I think this is one of the best bl dramas I have watched so far and one of the few that I truly thought were worth watching for something more than light entertainment. I also read the manhwa and I think it was adapted really well even if the ending is a little bit different but it can fit the story well. I really enjoyed watching it and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a more complex and realistic plot.
I understand why many people could think that the ending leaves a bittersweet aftertaste or that there isn’t enough romance. But II think that very often in real life is not always easy to understand the feeling towards another person (especially for a traumatized person as Taehyun) and even if you do understand your feelings, having a real relationship is even harder. I think the moment where Taehyun says that he doesn’t know if he likes Da Yeol but he needs him is very touching.
What I also like is that the story doesn’t focus only on the relationship but it puts a lot of attention on the single characters managing to give a good idea of their personalities, their way of thinking, their struggles and their feelings. The actors were very good too, they made a good job of representing their characters and they have great chemistry.
On the other side the main (maybe only) problem of the series is that there isn’t even a little kiss and at some point it becomes totally ridiculous not to kiss. I don’t refer to the high school period where they aren’t in a relationship (I found nothing strange about the lack of romance there) but to the last episode. I mean, the conversation, the chemistry, the fluff was good, but you cannot create so many intimate situations and not make them kiss because it looks forced, weird and ridiculous. If you don’t intend on making them kiss (obviously because the actors can’t since they are two idols… of the same group….) then invent something different for the last episode because it was a pity after so many nearly perfect episodes.
Besides the ridiculous last episode, I don’t think the lack of romance is an issue because the story is more about the development of the two boys both and of their sweet and deep relationship that (whether if it becomes romantic later on or not) gives them comfort, understanding and help them discovering themselves.