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Amazing from start to finish

I dont even have the words. This was so incredibly good. I almost didn't tune in at all because the premise seemed cheesy. Holy crap, I got more than I could possibly have asked for! I got more than I knew I wanted!

It was so thoughtful and restrained in a lot of ways. But it was also full of emotions. I felt all of them but I didnt feel like I was manipulated into it. They just organically grew out of the story, and the way it was told. I literally cried for the entire last episode!

The acting was amazing. The ability of both Gemini & Fourth to portray so much emotion without speaking was true artistry. I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my hand for every episode. Each character was superbly executed. And I felt invested in all of them, not just the mains. The Father gave me life. So did Lek in the finale.

The cinematography was beautiful. The light and the dark. The moments of stillness, especially between the mains. Just incredible.

The intimacy between Tanrak and Barth is electric. And I'm not talking about NC scenes (this is pretty innocent as far as BLs go), I'm talking about the expressions of intense, inescapable love between them. And every time they kissed it was like a million fireworks exploding. Chemistry on top of chemistry (layered with good acting, a good script, and good direction).

If you haven't seen it already, go watch it right now.

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This is my happy place

I loved this so much! It was cute and funny. The actors took their job seriously but didnt take themselves seriously. The support roles were also well done. I want a tutor this cool and I also want to be friends with Toru-san and his delinquent crew. Even the grumpy teacher won me over! I watched every episode twice. True comedy. Can't wait for special episodes, which seem almost certain.

UPDATE: special episode #1 has arrived and I'm very excited to see where this is headed! I know folks are saying this isn't BL. Maybe that's true for the main series, but unclear that that will continue to be the same for the extra episodes. And I'd make the argument that it is, in fact, BL in the main. Read on if you're interested in my take, but know that there's a spoiler involved.

SPOILER ALERT--STOP HERE IF YOU CARE: Also, I would argue that it's BL in the main (albeit unfulfilled) because they already established mutual attraction that I think goes beyond bromance. Toru-san at the very least wants a kiss (and probably more, although that doesn't have to mean physically) and Kishi-kishi wants...well we don't know exactly what he wants but he's clearly smitten because he already confessed--つきがきれいですね？(Tsuki ga kirei desu ne? Translation: The moon is beautiful, isn't it?) That phrase is a poetic and indirect--and beautiful--way of saying I love you. Right now, Toru-san, Kishi-san, you, and I are all on the same page about that. Let's see where that leads.

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There better be a second season (and third?)

What just happened? Not one issue resolution in the entire finale!? This is killing me! I hope we get season 2, because otherwise I'm going to pine for closure for the rest of my days.

This show has me hooked. The leads are adorable. They have amazing chemistry and comedic timing. Liuyi's facial expressions are everything. The character is great. The actor, He Yan Zhao, is fire. He should change his headshot to the caramel-colored deliciousness that we see in this series. He looks divine. I don't know if the asian entertainment industry generally has figured this out yet, but many of us prefer a little melanin.

He Chusan is great too. Sweet on the outside and a fierce protector on the inside. And since were talking about beauty, actor He Chang Xi is also truly handsome.

I dont know how to feel about the second couple. But we can sort that out during season 2.

I love the supporting actors. The dad is great. The main lackey is great. The number 2 is great. I want more of them all.

So go ahead. Start production on season 2. I'll wait. And don't feel like you have to resolve everything there. I'll watch season 3, too. I'm just saying...

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Good chemistry, weak storyline that had potential to be better

There really was sufficient material here to make this way more interesting. And it started much stronger than it finished. I liked the mains and I'm a sucker for a vampire story. (Yeah, I went there.) The story didn't explore many things that could have made it more satisfying. More about their individual histories. More about the conflict with the brother. More about vampire v non-vampire issues. And they took time (precious time in a short format like this) to do things that didnt really advance the plot. Its actually harder to make a short format piece, imho, because you have to be really efficient with the time you have. No filler at all.

It was cute. I'm not mad that I took time to watch it.

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A little wonky but I keep going back

This is a great little series. There's something about the love between the mains that sat exactly right for me. Its not often that you get a series involving mental illness, especially where it gets this treatment. No tear farming with tragedy, but also no sugar coating. No big reveal or magical cure all. Just people living their lives. I dont feel bad for the character struggling with mental health issues, but I see him clearly as well. I really like him. And I like his partner.

I agree with others that I could have used a lot more episodes. I wanted more about the mains. I wanted a LOT more about the second couple. That was disappointing but not devastating to my enjoyment of the show.

Also, the timeline was a little choppy. I wasn't disoriented, but it didn’t seem necessary or artistically helpful to do it that way. Just show their chronology with necessary flashbacks. That's it.

But overall I really liked these characters. I liked their imperfect love story. I liked watching the care they showed each other. And I liked that they were grown-ass men! I liked the theme song.

It's a short series, but even if it were much longer it would be worth your time.

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You had me at cats...

