emperor and Zigu quite problematic, to the point where I almost skipped all their scenes. While I understand that the period depicted in the drama had its own cultural norms as it was a common practice back then, I couldn't bring myself to watch it.
As for the ending, I have a hard time accepting it. (Will talk about it at last as it will contain spoilers.)

Overall, this was a drama with an intriguing premise and strong acting performances especially from the leads. While it falters in pacing and character development, the chemistry and visuals save the day. Recommended if you are looking for a mix of romance and a bit of vengeance and power struggle, though be prepared for a story that might not meet all the expectations.
Ghost General will remembered , even though vaguely ! :(
** SPOILER: ABOUT THE ENDING** (Please don't read it if you haven't watched the drama)

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To be completely honest, I was shocked with the sad ending. From what I have read, the novel that the drama is inspired by has a happy ending. It felt like the writers prioritised shock value over a meaningful conclusion, sacrificing character development and emotional payoff for the sake of surprise.
It felt abrupt, disconnected and honestly MeiLin & Jinghe after such a tragic and intense journey DESERVED to be together. I could convince myself that they would be united in the afterlife but this ending just felt like lazy writing where the attempt at shock was simply very disappointing.

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A man who had overflowing oceans of love but was clueless of tides and still survived !

Love in the big city is a bold exploration from South Korea of love, identity and complexities of being queer in a society that often makes you feel at odds with itself. The series takes us through the turbulent journey of Go Yeong, depicting his struggles, with family and societal pressure and yearning for love that sometimes feels both profound and frustrating.

Go Yeong's journey is a mosaic of heartache, never-ending longing and resilience to push through. If you go with the expectations of neat resolutions and everything black and white from this drama, you will be disappointed. His growth is portrayed with a certain nuance and realism, unfolding slowly and frustratingly over time.
The pressure he faces doesn't magically vanish overnight and the show captures the tension beautifully. It portrays the burden of his mother's denial regarding his sexuality and the struggles that stem from it. Sadly we live in a society where acceptance is such a luxury rather than a given.

His journey left a bittersweet taste in my mouth that felt earned and true to life. Yeong was a man who was loved throughout, sometimes too deeply to make him drown and others or sometimes with superficial pleasures to make him realise that the chaotic, mundane affectionate bond he left behind now lingers like a soft ache, a reminder of what love actually once was.

The series addresses heavy themes but it also highlights that joy can exist even in the darkest of times. Yeong's camaraderie with his gay friends brought such a vibrant color to this gloomy tale. Their scenes together drinking and dancing was a good counterbalance from the serious moments.

Found family trope is one of my favourites and his friendship with Mi Ae captured it beautifully. Honestly, I want what these two had, to choose to stand with each other through thick and thin with unwavering support, providing a safe harbour to each other amidst their daily exhausting grinds. Their bond is a gentle reminder that home is where the heart is and family is where you feel understood and accepted.
Though their friendship was not the sole focus of the story , it was beautiful until it lasted and the way they portrayed how both of them outgrew that bond was heartwrenching but so realistic!

Although it does have pacing issues here and there but its realistic depiction of the struggles and messy portrayal of love makes me want to overlook the flaws.

Overall, this stands out as an impactful drama where the MC is not a perfect man. It's messy but executed in a way where you want to sometimes knock some sense into him and sometimes just wrap your hands around him and tell him, it's going to be okay. It's not just a love story or your typical BL drama.
Recommended if you are looking for a thoughtful and emotional exploration of an imperfect character in a perfectly imperfect world.

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De-Railed Revenge : A Binge Worthy Melodrama

Perfect Marriage Revenge is an entertaining blend of makjang drama and revenge that follows the journey of Han Yi Joo, who grapples with familial betrayal and seeks to alter her life when a second chance is given to her.

The drama starts strong with an engaging premise and believable chemistry between the leads. However, as the series progresses it begins to lose its initial spark. The focus shifts increasingly to all the antagonists. While their stories and perspectives did add tension and drama, the main lead's interactions felt a bit sparse. Yes, the motivation for the villain's actions did add more depth to the story, but I was frustrated with the wasted potential when the dynamics between the leads were strong and it was just sidelined.

The second half of the story felt very repetitive. The revenge plot, which felt compelling initially, seems to resolve 'too easily' as major conflicts are either sidestepped or wrapped up quickly. While the chemistry between the leads is heartwarming, it felt very fragmentary. I wish they would have focused more on 'her revenge' rather than her being one of the side characters in other people's drama.

