#drama recap just between lovers

[aftersamu]

THE EXIT PAIRING: r.suna x gn!reader GENRE: angst + exposure of the bet trope (enemies to lovers to enemies)

it gets personal at the end, and this has such a different energy to anything i've written before. like there's harsh words, fucked up tropes, and it's definitely more 2010 teen drama. proceed with caution <3

a party.

people crowding the living room and backyard of the house, 20+ bottles of alcohol, red cups lining every table and surface, casual hookups, and girls rushing to the bathroom to throw up, and others blacked out on the grass.

you lost suna throughout the night, got invested in a conversation with a girl you've never spoken to before. and once you realised he was gone, you searched for him.

asking around for his whereabouts, getting closer and closer to finding a distinct location. osamu told you where to go, and you went. ducking underneath the velvet rope blocking off steps, and heading up.

turning every corner, trying to open every door, with a ear pressed to each closed surface. and down the hall, at the corner, a small ray of light illuminates the hallway.

you walk forward, starting to hear the hushed conversation and walking on your toes, holding your breath in your chest as you approach the slightly opened door.

back pressing against the wall, hiding in the shadows you listen. maybe it's nothing serious and you're being nosey, feeding off drama that might not even involve you.

until you hear your name.

"so, how are things going between the two of you?" atsumu, his voice is easily identifiable. "it's been a couple months since they've stopped hating you, i take it's a good sign."

"look, i don't think this is a good idea anymore." suna sighs, "it was fun for a while, but it's getting pretty serious now."

"you going soft rintarō?" atsumu teases, "i thought you hated that bitch, now you're sympathetic? what happened?"

"i don't know man, my fucking morals kicked in, i guess." suna quips, he's frustrated. you can see his shadow pacing around. "look this was fun, the games, but i don't know if i can do it anymore."

"so... you fucked?" atsumu bluntly remarks, "come on mate, i'm not stupid. you wouldn't be backing out unless you two fucked."

"yeah, well, it happened and now i'm screwed because you're a dickhead and i'm an idiot." suna scoffs, "it ends now, i'll give you the money, i don't want to do this stupid bet anymore."

bet. of fucking course, how cliche of them. how naive of you to think of giving suna a chance, he's a dickhead, you knew that. but, there's no way he spent six months trying to get in good with you for a bet.

no amount of money could have him commit for this long. or at least you think, it was a moment of boredom and a way to make easy money. two rich kids who have nothing better to do other than drop a grand on a bet.

a gambling scheme.

with twist and turns, challenges and money rewards. to keep them both interested in the little plan, one that has been pulled straight from a reality tv show.

"you're backing out now? it's been half a year, i think it's too late to feel remorse now." atsumu states, "do you need a recap of how much money we've bet? do you know how much money has been exchanged during this entire ordeal?"

"no, i don't, and don't be a dick." suna snaps, "you are just as much a part of this as i am."

"yeah, but i wasn't the one who brought it up." atsumu retorts, "i wasn't the one who stood up, and bet that i could get in good with them. that i could manipulate them with my killer charm."

"yes, but you proposed those sick side bets. bring them to the party, kiss them on this day, get them to make the first move within a week." suna mocks, "you're no better than me."

"so what? you going to go down there and tell them that you've been manipulating them for a little extra cash? that you've been fucking around with others the same time you've been buying them flowers, and making them eggs in the morning?"

your heart is beating hard against your chest, is it the anger, sadness, or alcohol that's giving you vertigo? is it the betrayal that causes all feeling to escape from your body, or is it how you feel like a complete idiot that sends you barging into the room.

you kick the door wide open, face red, and eyes already watering. the look of shock on suna's face and fear that paints it, and atsumu's smugness ever so present.

"don't even try." you say, holding up a finger to stop the brunette from saying anything. it's so funny, you can't seem to stop the manic smile from growing on your lips.

"let me explain–"

"oh, yeah sure. i don’t hate you babe, i never hated you, i love you, you’re everything i need. you’re the only one who understands me, and sees me. i can’t hate you." you mock, bringing up the words he spoke to you. "shut the fuck up suna."

it's as if those months have vanished, and all you feel is pure hate and rage towards those eyes that you thought you loved.

"you definitely outdid yourself with this one, this whole fucking twisted six month plan of yours.” you dryly laugh, bringing your hands up, "oh, but love, i don't feel that way, i tried to back out." you mimic. "go fuck yourself."

god, you seem so delusional.

"it's not like that!"

"yeah, and i like totally care." you say, rolling your eyes, "you don't mean shit. so pay miya what you owe and move on, because you lost! that's what you get for being a fucking cunt."

"love, you're drunk." suna sighs, taking a step towards you.

"don't come near me," you deadpan. "you manipulative, sick fuck. you will never be good enough for anybody, no one will ever love you, your sister doesn't even want to see you. i see you, and you're an insecure, needy, fucking freak."

you want to strike a nerve, and you know you have. you want to cause pain, regain some dignity that you've lost. you may have seen the worst of him, but he has not seen the worst of you.

"i'm done with you, i fucking hate you... and you're friends are hotter."

[sombredancer]

Asian dramas and Love tropes

There are my favorite characters and their love stories as a list. Enemies to lovers

Drama: Her Royal Highness/长公主在上 Characters: Gu Xuanqing x Li Yunzhen Screentime: Main A boy is sent to be a servant in the unruly princess`s palace in order to find some dirt about her and to help his master to overthrown her, but something goes wrong... The HE is attached.

Drama: The Legends/招摇 Characters: Li Chenlan x Lu Zhaoyao Screentime: Main A leader of a demonic sect died trying to get demonic sword. Her soul returns to the world full of wish to get revenge on the current leader of her sect, who, as she thinks, killed her in the past. Found the way to be close to him, she learns that he wasn't the reason of her death and, moreover, desperately in love with her for many-many years. This is an adaptation of the novel "Ostentatious Zhaoyao", which I love more than a drama, but it's a good story in both variants. The HE is attached (although it`s a little bit obscure in the drama).

Drama: Till the End of the Moon/ 长月烬明 Characters: Tantai Jin x Li Susu Screentime: Main A boy who is destined to become a Demon God and to destroy the World tries to fight his doom. In a process, he falls in love with a transmigrator, who was sent 500 years back in the past to prevent his transformation into a Demon God. The irony is,making him falling in love is the only way to kill him for good... It`s an adaptation of the novel "Black Moonlight Holds the BE Script", which I like way-way-way more than the drama, not the least because the drama has BE and the novel has HE. I just watched it as a visually beautiful fanfic to the novel.

Drama: Love Between Fairy and Devil /苍兰诀 Characters: Dongfang Qingcang x Xiao Lanhua Screentime: Main My favorite drama of all times! Trying to save her love, a girl accidently falls into a secret prison for immortal criminals, revives the most fearsome demon of all times and heals his ability to feel. Later, forced to spend his time together with the girl from the enemy camp, the demon finds out that he actually likes her... The HE is attached. I wrote A LOT about them and made recap of the whole drama from the point of their relationship development in these posts: one, two, three, four, five and six.

Drama: My Journey to You /云之羽 Characters: Gong Shangjue x Shangguan Qian Screentime: Secondary In order to destroy the martial artist's clan, a female assassin was sent in there. While she is trying to seduce one of clan's young masters, he tries to expose her lies, but, eventually, falls in love with her. Unrequited. Maybe. This story has an open ending. My analysis of their relationship is here.

Drama: Butterflied lover /风月变 Characters: Ling Changjin x Bao Zhu Screentime: Secondary A wicked nobleman marries a princess because of her miraculous blood: it`s able to bring his zombie sister back to life. The princess allows him to treat her bad because she has been in love with him for a long time and believes he is a good person. Bit by bit he starts believe in it himself and begins to cherish his wife more... The ending is obscure (in a traditional Chinese way).

Drama: The Blue Whisper /与君初相识 Characters: Li Shu x Xue Sanyue Screentime: Minor A cat demon prince infiltrates the valley of demon hunters in order to set free the great demoness, but falls in love with one of demon hunters. Mutually. The ending is traditionally Chinese - they met again in another life. Т_Т

Drama: Immortal Samsara / 沉香如屑 Characters: Xuan Ye x Ran Qing Screentime: Minor An Asura king infiltrates the Heavenly Realm in order to steal the artifact that can help him conquering the world. The keeper of this artefact is a brave and honest goddess and he can't help but fall in love with her. After, he needs to choose: to be with his lover or to rule the world. He wants all at once, but there is no way to get it all. No HE for this pair. Pride and Prejudice

Drama: Lighter and Princess / 点燃我 Characters: Li Xun x Zhu Yun Screentime: Main A girl from a rich family with an anxious type of attachment falls in love with her classmate from a poor family with an avoidant type of attachment and tries to win his heart. It`s a problematic ship in a full meaning of these words and I like it this way. Yummy! The HE is attached.

Drama: Derailment /脱轨 Characters: Qi Lian x Jiang Xiaoyuan Screentime: Main A boy accidently meets his school sweetheart after many years of radio silence and understands that something is wrong with her. It turns out that her body is occupied by a transmigrator from a parallel world. At first he hates transmigrator for replacing his lover, but bit by bit he learns, that a transmigrator has not only the same appearance but the same habits and way of thinking, and falls in love with this new personality again... The story ends with HE but not in a way that you may think it would.

Drama: The Love by Hypnotic /明月照我心 Characters: Li Qian x Li Mingyue Screentime: Main In order to build relationship between two countries an emperor arranges marriage for his son. His fiancée is from a barbaric tribe: she is good at horse riding and archery, but knows nothing about palace etiquette and ladies stuff. It`s a light and sweet story about finding a path to each other's heart. The HE is attached.

Drama: The Long Ballad /长歌行 Characters: Hao Du x Li Leyan Screentime: Secondary A tsundere of a low background with a poker face does his ruthless job in a court, that's why a young princess thinks he is an awful man and is scared of him. But in reality he is a loyal servant and son and, moreover, secretly in love with the princess, who can't stand him... The HE is attached.

Drama: Miss the Dragon /遇龙 Characters: Xue Qianxun x Qingqing Screentime: Secondary A very naïve bird demon girl accidently meets a tsundere god of netherworld and turns his well ordered life into havoc. He starts liking it, though. The HE is attached. Forbidden love

Drama: A Frozen Flower /쌍화점 Characters: Hong Rim x No Guk Screentime: Main A gay king needs a heir, so he forces his lover to conceive a child with a queen. In a process, a boy, who was groomed as a king's lover from his childhood, finds out that he likes women much more than men. A traditional Korean tragedy. Very beautiful and full of feelings, though. (No GIFs because they all would be erotic ones).

Drama: 100 Days My Prince /백일의 낭군님 Characters: Moo-yeon x Kim So-hye Screentime: Secondary An assassin who is working for a wicked court official is secretly in love with a wife of a crown prince, who happens to be a daughter of the killer of his parents. Forbidden love doubles! But it's mutual, unfortunately for him. It's a very beautiful and full of desperation and feelings story. No HE, we die like Koreans. More detailed story of their relationship is available here, here and here.

Drama: The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity/晴雅集 Characters: He Shouye x Zhang Ping Screentime: Secondary A woman, who is destined to restrain the undying evil within her body for eternity in solitude, falls in love with Yin-Yang master. Her love is mutual, but her lover can't be with her forever, so he leaves with her his guardian demon to brighten her loneliness. Protecting her for ever starts being the only goal of demon's life... A tragedy, but a beautiful one.

