Why is this not a series?????

A short story that you’d wish to be a series…

It’s only 14 minutes but it felt like 3 hours long~ in a short period of time, it made me love their characters and their story already.

There are no kissing or intimate scenes, but the way they look at each other, and treat each other, the place, setting, and music — makes it SO ROMANTIC. This is such a perfect example that not having those kind of stereotype scenes could still make a drama beautiful.

I’d love to see the both of them work in another project again one day. Be it a sequel for this, or a totally new drama series this time.

They got big potential to top the dramas we have to this date. There’s really something about their chemistry.

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Surprisingly Good!

I didn’t have high expectation for this when I saw the trailer and the fact that there are amazing bls lately that set the bar high enough (The Eight Sense, Our Dating Sim then the OGs Semantice Error, Light on me and Where your eyes linger) these are my basis for this review.

But also at the same time, I’ve already seen the other BLs too (everything you can think of, I’m not gonna name them anymore to be fair) and they didn’t make it on my top list.

Surprisingly, I couldn’t consider this as one of those mediocre bl attempts. But it’s also not making my top list too (so far since it’s still ongoing). Like it’s in between. It’s almost there but we all know almost is never enough lol. There’s SO MUCH POTENTIAL. The actors and the story. But since we’re only 2 eps away. I don’t think it’d make it on my top list. Unless they put out a Season 2.

Really, they should’ve at least extended the length for every episode if they can’t add more than 8 eps. The story is really interesting, the background of each role, the characteristic of each roles, their story together, the jealousy, the hold backs, the potential 2nd leads, etc. It’s just sad that it’s on fast pace. They’ve thought amazing conflicts and little yet effect plot twists, but they had to squeeze in everyhting, all these great ideas into 8 eps.

Their chemistry was already there. They’re both giving Alpha auras, which makes it more interesting. We just need more depth and attachment to their characters, which may need longer eps or additional eps.

The music, i think that’s something they could’ve highlighted too. They should take advantage of choosing/producing the right songs to use, I was too focused on the visual I couldn’t remember any tone for any OST. Except Zuho’s rap. But yeah, OST will definitely add more to the series.

It’s still a good one to watch. I’d still recommend it. I feel like they can do a lot better if they make a 2nd season.

EDIT: I’ve completed it. It feels like they gotta have a 2nd season. And if they do, they gotta make it up for the chemistry we didn’t fully get on this season. The potential is really there. The back story they have is something they can continue to the next season. And more of their relationship and affection. If they will have a Season 2, then I’ll be excited about it!

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So far so (really really) good…

Finally, a korean bl that has lived up to my expectations, somehow.

(I’ve been quite disappointed with the recent releases except for The Eight Sense and Our Dating Sim, those two are good - really recommendable)

Anyway, my review will be updated since it’s still on going.

So far.. I like the cinematography, the setting, the location, the feels it give. The music is good too, it matches every moment. It’s really refreshing. The pacing of story and build up was just about right. Not too fast, not too slow.

The backstory is realistic so it’s fine, the actors were able to give me the vibe of the characters they are portraying. I like their acting so far, for some reason it made me forget my problem with most korean bls *the acting* I was focused on the relationship devolpment rather than paying attention to their acting skills. Which i think is a good sign.

Hyeon Yul is SO HANDSOME. I just have to say it. Lol. I’m giggling everytime, like I can totally relate to Yechan. The man is so fine.

One thing that I hate though…

Is that I started watching it already, now I have to wait every week for the next episode.

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It was cute, funny… and short :/

It was really cute! The couples, the actors themselves, their characters and the story. Some scenes made me laugh, some made me smile, some gave me butterflies. Some made me go “Aaawwwww” 🥹

I love the sulky moments the most!

It was not perfect, but it wasn’t that bad too. Ngl, it’s not on my top fave list. But I did enjoy it somehow.

And let’s admit, the actors are all handsome. I’m sure that’s an added factor on how they gave me butterflies.

I think since they have fewer episodes, they had to be direct with most of the scenes, and cut short with the back story. It lacked background or side stories to get a better build up and give a certain scene more depth and sense. Also, having more episodes could give the actors more chances to showcase their acting skills or improve overtime. The plot was actually cute and fun.

