any_anka

Nah, it wasn't that long, mine wasn't that much shorter 😉

I also personally don't see them as brothers. They didn't grow up together, there's no blood connection, and even on paper - at least so far - they're two unrelated people.

However, Sheng Wang sees it differently, mostly thanks to the boys' parents who constantly drilled into their heads how they are supposed to act like brothers, how SW should call JT "Ge", how JT should take care of Sheng Wang as his Ge... to the point that they announced them being brothers at school, so that now everyone around them "knows" their relationship (in inverted comas because that's clearly *not* what they have).

This label of stepbrothers is also a double-edged sword. There was this very insightful post by one user (I sadly don't remember who it was) that talked about how them being "stepbrothers" was in a way helping them hide behind this title and generally attribute their growing bond to this "familial connection". I liked this interpretation and I think that's also why it takes some time for SW to truly realize his feelings.

There were earlier signs, however. Even if we ignore the racing heart sound during the dare kiss (I guess while attacking someone in such way, one would be pretty nervous, considering the consequences might be anything, including a beating 😜), Sheng Wang was clearly affected by the second kiss (feeling hot after he came back to his room while reminiscing on what just happened or later staring at JT's lips when JT showed up to collect his drunk ass).

The thing is that whenever they got close, the parents would pop up somewhere and confuse Sheng Wang (I always had the impression that JT was more aware of his feelings, but who knows with that episode 11 ending?). It was especially evident in episode 7, when Sheng Wang realised just how much Jiang Tian cares and worries for him and both boys skipped school and had their "date". It was also in this episode when Sheng Wang got visibly sulky at the thought about him and JT being brothers (first at Grandpa Ding house, second time when talking to JT about his dad's proposal). I also think that both boys, but maybe especially Sheng Wang were torn between wanting their parents to find happiness and their own emerging feelings (hence why, SW could be excited for his dad's proposal one moment and getting kinda ambivalent about having JT as his brother the next one).

But yeah, even when I reminisce on those scenes, it was always the brother-thing, not the gender-thing.

Then, the forced separation during Sheng Wang's injury was the moment when I feel SW started realising more and more than being with Jiang Tian, seeing Jiang Tian, missing Jiang Tian felt... somewhat different. It's totally plausible for me, because sometimes in order to understand our own feelings we need this fresh perspective. Sheng Wang's behaviour shifts slightly, he becomes more bashful and aware of their physical closeness. Then the witnessed kiss between Benny and Xi was the final stroke, the missing part of the puzzle that at that point was already pretty much put together.

And when he put it all together, the *real* problem emerged. The thing that was always there, until then obscuring his real feelings, but now being a real obstacle. And that was them being "brothers".

I don't even know why I narrated all that, as you obviously watched the drama 😜 But that's generally how I saw Sheng Wang's journey of discovering his own feelings. And the stepbrothers-thing was always looming in the air.

Can you elaborate on the 1st point? I've been following the comments here in the recent days, but haven't seen a firm confirmation.

I am confused why so many people understand Sheng Wang's behaviour as him running away from liking a guy. I don't know if I'm super dense, but that was never how I understood what happened. Jiang Tian being a guy might've slowed down Sheng Wang's realisation that he likes him "that way" (as JT is, what it looks like, his first love), but I never got the impression the gender was a big issue.

When SW talks to Shi in their dorm room about how to know if you like someone, he feels pretty accepting of his feelings for JT and gender doesn't play a big part in it at all. It's always about them being stepbrothers-to-be. In his inner monologue he goes on "Do I like him? I know the best... But it's impossible, he is my brother" (more or less, I'm writing from memory). He's not thinking "we're both guys". Even in earlier episodes, he has these moments of getting slightly sad or quiet when reminded by somebody that him and JT are "brothers".

The two teachers' story might be a more accurate display of internalised homophobia on Xi's part, as I saw someone suggested, but I am not even so convinced of that. Xi lived in this probably agonizing but somewhat comforting in its familiarity state of being bros with the guy he liked for almost a decade. That level of friend-zoning yourself requires some mental gymnastics, which was why - I thought - he was so shocked, and in the end, still in disbelief about Benny's feelings towards the very end.