Drama: The Legends/招摇 Characters: Gu Hanguang x Shen Qianjin Screentime: Minor "The Legends" once more! The main doctor of a demonic sect is in love with a leader of a righteous sect. A girl is not allowed to love anyone, otherwise she will suffer from the poison, so he anonymously sends her packages of medicinal herbs. She is curious about anonymous sender, too. But nothing can be kept in secret forever... Unfortunately, no HE for these two. In the novel he is safe and sound, but he has no love plotline at all. So is a price of love Т_Т.

I will talk about my other favorite characters and tropes in the next post.

[kikzzzzzzz77]

taehyung x reader inspired by skam noora and william (if you don't know them a quickly recap: it's a Norwegian teen drama series that got super popular on tumblr in 2016 and noora and william are enemies to lovers that happened after william had a thing with noora's friend and noora put him in his place and he got super into her after that super cliche 😭😭 and I want a smut scenario between tae and reader based on that, like it's their first time having sex after weeks of tension and reader being I shouldn't been doing this but omg I want him So bad)but instead of high-school make it a college au plss

(Sorry if it’s not exactly how the drama is b/c I’ve never watched it btw, i’ll try tho😭)

You were in your second year of college. Another year with your best friend, Jennie. Yet, another year with the man you hated most:

Kim Taehyung.

And better yet? He was constantly near you and Jennie because he had a thing for Jennie. Jennie didn’t like him and found him annoying and tried subtly hinting that, but Taehyung never paid attention to it.

One day during lunch, Taehyung decided to sit next to Jennie and you were so done with his annoying behavior.

“Can’t you ever learn to leave us alone, Taehyung?!” You yell at him.

“I’m don’t want your attention, Y/N. I only bother Jennie so get over yourself.” He scoffs. Jennie clearly looked uncomfortable as Taehyung wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“Can’t you see that she doesn’t like you! You’re making her uncomfortable, you inconsiderate asshole. She has tried to tell you multiple times that she clearly is not into you whatsoever, so fuck off Taehyung!” You angrily reply. Even you were shocked at your own outburst.

“Jeez, okay…” Taehyung quickly grabbed his stuff and left. He had never seen you look so angry, but man you looked fucking hot when you were.

You rolled your eyes and sat next to Jennie.

“There. Now he better leave you alone.” With that, Jennie happily hugged you.

“Thank you Y/N-ieeee! I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She said gratefully, a smile on her face.

“Anything for my favorite person in the world.” You smiled back.

The next day during classes, which you unfortunately had all four with taehyung and only one with Jennie, you felt a pair of eyes on you.

You looked around the classroom and that’s when you locked eyes with Taehyung. You glared at him and just flipped him off making him roll his eyes and look away.

After class you wanted to get to lunch quicker so you packed up fast and that’s when Taehyung came to your desk.

“Why are you in such a rush, dumbass?” He said, looking at you as you packed away your stuff.

“Why does it matter to you, asshole.” You say back at him, clearly not amused.

“Jeez I was just asking.” He said, hoping off of your desk.

For the next few days, you constantly caught Taehyung staring at you. One day while you caught him, he just smirked and winked at you.

You fake gag from across the classroom which he just rolls his eyes at.

In the hallways he’d purposefully bump into you or make you drop whatever you were holding. One day he made you drop your phone, the screen breaking.

“Hey! You fucking asshole! What’s your problem, Taehyung?!” You angrily yelled at him, grabbing his arm.

You felt your heart race as he leaned in close to you. Too close.

“My problem? You’re my problem, baby.” He said with a husky voice and just left, leaving you there in shock.

The tension between you two for the next two weeks was so thick anyone couldn’t even cut it with the sharpest knife in the world.

Little did you know, every time Taehyung saw you, his heartbeat doubled instantly. You couldn’t lie, yours did to every time you caught him staring or when he winked at you from time to time.

Taehyung constantly tried using subtle body language to flirt with you, which you never really noticed.

When fourth period ended one day with Jennie absent, you were walking an empty hall by yourself when suddenly Taehyung runs up to you, pinning you against the lockers.

“What the hell? Let me go, Taehyung!” You said, clearly annoyed.

That’s when you saw his eyes staring down at you. They were full of lust and want.

“T-Taehyung?…” You choked out, barely able to make words.

“I want you, now.” He growls out, pulling you into the storage closet. He pins you against the wall again, his large hands roaming over your body desperately.

“W-we shouldn’t…” You say, your voice barely above a whisper. You couldn’t deny the arousal that coursed through you when you heard his voice all husky and his hands roaming over your clothed body.

“I don’t care if we shouldn’t. I want to. I need to. I need you.” He says desperately.

“F-fuck, I want you, Taehyung.” You couldn’t resist anymore. Yes you shouldn’t be doing this with him, but you couldn’t help it. You wanted him. You always had, you just never realized it.

With that, Taehyung quickly slipped off your shirt and unclipped your bra, his hands eagerly grabbing your perfect breasts.

His lips then attached to yours, his tongue slipping past your lips and into your mouth. You couldn’t help but moan into the kiss as he fondled your breasts.

“Fuck, I don’t want to wait any longer.” He groans as he takes off your skirt and panties, his eyes raking over your now naked body.

His hand found it’s way in between your legs as he started rubbing your clit, making you moan in pleasure. He loved that sound. It was the most beautiful thing his ears had ever been blessed with.

Feeling how wet you were already, he smirked and quickly undid his buckle, pulling his pants and boxers down, letting his hard cock free.

Your eyes widened as you saw his size. He was massive. You didn’t even realize he was looking at you with a smirk after slipping off his shirt, you were too distracted with looking at his massive dick.

“You like it’s size, baby?” He chuckles. Your cheeks turned pink and you quickly looked away.

“Awww don’t be so shy.” He grins slyly, spreading your legs and positioning himself at your entrance. You close your eyes, waiting for the fullness to take over your body.

You gasp when you feel him push into you, a loud groan escaping him. It felt like he was going to split you in two with how large he was. He continued to slide deeper inside of you until his whole cock was embedded deep within your tight pussy.

It took you a few seconds to adjust, but when you did, Taehyung started moving, keeping a steady pace.

“Taehyung, m-more.” You whined, wanting more.

He smirked, picking up the pace until he was slamming into you, letting out a series of grunts and groans of pleasure as you moaned and writhed in pleasure as his cock slipped in and out of you.

His lips crashed onto yours once again, his lips greedily devouring your own. He loved every inch of you. He wanted you all to himself.

You moaned against his lips, but then he suddenly pulled out, turning you around so your stomach was against the wall. With that, he roughly entered you again, this time from behind.

He positioned his hips so he slammed against your sweet spot with every thrust, making you cry out in pleasure, his name constantly falling from your lips.

As Taehyung felt you getting close, he started sucking on your shoulders, leaving dark hickeys.

“Let go, baby.” He whispers huskily in your ear.

That sent you over the edge. Your walls clamping down on his massive member as you came around him.

“So fucking tight!” He groaned, his climax nearing. His thrusts grew sloppy as he came inside of you with a loud moan. He had finally claimed what he’d always wanted, what he always needed:

You.

[lookingforluna]

Empty Love: 06 || jjk

❥ Pairing: Idol!Jungkook x Reader

❥ Word Count: 2.3k

❥ Rating: M

❥ Genre: angst, fluff, idol!au, childhood friends to lovers au, slow-burn

❥ Warnings: swearing, angst, eventual smut in the future

❥ Summary: You and Jungkook have been best friends since childhood, but lately, things have been off. He starts canceling plans and begins acting a little cold towards you. However, the sudden revelation of your sex life might cause things to change dramatically, specifically your future with him.

❥ A/N: I will make a series masterlist post for this fic soon because I realized this will be longer than my other series! Thank you for supporting me and staying with this story.💙

❥ Previous Chapter: Chapter 5

RECAP

"Jungkook," Jimin says quickly, "it was him," he repeats confidently and loudly as if he had just won a prize. You watch as the look in Jungkook's eyes changes, and before you can stop yourself, you're blurting out a different name. 

"Tae. It was Taehyung," you say quickly without a second to process it. 

Taehyung's head whips around quickly, his eyes landing on yours, the shock dripping through. Jimin's stare is flickering back and forth between you and Jungkook, an unsure look in his eyes. 

One thing was certain. Everyone, including yourself, was ultimately side swept by the answer you just revealed. You were in some serious shit, and now you dragged Taehyung into it too.

Jungkook lets out a loud scoff in disbelief. He couldn't believe the name that had just flown out of his mouth. 

"So that's why you were so quick to share a bed with him," he sneers, standing up from his spot next to you before glancing between you and Taehyung. 

Your brows rise in alarm as you try to pull yourself out of bed, finding his comment insulting. The two of you are standing chest to chest, breathing heavy, his brown eyes piercing into yours, a wild look swimming in them. 

"That's not true," you mutter, jaw clenched as you try to stop yourself from saying anything you would later regret. 

You could tell that he was furious about the whole situation, and you shouldn’t have said Taehyung’s name. You couldn’t admit that the blissful dream you had was about Jungkook because that would only create endless problems. 

"Well, I don't care. You're not sharing a room with Taehyung anymore," he roars, just as Namjoon and Jin enter the room, the commotion waking them up.

 "What's going on here?" 

Jimin is the first to answer Jin's question after being silent throughout the entire uproar.

"Y/N had a wet dream about Taehyung, and now Jungkook doesn't want her to share a room with him," Jimin replies with a smug look on his face, clearly enjoying the drama.  

You should know by now that Jimin can be very blunt with his words, especially when he tries to get a reaction from you. He took every opportunity to embarrass you and make your cheeks flush with his sexual remarks. 

The tips of Jin’s ears begin to turn red as he comprehends the type of situation he walked into. The look that sets in on Joon’s face is the exact opposite. Instead, disappointment fills his eyes.   

This was definitely not the way he expected the tour to begin, but here he was being thrown into an entirely unusual and new situation. 

What else did he expect from the maknae line? 

You all watch as Joon runs his hands through his tousled hair, his lips opening to speak. 

"Well, who is she going to sleep with now?" 

You feel awkward standing there as you wait for an answer, unsure if you should speak up or let them handle it. At this point, you felt like you'd be rotating through each boy's bed, and that was not something you wanted. 

"Me."

Your head snaps up at the deep voice. The statement was more of a demand than a suggestion, only causing an unusual feeling to stir in your stomach. 

"I invited her, so she's staying with me. End of discussion," Jungkook explains, his eyes never wavering from yours.

His gaze feels intense, eyes unwavering from yours. You want to protest and demand you stay with someone else, but you can't find your voice. Your head just nods in agreement, your body taking over.   

"Now, since that's settled, we need to get ready for the interview," Joon reminds everyone as he makes his way out in a rush, Jin following in tow.

 A low-sounding whistle causes you and Jungkook to break eye contact turning to locate the source of such a suggestive sound.  

"Now, this should be interesting," Jimin smirks as he looks at the three of you. 

"So you have a wet dream about Taehyung, but now you’re sharing a room with Jungkook. I must admit I’m feeling very left out," he pouts, only making the situation worse for you.

A glare sets over Jungkook's face just as he lifts his leg kicking Jimin in his side. Jimin clutches his side in pain before running out and screaming at the top of his lungs, Jungkook trailing him.  

Suddenly silence takes over, and you’re left in the room alone with Taehyung. He remains in the same position, still lounging on the bed, only this time, his eyes look up at you curiously. You can't help but feel a little awkward as he stares at you, waiting for some words to fall out of your mouth. After what seems like hours but, in reality, a minute or two, he finally opens his mouth to speak. 

"Your dream wasn't about me, was it?"

Your eyes dart over to him, surprised that he would ask that. No words were needed on your part, though, as the look on your face only confirmed his suspicions. 

"Who was it?"

