completed BL + reviews

9/10 — if i could describe this manhwa in any way, it would be “down to earth”…ironic, considering its title and metaphors. this purely character-driven story feels deeply intimate, with the type of interpersonal conflicts that may be insignificant to the rest of the planet but, to a high school student, consumes their whole world. both protagonists have their time to shine, which i appreciate a lot.

4/10 — dropped at chapter 21. everything about it was surface level, i really wanted to like it. i generally don’t put series i’ve dropped on here, but i just don’t have faith in the author’s skills to pick things up from here. could be a nice read if you want to shut your brain off, but it was a little *too* flat and shallow for me to push through.

6/10 — something about the title was probably lost in translation lol. that aside; i'll always have a soft spot for dynamics where both sides are equally earnest and prone to fluster. these guys are pretty stupid, but it's not taken that seriously either. melodramatic and predictable (including the casual s/a as common in bl), but an easy & light read. this author tends to hyper-feminize their ukes, so if you're not into that, i'd suggest passing up on their works.

9/10 — BRUH I ENJOYED THIS SO MUCH. this is my favorite dynamic in the whole world (cough. joongdok), rough banter WITH an equal power dynamic!! the way they fell for each other felt very natural, and both characters are fleshed out well in their own ways. my only complaint would be that it’s too short, but truthfully we’ve been spoiled by the excessive padding of many modern manhwa. the narrative arc is a complete, satisfying one.

9/10 — what a journey.
it very succinctly captures the feeling of grieving someone who’s still alive, the conscious choices you have to make and the regrets that may follow. what began with the messiest love square concluded satisfyingly with everyone getting as much development and closure as they needed. there are moments where it feels like entire chapters are internal dialogue, which is pushing the introspection a little; even then, i admit it flowed neatly into the story.

7/10 — binged this on a whim and i don’t regret it. it’s not unique in its depiction of queer anxieties and struggles, but remains poignant nonetheless and has a strong identity for itself. definitely written for an older, more experienced audience. would be an 8/10 if not for the side couple, for which the uke was not on my good side.

7/10 — this is out of place on this list but i’m adding it because i’m upset with the low rating!! it was so much cuter and well-rounded than i’d anticipated. i loved the slightly awkward, deadpan humor and the eccentricity of the characters. a main trio in a BL without turning into a love triangle?? mr. third wheeler was so fun, a perfect wingman! seriously, give this short series justice!

10/10 — finally reread this after so many years and GOD. DAMN. i was drinking in every panel, every word from beginning to end. my mind a mile a minute, i accompanied their dissecting of these unknowably complex characters, i was HOOKED. this is not an easy read, but *damn* is it rewarding for the pieces to click. i don’t know if the resolution is necessarily perfectly satisfying, but i’ve had my personal fill. i’m satisfied, perfectly so.

5/10 — i would only recommend this if you love melodrama. seriously, this series is all melodrama and little else of substance. the characters are relatable, but not likable. i highly preferred when it was just about the conflict between the two mcs, but when the love triangle was introduced, it basically became the riverdale of BL manhwa. overall, it’s alright if you keep your expectations low.