[Comments from here is now referring to general and not specifically for this drama]

I don’t know what’s still holding KBLs to do the same approach as Taiwanese/Chinese BLs or General K-drama. Like the story build up and depth we normally get from watching k-dramas. I still couldn’t get that from KBLs which is weird. They’re already doing BLs might as well treat it the same as how you would do in a k-drama.

The 8th sense, semantic error, our dating sim, blueming and where your eyes linger are some of the best kbls for me far - honestly they are still not perfect but so far are really the best ones… though I still haven’t got the full k-drama feels I’d get normally get from straight dramas.

But it does make sense to feel this way, since this is orginally from Thai BL, i don’t think that’s a good path to go to when it comes to execution. The kissing scenes were indeed cute and promising but honestly that’s just because they are all so handsome.

I couldn’t get myself watch any Thai BLs lately. Ever since Korea, Taiwan and China did BLs. Japanese BLs are good too.

Anyway, this was a light one. I love the OSTs. The actors got big potential, and ideally for romcom dramas. All I could really say is that it was Cute lol

Please don’t get affected with my comment, we have different tastes and takes, this might be your cup of tea! Still a good one to watch!

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A CULTURAL RESET: They made it even more beautiful and they set their own standards

Clearly it’s an adaptation of the Chinese BL that we all loved… It’s normal to have a comparison. But Addicted took place years before Stay With Me. So it’s normal for Stay with me to have some changes or a different take on specific scenes and plots. Nevertheless, everything was done in a good way.

At first, I was skeptical to watch it for the following reasons:

1.) CH’s Censorship - that’s automatically a bummer to most of us BL lovers. Despite having a heart to appreciate a non-BL drama, it just still feels lacking or sad for us to get a BL adaptation without the essence of BL. It just doesn’t make sense, like if you’re going to adapt a BL and change it, then don’t even touch it right? Like go adapt an original bromance or create your own bromance story.

2.) Addicted has a special place in my heart - the actors in particular. Their chemistry was just so unique, it was something else. My mind couldn’t accept the fact that we’re getting an adaptation with the continuation of their story — but with different actors. It’s sad and we gotta admit it. We’ve always hoped for them to one day be able to continue the story themselves.

Now here are my realizations as I started watching Stay with me:

I realized, that I can actually love them BOTH at the same time. Like I don’t need to look for mistakes or flaws then bring it up and make comparisons, talk about it on socials - like what for? just to protect or avenge the original drama/actors? I realized that I can’t hate the new series just because I’m in denial of the fact that it’s not the original casting anymore and that it’s not literally tagged as BL.

That’s just so petty of me. And if you feel that way too? Here’s what I could recommend. If you’re not interested, then don’t watch it. If you watched it and was unhappy, then simply drop it. But that gives you NO RIGHT to talk about anything negative or recruit other possible viewers to hate on Stay with me, because you haven’t even watched it UNTIL THE END. It’s 2023, if it’s not your cup of tea then look for something else and move on.

By giving “Stay with me” a chance, I’ve learned to accept and APPRECIATE the changes and adjustments they’ve done. It’s like a 2023 take on the original story.

Comparisons are normal. But I gotta be real honest, Stay with me opened my heart and created their own spot in my heart. They’ve set their OWN standards. They got famous because they are them. I can’t invalidate the efforts of the new casts and producers and all the people behind this drama. They really did well, to satisfy the viewers WHILE considering the things they must uphold. It’s uncontrollable but they did their best. And I FELT IT.

That’s why I appreciate them so much. If only THEY COULD??? let’s admit it, we know and we can feel that THEY WOULD give us everything we hope for.

For me, there was never a dull episode released! Each episode gave us something to feel and think about. I’ve felt a lot of rollercoaster emotions throughout the series and I’ve enjoyed the ride!

After finding out that what we’re watching is the cut/edited version… all the previous episodes that we wished could’ve showed more context or showed more of what happened next — started to make sense! Honestly, I was already happy and contented with how it is right now. But knowing that we will still actually get more???? Of course, my heart is HAPPIER and more EXCITED!

Also, we cannot deny that this drama taught us a lot of LESSONS — with our emotions, the family matters, individuality, overcoming hardships, personal challenges, relationships, perseverance, unconditional love and a lot more.