The short and direct question makes you feel uneasy as he moves, perching upon his elbow, excitement dancing across his face as he awaits your answer. Your eyes are only narrow as you lift a pillow, ready to hit him for prying so much.  

"Okay, okay, never mind. Just don't hit me," he yelps, raising his hands in surrender, not wanting to experience your wrath. 

"Good," you huff out before grabbing your items and making your way to the bathroom. Even though you wouldn't be a part of the interview, you still had to look good. You were traveling with the boys that looked like Greek statues. You needed to at least pretend to be on their level. 

After the somewhat awkward ride to the show, you could finally breathe. During the entire car ride, you sat silently, unsure what to say.

Just to your luck, you had to sit between Jungkook and Taehyung, the three of you not saying a word to each other. 

Now here you were in the dressing room, watching as the boys added finishing touches to their hair and makeup. You had been feeling quite out of place ever since the event that had happened earlier in the morning.

 The only two people you felt comfortable talking to were Hobi and Yoongi, the pair either having no idea about what occurred or not showing it.

"Are you excited to finally see us in idol mode?" Hobi asks you excitedly as he plops down on the couch beside you, his arm swinging around your shoulder.

 "Yea, I'm excited to see what you guys are like on TV," you reply, smiling while glancing at the other boys. 

Jungkook and Taehyung both sat in the chair, getting their hair fixed, while Jin and Jimin were munching on some fruits in the corner. Joon was in the other room putting on his outfit, and of course, Yoongi was on the other couch taking a quick nap. 

"Y/N," your head turns in the direction of Taehyung, a small smirk fixed on his lips as his eyes connect with yours through the mirror.

"Do you think I look sexier with the top of the shirt buttoned? Or unbuttoned? Your opinion is important to me," he smirks, playfulness swimming behind the blue contacts. 

You can feel Jungkook's eyes burning into you as you stare at Taehyung, wanting to kill him for putting you in this situation. 

"U-Um unbuttoned," you mumble before turning away and hearing a loud scoff leaving Jungkook's mouth at your answer. 

Your head whips around at the sudden sound, your eyes narrowing at the dark-haired boy sitting before you.

 "What? If you have something to say, then say it," you harshly spit out, suddenly growing tired of Jungkook's behavior.  

"I do have something to say. Why don't you broadcast it to the entire world that you want to get into Taehyung's pants? First the bed and now this," he harshly bellows, his voice deeper than usual as he feels the heat rushing to his face. 

"That's not true. I never said anything like that," you loudly shout as you stomp over to him, your feet stopping right in front of him. 

All of the crew members have long left the room; their work finished for the day as they check out the interview area. The only bodies left in place included the seven other boys and yourself. It was then that you realized all eyes were on the two of you.

"Pssh please, y/n. I can see the way you drool over him. You'd bend over for him in a second if he offered to fuck you," Jungkook grunts as he shakes his head, jaw clenching as his eyes flicker between you and Taehyung. 

You don't know where your sudden boldness comes from, but without thinking, your hand flies over to the glass of water, and without thinking, you pour it onto his head, the water running down the sides of his face and wetting his clothes. 

You can hear the loud gasps from the other members as they witness you lose control, finally letting your feelings of anger take over. 

"That's for being an asshole," you screech at him before grabbing your purse, pushing through the back doors, and running towards the black SUV.

Your hands shield your face as you hear the screams of hundreds of girls, their voices getting louder as they seem to notice you. Before you even realize it, you hear flashes and clicks going off. You feel the heat rushing to your face as fear builds within you. 

What if they attacked you? What if they saw your face? 

Quickly the driver helps you into the van, shutting it closed before any of the fans can get closer. You pray that questions of you wouldn't arise on Twitter. You pray that they would consider you to be a stylist or just someone who works at the company.

Today turned out differently than you expected. You just wanted to enjoy seeing the boys in work mode for once, but instead, here you are on your way back to the hotel, utterly furious. 

You couldn’t believe Jungkook and the way he was acting. His comments were suddenly snarky and always towards you. He wasn't acting like the best friend he claimed to be. Maybe he just needed to get laid, but you did not need that image in your mind now.

He was very secretive about his girlfriend, and maybe he needed a good fuck. You couldn't believe he said that to you in front of all of the boys, especially Taehyung.

Yes, you were mad at him and wanted to murder him, but the thought of Jungkook needing his girlfriend causes your chest to tighten and a weird feeling to fill you. 

You shouldn't feel like this. It's not okay. 

You keep trying to control the roller coaster of your thoughts as you finally reach the hotel and quickly make your way back into the shared suite.

Throwing yourself onto the couch, you suddenly feel guilty about ruining Jungkook's look right before he was meant to go out. The stylists must have been so stressed having to get him ready. They would have to fix his makeup, redo his hair, and probably give him a new outfit.

You had no doubt in your mind that he was very pissed, but his reaction was priceless. He sat there, his mouth open and eyes wide like a deer stuck in headlights. He didn't expect you to have the guts to do it, that was for sure.

Well, if you couldn't watch the show in person, maybe you could watch it live on tv instead. Getting yourself comfy, you switch on the television and flip through the channels until you finally land on the broadcast.

You feel a little bit better when your eyes fall on Jungkook's figure, noticing that he was still wearing the same outfit. 

It was as if nothing had occurred backstage, and he looked terrific and entirely relaxed as he answered the different questions aimed at him. It was crazy how quickly his persona changes from when he's backstage to when he's on shows. 

"Jungkook," your eyes focus on the boy, his head flashing up at the mention of his name. His large doe-eyes come to focus on the screen, the camera focusing on his reaction as the interviewer asks him a question.

”I hear that your fans like to write stories about you. Have you ever read any of them?”

The lady smiles widely, clearly interested in the answer, or maybe Jungkook himself. You watch as his cheeks heat up, obviously caught off guard by the sudden question. 

"Um..no haha. I wouldn't want my fans to feel embarrassed by my snooping around. I feel like it’s intruding on their personal thoughts," Jungkook says awkwardly, yet smoothly enough for him to pass the question.

 The boys around him laugh at his sudden shyness, and you can't help but let out a little giggle at his cuteness.

You had no idea what was going on. Why did he seem like your old Jungkook here? You were looking at your former best friend — the one who you saw a lot more before he left on tour and before he met his girlfriend.

You were tired of bumping heads with the new Jungkook, and you were tired of the teasing and rude comments he made each time. Each comment he made felt like he was taking a piece of you with him, knocking down the strength and confidence you had fought so hard to build.

"Well, that's all the time we have for today, folks. Thank you for tuning in," the interviewer smiles before the show ends with their closing goodbyes. 

You let out a deep sigh as you realize you had missed their entire interview. If only you and Jungkook could find a middle ground, things would be more comfortable. 

Taehyung played a massive part in what had happened earlier. He knew what he was doing and just pushed the situation into overdrive. 

You could only wait until the boys returned, and you weren't looking forward to it. 

Jungkook may look all cute with his bunny smile on tv, but you knew once the cameras were off and he was back, he'd return to his previous self.

Chapter 07

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[nani-nonny]

Whispers of Distant Souls - Ch.15 sneak peek (#2)

“Is this a quick quip about how old I am?” Leonardo questions as he raises a brow, ready to retaliate at any second.

Blue points at the show and immediately a gunshot sounds and a body dramatically falls onto a line of pillars, making sure to touch each and every one.

Leonardo quietly gasps, “Who was that? Who shot her?”

“Basilio shot Magdalena because she tried to poison his mother,” Blue answers and leans on Leonardo’s side.

“Who is Basilio? And isn’t Magdalena the main character? She can’t die,” Leonardo questions further as he leans back into the couch, sinking into the cushions with Blue.

Blue gets comfortable next to Leonardo, using the elder as a pillow as he mumbles, “Madeleine is the main character. Magdalena is her cousin, Basilio is her lover.”

Leonardo nods and watches as flashing red and blue lights occupy the screen before it transitions to dramatic, blurry photos that recap the episode with the ending song. The elder groans, “It’s already over? Play it from the start.”

Blue nods, “This is Season 2 Episode 5. Should I play it from the beginning beginning?”

“Please,” Leonardo replies quickly.

Totally didn’t get this from watching my lola watch teleseryes, she still gets so captivated by her shows to the point she forgets everything around her—including the fire on the stove that she always blasts on extremely high. Keeps us on our toes hahah

I love the idea that Blue and F!Leo would watch their dramas together, but I think they’d love the teleserye trash my grandma likes. I remember seeing in passing an edit from one of my lola’s teleseryes where it just kept switching cameras between two characters’ shocked expressions as a fake child walked very slowly toward the street that had one car

Anyways, i think I’ll split this chapter in two hehe just so we get all the teens bonding with F!Leonardo hahaha (well, that and I don’t want to edit a 10k word chapter)

[khaotungsfirst]

khaotungsfirst’s 2023 BL recap

Alright, I know I'm late but it’s the time of the year again where I post my favorite BLs of the year even though no one cares about my opinion lmao. Buckle up cause this is gonna be long...

Top Thai BLs

I Feel You Linger In The Air

What a breath of fresh air this was! Not only was the romance top-notch, I was also really invested in the plot and what was happening to other characters. The wlw sideplot felt natural and not shoehorned in and was what we all deserved. I'm just so happy to have experienced this masterpiece!!

Only Friends

Came for SandRay, stayed for BostonNick (and SandRay). Though it had its ups and downs I can't help but love it. There was so much messy drama that I was LIVING for every single week and experiencing that along with the rest of BL tumblr was the best thing. We desperately need more shows like this in the BL world.

Laws of Attraction

Ridiculous SFX could not deter me from loving this show. It's dramatic, it's over the top and it's ridiculous at times but it's crime so of course I liked it. Bonus points for cutting from the villain being killed in prison straight to the main couple's wedding. We love to see it!

Top Korean BLs

Our Dating Sim

This was my last watch of the year when I was looking for something that I could squeeze in without many expectations. How could I have guessed that it would turn out to be my favorite Korean BL of the year? Though the story is nothing new or groundbreaking, I enjoyed the main actors chemistry so so much. Korean BLs, to me, often feel a little stiff but they managed to make it feel so real and easy, I loved it.

The Eighth Sense

Oh, this was something else... High quality cinematography and high-quality story-telling. In the end I went into it with expectations that were too high to meet but still, such a touching BL that will definitely move you (maybe even to tears).

Why R U? (KR)

A show held together by three pieces of duct tape but enjoyable nonetheless. I don't think it's comparable to its Thai original. Yes, the plot is more or less the same but you gotta see it as its own thing. I do love me a panicked gay/confident gay pairing so it already had me from there. And let's talk about the kisses cause !!!

Top Japanese BLs

Tokyo in April is…

Friends to lovers my beloved!!! The PINING, the ACHING, the YEARNING! YEARS OF IT!! How can I not love it? Yes, this was a bit of a heavier BL but it was done SO WELL and the payoff from all the trauma was so satisfying.

My Personal Weatherman

What can I say? Japan just knows how to do it. In any other show the miscommunication between the mains would be annoying as hell. But the chemistry between these two was just off the charts. Nothing more to say.

I Cannot Reach You

Friends to lovers my beloved!!! the sequel. This time less traumatising but just as sweet and moving. A cute and innocent watch.

Top Taiwanese BLs

Kiseki: Dear to Me

The way I IMMEDIATELY knew ChenAi were gonna be my new hyperfixation as soon as I saw them in episode 1... They just have that je ne sais quoi, that special 'make me fall to the floor and bite my fist' quality to them. BZY and FZR also had their insane moments and in combination with everything that ChenAi were doing this show just hit the right spot. Can't wait to rewatch it.

