I don't know where to start. It's so fascinating how a story with such a gripping hook and beautiful portrayal of a broken teenager could turn into a sap story cliche. Not only did the acting turn sour, the characters and the plot completely pushed it down the cliff of cringe. Some of the moments were honestly so atrocious, I found myself yelling at the TV screen; how could a series go from phenomenal to something so sub-par in a matter of 8 episodes?

Let's start with the acting. For the first 5-6 episodes, Park Seo-Joon had my heart. I felt like I wanted to hold him as he battled the more than flawed system. I wanted to kill anyone who'd damaged this poor boy, yet he continued to get up and persevere. They way that he swayed me with his constant belief in his principles and how he didn't want anything more than to be a son that his father could say he was proud of; he totally had me. I was constantly impressed (that is until episode 8 and on). He went from the strong boy to a clueless and dependent man. Nothing like I wanted him to become.

And his relationship with his female leads? Atrocious. Purely horrendous to watch. First it's that childhood crush of his, Soo-Ah. He constantly talked about how independent she was and that she should only rely on herself? I call bull. Constantly wants to be assured that PSJ likes her while she's practically lying in bed with the family that killed his father, got him expelled and tried to ruin his career. And she sheds a tear when he gives a little more attention to himself than to her? I honestly have to laugh at this hypocrite. Selfish, inconsiderate, dependent, lazy, etc.

And let's go to little miss Yi-Seo. If you think constantly reminding someone who's rejected you for 5-6 years is romantic, you're twisted. If you reversed the roles around, the man would be considered to be harassing the women, but just because she's a young, pretty and smart woman, it's a pass? That's disgusting. Nothing about their relationship is romantic. She's a smart woman but wouldn't know professionalism if it her in the face. This goes for Soo-Ah too. Not any of the three deserve to be in a relationship. PSJ is indecisive about anything related to his heart, Soo-Ah just likes the idea of being chased, and Ii-Seo has can't get over a first love. It's ironic that she once said that just because you get rejected once doesn't mean they're the only one, and yet she's being an annoying baby about PSJ. Both females are hypocrites, and PSJ is just plain stupid.

Honestly, the saving graces were To-Ni, Hyun-Yi, and Seung-Kwon. Thank the directors for being inclusive with these characters. I wouldn't say I'm an advocate for the LGBTQIAA+, but I truly wanted to understand the group better thanks to Hyun-Yi's portrayal of one of their many struggles. Thank you for that refreshing character.

I was really hoping for a lasting drama considering the acting cast. There were so many weak links, it just couldn't be possible. I have to say though, the first 8 episodes were beautifully well down. I do not mean to hate on this drama, but I'm criticizing it because I know that the actors could and can do better.

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The cast are beautifully put together and I love how the women in this drama are strong, independent and don't sit back when they want something. They aren't just here because they look pleasing, even though they are indeed beautiful. I love the main leads' relationship. It can be immature and light, but as soon as the doors close, man can it get a bit hot. Their relationship reflects that of adults; mature, sexy, and most of all, equal. Strongly recommended.

AND SPOILER:

I melted at the end of episode 8. The way that the male lead told the female lead to use him as she pleases and the preceding make out? I was gushing because I know that they're probably be more of these in the future and they're actual kisses, not a peck on the lips or an "Oops, I accidentally kissed you" kind of thing). I'm so in love with how honest the male lead is about his feelings.

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