Ok! Initially I came to watch this for the romace but the way they did it felt too artificial. (granted this is a drama but you get the point) 🐣

The somewhat rushed of a switch that happened when the FL started to like him with no prior delving into the process of her starting to see him as someone that she might want to have a romantic relationship with, bypassing her set image of him being just an (special) ex-student is one of the flaws.

She feels obligated to "look out for" And we actually never see that change of view till later on. From the get go I didn't like her way of keeping him within waters that she knows is safe. We could encounter this during the literal first plot point of the drama~ her making and trying to persuade him not to take on the academy job and she goes through drastic measures to achieve it. She does apologize later on and "give the diploma" To him But still, it feels too late for that change to happen.

The other character that got me into watching this drama was the tale of The education system related story. To see the FL navigate it with the ML but I was appalled to see that those themes completely get thrown to the back burner when the romace started. Don't get me wrong I love romace but in a mature themed(romance) drama like this it is hard to pull it off by doing just that without it feeling bland. All is not lost though as by the ending EPs that part is brought back however this time more as a plot mechanism than anything else.

Now for the good.
Though the romance felt rushed the chemistry of the main leads was there! I Couldnt stop smiling in eposodes where they might do something as simple as taking a late night stroll. The characters (leads) were not overly exaggerated.The drama doesn't directly slap you in the face with the age gap or keep reminding you of it. Instead it shows the difference through how the characters think and act. there were times where the ML and FL Disagree. The dialogues tell those differences in how each take the argument.
Not to mention the fact that the ML is actually not shown as someone who is just completely free spirited but to some extent riddled with similar ideas and thoughts similar to the FL.What makes him "young" Isn't his age but the ambition that is of a bloomed flower in spring while it contrasts to her more restricted rusted courage to do the same.

Some other charms
~ The lead couple relationship built on mutual trust and never letting go of it.
~They handle misunderstandings and disagreements by communication without frustrating each other and the viewer of seeing it happen again and again.
~ The side characters are not annoying and doesn't feel too animated.
~ The usual family opposing stuff is non existent though they do show some what of a disagreement but is respectful to the FL.
~ As with other dramas from this director, this drama is also visually calming and pretty. + good Ost
~adorable side couple though they don't get much screen time.
~Filled with characters that tell you how strong Loyalty and morale can be.

All in all I love them ok! 😭😭😭❤