In a sea of youthful, school romances, this one is cream of the crop. Every step of the way the story grabs my attention and stole my heart.

The Plot begins with highschool transitioning to college and with it, it captures how the characters have changed. Highschool was mostly sweet. College had some rude awakening. The society arc was realistic though. It is hard to stay 'pure' and keep a righteous heart. A society that pressures one to be 'accomplish' and driven by profit making.. it makes me applaud for FL and ML.

Why I fell in love with the characters:
- FL was very relatable in highschool. Being a new transfer student to a city school, she felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb. She did not know how to communicate with her classmates. She felt small and hence become withdrawn. She also does not know how to say no. It brings back memory of teenage years when one feels unsure, useless and even lonely. Compound that with a naughty younger brother whom her mum seems to be bias over
- ML had a inner gentleman. Being deskmates with FL, they gradually warm up to each other. He's a naturally gifted student that ace his studies without needing much effort. He has a clear goal. However he isnt cold or unapproachable. Infact he's helpful to his peers and once he took FL under his wing, he doesnt think twice in helping her out

Why I love their interaction:
- They have the cutest deskmate interaction. Even though both never confess and their relationship isn't labeled more than 'deskmate'
- ML look out for FL. And does a lot of sweet warm actions.
- FL even being timid would speak out to defend ML.
- They both go to great lengths to protect their deskmate position.
- They reassure and encourage each other in a highpressure Chinese education system
- Their gifts to each other were really thoughtful
- The way they look at each other gives me butterflies

Character development
- FL had a determined streak in her. She overcomes being an 'average' student and work hard to enter a top tier university
- That same determined streak had her repeating just to follow the ML to his university
- FL along the way has matured, become more sociable and able to think for herself
- FL became much more confident and openly pursues ML even as he pushes her away
- ML's family particularly his dad encountered serious health problems. Suddenly push into a poor financial situation, he becomes stretched out physically and mentally juggling school, work and visiting his parents
- The same situation makes him unwilling to share with FL so as not to 'pull her down'
- ML wanted the best for FL but he also decided it all on his own; only later did he realise his way of thought was wrong
- During a speech, ML expresses that infact FL looking up to him and encouraging him was his greatest drive
- The other love triangle SBC too had his own development. He went from a reliable senior to an accomplished company manager to one that does questionable things as he bowed down to society pressures to finally walking away from it.

Acting
- Im blown away by ML's micro-expressions. In an interview even Rainbow, the FL says ML's eyes 'blink' 'blink' expressing his eyes twinkle. The way he looks at his leading lady is like dripping mollases.
- Both actor/actress really interpreted what their character feels. I felt they truly capture the gist and the moments in the story
- Their chemistry makes the whole drama works. From the unspoken affection they had in high school, carrying the secret crush and how they chased each other in college.

Rewatching - Definitely, complete with watching BTS and their interviews too.

Ps: Costume and wardrobe people love colour coordinating the ML and FL's clothes. Cant help noticing.