Based in a mature high school, the stories can both be humorous at points, but neither fails to hit the mark when it comes to exploring the experiences of young gay men within their respective societies. Red Balloon goes further in its reflective essence and demonstrates the awful possibilities of what it can do to individuals who are forced to adapt to a heteronormative society that has little desire for their truth.

Both dramas are short and tackle the societal denial of what it is to be in a same-sex relationship sensibly and realistically. I love that they both did not exaggerate the idea with campy tropes. Very unlike most BLs. In fact, BL is a hard genre to put these in when they're fully just lovely stories about queer life in spaces that make queerness a non-option.

A bit funnier, but with dark themes similar to Addicted Heroin (also Chinese cultural references). The weight of family is heavy...also have explicit content and themes.