Acting-wise, all the actors did believable jobs, but the antagonists often outshone the leads for me. However, there were a few moments like slapping unnecessarily and throwing drinks at each other (Lol!), that reminded me of the chaos which is expected from makjang dramas. xD A whole new level of melodrama!

Despite the issues, the drama wraps up satisfactorily. The idea that true fulfilment comes from personal happiness rather than vengeance was beautiful. Yi Joo finally having a loving family was the perfect end!

Overall, this was a very entertaining watch for me. Though it has flaws, it's a binge-able choice if you enjoy melodrama and over-the-top chaos.
7.8/10

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Lost in the Monologue Mayhem !?

The plot started strong but unfortunately *a long sigh* it lost its way in the second half and picked up in the finale. But a little too late!
The concept of two BL actors starring together and falling in love - This isn't new. Feels like the ongoing trend in J-drama BLs. But this series didn't quite live up to expectations, at least for me.

The characters, Shirasaki Yuki and Hayama Asami struggled with a FRUSTRATING lack of communication throughout. The fact that they both pinned on each other as they sipped coffee in the penultimate episode just pissed me off.
There were many times when I found myself shouting, "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER !!" While I do under this can be a cultural nuance, stretching it to the finale was a bit much.

They relied 'too much' on internal monologues, that after a certain point felt distant and unclear especially Shirasaki's reflections on his self-esteem and feelings for Hayama. I expected a good/some character development where I could see his confidence building slowly and gradually but I got none.
Hayama's reserved nature, despite publicly expressing his affection for Shirasaki, was equally frustrating and confusing at times.
Honestly, individually both characters were well-acted and had potential, but together they seemed "too similar", creating a somewhat repelling dynamic.

The finale was sweet. I was glad finally one of them decided to break the ice and be brave!
The intimate scene was shot to utter perfection! *_*
I liked how Shirasaki became a bit too bold and brave after the confession. Honestly, it was a treat to watch him happy. Lol.
I wish this could have happened in one or two episodes prior so that the ending wouldn't feel rushed (They didn't even sit for the coffee! That rushed xD) and we at least could get a deeper exploration of them being in a relationship for more than 10 minutes!!
Talking about the standout scenes, The Gnocchi-making scene tops the hall of fame!! It was sensual and kept PG-13. (WOW!)

The acting by both the leads was another positive for this drama. I found it simple and sincere. They did their best with what was given to them!

In conclusion, If you ride and thrive on angst, frustration and introspective inner monologues, I would recommend this!
I could have rated it higher if I had binge-watched it!

Overall, 7.7/10!

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Youthful shenanigans with slow burn gallore on the side!

This was all about youth, love and identity through the lives of two boys - Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian. The story begins with their parent's unexpected marriage and them sharing a roof but it goes beyond that and the typical BL tropes. As the drama progresses, it deals with loneliness, self-discovery and healing from past traumas.

What stands out for me is the pacing. The slow-burn romance allowed us to savour each shared moment between them - be it a glance or a subtle accidental touch. Every interaction between them felt special and gradually deepened their connection. The intimacy between them was chef's kiss. It was captured beautifully along with the confusion of young love. All the emotions were felt but none was spoken.

The character development of both leads was a treat to watch. Sheng Wang was portrayed as friendly in contrast with the stoic and often guarded Jiang Tian. As the polar opposite duo began to interact, the façade melted revealing their vulnerabilities and a new version of themselves. Their understanding of each other formed the emotional core that maintained a perfect balance between friendship and then the budding romance.

A special mention of literary element and small stories at the start of the episodes. The subtle references and metaphors for every episode and then the story revolving and unfolding around them was interesting and engaging to watch.

Though the ending feels incomplete and bittersweet but considering there would be a season 2, it gives a fitting closure. It is symbolic of Wang's realisation that they are just not brothers and friends. I am looking forward to season 2!
Overall, recommended if slow burn, character-driven romance is your thing.

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A Century of Cold Hearts and Warm Acceptance.

This is San's story of his century-long quest to find his love or 'reincarnated' love, Wat. The narrative was compelling, heart-wrenching and full of lakron-ish vibes.
It had melodramatic elements like the famous characters often finding themselves in very dramatic situations, accidental kisses or the main character fighting 10 men together and winning. Though overall it added an entertainment value (at least for me).