Stay by My Side

Was it ridiculous? Yes. Was it cute tho? Also yes. Nothing I would rewatch but it did make me laugh a lot so there's that.

Top Chinese “BL”

Stay With Me

It’s not like we have much of a selection regarding Chinese BLs (cries in when will Eternal Faith, Immortaily and Winner is King be released from the dungeons?) but HOLY SHIT did they deliver with this one. I didn't know this was specifially made for international release when I went into it so I was in for a few surprises here and there. And I'm gonna say it: it's better than Addicted Heroin. The way their love story developed just has me screaming internally I LOVE THEM SO MUCHHHHH!!!

Top 3 overall

Kiseki: Dear to Me

Stay With Me

I Feel You Linger In The Air

Top pre-2023 BLs (that I watched in 2023)

The Eclipse (2022)

Can you believe that I only just joined the FirstKhao nation this year? I completely skipped this show last year NOT KNOWING what a masterpiece I missed out on. Finally a highschool BL with a capital P Plot! And the enemies to lovers was so so good!!! AkkAyan you will always be famous!

Love Mechanics (2022)

I'm not a fan of cheating stories at all but DEAR GOD these two!!! It's the YinWar magic that pulled me in and will never let me go. The constant back and forth did get a bit annoying at some point but I won't complain when we also got things like the shower scene...

Roommates of Poongduck 304 (2022)

Can ZB1 disband faster so Jiwoong can return to BL acting please? I jest, I jest... kinda. I loved the relationship dynamic in this one so much because they both held power over the other (and both were petty bitches about it lmao).

My Gear and Your Gown (2020)

The girls that get it get it, the girls that don't don't :) Falling for MarcPawin during Dangerous Romance and THEN realising that they're the mains for this show immediately put it on top of my watchlist and I'm not ashamed to say I liked it. It's very 2020 but sometimes that's all you need.

Favorite currently airing BLs

I did not want to consider these for the final rankings because they’re still airing and could theoretically still pull a Game of Thrones S7 on us but I have really high hopes for them.

Cherry Magic

HELLO???!?!? I LOVE ACHI SO F U CK ING MUCHHHH!!! And the way Karan is in love with him so gently and so deeply I- AAAAAHHHHHH. This is gonna be my new obsession I can feel it!!

Last Twilight

At first I didn't even plan on watching this because I didn't think JimmySea were a pairing I would enjoy (Vice Versa has been on hold for over a year lol). But GODDAMN did they prove me wrong! So soft, so precious... P'Aof you did it again!

The Sign

What a hodgepodge of genres... One second you're chasing a murderer, the next you're having sex fantasies about your coworker and then you're having visions about your past life with your soulmate (who is also said coworker). Love it!

Most disappointing BLs

Be Mine Superstar

I was so excited for a new JaFirst series as I really enjoyed Don't Say No, and Remember Me didn't quite quench my thirst. But this... if this was a BL then why did we spend SO MUCH TIME on the beef between the agents?? Shit was annoying af. Moreover, I really could not deal with Ja's character. I know a lot of people liked his innocent puppy-like behaviour but it was just too much for me. The only redeemable thing was the side pairing but even that turned into a hot mess quite quickly. Had to drop this at some point after I started watching it on 1.5 speed and realized that I'm torturing myself.

Low Frequency

Exciting concept but stiff acting and a plot that dragged on. Dropped halfway through.

Bon Appetit

It's not bad but just straight up boring. I finished it but it didn't leave any lasting impressions. I know you can do better, Korea...

Most anticipated QLs of 2024

Vampire Project (BOUNPREM VAMPIRE BL!!! I CAN DIE HAPPY ONCE THIS IS FINALLY ON MY SCREEN)

Jack & Joker (War finally getting his villain role let's fucking goooo)

IFYLITA Season 2 (PLEASE GOD MAKE IT HAPPEN P L E A S E also special ep WHEN????)

Spare Me Your Mercy (i will always be a slut for crime BLs)

23.5 Degrees (give it to us!!! LET US INNNN!!!)

My Love Mix-Up TH (istg if gmmtv doesn't learn from this whole cherry magic debacle...)

Eyes on you (even more spy/mafia/crime BL yes and thank you!)

Uranus 2324 (the production?? the story?? the cinematography??? I need it NOW)

Red Peafowl (this is either gonna be really bad or really good and I'm curious to see which one it's gonna be)

(I had Stay With Me S2 on this list until it was announced as cancelled on Jan 1st 😭😭 I wil never recover)

2023 Superlatives

Most iconic intro: Only Friends (long live First's thighs)

Quickest drop: Middleman’s Love (i was rooting for you Jade!)

Best supporting character: Tin's grandma - Laws of Attraction (sweetest lil supportive grandma who didn't deserve any of this)

Best Worst character: Jaewon's girlfriend - The Eighth Sense (I think this is the only bitchy ex-gf of the entire year and I'm glad about it)

Best side pairing: ChenAi - Kiseki: Dear to Me (do they even count as a side pairing anymore? If not then I'd go with GuyNawa - Dangerous Romance)

Best could have been if the writers wanted us to: NameSaifah - Dangerous Romance (no it was NOT enough!)

Biggest green flag: Win - Between Us (asking for consent is so sexyyy) / Yai - IFYLITA (he's the softest, most caring boy who's so so in love)

Biggest red flag (affectionate): Hira - Utsukushii Kare (my boy highkey needs therapy but Kiyoi wouldn't want it any other way so we'll let it slide) / Lom - Wedding Plan (the way he went about things was... questionable but I understand his reasoning behind it so I can't hate him)

Biggest red flag (derogatory): Boeing - Only Friends (bro just wanted to fuck with - literally and metaphorically - every and anyone and I respect that but dude...)

Most iconic kiss: Lee Won/Ji Oh - Why R U? KR (this was so fucking unexpected but they ate and left absolutely no crumbs)

Most iconic makeout scene: YangJai - Love in Translation (IN A GROCERY STORE?? FINGERS IN MOUTH??!)

Most iconic sex scene: TopBoston - Only Friends (oohhh the DRAMA of it all… truly gagged everyone with this)

Best unhinged horny scene: Jom - IFYLITA (I will never be able to look at massage oil without thinking about this...)

Best gays on a bike scene: Stay With Me (like… facing each other…. grinning at each other.... give me a minute)

Newest addition to the poor lil meow meow collection: Ai Di - Kiseki: Dear to Me (my feral murder kitten I LOVE YOU SO MUUUUUUCHHH)

And there we have it! What a year it's been... I can't wait for 2024 to be just as wonderful, unhinged, crazy and amazing. If you've read until this point I wanna thank you for enduring all that and also for supporting me and my edits throughout this year. Whether we're moots or not I truly appreciate every single person that interacts with me on this hellsite 🫶❤️

[dreamofmetoday]

QUICK READING RECAP

15th to the 21st of may 2023

🐮🍨🧸how does taylor swift feel about matty healy?

↳ 8oW, 9oP, Borage rx

she’s more focused on how she feels with him - which is that she’s doing something brave by being with him and flaunting him.

🌰🫧💭 how does matty healy feel about the hate he’s getting?

↳ judgement, temperance, 4oS

he’s upset about it but he’s also pretty self-confident so it’s not that hurtful. some of it has genuinely made him think more. overall, he’s pretty “time heals all wounds” about it and thinks that people, including himself, will get over it someday.

⭐️🌻💫is blackpink jennie satisfied with her career right now?

↳ chariot, adder, 5oC, KnoS

mostly yes. some things that fall through get to her, but she isn’t super mopey or sad about it.

🌲🌿🌴how does twice sana feel on their tour right now?

↳ 6oC, fern, PoC

she’s happy. her energy is good right now. she’s also trying to savour it as much as possible, perhaps it’s their last tour or something as far as she knows.

📓📒📔how does doja cat feel right now?

↳ burdock rx, AoS, 9oP

she’s in a victim mindset right now and feels she needs to prove herself. she feels burdened and alone but also strong and powerful at the same time. her mind is anxious and overactive in general.

🦋🪻🪼what do the txt members think of the fanwars between moas and stays?

↳ 2oC, 4oW, flax

they think it’s expected and normal. overall they enjoy the security of having loyal fans and think it gives their career added stability.

🍂🍄🍃is it true nct haechan and itzy ryujin began dating around the beginning of the pandemic?

↳ AoW, AoC, AoS, 6oW, 10oC

yes.

💫🌼🌾what does taylor swift think of matty healy’s controversies?

↳ primrose rx, AoC, 2oP, QoW

she’s too infatuated to think his controversies have anything to do with who he is now. she thinks everyone can begin again and sees herself in him - she thinks about how she’s also grown and changed a lot over time. she thinks they can overcome what’s happening even though right now it’s difficult.

⚾️🍔🌽how does halle bailey feel about everyone’s opinion on her relationship with ddg?

↳ hanged man, air dragon, 7oP

she thinks she can’t control it so she does her best to ignore it but it has gotten to her before, even somewhat often, and it makes her question things.

🦥🦢🐉nct jaehyun’s turn offs in someone?

↳ whip, rider, 3oS

argumentative, needs to be right, competitive, attention seeking, materialistic, obsessed with social media and bragging on there, someone who compares themselves to others, too secretive.

🥦🥧🥮is there truth to stray kids hyunjin bullying scandal?

↳ temperance, emperor, crane rx

yes but it doesn’t seem it was really that malicious or violent or anything (maybe this is already known sorry), it was more just regular arguments and mean things a lot of kids or teens say to each other in their school days. it was regular school drama that did get a bit nastier than maybe what everyone experiences but it’s wasn’t extreme either.

🍱🍣🍙is there truth to itzy lia bullying scandal?

↳ lovers, 3oC, 7 of wands, QoC, chamomile

the overall answer is no. there was some drama involving who she was dating or who a friend was dating. lia either dated someone who the friend liked or the other way around. in either case lia was the more popular one. she was considered prettier and more fun so classmates chose her side and only a few chose the other friend’s and the friend then felt ostracised. it wasn’t good for anyone involved but to call it bullying would be a reach.

🌸🌺🌸how do itzy feel about their concept being changed?

↳ the chariot, AoC, frog rx, the fool

it was sold to them really well. they were told what their expected success was if they stuck with their old concept vs what it would be if they made changes and they were all pretty on board with it. they don’t think every decision that has been made has been a good one and they do worry that there’s been too many mistakes but overall they think this is the better longterm (or stable) option financially.

🐉🥧🍪would lucas still have been kicked out of wayv and nct if he were korean?

↳ resorters rx, six of swords

yes, i think they just saw the damage to his reputation as too irreparable regardless so this was really the only solution.

🧸🎁🪭how does fx krystal see snsd taeyeon?

↳ clover rx, the world

krystal sees taeyeon as super successful but that she’s an opportunist and is often looking for more she can get. she also thinks taeyeon doesn’t take things seriously enough.

🥡🥢🧂is blackpink rosé really dating gang dong won?

↳ KnoC, KnoS, eagle

yes, they were definitely thing but i don’t know where they are at right now, they’re going through a rough patch at the very least.

[putonmyfavoriteshow]

L-Pop on Disney + ep1-3 Recap/Review

I didn’t expect to care that much about this but I had some thoughts! Some spoilers, but nothing too earth shattering lol (it’s a pretty straightforward plot)

Disclaimer: I only know K-Pop from what I see on social media so I have no idea how accurate a portrayal it is of that fandom

Ep 1 - this episode was mostly setup, you get the lowdown on K-Pop and it’s popularity in Mexico. We meet Andrea and her KPop dance crew. One thing I didn’t know is this would play a little bit like a show within a show as it’s through the lens of a character who is making a documentary on her K-Pop obsessed sister. It’s a very clever way of explaining everything without unrealistic dialogue which I think this a very clever angle! And I like how Pau equally cares about Andrea and supports her while also having her own selfish interest as a documentarian (we love sisters!).

