This is the second vertical AI BL drama I've sat through, and honestly I went in knowing better. I had it on while I was doing cardio at the gym, and what struck me was just how much the plot echoed the last one I watched. Same step brother romance angle, same mystery girlfriend showing up near the end, same extra guy pining after one of the leads. Genuinely the only thing going for it was the runtime, the whole thing wrapped up in forty five minutes flat. The setup kicks off with Finn moving schools because his mom just married into money. He finds out his new step brother Aiden goes to the same place, and he's warned to keep his distance from him. Their first run in at school is rocky, just like you'd expect, but there's this odd pull between them neither can shake off. Finn keeps telling himself not to read into it because Aiden's straight and openly homophobic. Things shift when some kids start bullying Finn and the student council president, Ryan, steps in to ...
Akin is a famous star actor and a celebrity. He has winning the sexiest man award for few years in a row and is trembly popular. Enter Jin, a newbie whose first small role is with Akin. He is a wooden actor but after giving a few bad shots, Akin gives him some tips and soon he is nailing the scene. Their first show gets popular and soon the duo are cast together in a historical adaptation. This is where the love story between the two begin. Jin has very strong feelings for Akin and he makes them very clear and obvious. Akin is more go with the flow kind of person, serious about his work, but also at the heart of it, he can sacrifice anything for his close ones. Jin is so much love with Akin, that he will do anything to be with him. Even though they are both managed by two different management companies, Jin tries his best to get more work opportunities together. The duo soon fall hard for one another and their love continues to grow. There are a few scandals in between like when their pictures are leaked online, or when a stage actor tries to take advantage of Akin, but it looks like nothing can come in between. In fact, when Jin is announced 'sexiest man', you think this will create some sort of divide between the two but their love remains string. And in my opinion, it is because they are excellent communicators. We some back story of Akin on how his grandma was a known actress and pushed him to become an actor. Despite Akin’s misgivings, Jin always forgives him easily and understands his stance. No matter what happens, Jin never gives up on Akin; even in moments, when Akin himself loses trust in his abilities. When Akin's grandma dies, there is some forced drama towards the last two episodes, which seemed forced but also necessary at the same point, since uptown this point it feels like a hardcore love story. Akin wants to make a film on a script by his grandma but the rival company gets the rights first. Akin's career has started to fade with Jin becoming new heartthrob, but in the latest 'sexiest man alive' contest, they both come tied. So as a compromise, The business folks decide that Akin should direct while Jin acts, with a condition that Akin will never act again.
This show works primarily because of the excellent chemistry that Akin and Jin share. It is off the charts and it almost feels like they are a real life couple. Akin is majorly portrayed as an aloof character, so it was fun watching him squirm when Jin goes silent. While Jin is a go-getter but also feels like he is the more matured one in the two. There are also some hot steamy scenes and the 'Honey's scene deserves special mention. Though sensual and unhinged, it’s also deeply emotional and a whole metaphor for love and indulgence and knowing someone so well you can give them exactly what they crave. It’s symbolic and it’s sweet and yes Jin knows what Akin likes and wants to give him everything and that is beautiful. I have not seen the original anime or even read the manga that it is adapted from, so I am just reviewing this show purely as is. So, as much as the chemistry of the leads was great, I was slightly disappointed by the lack of a coherent story. Sure they were very much in love, but it would have been nice to see more drama. Yes, we saw some fans mania, possible non-consensual sex etc and other things but it felt like characters were being introduced and dropped just like that without proper exploration. The writing is tight, thoughtful and they actually use the characters' personalities and histories to drive the story, not just to sprinkle in backstory when it's convenient. Still the story could have used a little more gravitas. I read the hype this series has received online as one of the best shows, sadly I do not agree to that. The show works primarily because of two lead actors, their good looks and strong chemistry but it does have its shortcomings. I forgot to mention that every time Akin on screen with his reading glasses on, he looked so hot! This is still worthwhile of your time. (7/10)
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