San is portrayed with a mix of coldness and vulnerability. I could sympathise with him and his cold demeanour because living for a century and seeing people close to him dying is a hard thing. I loved the dynamics of his found family with him! And Tao as his friend/advisor was such a support for him.
San’s initial reluctance to accept his feelings for a man and his disbelief about Vee’s true identity did spice things up and brought an intriguing dynamic to their overall relationship. To be honest San’s behaviour was a point of concern at the start, but this was somewhat understandable given his century-long lifespan. His outdated views did make sense but at last he did come around!

The fantasy and mystery elements of the drama were engaging but nothing groundbreaking or new but executed well enough to keep you hooked for the next episodes.
What I found disappointing was the undeveloped antagonist's role. The motivation and backstory weren't clear enough and felt underwhelming . Their presence seemed more like a villain requirement than a substantial threat. I missed the overall tight tension of a good villain in the story.

Coming to acting, Daou and Offroad's chemistry was very evident and so palpable. Their acting was so much better than Love in translation, especially Daou's. Honestly, their acting made me believe Vee was made for San. Them being around each other made everything more alive for San. The performances of the supporting characters especially Ju’s added a positive and entertaining aspect to the story.
I felt Third's character in the story was very insignificant. If he contributed more to the story ,it could have added an extra layer of drama and more cohesiveness to the reincarnation angle.

Overall, I’d recommend this if you enjoy soap opera-style dramas with strong chemistry to drive the story forward.

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Flirting with Morality in Decent and Clever Way!!

Alright, so this show- It's a fluffy, weirdly heartwarming rom-com with a twist of suicidal comedy. Yes! you read it right.
The portrayal of some very sensitive topic in the most amusing and clever way possible!

Haiba Jin, a morally grey teacher (but lovely human being) who is a bit out of line and a rebel stops a student Mikoto, a depressed soul who has lost interest in almost everything from committing suicide by offering a relationship as the last lifeline. His quirky and 'inappropriate' humor as he tries to cheer her up and sometimes distract her from her distressing life-ending thoughts is honestly an entertaining watch.

The chemistry between them is perfection *chef's kiss*. Even the intro song vibes with it. I really liked how Mikoto stood her ground against Haiba Jin's constant flirting. His charm game is on point! It totally worked on Mikoto (gradually) and on me too! *_*

I appreciated how they both were so self-aware that the relationship wasn't exactly kosher. They did roll with it but cautiously and delicately navigating the boundaries. The narrative was handled with thoughtful consideration.

The pace was surprisingly fast which is uncommon for J-Dramas known for a slower pace and inner monologues. However, I wish they should have spent a little more time developing the character's relations and individual personalities. It seemed hasty at times and the editing seemed a bit choppy with scenes abruptly starting and ending, which confused me here and there. But overall, these are issues that can be overlooked. Though the flashback scenes were done well to tie everything back together in a full circle!

This is my new comfort show and I would definitely recommend giving it a watch and a re-watch, too!

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From Clueless to Treasure : A warm romance! <3

The drama starts with Taishin's quest to thank someone whom he feels indebted to for past comfort. What began as an ordinary journey soon developed into a heartfelt and engaging narrative.

The two characters - Takara and Taishin were poles apart but fit together perfectly. Taishin genuine openness and persistence contracts with Takara's initial aloofness. Yes, Taishin was slow, shy and more often than not clueless about most things but he really stepped up to reassure his senpai when it mattered the most. Also the way Country Mouse stood up against everything that might hurt Takara was surprising and heartwarming to see.
Takara started off with a brusque, aloof demeanour often masking his feelings with a tough exterior. He is the classic green-flag tsundere. He had a deeply caring side that revealed itself through small and thoughtful gestures. When he confessed about his traumas, he was open to self-improvement and recognised his behaviour might be problematic.

Together they were far from perfect but each other's treasure. Also both their smiles were one of my favorite things about this drama! *_*

The pace of the story was slow but it didn't feel lagging or boring. The focus on the characters and small details about what they find comfort in drives the narrative.

But what I found underwhelming was the last episode as compared to the penultimate episode. It felt a bit random but the realisations that followed through were both precious and necessary.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this if you don't mind slow-burn romance and like your man Tsundere.

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