Comfort series with introverts in a charming relationship

"Ameiro Paradox" is one of those dramas that are not complex, but even though very enjoyable to watch. There is no extensive network of connections between characters, no digging into their pasts, and no twists and turns. I came across the term "comfort series" the other day, and I think this drama fits the category perfectly.

Yes, I love to lose myself in multi-layered plots and breathtaking frames. But, for balance, I like stories that warm my heart. That's why "Ameiro Paradox" will stay in my memory for a long time.

The main characters are Onoe and Kaburagi, who work for the weekly gossip magazine Dash! - Onoe as the reporter, Kaburagi as the cameraman. They are assigned to work as a duo, which is not convenient for them. Onoe follows ethical principles in life, while Kaburagi has nothing to do with them in case of getting a scoop. Onoe despises Kaburagi's flirtatiousness, and Kaburagi is annoyed by Onoe's naivety.

At first glance, they are different and do not fit together as partners at work, let alone a romantic relationship.

However, as history progresses, it turns out they have as much in common as they differ. Just like the fact they are both introverts. Their dislike for each other is incredibly short. Most of the story is feigned dislike, which only adds charm to their relationship.

Onoe is fascinated to discover that Kaburagi actually has a gentle personality. The hard shell is something that Kaburagi created because of and for the work. Onoe is the only one who manages to break through it. While he doesn't endorse Kaburagi's methods of achieving goals, Onoe also admires that he always gets what he wants.

Kaburagi admires that Onoe stays at peace with himself even in such environment. Onoe appears to him as pure, unsullied in this dirty world. He notices his brilliance, analytical thinking, and ability to connect the dots. Looking at his advantages, even his flaws, such as clumsiness or naivety, seem winsome.

At some point in the story, there is a misunderstanding between them. Onoe is carrying out the action alone, without Kaburagi and it ends successfully. While Onoe is very pleased with himself, Kaburagi becomes cold and distant towards him. Why is he sulking for no reason, is he a hypocrite? After all, he is the one who deceives people to achieve a goal, so why is he so offended when Kaburagi only did his job well? What's this about?

When they worked as a duo, there was a kind of division of blame. When Onoe went on a mission alone, it stripped him of his innocence. Kaburagi always wanted to protect him during their work - not only from direct threat as kidnapping or abusing. He didn't want Onoe to become cold and soulless like him. Poor Onoe, he just wanted to show himself as an independent individual who could be as good at investigating as Kaburagi. It took the opposite turn than intended.

Fortunately, the characters explain everything to each other in the end. Their love is sweet, charming, and this is the warmth in the heart that I wrote about at the beginning.

Coming to the end of my review, I have to mention Masayan, Onoe's friend who runs the pub. The pub is Onoe's contemplative area, and Masayan is the voice that allows him to gather his thoughts, put together mismatched puzzle pieces, and helps him make a decision. In dramas we often deal with a phenomenon - I would call it - talking for talking's sake. Good friends but lousy advisory. I'm not saying there should be philosophical treatises, but I can't stand truisms and pointless advice. Here we have one of the most valuable characters in dramas at all. We need more of them! Such friends in real life too :).

As for me, the drama has the potential for the second season! I'd love to see further adventures in Kaburagi's and Onoe's demanding work and how their relationship develops.

Favorite quotes:

1)
Onoe: - I just thought if you had to do it against your will, I would do it myself. Because I knew you didn't like that kind of task. […] And I didn't want to see you suffering. So I offered to do it instead.
Kaburagi: - But I'd rather do it myself than let you do it for the same reason as you.

2)
Onoe: - You know, you always smell good.
Kaburagi: - Really? But I didn't wear any perfume.
Onoe: - It's probably the shampoo.
Kaburagi: - So… If we live together, we'll smell the same.

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How the treacherous trailer almost put me off watching my favorite BL drama of the year

First of all, I was surprised that the drama has nothing to do with the supernatural, as the title and trailer might suggest. At first I thought it was a misunderstanding. Now I think it was on purpose.

Maybe we were meant to feel like everyone else who had been deceived into believing in the Suppalo curse. I thought it would be a production with Ayan's dorky behavior and weak effects with eclipse storyline (and maybe some werewolf transformations, who knows).

It turns out that the story of Suppalo is the background on which the main characters resonate beautifully. For Akk, these are the dilemmas of a young man on the verge of important life stage and love that stands in the way. For Ayan, it's dealing with the pain due to loss and his desire for revenge.

There are expressive individuals who do not live in the shadows, and their behavior affects the reputation of the entire university. This allows us to see the smallest changes and nuances that occur in their thinking and behavior.

I enjoy hate-to-love tropes and this story stands out on the podium. It seems well thought out from a psychological point of view. We see how the characters change and nothing happens too quickly, it's natural.

Sometimes it is their looks that give us the most information: from unspoken, inflamed feelings to pain that they have to work through.

Akk and Ayan seem to be made for each other. That is the subtle factor that makes you feel the atmosphere of growing tension through their eye contact or their being next to each other. Their chemistry is out of this world. I have to admit that I watched some scenes more than a dozen times! Something amazing. Chapeu bas for the director!

The OST "Over the Moon" by Khaotung adds flavor and it's one of my all-time favorite soundtracks. Along with the official music video, it strongly affects my emotions and I'm drifting away in soft thoughts.

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