This is basically a high school BL where two guys who have nothing going on in common somehow end up getting really close to each other, and that's kind of the whole point of the title too. There's barely any drama or fluff packed in here, it stays pretty straightforward the whole way through. A little bit of friction pops up here and there, but it's nothing compared to what you'd normally get in this kind of show. Runtime wise you're looking at 8 episodes, each one sitting around 25-30 minutes. The two guys carrying the story are Akira and Kanata, and funny enough they knew each other's faces way before they ever knew each other's names. Kanata's the type everyone likes, always got people around him, popular guy, but there's this distance to him that people can't quite place. Turns out he had an injury that ended his football days, and that's what pushed him into being more withdrawn, and it only got worse once his younger brother got picked...
Kaitoon is now aware of Non's secret obsession with him and he tries his best to keep their friendship strictly platonic. Meanwhile he fails to see how clearly Valen has fallen for him and his nerves are because of his love. Eventually with the help of friends, theier romance does get a head start after some awkwardness. Despite this, Valen is insecure about their relationship because of Non and in a very weird finale, the dup separate with Kaitoon saying he needs time to sort out his head. We also have two other parallel stories which are fillers and add even more drag to an already convoluted story. King is back with his ex Pete. He copes up with Pete's occasional mood swings because of depression and around same time King also starts developing feelings for a junior college student which doesn't sit well with Pete. Pete's continuous scheming starts irritating King. We also have a trans couple, who one out of nowhere and follow the exact same pattern of meeting, friends, lovers, confusion etc etc.
With sequels you expect it gives an opportunity to the makers to fix the dreadfulness of the original story, but the severe nosedive this part 2 takes is beyond anything. A dreadful execution of plenty multiple subplots in addition to the main love story tests your patience to the limits. There was so much that could have been done with Kaitoon-Valen relationship , but it is just touched upon. Thankfully they do end up kissing. And even with Non's character, there is no redemption. The silent lover just continues to do everything he can to support Kaitoon with expecting nothing in return. There should have been some sort of closure here. Also, I am not sure if I really like Kaitoon anymore. He was good in first part, but in the sequel, he comes off as a selfish insensitive guy who does things he wants to do without taking care of anyone else's feelings. The rime example being when he leaves Non in middle of night to meet Valen, when Non when out of his way to give him a place to sleep when Kaitoon forgot his keys. King-Pete romance was as lackluster and even the trans couple nd their representation was clearly forced just to make this an 8 episode series. The editing was choppy and there were many places and scenes which felt were out of place. This series was just bad, period. And the way things were ended, I am scared that the makers may even come up with a part 3. Save me. (3/10)
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Btw since you liked (the old) kind Kaitoon, you might want to watch My Ride. I had the same feeling, made me want to smile most of the time by the kind warth this show had. Not heartstopper level though haha.
I will add the Ride to my list for sure