I personally hope that by the time they shoot the Season 2 - the censorship will be more linient or totally lifted if possible. So they won’t have to hold back their creativeness and the natural greatness of their works. They probably feel bad too that they have to limit things. Anyway, I wouldn’t mind if they still have to in the next season. They’ve already PROVEN that they could still make it SATISFYING and BEAUTIFUL even with the censorship taking place.

I barely have the desire to rewatch a drama ever in my life. The first and last time I did rewatch a drama was “My girl” by Lee Dongwook. It was a korean drama and not a BL one. I’ve never tried to rewatch anything else after that, not until today. I know that I’ll soon have a feeling or mood to watch Stay with me again and I’LL GLADLY DO IT.

Stay with me is prolly one of the best drama in all genre, that has been released this year (so far). There are lots of good dramas but for me I have few that gave me remarkable feelings and it’s one of them.

I’m gonna MISS THEM 😭 everything about this drama felt like HOME to me. The characters, the setting, the location, the courtyard, the house, their rooms, the tree, the roof the boys always sit on, the music, their relationship. I could go on forever if I talk about it 😅

I’M JUST SO HAPPY I GAVE “STAY WITH ME” A TRY, DESPITE HAVING A LOT OF BLs FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES THAT WERE AVAILABLE/YET TO COME.

Stay with me even had me lose my interests to those upcoming BLs that were on my list. Like, I couldn’t give attention to anything else yet when I watched this. It still may take time for me to process and move on before I could go back to watching other BLs 😅

Let me end this by saying: It may not be the most perfect drama (cause I believe there’s no such thing) BUT I am satisfied, contented and happy with it. I wouldn’t wish to change a thing! And SEASON 2 will definitely be my most awaited series, ever! I’ll be more than willing to patiently wait for them 🥹 JIONGJIONG, BINBIN, AND TO EVERYONE WHO MADE “STAY WITH ME” POSSIBLE! THANK YOU SO MUCH! WE LOVED IT AND WE KNOW WE’RE GONNA LOVE THE NEXT SEASON TOO! 🥰

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SEASON 2 Should Happen (honest review)

HONEST REVIEW.

This is a proof that having LONGER episodes could add more value to the story and drama itself. It stretches the plot, gives the characters more exposure and builds deeper emotions and attachment from the audiences. Of course it has to have a good storyline like this one.

I’ve watched several BLs already (chinese, thai, japanese), so trust me, this is on my Top 5! It’s the most k-drama like BL drama (if you get what I mean).

It’s actually so REALISTIC. I’ve had someone like Daon in my life (lol). He was afraid to be a disappointment to his family, and everyone else. So he couldn’t fight for me. But he loved me. Anyway, the way every scene reminded me of our struggles before just get to shows that it’s something that really happens in real life.

So I basically watched it for Yooseok, but… I ENDED UP FALLING IN LOVE WITH CHOE CHANYI (SHIN DAON) 😭

He played his role so well, that even I myself fell for him 🥹 I was happy to see him happy. Admire him for always understanding people and situations. I was also hurt, when he was hurting. I was sad with him. I was regretful with him. I was with him on this drama. He made me, be with him all throughout.

It’s crazy!!! I don’t wanna invalidate Shinwoo’s efforts… he deserves everything… but Daon has a special place in my heart already and it grew bigger and bigger I couldn’t just let go of him. Like I wish Taekyung could’ve been more patient and understanding about Daon’s situation. They ain’t the same, Daon got different things to consider, different background, different people in his life, and I wish Taekyung could’ve supported him more while he was struggling. Daon (his character even in real life) needs someone who won’t give up on him, someone who he could call his safe haven where he can rest when reality hits him so hard. It was his first time as well so his situation was really understandable too.

This is not one of those dramas with 2nd Lead Syndrome (If I’m taking Daon as the main love interest), cause I want them to end up together so bad LOL.

If Season 2 will be about a 2nd Chance of Taekyung x Daon??? That would be THE END OF ME.

Like what if Shinwoo would for some reason screw up, or his Old Crush would come back???? Then Daon will be there for Taekyung. OMG OMGGG WE ALL NEED SEASON 2 WITH SAME CAST JUST ADD MORE LOL

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Lovely casting, story and production ?