For me what happened to them served as a correlation and contrast to what was happening to SW and JT (almost a cautionary tale 😜: see what can happen, if you don't openly talk about your feelings to each other and decide to brozone yourself for the next 8 years or so? you will end up like these two guys; don't make that mistake!)

I think Sheng Wang's decision to distance himself by the means he chose was due to the fact that he didn't want Jiang Tian to know about his feelings and didn't wanna jeopardize the "friendship" they had. Mind you, Sheng Wang is certain his love is "unrequited" (his own words). JT tries to press him about it once during the dinner at grandpa Ding and Sheng Wang doubles down on his lies. He is also somewhat flabbergasted by JT's reaction "Ge, are you angry at me?" which he didn't really account for in his plan.

The way I see it, in his little head, he was thinking as follows: If he simply announced he's moving back home, that could cause too much suspicion, he'd have to do a lot of explaining (forget his dad, but most importantly to JT). It would've been clear it was his decision. Sabotaging himself during the exam was a more seemless way to go (I just failed, it wasn't on purpose), that still could provide him with some time apart from Jiang Tian. Of course, Jiang Tian is very insightful and observant and didn't buy any of it, which Sheng Wang should've expected, but that's another thing 😜

In defence of the director, he kept talking about season 2 pretty much from the moment the drama started airing, so it wasn't as if anyone tried to hide their intentions... 😜

No one asked for petitions from fans, as far as I know. The one circulating is just an organic initiative from people who loved the show.
What was asked for was showing regular support for the drama, liking the IG accounts of the actors etc. Honestly, pretty basic stuff. Considering how much hate they allegedly were receiving at first, asking for support seemed pretty understandable to me.

After the initial shock, I think the ending was rather beautiful (acting, cinematography, the poem mentioned by Froehlein), but it did feel a bit rushed and slightly unpolished. I made peace with it and decided to treat this drama as a slice of life tale of the first love that didn't necessarily have a happy ending (for now, at least).

However, I do think Sheng Wang's realisation about his age and invincibility came about a bit... too quickly? I loved this scene where both of the boys are sitting in their respective classrooms and camera slowly pans out, showing them looking with anticipation outside the window (the one LDQ mentions in the 2nd part of Starbox interview as his favourite one) and I get that it was an elegant shot to conclude the story, but... Sheng Wang, sweetie, you just created all this mess, if you have a "change of heart" so quickly, why couldnt you have it a tiny bit earlier (bless your heart)?

I've been watching this person's edits during the airing of the drama and even more frequently after the drama ended.

I am exactly hoping on it sustaining me until the season 2 gets released 😜 (or on them serving as a consolation if the show gets dropped...)

Maybe the choice of the word "brave" on my part was not the best one. Ironically, I actually took a moment to chose one, as I didn't wanna sound to confrontational, because - as you said - we are on a discussion board and anyone can share their opinion. But if not brave then... I guess I'd go with unsubstantiatied?

I explained why, and how I witnessed a completely different phenomenon, where people were lowering their initial ranks after the finale, so I don't wanna loop.

I guess what I will add is that I've read so many comments, including very detailed and insightful ones, from people liking this drama, some even sharing their personal experiences that the drama managed to resonate with, that I just didn't want to see... if I write "what they said being invalidated" it will sound too deep, won't it?

So let's just say I didn't like the statement suggesting they got... bated into giving a high score based on a promise of a second season. Because I actually agree with what you said in another comment - the ending is kinda baity 😜

As for what you wrote about stories ending with a confession, and works actually exploring the challenges of a relationship - I agree wholeheartedly, so no argument from me there 😊

I get you, but for me it's still a no...

The director could bring Edward Chen or Terrance Lau (both amongst my absolute favourites) in, and I'd still be dissatisfied. Hell, he could bring Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo to both play male leads, and I'd still be against it 😜

But I understand that what you're trying to say is, you just really wish the season 2 to come to fruition. I do, too. But with the same cast.

