There are some hella weird tonal differences in this series. On one hand, this series is PG to the max. The kiss scenes are very minimal (with a confession scene literally cut completely from the official version of the show) and barely any progress for any of the couples happens plot wise until ep 10.

On the other hand- for a show so set on being PG, it has the following very NOT PG elements:
-Ads for body sculpting/slimming treatments. These were really bizarrely placed as it seemed like they were well aware they are targeting adult females with this series given this product placement- but then why is the show so PG? I’m just confused. Also it made me laugh when they had the very slim guys promoting it like lol what!? I’m cackling.
-An ad with the very young looking teen dude (high school character in the show) getting botox????
-The ad break lead in cards of all the cast hugging each other shirtless??!? They are ok but mildly creepy since they’re so jarring from the saccharine atmosphere of the show. Especially the shot of Maping with the two teachers- ew.
-The premise of the series as described in the poorly written synopsis is VERY not PG and doesn’t really match the actual tone of the show. It implies the sleazy kind of typical BL tropes of that variety. I mean even referencing a teacher/student relationship is so extremely not PG lol.
Now onto the actual review - Note: Story spoilers below!

Pros:
-Despite all the signs pointing to this being the kind of slow, PG series I wouldn’t like- I still came back every week and was entertained enough to eagerly wait for new eps. This is definitely one of the more light hearted, peaceful, easy-watching BL series. I can see a lot of people getting bored with this one- but I found it quite charming and relaxing to watch. It’s nice seeing characters just be genuinely nice to one another.
-The melodramatic miscommunication trope is dead here and I love it. The characters still have issues to resolve of course. But I love how miscommunications don’t last long here and the characters actually genuinely communicate and work out their issues. I especially liked how they dealt with Chol’s family issues.

- The actor for Prab is absolutely adorable and charismatic. I think half the reason this show is watchable is because he’s just an enjoyable actor to watch (very charming). I also loved how his adoration for Chol NEVER came off as creepy. Not even once (at least not to me). The step-brothers trope is rife in BL and it is extremely rare to see a depiction of it that doesn’t come off as predatory, creepy or how it is classically portrayed- lustful. (I think it helps that both actors are similar in age being only one year apart irl and so they actually look pretty close in age). Although I did find Chol’s character a bit too childish to the point I was kind of relieved that this was a very PG step-brothers romance tbh. E.g. I think NC scenes would have played off very weird between him and Prab.
- I think the strength of this show (and why I kept coming back) is because Prab’s love comes off as very genuine. The slow build-up of their relationship over the episodes as people who really care about each other as people before anything else is really effective. It’s just kind of pleasant and sweet watching Prab care for Chol each episode with genuine love. I loved that Prab genuinely helps Chol work through his feelings and deal with situations in a positive and mature way throughout the show. No manipulation, no toxicity- their relationship is built on such a positive foundation.
-I’m not a big fan of the teacher/student ship. Mostly because Maping legit looks so young- so it’s too creepy for me. Although if you’re not into it like I wasn’t- don’t worry too much as their scenes are pretty minimal and the ship does not sail thank f. The teacher actually even sees some repercussions for trying to pursue a romance against his better judgement to be ethical as a teacher. They actually acknowledged how inappropriate the whole thing is in a BL which NEVER happens- loved it! This is why this ship is a pro not a con for me as there was actual consequences for inappropriate behaviour.

Cons:
-Ok so the biggest con for the entire series is that they cut scenes from the official subbed line tv episodes- some of which are critical to the story??!?! These extra scenes are only viewable on youtube in an unsubbed format. There are some integral scenes that it looks like international fans won’t ever get to see subbed.
For example- if you’re going to watch this, just note that Ep.12 will be jarring af as suddenly two of the main chars are a couple out of nowhere. One of them just out of nowhere says they’ve been dating and you’re like WHAT?! You’ll rewind the ep feeling like you missed something.
And you did miss something because if you watch part 3/3 of the Unseen Cut version on the 9 MCOT Official youtube channel- you will see there was an ENTIRE CONFESSION SCENE cut from the official episode. What the fk? Literally the pinnacle moment of the entire series is cut! I literally can’t.
In ep 12 alone there is at least 10 mins of cut scenes smh. Even just skipping through the rest of ep 12 in the “Unseen Version”, I could see that the extra scenes would have really added more context/flow in the story. It frustrates me knowing I for sure missed scenes of this series because I cannot be bothered re-watching the whole series again unsubbed on youtube just to see what I missed.

-A lot of the music/sound effects (not all) is extremely cheesy, dated af and unintentionally makes me laugh in scenes where I’m not meant to be laughing. Like when the power goes out one ep and the music is so dramatic like something drastically bad in a thriller movie has happened. Or when Chol started to faint in one scene and the music made me feel like I was watching a sitcom from 20 years ago. Very average OST in general. The music in the dramatic scenes is the worst/best(?) lol.
-The Line TV sub quality is pretty average. You get the point the chars are trying to get across- but there’s no subtlety to the subs and it does impact the flow of some scenes imo. Some lines are randomly not translated or are a bit awkward. There is an especially funny sub error for the word kick in ep 12 where the sub is translated as “This brat! I’ll lick your ass”- which amused me wayyyy more than it should have.

Overall I actually enjoyed this show a lot even though I wouldn’t say that it’s amazing or crazy good in any aspect tbh. I mostly just found it cheesy, wholesome and really easy going to watch (which is something I personally enjoy a lot). Although I can see a lot of people getting bored with it.
The ending was definitely a bit rushed and there are some subplots/side couples that I would’ve liked to see more development on- but apparently there’s going to be a season 2. So I’ll be eagerly waiting for that and will hope to see more development there!

Because I enjoyed this a lot despite all its flaws, I’m rating it higher than it deserves in all honesty (especially considering the cut scenes LOL). 7/10.