This is a combination of a few of my favorite things, so maybe I can't write an unbiased review!

First, I love cats! A drama based in a cat cafe is calling my name. It's cute and cutesy. Everyone had fair warning of the silliness to come right there. I'm here for it.

Second, I'm a kifujin. So now we have cats in a cat cafe with men kissing? Yeah, let's do this. Who knows the Japanese word for old cat lady that watches yaoi?

Third, while I'm not the biggest fan of all the ships, I do enjoy this one. They can convincingly do hot and sweet. This was such a silly story but their portrayal was never cringe. Good job, guys!

Honestly, I probably wouldn't watch this a second time. But I'm glad I watched it the first time around. I like dramatic, emotional, intense BLs too, but sometimes you just need a cleanse. This was perfect for me! Happiness restored!

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It needed more time to tell this many stories well

Overall I liked it and I was invested in the characters. But there were some ham handed elements and places where it felt rushed. All drama is setup, tension, resolution (repeat). But there were so many story lines and so little time. It got garbled up.

One of the highlights for me was anytime the family came together to support or just enjoy each other.

The main couple is good, but I wanted them to grow more. Theres a lot of trauma, which they lay out but then dont exactly work through. (Honestly, they might want a trigger warning because as someone who is NOT an SA survivor I still felt some kinda way about seeing all that pain.) Sailom stays a little more doe eyed than I wanted. Pi Doc is the greenest green flag and I loved that.

Tawan and Dindin are my babies. And in a lot of ways thats the story I enjoyed the most. But there were a few ridiculous plot lines that I could have done without. I really could have watched a lot more content with the two of them. I liked the actors' chemistry the best of all the couples (with the mains as a very close second).

Sky and Nava had a somewhat tortured story arc. I like them a lot too, but some weird unearned moments happened with their story.

The daughter and the mom! Yes please! Loved them both. More substance from them would have made me happy. I really like kids and family storylines in bl. It changes the dynamic.

Thanks for dealing with the mental health issue even if not entirely to my satisfaction. And thanks for making this about grown men! (Anyone who reads my reviews knows I appreciate seeing mature adults in bl series.)

Overall it needed more depth and finesse. The writing could have been better, and some of the director decisions were questionable to me. There was a lot to work with and they missed some opportunities and blew others. That said I'm not mad I watched it. I'd even say I enjoyed it!

But there's a lot of bl out there, especially in Thailand. And, again, Khemjira is making y'all work for it!

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That's how it's done, son!

This series has ruined other shows for me! I get to the end of another program and I'm like, why wasn't that resolved as well as Khemjira? Why wasn't the music as good? Why wasnt the acting as good? Why wasnt it as visually appealing? Why wasnt the chemistry as fire as Khemjira? You know, maybe don't watch it because it will set the bar so high you cant enjoy other series!

First couple is obviously great, but the second couple had me living for every interaction. The actors seemed really comfortable, which made the chemistry between the onscreen characters 10 of 10. It was chemistry so good I can't wait to see them in a future project.

And the music! OMG! I almost never comment on the OST, but this time I gotta. Mantra? Just wow. The version with Keng singing lives in my soul now. The instrumental version may be even more transcendent. It sets the mood perfectly, and when I rewatched the series I was filled with anxious anticipation each time I knew it was coming. It may have outflanked Why Don't You Stay from KinnPorsche and the OST for Thundercloud Rainstorm (both of which I really love).

Bottom line, I need a shaman, an amulet, and friends like these in my life right now! I'll pass on the vengeful spirit, though.

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The kiss is everything

I realize many folks watch BL just for the kissing. And I'm not gonna pretend like I don't enjoy that as well. The big kiss here is everything; I mean, damn. It is the most polished, intense, emotive scene in the entire series. It says so much without any words. Its sexy, but it's WAY more than just a sexy kiss. It's the culmination of every emotion contained in this drama. And it was brilliantly acted! I felt all the feels. Just a really well executed moment that perfectly captured everything it was supposed to.

There are a lot of good and not as good moments throughout this series, but overall I think its a satisfying watch. And it is actually trying to say something beyond the love story. I find Pinoy BL to be less polished than Thai and other countries with a more developed industry, but this was a very respectable contribution to the canon. And the music is also really good and fits the drama.

Tune into this one. I think you'll enjoy it.

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I am team go ahead and watch this one despite a few weird twists and turns

Full disclosure, I've seen a lot of toxic (Chinese) BL, so this much softer Taiwanese entry into the genre isnt that shocking to me. But I get it. There are some weird and/or disturbing storylines. That said I watch a lot of BL, and I thought this was a good but not perfect one

The two stars down are because of some ridiculous plot lines that I had a hard time stomaching.

What I am NOT bothered by is the non-biological brothers hooking up. This is a common BL trope that isn't my go-to but also doesn’t freak me out. If that's a bridge too far you should just bail once that's revealed.