The production was not poorly budgeted. It felt like a movie for me. The music used was so good, the OSTs ahhh it’s one of my top faves about this drama.

Not only the main four leads but also the supporting characters, like the parents and friends acted well and really contributed for the series to come out this good. I feel like they were there for a reason, they roles were added factors.

I love Qi Zhang’s mother, she did her role a justice as an understanding single mom to his only son, she felt natural (A mom everyone would wish to have). I also like the character of Iris she seems to be that girl bestie that is fun to be with and will always have your back. Qi Zhang’s besties look cool and fun I hope they get to have their side of stories too. I obviously got invested to this casting lol.

It feels light and heartwarming, but there was this moment I also felt Ye Guang’s pressure and had my anxiety up becasue of his story. From that moment I assumed that this series would hurt me but THANKFULLY it’s not yet on this season lol.

I hope they’d do Season 2 (You know a drama was worth it if a viewer would wish for another season) there’s still a lot that could happen and I’m scared lol but I still would want a Season 2. I’ll prepare my heart for it.

Not gonna sugar coat, the acting was just okay, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, but I know that they could do better, I can see everyone’s potential. Correct me if I’m wrong but these artists are kind of newbies, or just debuted in acting or series through this show? Well lemme tell you, it didn’t feel that way, I didn’t notice it to that point, but yes there’s really a room for improvement and I could just imagine how big they could still be. Overall, I’m highly satisfied. I enjoyed the series in one sitting, didn’t notice the time and was so surprise that it ended already at Ep. 8 🤧

They left me wanting more — that’s the magic word. 😅

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IT’S LITERALLY BEAUTIFUL Y’ALL

[DISCLAIMER]

My ratings are not overrated, I mean them. Based on what have been released so far and compare to all previous Japanese BLs I’ve seen.

My ratings could still change since it’s ongoing… but so far, this is my cup of tea! I’d definitely recommend it!

[ACTUAL REVIEW]

Ep. 1-3

This is by far, the most satisfying Japanese BL series I’ve seen. Like considering the “entirety” of the drama (Acting, Actors, Script, Music, Setting, Videography, Location, Plot, etc.)

And I think it just makes sense, cause it’s a new one. I mean, they probably have learned a lot from the previous Japanese BL releases or BL in general. Here you could see them do things better when it comes to acting, script, and so on.

I’m not gonna talk about the “what could’ve gone better” (just yet) cause honestly I couldn’t think of any on top of my head right now. And I want my reviews to only focus on what’s good as much as possible, cause sometimes the imperfections could make something perfect the way it is.

But if it’s really lacking that it’s need to be voiced out so they could improve in the future (constructive feedback) then that’s the only time I tend to say something. So far, this one is really good that I’d recommend it and would rewatch it. (I actually have seen all three episodes twice while waiting lol)

They picked the right actors for the right story in the perfect timing!

I like it so much that I don’t get frustrated for having to wait every week and only get 1 episode released. In fact, I don’t want it to end yet. It only has 8 eps which is sad. And it’s not even completely out yet but I’m already hoping for a Season 2!

[UPDATED REVIEW AFTER EP. 4]

I’m afraid this would top all the Japanese BLs I’ve seen… or BLs in general (?) I mean, hear me out. We’re only at Ep. 4 but the amount of BUTTERFLIES and SATISFACTION I receive was ALREADY MORE than from watching an entire series 🤧 I think the best term to decribe it is it’s “BEAUTIFUL”. It may sound cliche or like an understatement, but it’s literally the epitome of a beautiful feel-good drama.

Beautiful story. Beautiful portrayals. Beautiful acting. Beautiful faces. Beautiful cinematography. Beautiful script. Beautiful directing. It checks ALL THE BOXES.

If only I could pay to watch all the episodes ahead of time, I swear, I’d gladly do that.

The rewatch value of this is still HIGH for me. I could already see myself watching it again in one go once it’s completed.

**Please come back here every week for updated feedback**

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Great Potential with Ai and their chemistry…

It’s not so bad that I could drop watching it, but it’s also not super good like I would rewatch it.

It’s also not something I’d want to finish in one sitting, like i need to muster up my mood first before I could continue watching the next eps.

Needs improvement with the acting of the actors and execution of plots, they didn’t feel natural enough, most parts felt like they were just delivering the lines. Kissing scenes were not that romantic, it was too ingenuine, there was not enough love, sincerity, and intimacy.