Ep 2 - I think this episode is a lot better as we get the wheels rolling on the plot as Andrea starts her own K-Pop dance group for the contest. We meet the chaotic members and watch her scramble to get them on the same foot. So far they’ve established some really fun characters. Her clairvoyant bff, the embarrassed zillenial fanboy, an overzealous influencer, cameraman Pablo who’s face we still never see, the sister of Andrea’s LI who has some great comedic moments as she nonchalantly stirs the pot

Ep 3 - We get a Bia reunion! Rodri Rumi appears on the scene as the Argentinian soap star who got cancelled by KPop stans which is so hilariously accurate from what I’ve seen on social media. You do NOT mess with the KPop community! But the main focus on this episode is her relationship with Ji-Won who so far has been the grumpy to her bubbly trope until it’s revealed he is a secret K-Pop lover. Even with the predictability on this “twist”, their chemistry is organic and the show plays up the obvious as everyone comments how they’re gonna get together “just like a K-Drama”. He’s very lovable and sweet once he lets down his guard and we get a very wholesome pair between them as they learn to compromise. The final scene where they dance together while the sister and Pablo watch on (before Pablo sneezes) was especially adorable.

So with only 3 episodes left there’s only so much they can do but the characters are fun, and hopefully there’s more dancing and performances to look forward to in the second half as so far they’ve been pretty brief besides the first episode dance number and Ji-Won’s audition/Andrea’s talent show clips. And a really sweet romantic end for the cuties 🥰

Pablo face reveal???

[accidentallyadramablog]

2022 Drama Year in Review

I enjoyed doing a year in review last year and wanted to do it again. I watched significantly fewer Asian dramas this year with 29 completed and 24 dropped compared to 75 total dramas (completed and dropped) in 2021. Some of these started in 2021 and finished in 2022 so they are on both lists.

You can find my full watch list on MDL here. Recap below the cut.

This was a busy year. I've been going to night school for my MBA on top of having a full time job and family. I've also been trying to balance what I do enjoy so I've been watching non-Asian series (The Wheel of Time, Warrior Nun, Willow, etc.), reading (I just finished The Lost Dreamer and currently am reading the Locked Tomb Trilogy), and gaming (I finally finished Horizon Zero Dawn and replayed the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series) this year to balance the time spent on watching dramas. Come on over to see me at @snkrfnd if you want to talk about any of those things!

I'm terrible at lists, but here are prob my favorite dramas that I watched this year (some were released in previous years). Strangely, there are no dramas from Vietnam or the Philippines this year.

Love Between Fairy and Devil - now one of my favorite cdramas of all time. Too many reasons why this is at the top of my list

The King's Affection (I had to put it on pause last year because I was losing my mind whenever Park Eun Bin was on screen and finally finished it this year. Phenomenal. How did Kim Rowoon and Nam Yoon Soo hold it together when acting with her?)

Bad Buddy (Started in 2021, finished in 2022. Just excellent! I think this changes the game for Thai dramas.)

Alchemy of Souls Part 1 -everything I love about fusion sageuks

Tomorrow - everything I love about urban fantasy dramas plus it was so incredibly pro-woman I was really astounded it came out when there's politically such a backlash against feminism in S. Korea right now. Everyone in the drama gets 2 gold stars from me just for being involved in the project

Secret Crush on You - It has hands down the best friend group to ever appear on screen. It reminds me of my own friend group in highschool 20+ years ago! Loved the drama from the POV of the characters that are normally used for punching-down humor. Nerds need love too!

Semantic Error - Everything a KBL should be. It was still authentically a kdrama with the usual tropes. It didn't have to sacrifice what makes a kdrama great to make it BL. I find it so hilarious that DKZ exploded their album sales as a result. Maybe if the industry sees the profits, we'll get more quality lgbtq dramas. (On a side note, I watched the movie and swore they did something in post-production because the coloring was different and it was just because I'd seen too many high quality gifsets with talented content creators that are good at coloring and lighting. HAHAHAHA the movie suffered in comparison to the great production value of the gifsets I've been seeing this year.)

Glitch - the gayest thing I watched all year (affectionate). Aliens, cults, and government conspiracies are for the sapphics now, I'm sorry.

Girlfriend Project Day 1 (they announced a 2nd season!!) I don't know how they pulled off such great, sweet chemistry from such a short webdrama. I'm subscribed to their YT channel now in the hopes of more great GL content.

Roommates of Poongduck 304 - imagine what they could do with a full budget and network support!!!! Amazing they could pull off this enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity/and-they-were-roommates, office romcom (and I HATE boss/employee relationships).

Honorable Mentions in no particular order:

All of Us are Dead - the women needed more to do, otherwise this would be higher in my list. Yoon Chan Young blew me away with his acting. You can always tell who started out as a child star.

Ms. Cupid in Love - a good all-rounder cdrama where the writing for the women didn't make me want to pull my hair out

Gaus Electronics - love Kwak Dong Yeon being pathetic and Aziz stole the show. This was the funniest drama I watched all year. I really should have put it in my top 10, but now I'm too lazy to cut and paste.

Alchemy of Souls Part 2 still in progress and loving it for the same reasons I loved part 1 (the idol actors are still weak tho)

GAP the Series - ongoing, but I'm loving it. I hope this ranks high on my 2023 list. I am not used to seeing writers and directors letting women act like they want to bone. I'm so used to the entertainment industry sanitizing wlw relationships. Thank you Saint Suppapong and IdolFactory!!

My School President - unrequited love that's actually mutual pining? The misunderstanding is that the person you thought hated you actually supports you? Sign me tf up! Good acting to boot. Please don't let me down!

Never Let Me Go - Did you see Ms Thanya standing next to the evil uncle???? The way she towered over him? Whew! Time to look up her back catalog. I love an intimidating woman.

[purplehanfu]

A Man Who Defies the World of BL: Episode 1

notes: Spoilers! 🎉It's the 20th Just the First Episode!🎉 and it’s a special request by ✨@gremlin-02✨ who won the contest in KinnPorsche ep 9 by knowing who colonial America’s gayest and coolest general was. Master list of all recaps

Meet Mob, seen here getting fired up to enter into an inexorable battle with fate. Unfortunately, like his namesake, he is a cannon-fodder NPC. He has come to realize that he is trapped in the confines of a BL manga and is desperately trying to avoid becoming part of the story. Sounds like a fun, light-hearted comedy, right? Oh don't worry, I'll fix that:

Structural Determinism vs. Free Will

This drama poses and interesting philosophical conundrum: it is a given that Mob is trapped in a manga. The manga is therefore a closed system. He is bounded by the plot which is a structural condition, and while Mob can do as he pleases in the world of this manga (free will), he will never be able to escape the story the mangaka (god) intends.

ah, good old existential dread

But Futility Can Be Fun!

Oh, I can hear what you're saying: "But what of predestination?" Look, I don't want to be Calvinist on main, but we all know the plot will play out as intended whatever course of action Mob chooses to take so he needs to just sit back and enjoy the ride. What did Martin Luther call it? "Total Depravity?" Sounds fun, right?

Please Get Back to the Drama

Ok, ok. So all of the above is to say that although Mob is now a man on a mission, his very avoidance of the plot becomes the plot. 

After his realization (and subsequent research), Mob sees BL everywhere- couples all over his school, his friends pairing off, even random strangers in the street. 

Here is Mob, sitting in a university class, surrounded by couples which only he seems to notice:

He goes about his day, observing all the BL tropes happening around him. In the university cafeteria, he witnesses the classic Lunchbox of Love: 

Ayyy, my boy sporting a cross of Lorraine, repping for all us Alsatians

You know what that means- the one who loves to cook and the one who loves to eat!

Damn, he is from Alsace! This bento looks like the spiritual twin of classic regional dish cervelas à l'alsacienne (see inset) and yes, those are sausages split down the middle, stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon.

After class we encounter a rare triple: the Mysterious Loner

... who for some reason is hanging out with your crew ...

which then becomes...

I Guess I’ll Help You Home, which becomes...

There Was Only One Bed (and It Was In a Love Hotel). 

The next time they meet up, it’s for an at-home drinking party. Luckily Mob is the odd man out- a safe place to be as there’s no one for the plot to pair him with. He peeks under the table to confirm Friends to Lovers.

While in the kitchen we have the classic Gloomy Goth and Cheerful Jock pairing.

���This is perfect” thinks Mob, “I am safe.”

But although he remains outside the story, unfortunately the plot continues to occur all around him as he finds out when he spends the night wedged between two amorous couples, both of which believe (wrongly) that everyone else is asleep.

Things don’t improve in the morning.

Poor Mob. 

In The Next Episode:

Trouble Found Me Because I Went Looking. What were you thinking, Mob?!

Bonus Round: This Didn’t Fit Anywhere Else in the Review

 but I really wanted to use this screenshot

Master list of all recaps

[rwrights]

OVERDUE | WANDA.

pairing : emo!wanda x fem!reader

summary : after three years of perseverance and having to deal with her boyfriend, it only took five words for her to crack.

contents : fluff, high school!au

word count : 2.5k

warnings : cursing, I USED GOOGLE TRANSLATE SO THE RUSSIAN SENTENCES ARE MOST PROBABLY WRONG, vision being poopoo, EMO WANDA YES

NOT PROOF READ.

a/n : emo wanda will be the death of me

laughs were surrounded around ms. harkness’ classroom, being the lesson right before lunch break. “alright, alright, settle down, lovelies.” she began, setting her books down on her desk. “we’re gonna get started with a recap on romeo and juliet!”

her sentence caused students to let out groans and comments of disapproval. “oh, come on! this is a classic! this story is beautiful.” she argued, making wanda laugh in response. this caught her attention as she raised her eyebrow, “do you have anything to add, miss maximoff?”

wanda turned to head towards her teacher before sitting straight, “well, yes. other than having read it in the seventh grade - i may or may not disagree.” she simply said, miss harkness urging her to elaborate.

“dear, i’m aware you’ve read this years ago – but the reason i’m making you go through it again is because you’re all now very observant and opinionated. i want to know what you got from the book this time and how you felt about it.” she explained, with a smile on her face nevertheless.

“well, it’s obviously debatable, you find it beautiful, i find it dull. most people think that this is a romance between two lovers, but they seem to leave out the fact that Juliet isn't even 15. yes, there was family drama, but not one character in this book makes a single logical decision throughout. the two families realized their mistakes, at the end but at what cost? yes, Shakespeare is a good writer and his legacy continues on, but was it really that great? the whole concept of the book was rather tiring to read. but of course, this is just my opinion.”

wanda’s rant left the class speechless and a huge smile on miss harkness’ face.

“i appreciate your point of view, wanda. i’m very proud of you for being able to read between the lines and understand - or feel the book differently than others.” she grinned, surprising wanda, but she accepted her kind remarks.

you stared at her in awe with your jaw basically slacked on your desk. miss harkness continued going on and asking people for their opinions while you gawked at the girl next to you. she felt your eyes burning through the side of her head as she turned to you, giving you a knowing look.

“what?”