Also, I liked the chemistry, especially the second couple. I'm a sucker for the hopeless romantic who loves without fear. I'm also a sucker for "straight" guys who love who they love. The second love story is the way I want the world to work. Go with your heart.

I don't love the top/bottom fetish that many BLs and BL watchers suffer from. I didn't hate the treatment here. It's raised and discussed. I appreciate that it's not completely clear, especially for couple #2, who's who. Please, BL writers, let's create some vers couples! (Is Gameboys the only one?)

The acting was pretty good. There were a few times I felt like they weren't natural but overall I was into their portrayals.

Now, the criticism. What's up with the parents? The dad was really a good guy, but everyone lied to him assuming he would freak out. So painful to watch! And the mom was wrong for so so many things, and she never had to explain herself. I appreciate her support but damn.

The SA was rough. I get the theory that he wanted to force the coming out convo (and take the blame) but dear God man. WTF? And if you're gonna write that, deal with it better. It felt very unresolved. And SA #2 also wasn't handled very well. Fire his ass! To be clear, this isn't just me not liking what happened, it's about the writers presenting serious issues but not resoving them in a realistic way or at all.

I binged this one in about 2 days. I'm glad I watched it and the other HIStory series. (I think I have 2 left.) My favorite is H3: Trapped, but for me this was a solid albeit controversial (taboo?) entry as well.

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Go watch Sweetheart Service instead

It started ok. I get the premise. And I'm the weirdo who likes dom/sub relationships in a series. (My Personal Weatherman, LITA, Thundercloud Rainstorm) But after the first episode, it just got more and more incomprehensible. The writers clearly don't understand BDSM at all. I can tell and I'm not that well versed myself. It a hot mess, y'all!

Production was bad. Script was bad. Directing was bad. Just bad bad bad.

And yet, somehow I liked the lead actors enough to want to see more of them! There's something sweet and adorable about those two! The fact that they survived this madness for me is a testament to their chemistry and charm. But this is otherwise comically bad.

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This is a true romantic comedy and I loved it!

I for real laughed out loud while watching this series during almost every episode. Yes, it is silly. Yes it trots out at least one gay relationship trope that I could have done without. Yes, there were a few strained acting moments. But overall this is a gem!

I like shows that have women characters that aren't just playing the foil. This had a few of them.

I like funny BLs. This one was just zany enough to hit my funny bone but not overly absurd or stupid.

And it also had heart. There was a love story or two. There were real emotions that were earned. There were twists and turns that kept it interesting. I was really drawn into the roller coaster of emotions.

I waited a looong tims to watch this. I'm really glad I tuned in. So satisfying!

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Season 1 was my jam, but I have thoughts on a rewrite for Season 2 (or 3?)

I love PoohPavel! Pavel has the most expressive face I've ever seen. And the man is also a top shelf drop dead gorgeous cryer. I mean, like Ziyu in Revenged Love level of crying game. How does he ugly cry and still look both convincing and hot AF? His O face is pretty sweet too.

And Pooh is so adorable. I enjoyed watching my baby boo try to run things. (I thought his acting was better in Goddess Bless... but maybe that's just me.)

And thank the lord for a dominating bottom and pretty top. Honestly, can someone start writing vers mains into BL? Part of what I enjoy about BL is the break from the patriarchy. Dont bring it back through uke/seme tropes!

I love so many things about this show. But I wasn't totally feeling the presmise underlying the second season or the storytelling. That made it hard for me to fully enjoy because I was like WTF all the time. Write a more cogent story (in S2) that I can care about. And dont do ridiculous things.

There's a sorta kinda spoiler below so if you care stop here.

Seriously, you guys could have called me. I would have written the second season for you. I dont have it completely worked out, but Charlie would have absorbed an enigma's powers in season 1 so we could have the big reveal in season 2. And at some point this would have resulted in Charlie impregnating Babe. I dont know whether this is an Incredibles situation where the baby has a shit ton of powers or if its a kidnapping plot or both. But it ain't what you fools wrote in S2. Anyway, writers, call me. We can work out the details. Season 3 will be great!

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Amazing acting with some strange storytelling

I miss both couples already, but especially the mains! Both love stories were so emotional and romantic. The chemistry of the first couple is beyond amazing. Their intimacy was unreal. I mean holy damn. I won't recover from that anytime soon! It was hot and so incredibly emotional. Really well done. (If you want a treat, go find the actors reacting to the mains NC scene. It's one of the best reaction videos I've ever seen.)

The second couple is so good to watch too. Their chemistry is also fire. They are more playful but also full of emotion.

Honestly, both couples seemed very confortable with each other, which makes everything better to watch. It feels natural. Thank you actors!

The other characters are also great. The dad, mom, and uncle made me so happy. They were very genuine characters that didnt feel forced.

There were a few weird storylines that were confusing and one or two characters who I didn't think were propely tied into what was happening (and their stories were definitely not tied up).

But overall I liked the story despite the sometimes awkward flow. Definitely watch this one!

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