I saw you guys share different stuff here so I wanna share something myself. I came across a channel on YouTube with fan edits of different BLs. The five most recent videos are all dedicated to The On1y One and the creator does a fantastic job at capturing the mood of the story and the feelings I've been experiencing while watching this drama.

As silly as it sounds, after the ep 12 I kept waiting for this channel to release a new edit, as I hoped watching it will help me come to terms with the ending (I know it sounds stupidly dramatic, I know 😜)

The channel's name is @llamarall

I am in no way affiliated with it, I don't know the creator. I simply came across something that I think is good and thought: why not share, maybe you guys weren't so lucky to stumble upon it.

There is a kiss scene between a secondary couple, but tbh (and I say it as someone who loves this drama) they're not that well developed.

As for the two main characters, they technically kiss, but neither of these kisses is "for real" (one is a "dare" kiss and the other one is a sort of a "revenge" kiss). And that's it.

However, there's a lot of beautiful acts of love, real character development, natural progression of a very strong bond growing between the leads (who are stellar actors, you'll see if you give this drama a try).

Double down on that: no way in hell. There's no Sheng Wang without Dong Qin. He's the first thing together with cinematography that caught my attention in this drama. From the very first scene it was so obvious I'm looking at someone who can ACT and convey so much emotions with his facial expressions.

Benjamin won me over a bit later.

If they ever wanted to make Mou Mou without Liu Dong Qin, they better just create an entire new work, a remake or something, cause I'm not interested in a continuation of The On1y One without him 😒

But they're not even stepbrothers... 😜 I'm not a fan of that trope myself. I'm not even particularly offended by it, I just feel it grew so tired and overused and is just giving desperate attempt at spicing things up, creating a taboo etc.

But here that setting actually makes sense. Both JT and SW don't easily open up to others and this whole living-together-situation and expectations of their respective parents to get closer, sort of push them towards each other more than they otherwise might've decided themselves.

But they are not stepbrothers. They think their parents will possibly marry, but it never actually happens in the drama. So they did not grow up together, they met each other at the age of 17 (almost young adults) and they're not even legally connected = no stepbrother-hood detected 😉

Yeah, the trailer alone should have a huge spoiler tag on it. But anyway, it's not like I haven't seen the novel spoilers for The On1y One everywhere while it was still airing. Enjoyed it anyway. After all, it's not about what happens, but *how* it happens 😊 Let's see if ITSAY is as good as you're saying.

I watched a trailer on Viki and it doesn't look half bad 😉 I'm gonna give it a try. The only problem is, that trailer was so darn long and seems to have spoiled me most of the outline of the story...

Gosh, I wish this part of your comment:

"Story between two people -one of them is wandering stray cat natured yearning for care still protective and guarded and the other one is derived from love weighing on himself searching for care. Their journey collides after knowing they're going to be step brothers."

was actually used as an official description of the show on streaming platforms instead of the one they have right now, that doesn't even begin to reflect the depth of this story (and misleads the people about it being yet another "step-siblings" BL). You said it very lovely and accurately.

What the actual... These two are so unfiltered! I cackled a couple of times while reading this interview. Calling Benjamin and Andy boring people?!? Whyyyyy, that's so mean 😂 The host low key shading the appearance of his former crush - I can't...

It was a very interesting read, though. Benjamin solidified himself as one and only Jiang Tian in my mind, but I am curious what other famous names were considered.

I laughed, again, at Patrick saying "Where in Taiwan will I find someone who is 185 cm, handsome and can act?".

I shuddered at the very thought of Benjamin and Dong Qin being dubbed. Dubbing in dramas almost always hinders my ability to immerse myself in the story. Aside from the guy who voiced WWX in The Untamed, whom I thought was phenomenal, I never really enjoyed a drama being dubbed.

Besides, things like intonation, how you enunciate the words and all that stuff is also part of acting. Dong Qin's voice is just as expressive as his eyes and don't even get me started on Benjamin's "Hao" in episode 7 when he was agreeing to living in dorm together. I'm so happy we were not robbed of that.