“you’re so smart,” you replied simply, making her furrow her eyebrows in confusion. “uh.. thanks?” she shook her head slightly before looking back at miss harkness. you weren’t going to lie to yourself and say you didn’t adore the girl next to you, because, holy shit. you adored her.

you’d known her since sophomore year and you’ve been enticed by her ever since – although she hasn’t made it all that easy for you. years spent on sharp remarks, long glares, cold shoulders, but eventually she gave up and decided to be your friend. you two belonged in a decently sized friend group, consisting of seven other kids.

steve rogers, tony stark, bruce banner, clint barton, natasha romanoff – seniors.

wanda maximoff, pietro maximoff, vision and you – juniors.

you shared almost all of your classes with your fellow, yet older juniors, and unfortunately vision. wanda’s boyfriend.

you envied the man for reasons you could not explain – well actually, just one reason. wanda. they’d been together for a total of four months and you’d been flirting with wanda for over three years. you weren’t going to lie and say you weren’t hurt and shocked when hearing she was in a relationship when you were so sure she reciprocated your feelings, but you were happy for her either way.

the rest of the gang babied you to no end, making you feel better - or trying to anyway. you were the youngest amongst them, leaving them to think it was their role to take you under their wings.

45 minutes later, the lesson ended on a good note as you packed your things up and stood by the entrance of the class, waiting for your three other friends. you scowled slightly as vision swung his arm around the sokovian girl. you groaned as pietro did the same with you, messing up your hair. “you’re adorable, malyshka. your little face scrunching up when you see them is priceless.” you felt him laugh beside you, “you are just so adorable, y/n/n.”

“you mocking me will just cause you to lose your pudding.”

“wha–”

“shall we get going?” vision suddenly asked, smiling as he played with the ends of wanda's hair. you glared at him slightly before pietro dragged you out of the classroom, “let’s go!”

you met the seniors halfway to the cafeteria and saw how the four guys and girl were grinning at you. “not a word..” you sternly spoke, tony bringing his hands up to his head in surrender, the grin not leaving his face. “alright, go get lunch, kiddo. we’ll get the table.” steve replied, taking your bag as they walked to your usual lunch table. natasha linked her arm with yours, smiling. “how you feelin’, kid?”

“don’t kid me, nat. can’t believe i’ve put up with you for three years..” you grumbled, getting your food on the tray in front of you. “give me your pudding and i’ll forgive you.”

“yeah, i love you, but not that much. pudding’s mine.” nat replied, taking hers greedily before rushing off to your table. you quickly followed after her, immediately digging into your food. “wanda, y/n still bothering you?.” clint asked cheekily, chewing on his fries. “no, she’s not.” you quickly replied, glaring at him. “yes.. yes, she is.” wanda replaced, rolling her eyes playfully - or you hoped so.

“i do not!”

“you were staring at me the whole english lesson, it made me fidgety.” she replied, drinking from her bottle. “do i have that effect on you, maximoff?” you asked, smiling slightly.

“y/n.” vision warned, glaring at you. you rolled your eyes before digging into your food again. “it’s only a matter of time until your girlfriend falls for my tactics, vis.” you chewed, tony cheering you on while steve shook his head, eating his burger.

“oh, in your dreams, l/n. three years of your tactics and look where that’s gotten you.” he retorted. you froze and looked up at him, squinting your eyes. “you’re on thin ice, vis. since when were we on a last name basis? i don’t even know your last name? what is it?”

“okay, okay! enough. y/n, stop it.” wanda cut in, giving you a warning look. “wha- but i-?” she gave you a look, getting the words stuck in your throat. you slumped into your seat, leaning into pietro’s arm as he held you, amused. “ay, sestra. you’re so mean to y/n.” he teased. “tell your girlfriend to stop staring at me all the time then, hmm?”

“his wha-”

“my wha-”

“girlfriend?!” you both questioned at the same time, turning to each other before laughing. “wanda, my girlfriend was just flirting with you! do you not get it?” pietro managed to let out in between wheezes. “look, pietro-” vision started, causing you to cut in. “vis, you’ve gotta–”

“gosh darn it! no more fighting! i’m getting a headache and i just wanna eat my damn burger.” steve scolded, glaring at all of you, or the four of you. “yes sir..” you all muttered, quickly silencing. bruce let out a laugh as he flicked steve’s temple, “grandpa.”

the rest of the break, you all mingled amongst yourselves, you - to no surprise - were staring at wanda most of the time. pietro’s arm was wrapped around you, his eyes focusing on wanda as well, not to admire her - but to read her. you couldn’t see the way her eyes twitched whenever pietro pulled you closer, but he could. very clearly.

“you alright there, wands?” he asked, squeezing your arm as he smirked at his sister. “what? yeah, no, i’m fine.” she croaked, tearing her eyes off you. “babe?” vision called out, bringing his arm around her. “it’s nothing, vis. drop it.” he let go of her, clearly taken aback by her tone. he cleared his throat, scooting closer to her as if nothing happened.

moments later, the bell rang. alerting all of you that it was time for class. “alright, kiddos. have fun.” bruce let out, hitting the back of pietro’s head. he clicked his tongue as he picked your bag up. “let’s go!”

“piet, i think y/n can carry her own bag.” wanda hissed, walking alongside him. “yes, i think she can.” you replied, grabbing it from him and slinging it over your shoulder. “aw, i was only trying to be nice, sestra.” he pouted.

“can we just get to class?” vision asked from behind his girlfriend. wanda grabbed his hand and dragged him along to your next class.

“piet, you have got to stop.” you cried out, leaning into him. he chuckled as he threw his arm over your shoulder, “i know, but it’s just way too funny seeing her face.”

––––––

a few days went by, your flirtatious trials with wanda ongoing, vision scolding you for trying it with his girlfriend, pietro continuously keeping you close to him, wanda subtly sending you daggers.

“y/n/n~” pietro whined, digging his head into your shoulder. “okay, fine! you can have my pudding, you man child.” you groaned, sliding it towards him. you felt him smile against your shoulder as he kissed your cheek. “ah, moya lyubov, you are the best.”

“pietro, lay off.” wanda hissed from the opposite side of the table. “wanda?!” vision retorted, causing everyone else at the table to laugh. “careful, sestra. if i didn't know any better, i’d say you were jealous.”

“Пьетро, ​​хватит (pietro, that’s enough)” she warned, natasha and pietro giggling to themselves, leaving everyone confused. “ты не можешь отрицать это, не так ли? (you can’t deny it, can you?)” pietro shot back. “успокойтесь, ребята. (settle down, children.)” natasha joined in.

“everyone just smile and nod,” tony joked. wanda backed off as vision angrily whispered something into her ear. she waved him off, going back to eating her lunch.

you said your goodbyes to the seniors as the four of you headed off to social studies, or as you liked to call it - free period.

“yeah, alright, do your own work, just don’t disturb anyone outside of class.” mr wilson said, leaning back into his chair and placing his feet on his table, mindlessly scrolling on his phone. you, vision, pietro and wanda were sat at the back of the classroom. you in the corner, pietro next to you, vision in front of him and wanda in front of you. pietro leaned towards you in his chair as vision was sat in place, but was positioned where he could see all of you. wanda turned to face you as she straddled her chair. (you know where like bad boys in movies sit with the back of the chair in front of them. OMG)

pietro was telling a story, but you couldn’t tear your eyes off of her, vision noticed it too. “hey, eyes off, l/n.” you turned to look at him as you rolled your eyes, “you’re so lame, vis.”

“hey, hello! i was getting to the good part!” pietro complained before he went back to his story. he ended it with laughs, the three of you following suit. “you’re an idiot, but i’m sure you’re aware.” wanda replied, smiling slightly. “you’re so pretty, wands.” you told her, causing her to look up at you. “yeah, i know. you’ve told me a lot, y/n.”

“okay, whatever.”

the four of you took turns telling stories and just sharing conversation. it was wanda’s turn as she started talking about a funny thing that happened in a vinyl shop nearby. “and they literally tipped everything over and the owner lady started yelling at them in italian!” she laughed, causing the three of you to do the same. she continued talking, but it seemed as if you went deaf for a solid minute - you were too focused on the way she smiled and laughed as she recalled the event. she looked so pretty talking about whatever it was she was talking about and she kept playing with her hair after every sentence. you finally snapped back into it as you heard wanda call your name. “hey! earth to y/n! did you hear a thing i said?”

silence, you stared at her for thirty seconds before-

“do you wanna make out?” you practically yelled, not breaking eye contact. you didn’t miss the way she blinked in shock and her cheeks turned into a light shade of pink.

“y/n!?” vision scolded, glaring at you as he looked at his girlfriend, protectively. pietro laughed out loud as he watched the whole event unfold and snickered at how his sister froze.

you weren’t expecting a response until she said,

“well, yeah, i wouldn’t oppose it.”

“wanda?!” vision asked in disbelief as he kept his eyes travelling in between the both of you. “finally!” pietro cried out until the bell finally rang. “saved by the bell,” he groaned as he stood up and packed his things. vision was scolding the both of you, but everything went in one ear and through the other. you smiled at wanda before grabbing your things and walking out alongside pietro.

the day went by and all you could think about was wanda’s response. that was the first flirty - if you could even call it that - reply you’ve gotten from her in four months. you leaned against your locker as a girl from your chemistry class was telling you about your upcoming project. wanda was watching from afar, unknowingly sending daggers to your head. “hi wands, what ya lookin at?” pietro interrupted, swinging his arm around his sister and realizing what was happening. “ha! you’re jealous!”

“what?! no, i’m not! i just–”

the girl leaned in towards you as she told you what she was excited about and it set wanda’s buttons off. she clearly misread the situation, but the only thing she could see was how the girl was too close to you. she stormed into your direction and gripped onto your arm. “wha–” you started, you turned around and apologized to your classmate and told her you’d talk to her later.

wanda dragged you into the girl’s washroom and pushed you in before shoving you against the door. “wanda?!” you gawked, scared about the way she was looking at you. “well- i’m, uh, w-what’s up?” you asked, trying to hide the fear that was clearly written in your voice and on your face.

“you asked if i wanted to make out right?” she questioned as if it was nothing. “well, yes-”

“alright,” she replied before she pressed her lips against yours. you melted against her as her hands gripped onto your waist and as your hands travelled to her shoulders. three years, you’ve dreamt about this very moment for three years and it was so much more magical than you imagined. other than the fact that you were in the girl’s bathroom at school. she reluctantly pulled away from you as she pushed the hairs that stuck to your face away from it.

“w-what was that for?!”

she shrugged, “i guess it's been three years overdue. and that's cruel, even for me.”

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL

Sept 2021 Wk 5

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Don’t Say No Ep 9 (Line) - It’s my corny af hurt/comfort soap opera that I watch at 1.5x and skip all the sex scenes and Fiat crying, but I like it that way, so there. Yes I am one of those people who only eats the outside of the peanut M&Ms, why do you ask? Episode recaps here. 

Bite Me Ep 5 (Viu & Viki) - sometimes I feel like this show is skipping all the important bits, or having them occur off screen intentionally, like some ancient Greek play. Still, the depth of the feeling understood between the two leads is clearly transferred to us despite that. Are they dating? Sure seems that way. Without anything being actually said about it. It’s oddly magical. I talked a bit about the north/south divide and food as a love language with regards to kao soi in this post. 

7 Project Ep 5 The Breakup Zone (iQiYi & YouTube) - another het installment, so I skipped it. Nash. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Peach of Time Ep 10 fin - A Korean BL (maybe not BL tho) featuring Thai talent that really went beyond a lot of tropes into interesting territory and allegory in a way only Korea does. I hope we get more collabs like this, perhaps happier than this one next time? RECOMMENDED only if you are prepared for The Sad. Because it is quite sad.  

x Friend or Lover (YouTube) Ep 6 - still waiting on the final of this Taiwanese indie series.  