Honestly, p’Touch acts better and more natural than the others.

The storyline, and some scenes — there were so many shortcuts. Some scenes were cute, some didn’t make sense to me. (Like I knew what they wanted the audience to see and feel - but it didn’t work for me). The characters, their relationships, and the story itself lacked depth. Some scenes felt rushed and some felt forced loke they jusy wanna show everything out. They got good ideas actually, like I could imagine it being delivered in a more ideal way.

Please don’t do what I did: I started skipping the scenes for the side characters since episode 6 until the end. I was just not pulled in with them. I ended up only wanting to watch Ai’s scenes. Even though their acting is not yet at its best, but their chemistry is REALLY GOOD. I’ve observed the improvement of their kissing scenes through the last episode. I could see a BIG POTENTIAL for this pairing. With more experience, and acting lessons, they could really make a BIG HIT one day!

Give this series a chance, it might be your cup of tea.

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I’ll never forget this

It has a very beautiful plot. It deserves a sequel, but we all know why it won’t happen.

Luckily, we’re now getting an adaptation of this gem on July 7, with a different title “Stay with me”. I’ll give it a chance, though I still prefer the OG cast. I’m confident that if they were to continue the story now, everything will be leveled up already, and it would make it on top BLs of history. It really saddens me that we’re not gonna get it anymore.

I think one of the best charms of this drama, aside from its story, is the similarities of the main leads. Their visuals, their aura, built and physique. It’s rare that we get a couple that both gives Alpha vibe. And for some reason, it really worked well. I can’t even think of any couple that could pull it off the way they did. Normally, one has to ve shorter and softer now. (Which is still good, don’t get me wrong). I’m just saying that their chemistry, is really something else. It’s still incomparable even up to this date.

Given that this was way back in 2016, and I’ve just seen it today, I still like it. Despite seeing almost all BLs by now and having pretty high standards already, I still love the story, the characters and the setting.

Of course if I look at it right now, and be technical, there was really something they could’ve done better. But if I’m to look at it back then, I’d say that they really did good.

I got sad. I got happy. I got butterflies. I got anxious. I cared for the both of them and the side characters.

I just hope the main leads could work again together in the future. They already have a special place in my heart, and will never forget them and this drama.

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Lacks a little bit of everything

Mainly, lacks in-depth with the scenes, which limits their opportunity to show more of their acting skills. I wish my kdrama to make me cry at some point, make me hurt when they fight or break up, make me happy and consistently give me butterflies. My excitement towards the end has lessen.

I think having that title as the title is not a positive thing. It will only add up as a spoiler for viewers, that no matter what’s gonna happen in between. It’s still gonna be a Happy Merry Ending.

There wasn’t enough build-up before the main leads broke up, like I wanted to witness more arguements, and 2nd leads getting in between them. The break up felt like forced to be put out there because it should at least happen before the ending.

Not enough scenes with the bestfriend who likes him, he would’ve been a better 2nd lead than the ex-bf. They could’ve made the viewers be attached more with the him. So audiences could have different teams to support and hype online.

Even the ex-bf didn’t have enough scenes to strengthen the plot twists. Would’ve been better to show the ex-bf giving them more hard time. Regret and jealousy, if applicable.

It’s not something I’d rewatch. But not a bad one.

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The only Korean BL series i approve...

It’s so far, the only korean bl series that I approve and highly recommend. (Don’t get me wrong the others were good too but Thai and Chinese BL have set my standards so high lol)

The actors played their role so well, the personality they portrayed fits the characters, the chemistry was just so perfect, the storyline - how the scnenes were executed, the jealousy, the hold backs, the heartstopping moments, the butterflies and hurt i felt while watching this is what I’ve been anticipating for a drama in general.

They say “Once Korea started doing BL series that’s when it’s over for everyone”. This is that series. It has what it takes to be that series. The only downside of this is that it’s short. It left me wanting more. There are still a lot of things that could happen if they continue the story.

And i think that’s what’s important, how the characters and the story grew into me and left a very scpecial part in my heart even if it’s short I’ll never forget this series. I just really hope they make a Season 2. It deserves a sequel. It’s a must watch.

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