I actually kinda wish Jenny wasn't dubbed over. I assumed it was for the exact reason Patrick mentioned, but I'd take her perfect Putonghua over the dubbing anytime. Even at the expense of realism. The dubbing (admittedly synced fairly well with her lips) was still pulling me out of the story every time the camera focused on her.

I think it's quite brave to assume other's motivations for rating this show... You already failed at understanding mine.

I actually have rather low hopes for the second season (though reading some people's optimistic comments here did affect me a bit - probably against my better judgement - not gonna lie). As much as I respect the director for his works (this and YNEH are both amongst my faves) I didn't necessarily like his frequent pleas to hype the show in order to get the second season from the very beginning. I could already predict some people saying the show couldn't stand on its own quality and had to rely on such type of "promoting".

I happened to fall completely for this drama around episode 4-5 and while I do admit that in later episodes the pacing suffered from shoving in the side couple/triangle story, which didn't really get the best execution, I still consider this drama the best BL series I've ever watched. If I were to lower its rating, I'd literarily have to lower my ratings for any other BL drama I've ever seen even more.

What I enjoyed was beautiful cinematography, splendid acting and - when it was at its best - amazing writing. I think storytelling up to ep 5,6, even 7 was almost flawless, but it still managed to hold my interest and move me even afterwards. As for acting, some of the best of it from Benjamin and Dong Qin happen in the later parts of the drama. The symbolism, metaphors and references to works of literature, science or pop culture were a unique way to tell a story plus fit so well within the school drama context. Which btw was also really well portrayed - from prepping for exams, to classmates' shenanigans at school.

As for your claims that this drama is rated high on the hopes of getting the 2nd season... I actually have quite the contrary impression. Just from reading the comments here and the reviews on Viki alone, quite a lot of people lowered their rating because of not liking the ending. On Viki e.g., the show was having a rank of 9.5 before the finale and now is at 9.2 with many reviews complaining exactly about the (lack of) conclusion.

I don't watch Thai dramas much, because whenever I tried they failed to hold my interest. I Told Sunset About You was not amongst the ones I tried though, so I can't speak to how successfully it did what you're claiming it to achieve. Maybe I'd end up liking it?

Finally. May I ask you - as someone who evidently didn't enjoy the show - do you want the second season? People want season 2 because they *liked* what they got so far. Since they liked it, they rate it high. If they thought the show sucked, why would they hope for a continuation? If they don't think it sucked, why wouldn't they give it a favourable rating? I think it's a fairly simple logic.

I do, however, agree with you on judging the show on the novel. While I understand people looking for some "solace" in the novel, where the characters actually get a happy ending, referring the audience of a drama to a novel as an argument defending the show is not particularly compelling for me. One is a drama. Another one is a book. The drama is merely an adaptation of the book, and as such it can both fail to deliver or even elevate the original story to new heights. If I need to go and read a book to feel the drama is good, something did go wrong. Only that, personally, I don't feel I have to. I enjoyed this show tremendously as an individual work.

Even if it never gets a second season.

I am grateful as well. The guy catapulted himself into my top favourite asian actors and I probably wouldn't have even know of his existence if not for The On1y One (I used to attempt watching Only for Love, but I dont think I even made it to his scenes back then).

Honestly though, the casting for this drama was in general great.

Not only LDQ as SW and Benjamin as JT, but also Andy Chen as GTY, Pipi Yao as Pepper and Jennifer Hong as JT's mom (that scene between them when both cried was per-fec-tion).

Exactly this! It's not that The On1y One has no BL tropes. The thing is that when they do them, they do them right. There's a necessary build-up, and the trope alone sometimes gets a slight twist (like that kabedon-scene in episode 5, I think? Followed by this long moment of intense eye contact and warm smile from SW towards JT instead the usual flustered reaction). All coupled with A-class acting from both LDQ and Benjamin.

No problem! So, what did you think of the episode after rewatching it?

Thanks, just wrote my understanding of what actually happened😊