Love is Science? (BL sub plot on Viki) Ep 14 (aired ep 15) - Taiwanese drama finally got subbed yesterday, so those of us who are waiting seem to be on a week’s delay. The BL couple actually has the most interesting story arc and the most unusual character growth. I’m enjoying how unpredictable these two are. Honestly, they could have gotten their own series with this much story - and now I really want that for after the baby comes. I’m a little sad we didn’t get the coming out in the skate park sequence (LOOK I love coming out drama, especially with sporty friends, it’s a THING), but I also get why the writers are doing what they are with these boys. And the actors sure can handle it. Taiwan at it’s finest.  

Love Is the series (YouTube) Ep 5 - continues to be fine for a V-BL but not all that actually good. 

See You After Quarantine? (Viki) Ep 6, 7 - Taiwanese gameboys with Japanese talent stuck in, what more could we ask? AND THEN they gave us some *thirsty boi* action, great kisses, and charmed the pants off... well... everyone. Taiwan, we don’t deserve you. Honestly, you spoil us. Turns out Aaron Lai is the best wingman any gay Japanese man in quarantine could ask for. Everyone should be watching this. It’s utterly charming. 

The Tasty Florida (Viki) Ep 3 & 4 - this Korean BL so fucking cute. Look it’s formless and too short but simultaneously aching and kinda special-sweet. But Korea has got to settle into something a bit longer for their BL for everyone’s sake. It’s time. Light On Me proved it was possible. I’m not asking for much, just 15 min+ of fresh content with at least a 10 ep arc. 

In Case You Missed It

Someone dropped K-BL movie cut of 2015′s The Lover series onto YouTube. The series was about 4 different couples all living in the same apartment complex, one of the 4 was a BL plot about a sunshine sweetie Japanese tourist who ends up roommates with a hot shy tsundere Korean boy. It’s 1.5 hours, proving Korea and stretch its BL when it wants to. 

Read more about it here. 

GOSSIP!

Rumors of OhmFluke to star in new Thai BL Oh! My Sunshine Night. It’s from Newsinfinity Entertainment who announced the casting and showed the couple in workshops. This is this (small) production house’s first BL and they aim to “appeal to to general audiences* with a “broader view of BL that everyone will watch.” Which is code for LOW heat, light gay, soft boys. If this happens I think we can expect this to be Thailand doing Korean-style BL. 

* GENERAL AUDIENCE? Let’s be clear no piece of media will EVER appeal to everyone. Here is the USA “general audience” is code for “families with socially conservative values and children who are still minors” AKA what used to be prime time TV watchers AKA suburbia. 

 The concept is analytically old fashioned and so fractured at this juncture (socially economically spatially politically) that “general audience” is actually impossible to target and it doesn’t really exist. But try telling that to the publicity department. 

We also call this the “Disney live action demo.” (Think Pirates of the Caribbean.) I occasionally refer to them as “the Simpsons.” And they’re about as realistic. All that to say I am VERY suspicious of Oh! My Sunshine Night‘s production house. 

To My Star does seem to be getting a second season, same director, same mains. Korea is much better about executing on its promises than Thailand, but until I see proof of filming or an honest trailer, my favorite boys are staying in the gossip section. I don’t wanna get my hopes up. (Honestly now, how many of you also want an alt reality with these two as a couple but Kim Kang Min playing his long suffering cardiologist intern character from Hospital Playlist? Just me?) 

I reported on Unforgotten Night a while ago. It seems to have been fully cast now, I still think the publicity stills make it look like a joke. But with this line-up I guess it’s even more of an alt answer to KinnPorsche. 

You know that thing that happens in media when suddenly we get multiples of the same style of movie or show at once? It’s now happening with BL. Love triangles. Restaurants. And now mafia. 

Cutie Pie (our arranged marriage Thai BL staring Zee) dropped some wardrobe fitting photo ops. Also... fancy pants sexy suits that fit, so that’s exciting. 

Starting Soon

My Mate Match from Starhunter should be starting on Line TV next Saturday. Usually, Line has subs relatively quickly and is available internationally. However the fact that the trailer is not subbed and the show is not listed on Line’s site has me nervous. No idea on length of run either. 

Starhunter studio doesn’t have a great track record in general for narrative arcs and this one is not based on a y-novel so could get waffly. This is a roommates love triangle BL about a boy who is looking for one roommate and ends up with two vying for his home and his heart. Stars Jet as the uke lead which I’m pretty happy about as he’s got great comedic timing and is accustomed to BL. He’s opposite two friends/co-actors from Gen Y and other projects, so we know they’re comfortable with each other. They could do great things... if they get a decent script. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International subs accessibility reasons.

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

This week’s best moment?

[dribs-and-drabbles]

Hi! Did you hear about Milk (plays Ink) and the screenwriter of Bad Buddy mentioning in tweets about a season 2. Milk tweeted how she wants a season 2 and Ohm liked the tweet and the screenwriter quoted her tweet and said “ I believe that by the time everyone finishes watching EP12, everyone will be screaming like this.” And he also said in response to people asking questions and making comments “ I didn't spoil whether it'll be good or bad ending, or open ending. I just believe that everyone would want to see ss2. Don't think too far. I didn't give you spoiler haha” So now I’m even more curious as to what the end will be lol what are your thoughts on everything?

Hi Anon! Thank you for the ask...sorry it took a while to respond 😊

At the time you sent the ask, I didn't really know about these tweets (I'm not on twitter) but I've seen people posting about it in the BB tag so I'm kind of caught up. My take on it? Well, I can completely understand Milk wanting a season 2...🤭 Regarding the screenwriter saying that 'we' (the BB viewers) will be the same after episode 12 - of course I would love to see more of Pat and Pran (and the whole cast) but I've already felt that way since episode 5...maybe even earlier! 😂 God I would be so happy just watching any PatPran domesticity and generally Being Boyfriends...but that a series does not make.

Honestly, Aof has already said that BB will be a "complete series" (it was in a Soonvijarn react or recap video and I don't have the time or will to search for it right now), and I took that to mean the story is going to wrap up by the end of ep 12. Whether that's a happy or sad ending (I'm hedging my bets on happy!) is yet to be known but I don't think any ends will be left loose for a second season.

Why? Well, the whole series is about the drama of them going from being not-enemies to lovers and dealing with the conflict between their parents. Once that's all dealt with (which I believe will be in eps 11 and 12) I can't see what else they would need a-whole-nother season to address. Yes, as I said, I could watch Pat and Pran navigating life together, finishing uni, starting work...but there's no big issue they would have to deal with like in this season for it to be necessary - just desirable.

Plus, I really think this series is a one off for both Ohm and Nanon...and Aof in a way. There are other projects and other stories that need telling - and Aof has done with Bad Buddy what he set out to do...and by god he's done it well. And I'd rather leave it like this - a precious diamond, delicate on my finger to admire whenever I want, shiny and bright, and just a little bit smaller than I'd like... rather than a cheap cubic zirconia bigger than my hand that will crack and chip and dull over time (which is what a second season would feel like if it were made just because we wanted the characters instead of there being an important storyline that still needed addressing).

I'm rambling. I'll stop. I think I've made my point 😂

(And to the other Anon who sent me an ask - I'll respond soon, I needed time to think!)

[reviewting]

Bad Buddy

Without preamble, I’m going to say that this is by far one of the best Thai series that I have ever watched (and tbh I have watched so many of them). Don’t be fooled by the happy-go-lucky poster. By the time you guys read this, I’ll have you know that this review has been sitting in my draft for weeks. I just finished watching episode 5. Saying that I have to grab my jaw from touching the floor is an understatement. I’ve watched many Thai BLs but the ones that I like can only be counted by one hand. I’ll say this and I will not say this again, HATE TO LOVE TROPE ATE ALL THE TROPHIES.

Update:

Just finished rewatching episode 12 because I was so tired by the time I came home last night and I was not focused enough to follow the story. All in all, I can say that the series has one of the best endings for bl (I have watched so many bls and left disappointed so many times too). This time, the ending left a smile on my face, not a frown or confusion on my face.

Score

Storyline : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (7/10)

Plot : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9/10)

Pace : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (8/10)

Acting : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10)

Rewatch value : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10)

Storyline

I would say that this is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet or Romeo and Julio (if you want to be more specific). Two rival families taught each of their offsprings to hate each other. They have to compete, be rivals, and fight each other since they were little. The pettiness went above and beyond because one of the parents transferred their child to another school just to make sure the two children won’t be friends. Basically, the parents are toxic and they want their children to be toxic too. However, of course the universe says “F U LET ME MAKE MY OWN STORY” by making Pran and Pat be friends (in secret) and later become lovers. But of course the story won’t be smooth sailing like this recap, of course there’s going to be some high level of violence, pettiness, and drama along the way. You should watch it! If you’re like me (I swear by waiting for a series to finish before watching them in one sitting) you have to wait for a couple of months. But I was nosy and I have zero patience, so I am torturing myself by watching the series when it’s still on going (I will never repeat this mistake again).

Characters

Pat and Pran are polar opposite. Pat is messy, loud, and energetic. Pran, on the other hand, is neat, moody (melancholy type), and calm. Ohm plays Pat and Nanon plays Pran. By watching Ohm and Nanon's interviews, these two characters aren’t so different from their real-life personalities. They are also close friends in real life, so the chemistry was already built way before the making of the series.

I haven’t gotten halfway through the episodes so I won’t know other characters other than Wai and Korn. These two are just ready to fight wherever whenever. They’re also quite perceptive since they notice that there are something between Pat and Pran. I hope they won’t be obstacles between the lovers.

I have yet to know more about Pa (Pat’s sister) and the parents. I will update you again once I finish the series.

Update:

Korn is just the best. He's a friend that you would want to keep close with you all the time. I have a dilemma about Wai, I understand where he's coming from and why he did what he did. However, I just can't forgive him 100%, I understand him but I can't accept the fact that he actually went through with his plot. Just too cruel for my liking.

Let me tell you something, Pa and Ink are just AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH CUTE. I love them, they have a little (to none) screen time but they're just the sweetest and I really want to see a spin-off series with them as the main characters. Very compatible and zero drama.

The parents...ah the parents. I'm glad with whatever Pat and Pran chose in the end. They seem happy with their decision and I'm, being a proud mama (they don't know that I've adopted both of them), support them 100%.

I CAN'T RECOMMEND YOU ENOUGH TO WATCH THIS SERIES. I WANT TO SHOUT IT OUT ON THE TOP OF A CLIFF. I WANT TO SHOUT IT OUT IN THE LOBBY OF MY FACULTY BUILDING HAHAHA.

Where to watch

WeTV (somehow I can't watch it here)

Youtube

[canary3d-obsessed]

Restless Rewatch: The Untamed Episode 16 part one

(Masterpost of All the Recaps)  (Canary’s Pinboard)

Warning: Spoilers for All 50 Episodes

All righty, this one is going to be a laff riot...not. Let's do it.

The first half of this episode is like a beautifully executed standalone tragedy, while also threading together all sorts of themes and paying off all sorts of relationship building that's happened in the previous episodes. My hat is off to the writers, while I also shake a fist at them for making me cry an unreasonable amount.

We’re Sailing on a Strange Boat

The episode starts right off absolutely DESTROYING me with the Yunmeng brothers holding hands, fingers interlaced, in the first of many hand-touching moments that punctuate the episode.

Jiang Cheng has to be pretty far gone to accept this degree of comfort and tenderness. I think, from their positions, he is also holding Yanli's hand out of the camera's view. 

Zidian finally lets the trio go, and they immediately turn the boat around and head back to Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian gets the clever idea to turn the benches into makeshift oars but nobody gets the clever idea to use magic to push the boat like they do literally every other time they are in a boat. 

