A sweet drama that captured the essence of youth and friendship. This drama was a typical high school drama, yet it wasn't because it didn't follow through with a lot of cliches and tropes (possessive childhood friend/pushy SML). The ML and FL were well cast and had a sweet and endearing chemistry between them. The first few episodes were a little tough because of the FL's arrogance and righteous attitude, but there is character development and you see her grow and change as the drama progresses. The ML was charming and had a natural charisma which made their relationship sweet and believeable. The subtle things they did for one another and the reaction of their classmates to their bickering and flirting was funny and realistic. All the side characters were likeable and even though there were many, I felt like they all contributed in some way or another to the story line. Conflicts were resolved quickly and there was no unnecessary angst or drama.

This drama also did a great job in showing the intense pressure high school students faced in taking the gaokao. It was probably one of the first youth dramas that made me teary and really feel for all of them (in every class). Class 7’s teacher was the hidden gem as his heart for his students was portrayed in the most sincere and heartfelt way (between him and the ost in episode 23 ... oh my goodness... so so good). I loved how the drama showed how there is more than one path to success and it's not always about being in the best class or going to the best university.