BLISS RATING: ★★★★+
“Love isn’t something you find. It is something that finds you.” – Loretta Young
This is a triumvirate story that in the beginning is unnecessarily confusing, obtuse, and almost misleading. Little explanation is given as to who these characters are or what is happening, and the story becomes awkward and needlessly opaque. So many characters are introduced all at once, especially in the first two episodes, that fatuity tends to confuse the audience. The flow of the story becomes disjointed, particularly when you are trying to grasp the nuances not only of the story but the familiarity of the culture and customs that is not fully appreciated. It does settle down in the third episode and from then on, the sagas of each couple become unique and interesting and understandable. I loved two of the three couples; the third couple was a bit more disconcerting for me. It felt darker and more brooding than the other two.
Although the three couples are distinct, they are eventually connected in the completion of the series in a rather melancholic yet satisfying ending that I found cathartic and well-done. It is not splashy but laced into a beautiful bow where the theme of their last night together is, “We will remember this day.” And indeed, these remembrances are the milestones that are engraved into one’s memories so much so that one can and will recall them even into old age. (I still remember mine). I thought it was such a fitting end to rather soft, charming, fluffy love stories for two couples for whom I am hopeful; one simply gnaws at my insides that I do not think that all has been revealed and think their journey may be rocky. Perhaps it is more about my intuition than conviction, however.
The first couple is refreshingly different. It focuses on a teaching assistant named Sung Min (Jung Woo Jae). Sung Min, who has a difficult time saying no to anyone. He is a pleaser and is to some degree taken advantage of because of his willingness to help anyone who asks for his assistance. While he has a great reputation, he is also being pulled in many different directions at the same time. In one of his mixed-up manners, he was trying to help, he meets Joo Hyuk (An Jeong Gyun), who is smitten immediately when seeing Sung Min in a rather amusingly misunderstood, half-naked, condition. What made this an interesting connection is that while Joo Hyuk pursues Sung Min. However, he does not seem to pick up on the prompts and hints that Joo Hyuk is interested in him. When he finally does, something unique happens. They immediately have sex which is unusual in a BL and one that I intensely appreciated. However, Sung Min leaves without saying a word, leaving Joo Hyuk confused and feeling used. He really likes Sung Min.
Of the three couples, this couple is the most mature and has some funny exchanges and amusing misunderstandings between them but one that you can sense is going to lead to a long-lasting relationship. They are taking the time to get to know each other and to be intimate with each other early on in their relationship. Their lustful scenes are steamy and quite sensual. They were not afraid nor ashamed to admit it and give in to the carnal side of pursuing a relationship. Something that happens more often than not in real life than in BLs.
The second couple plays a cat and mouse game with each other until they no longer can maintain the obvious sexual tension between them. Both have been in love with each other for a while but neither had the courage to express it overtly and only do so in covert and sometimes funny ways. The more jovial of the two is Ma Roo (Lee Kwang Hee) who is gregarious, bubbly, and very outgoing. He does everything he can to show Min Woo (Woo Hyo Won) that he likes him except tell him directly with words. Min Woo, on the other hand, is a more reflective, pensive, and passive individual who has been in love with Ma Roo since adolescence. Min Woo is easily wounded and no matter how many cues Ma Roo may seemingly throw at him, unless he knows (hears the words) for sure, he remains uncertain.
Until finally, it becomes clear when Ma Roo thinks he is going to lose Min Woo do they decidedly break down the barriers and finally engage in passion. In all honesty, one of the most beautiful and romantic confessions of love is expressed in the middle of the night by Ma Roo. He tries to awaken Min Woo to confess his love, knowing that Min Woo will only slightly remember it as he remains in a dream state. I thought that proem was just so beautiful, meaningful, tender, and incredibly heartfelt. And was delivered with such compassion that I found myself completely moved by it. It is a stunning and inspiring scene. One of the best in a BL I have ever seen. Kudos to wonderful writing and some excellent acting.
The third couple and, by far the most complex, is a deeply troubled one and dystopian from the beginning. And frankly, at least for me, never loses its cloud of dolefulness which always seems to be over them. Lee Hyun (J-Min) is an incoming university student who suddenly recognizes his old tutor from high school, Kim An (Kim Yong Seok) who suddenly disappeared. Their relationship then was unrequited but an obviously intense one. Kim An is an elusive and mysterious figure who seems to be allusive by nature. The two reconnect through a Marriage & Family Course and through a series of interesting course assignments are drawn closer together again. Kim An’s story seemed a bit twisted to me and almost surreal and I was not sure if his story was genuine or frankly a figment of his imagination.
For me, no matter what his real story is, he has a level of toxicity about him that is just hard to shake free from. He seems to be hiding something – always. While their relationship seemed cute, and certainly Lee Hyun wants it more than anything to be tangible, I just felt there is still a disconnect between them. This is my least favorite couple and even though a lot of time was spent on their backstory, I felt I got to know them the least. I never quite bought into their relationship.
Who really S.T.O.L.E. this series? There are two actors who gave such natural performances that they completely stand out among them all. Lee Kwang Hee as Ma Roo is such a natural. Always looking wounded and so much the victim, is a phenomenal manipulator that it would be hard not to fall for him. He is easy going, sociable and yet wants to protect Min Woo. He is deeply in love with Min Woo but is fearful that he will be rejected or worse lose him as a friend if he tells him how he really feels. But once he does, his life will be entirely dedicated to Min Woo. While he takes life seriously, he does not take living seriously. He wants to enjoy living each moment and enjoy its pleasures and life for the moment. He is child-like but not immature. He knows what he wants. His physical characteristics expressed in his face and mannerisms make him so likeable and easily loveable. The other individual who is serious yet focused on wanting to make the relationship work on a more human level is An Jeong Gyun as Joo Hyuk. He is playful at the same time serious. He interjects light-heartedness, audaciousness, and extemporaneous romance into the relationship. And it all seems so natural. His smile is so infectious that he too would be so easy to fall in love with as well.
Ironically, the greatest impact of this series comes in the last episode, almost like an epilogue to the story. It is reflective, remunerative, and contemplative. It ties up loose ends and helps solidify the relationship not only between each couple but among themselves. It is their first chance to see, feel, and be couples, and perceive and feel the liberating and gratifying sensation of being inclusive. It develops, perhaps for a lifetime, a sense of communion among them and a spirit of camaraderie few will understand. They truly will remember this feeling for the rest of their lives. It is a feeling matched unparalleled because they are the only ones who have shared this special moment. And they captured that special feeling rather fittingly not only in cinematography but in screenplay and acting. It jumps out of the screen at you. While it appears to be a bit uncertain, it still remains hopeful. And there are happy endings for all three couples.
This is a likeable series, entertaining with humor and cheekiness to make just about anyone smile. The first couple of episodes are confusing and befuddled the story unnecessarily. Once that is settled, it takes on a journey of being a good story overall. I think the whole toxicity of Kim An was unnecessary and a cleaner story of why the two of them separated and lost contact for two years could have been way more entertaining and joyful. They were cute together and obviously had a strong connection from the beginning. The emptiness of Kim An needlessly separated that union. I am not sure a wholeness can ever be achieved in toto.
If I may suggest, I would like to see Season 3 and where they are now 5 years later. They have all honestly intrigued me and I want to know how they are doing.
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