Their emotional need to go back to Lotus Pier is understandable, but they are being disobedient and irresponsible by doing it. Jiang Cheng is the future of the clan, and should not risk his life, particularly after his mother chose to sacrifice herself to protect him and after both of his parents told him to go hide with his sister and personal bodyguard brother. 

On the other hand, Jiang Fengmian, as clan leader, probably had a duty to go into hiding himself rather than go home to die romantically, so his authority is questionable at this point. Anyway, this is the Jiang Clan, they get to kind of do what they want, except when that pisses Jiang Cheng off.

Lotus Pier Massacre

Back at Lotus Pier, the Wens are kicking Jiang ass. The fight choreography is pretty good, taking full advantage of walkways, railings, pools, and other features of the environment. 

Using the set this way always makes fights feel more kinetic and real, as opposed to simply sparring in an open area. 

(more after the cut)

Yu Ziyuan is fighting adequately with a sword, having given her preferred weapon to her son.  She's clearly been at it for a while, and is tiring; the Wen soldiers are starting to land more and more sword blows but no critical hits yet.

Wen Zhuliu is kicking ass and possibly melting cores, although we don't see him do it to anybody yet. Later we'll hear from Jiang Cheng that he crushed the cores of his parents, but it's not clear when that happens.

Sixth young master replays Jiang Fengmian's entire archery lesson in his head while he waits, and waits, for Wen Zhuliu to finish strangling a dude the right moment to shoot an arrow at Wen Zhuliu. 

Homicidal tart Wang Lingjiao notices him lining up a shot, strolls over, and stabs him in the back while he's still thinking about what Jiang Fengmian said. One could wish that JFM's archery lessons weren't quite so wordy. 

Wang Linjao normally doesn't carry a sword because of her low spiritual power, but apparently can use one just fine when she's killing kids.

If you start feeling like this episode is unreasonably painful, just think of it as building up calluses so you can handle Yi City when the time comes.

Jiang Fengmian to the Rescue

Jiang Fengmian shows up very far past the nick of time, although he is not actually useful, so it's questionable whether arriving earlier would have helped. But his wife is glad to see him.

Netflix subtitles say that Jiang Fengmian calls Yu Ziyuan "My Lady!" which sounds courtly and romantic in English. His actual words are "San Niangzi" which hunxi-gullai breaks out here.  I might render this as "lady wife!" rather than "my lady" but I don't think English really has a perfect equivalent.

Jiang Fengmian sails across the courtyard, knocking down a few Wen soldiers and becoming a young, slender man in the process.

I mean, come on, that stunt double does not look like a boxy middle-aged man from any angle.

The Dying Bit

The episode splits up the big death scene for dramatic effect but I'm recapping it all together to keep things simple.

Within moments of arriving, Jiang Fengmian gets shanked by Wen Zhuliu like Scatman Crothers in The Shining (or Groundskeeper Willie in The Shinning).

Wen Zhuliu stops a Wen soldier from finishing JFM off, just so that a different Wen soldier can deliver the killing blow from the back, which is kinda harsh. With all this spin-fighting there is probably not an implication of cowardice when someone dies from a stab in the back, but still. Too rude, Wen Zhuliu.

Yu Ziyuan sees Jiang Fengmian fall, and after having a moment of sorrow and despair, she stabs herself in the heart, falls down, crawls to him and interlaces her hand with his. He revives just enough to give her hand a squeeze and say "San Niangzi" one last time before dying. 

She dies next, with a smile on her face at the end. The soundtrack plays that amazing "horribly emotional death scene" music that isn't one of the tracks available on the OST, argh. This same music appears at the end of Xue Yang's story.  

Of the many things I love about the Untamed, the complexity of all the minor characters is possibly my favorite. These two people suck at parenting, and suck at being married, and ultimately suck at protecting and leading their clan, making stupid, selfish choices at every step of the building conflict. 

And then they have this incredibly romantic death scene, in which they both face the inevitability of failure, and find comfort in failing together. Yet their death scene is totally in keeping with who we know them to be, and who they are to each other; the drama doesn't cheat by making them ideal lovers or great people at the end. But they have a great, great moment.

Jiang Yanli, waiting in the woods while her brothers are presumably running toward Lotus Pier, drops her lotus pendant, which is made of the loudest jade ever discovered, and it breaks with a crash.  

Yanli, who is a well educated young lady, knows a moment of doomy symbolism when she sees it.

Jiang Yanli: Who put a giant rock out here in the woods? What are the odds I’d drop my pendant directly on it? 

It’s all Over Except for the Crying, Running and Choking

The brothers climb up on the roof and are shocked to see nothing but Wen soldiers and piled up Jiang corpses... 

...including one child who is either about to become a zombie or who is being played by a young actor who can't control their curiosity, judging by the way this eye is sneakily opened while the camera is running.

There's a moment where Jiang Cheng is saying they must have spared his parents, they must be okay, where Wei Wuxian's face is just...wow. You can see right here the gulf in life experience between these two. 

Wen Zhuliu roams around looking troubled while searching for more people to kill. He’s an interesting villain; someone who believes his loyalty to his boss makes him a good guy, but knows his boss is a bad guy. 

Then we are treated to a hell of a camera move, where it tracks over Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian together on the floor, heroic in death and still holding hands, and then sweeps up to show their killers sitting on the lotus throne. 

The dead couple were at odds for their whole lives together, while the evil people who killed them are acting like devoted lovebirds. It's a stunning shot and a terrific thematic contrast. When Wei Wuxian eventually comes to take his vengeance, he will spend some time turning Wen Chao and Wang Lingjiao against each other, before ending them. 

The camera shows us JC's reaction, then shows his mother, then WWX’s reaction, then JF; each reacting to the death of the person who loved them. Some folks may feel that Jiang Fengmian actually did love Jiang Cheng but was just bad at showing it. But Jiang Cheng doesn't think so, and I don't think it's a given that parents love their children.

Side note: Macroexpression king Wang Zhuocheng is able to open his eyes so far that a giant strip of white shows above his irises, and keep them like that, which is quite a trick. Try it yourself.

Meanwhile Wang Lingjiao and Wen Chao gossip about YZY and JFM's bad marriage. Wen Chao admires YZY's beauty, and Wang Lingjiao insults her character, and announces that she's going to stab YZY's body a few extra times. Jiang Cheng briefly faints at this, taking a page from Wei Wuxian's book, and rolls off the roof. 

Run Run Away

Both young men run, and run, and run away from Lotus Pier while Wen Chao and Wang Lingjiao mistreat the bodies of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan 

The stabbing happens off camera, because it's ok to stab a live child on camera, but not a dead adult. (As always, there are cultural reasons for "what's ok" in any country, and I'm not saying anybody's wrong about these choices). 

Wen Chao follows this up with pouring a cup of wine across their faces. He does this in the style of a libation for the dead, but as a desecration, combining mistreatment of bodies with profaning a ceremonial rite. In a world where ghosts are real and have sharp fingernails, this is deeply, deeply stupid.

Yu Ziyuan’s actress Zhang Jingtong is able to have liquid poured INTO HER EAR without flinching. Mad props.

The brothers eventually finish running and arrive in a field with an extreme purple photo filter on it. Which I've done my best to remove for these gifs, with variable results. 

Jiang Cheng wants to turn around and go back to Lotus Pier. He says he wants to retrieve his parents’ bodies and to take revenge, but he's devastated and it seems likely he just wants to die with everyone else.  

Wei Wuxian pleads with Jiang Cheng to calm down and stay safe, while Jiang Cheng gives himself over to anger and shock as the brothers shout at each other.

Punching and running ensues, and Wei Wuxian tries to hold his brother back, grabbing him around the shoulders him in a gesture that painfully echoes the many hugs he's given over the years. 

This time Jiang Cheng doesn't just push him off. He turns around and chokes his brother for nearly a full minute, while screaming at him and blaming him. 

Just as when Madame Yu beat him, Wei Wuxian doesn't fight back; he pulls on Jiang Cheng's wrists but doesn't hit him or try to break his hold.

Finally Jiang Cheng lets him go, and cries out for everyone he's lost, while Wei Wuxian weeps silently next to him. Eventually they fall asleep in the grass together, their bodies curled up in the form of a heart. 

Damn, this episode really brings it.

Side Note: during their argument, Wei Wuxian says, among other things, that "revenge is a dish best served cold," according to subtitles. It's a French saying from the 1800s so it's probably not precisely what Wei Wuxian is saying. More importantly, as a longtime Star Trek fan I can't help but hear James Kirk yelling "KHAN!!!!!" whenever I encounter that phrase.

There’s Got To Be A Morning After

When they wake up in the morning, Jiang Cheng is still in his feelings, but now his feelings have moved along to despair, from anger.

I feel bad for noticing how handsome they both look in this scene. Let's all feel bad about this together.

Jiang Cheng is free to have this level of emotional breakdown because Wei Wuxian is there keeping his own shit together and focusing on what matters.

When Jiang Cheng refuses to get up, Wei Wuxian reminds him, very, very gently, that they have a sister, who has waited all night to know what happened.

At this, Jiang Cheng gets up, but won't look at Wei Wuxian, continuing to blame him for everybody else's actions, as he walks onward to find Yanli.

Wei Wuxian follows, hurt and bereft, as he gets to work internalizing everything that he's being accused of. This is good practice for his future as a widely reviled bogeyman.

Part two will be slightly less awful! Coming soon!

[the-bee-graveyard]

Episode ten review:

SEB DOING THE RECAP it’s the one recap I’ve listened to

CARLOS AND SEB NOT EVEN BEING ON SPEAKING TERMS BUT CARLOS LOOKS AT SEB WHEN THINGS GO TO SHIT

I um, Ricky has a nice shirt?

Miss Jenn and Carlos’s facial expressions😂

Natalie does not get paid enough

But I’d Miss Jenn’s source Howie?

As a lover of drama and this show I loved the sleepover concept. As a former techie I’m stressed that they would do that the night before the tech rehearsal

Carlos calling Miss Jenn mother added ten years onto my lifespan

As someone who’s also worked on set design I can tell you that you physically cannot use plywood and Elmers glue to build a set. You can’t use plywood and elmer’s glue together on anything

“Quit school, get a job at the pizza shop?” Seb is my spirit animal

Sometimes I want to smack the shit out of Lily and then I realize I want to smack the shit out of her even more

Kourtney’s an artistic genius

“Chip this is your mother speaking, go call your mother” I LOVE THESE TWO SO MUCH

NATALIE IS AN ICON PLEASE MAKE HER A MAIN

NATALIE AND HER FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Kourtney is such a supportive mother

I want to give Seb a hug. Carlos get over here and tell your boyfriend that he’s loved. I love you, Seb.

Nini stop bitching about the chocolates that was like seven episodes ago and you broke up.

“I don’t know. The farmer type?” Carlos and his brutal honesty.

DID RICKY REALLY NOT NOTICE THE PORTWELL TENSION?????

Big Red 😂 that’s all I have

JENZARRAAAAAAAAAAA

“Im just adjusting to you calling me bro” Carlos is also my spirit animal

Carlos and Ricky is an unexpected yet likable friendship

“We can passionately dissect Twitter feuds between pop stars, but when it comes to talk about us we both get a little tongue tied” Seblos is my spirit animal

You know as much as I love the Jenzarra scenes I would have preferred Seblos actually having a conversation

“Seems like today’s theme is secrets” Nini shut the fuck up please

PORTWELL PORTWELL PORTWELL PORTWELL PORTWELL PORTWELL

IN A HEARTBEAT IN A HEARTBEAT IN A HEARTBEAT IN A HEARTBEAT

WHAT THE FUCK RICKY NO