So initially here were my thoughts on this show. "Wayyyy too slow could not get into it and boring tbh" and I dropped it because the pacing was so freaking slow at times. Also the story hadn't had me invested enough to care. However, I did pick up the show again and it improved with more time but it still didn't hit the mark I wish it could've. The show is divided into 2 halves, high school and college life. I much prefer the college life, where the high school section could have easily been cut shorter. We really didn't need all that exposition and petty fighting over clubs. Though the stuff centered around the mom was nice and it broke my heart.

Other than the pacing, the main couple and its actors I wasn't too fond of. Which is a huge problem! Them together was just irritating. With their lack of communication skills and passive aggressiveness. I didn't care if they got together or not by the end! Their acting was not great as well, which makes sense because I think they're newcomers? But I needed more from them, especially Pai's character. I didn't buy him at all. The parents in this show were also literally all trash (except for the sick mom of course) either non-caring or total hoes. Honestly thank god for the side characters/couple in this because without them this show would've been a horrible horrible trainwreck. Pure and Folk are way WAY more interesting than our mains, they brought so much to the narrative and it got me actually interested enough to finish the show. Unfortunately it takes until the halfway point to see them!

The discussion of HIV with Pure's character was great and so important. Also the friends-with-benefits arch in the relationship was a nice progression to see. It felt more real. I also appreciate that Pure is very clearly bisexual or pansexual, its even visually represented in a way that was hilarious. However, the choice to have him be represented as kinda hoeish could come off as slightly biphobic. Being bisexual myself I didn't initially go there, but I could see how those watching could so that's something to keep in mind. Going back to Pure and Folk as a pair though, it was hella cute and much needed for this show.

I also wanted to say I actually really liked how the side characters intertwined with the mains. They intervene sometimes in arguments or whatever and its super positive! It's also interesting that I thought Pure and Waan were meant to be the side couple at first because it was presented that way. But nope they are just friends and Waan gets a girlfriend! I liked that too, subverting expectations can really help a story feel fresh. There are things from this show that I loved, like really want to see in other shows! But it just couldn't get rid of all the other unnecessary tropes or unneeded plot. Which is a shame because this could've geared up to be (haha) one of the top shows of the year. I would say watch the second half once they're in college, skip the rest!