One of the greatest love stories of this era of BLs.

A lot of BLs prior to ATOTS had driving factors to their appeal. Some relied on the actors delivering heartstopping roles, while others used the story and plot to deliver a banger of a series. Yet, ATOTS has something that those that came before it lacked: a desire to connect and feel loved.

Tian's rich boy ways and the events before the transplant makes you hate him. He's someone that should not have been redeemed and would make you feel like he is undeserving of that help. Even he knows it. But like Tian, we get to see that he is in fact a redeemable person, despite not having the actual skills to prove it. Leaving his life of comfort and happiness, he embarks on a journey to pay tribute to the person who gave him a chance at a second life. Much like a lot of Eastern philosophies, our redemptions are our truest self.

What makes this story good is that Tian shows us how much he wants to learn and prove to others that while he was the part of the reason for Torfun's early death, he wants to find redemption. It's a story of finding oneself and learning about the discomforts of the outside world. Not everything is easy and we must learn from our past.

On the other side, you have the "Chief" Phupa who has seen first hand the dangers of the real world and knows that one must stick together, espically in a community. He is tough and well respected, loved by the elders and the youth. He embodies a sense of "fatherly" vibes, coupled with his protective nature. At first, one would think Phupa and Tian wouldn't belong (typical). But, Phupa starts to see that redemption within Tian. He knows that while he might have more status and safety, he is willing to risk and learn in order to prove to others he too can make a difference.

This BL came to me at a time when I myself was thinking about my future, specifically wanting to teach. I saw myself in Tian (minus the rich and snob). I wanted to desperately prove to others and myself that I can do things on my own. That I wasn't weak. Phupa is like the ideal man, who will do what he can to protect all while allowing you to grow and be confident.

Kudos to this amazing story! EarthMix is one of my favorite couples.

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The Main Slayer of pre-Japanese BL worldwide mainstream.

I'm so confused about the ratings! I was living, laughing, and loving. This has to be one of the best BLs out there and a damn funny one. The romance was funny, the characters are incredibly memorable, and the plot is whacky. Even better, the story and the side stories really add depth and flavor to an already full pot of excellence. Shoutout to Tanaka Kei who knocked out his role out the park. That's what we call a MAIN SLAYER!

Haruta's weird antics and personality really set the stage for future BLs to come. To me, personally, he walked so Adachi (Cherry Magic) and Mob (Man who Defies the World of the BL) could run! All I'm gonna say is that Ossan's Love really set the stage for mainstream Japanese BLs.

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Easy Filler Drama

Despite having a lukewarm response from viewers, I found the couple to have a workable dynamic that wasn't too "lovey-dovey" or overbearing. Onoe is a typical shy/reserved man who is passionate about the work he chooses; Kaburagi is the "playboy" who apparently has the sexual swagger (I had a hard time being convinced). But bring them together and there's obvious sexual tension that entices you to keep on watching. Yes, that sex scene was... safe but the line from Kaburagi saying that Onoe can "smell like him" if they live together was good.

A wonky story but I think it works to help J-BL watchers prepare for the real main events of 2023 or for newcomers of BL to dip their toes in the water before going big. Think of it as a good binge-watch while you wait for your main shows to release their weekly episodes.

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A great BL even if it's overshadowed by Semantic Error

Korea saw its first venture into worldwide popularity with Semantic Error. With it came the push for more Korean BL dramas that showed us that Korea had the ability to go against BL mega giant Thailand and its secondary rival with Japan. However, often times, these types of runaway hits causes some issues with others. Lost in the shadow of Semantic Error hides Blueming and To My Star 2, two dramas that take things back and return us to a sense of life.

Blueming's biggest draw was their portrayal of "slice of life" in a fuzzy, warm tint that made you feel at ease. It was an easy love story, filled with characters that helped to deliver a sense of nostalgia and lost love. This pairing didnt make sense at first, but as time went on, you'd realized that the two fit each other quite well. The steady build up, the desire to try and get to know each other, up to the moment of their first touch felt right. Siwon's desire to fit in and be loved matches with Daun's ability to make you feel loved. Many can relate to Siwon and his massive FOMO. Daun is harder to relate to, as he can feel distant unless you udnerstand him.

The only issue I had with this is the actual story. Slice of life is easily digestible but can be clunky after a few episodes and slow pacing. While I understand the pacing is to help build the world around them, it can be a bit of a snoozefest. Nonethless, I felt the love and the connection.

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Controversial for some, but Not for MEEEEE!!!!

Listen, before you go any further... I will not discredit and say that the issues of this BL aren't real. They are. I am not romanticizing it nor do I condone it. However, I am someone who can separate reality and fiction, which it hard for many in this niche. That said, if you do suffer/had issues with bullying/toxic relationships, please look elsewhere.

Yes, the story is about another introverted high school and the so-called cool guy that sucks at school. But, that's where it gets you; that's the surface. You watch a bit more and you realize that Hira (the introvert) has had problems integrating himself with society. Not so much an introvert, but embarrassingly awkward (the first 10 minutes make that known). He is often creepy, desperate, and devastatingly lonely. You feel for him, but it is hard to watch him in situations. He doesn't fit back. Kiyoi is the "badster" of the class, who is often thought of the rebel who acts like a king at his school. Deep down, he has frivolous and laughable dreams and he knows that they don't mend with his persona. So he hides them deep enough to avoid possible ridicule. When these two meet, the impact is undeniable. It's a blue flame that doesn't look dangerous, but deep down, you know its going to burn.

Hira's deep obsession with Kiyoi is creepy and unhealthy. He's the embodiment of people's obsession with what they can't have but continue to get as close to it as they want. When they have a taste of that forbidden fruit, that introverted persona melts away and the true obsessive self surfaces. He endures humiliation, and physical/emotional/mental hits, he lets his desires consume him (sucking the blood off a cut and them going sexually feral?), and allows himself to be little. He never sees himself as an equal; he is always below. He is happy like some puppy in some domination kink. Is it dangerous? Incredibly. But, he just doesn't stop.

Kiyoi's fluctuating emotions lead him to be aggressive, polite, loving, and protective. He allows Kiyoi to act the way he does as it allows him to feel like he is actually worth something. He knows, deep down, that his dreams require him to be confident in himself and his dreams. Acting and dancing are often seen as dreams of those who are loud and vocal, something which is his not. He hides his dancing and threatens Hira is he tells others. He smashes things out of anger, insinuates problems to gather attention, and make things about himself. Hira knows and continues to play the fool. He will do anything for his king.

What I really love about this story is that it is dreamy but in the wrong sense. The introverted character is always seen as relatable but here, many would be embarrassed to say they see themselves in Hira. Some of you exist but know that saying it out loud sounds...weird. And I think that's what this story does: expose an inner truth to some that many are embarrassed to admit. Many grow up being shy and lacking connections that we often latch to the thing we most desire. While the ending is sweet, one can't help but wonder why we don't choose what is right and honest. Hira had that opportunity, but choose what hurt him.

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