I don't usually watch rom-coms, but I decided to try this one out to get away from my heavy/melodramatic drama binge-watching and I was pleasantly surprised. I pretty much binge watched this in a day and a half and was left wishing for more of this beautiful college story. Watch it when college got you stressed- will result in a lot of smiles.

THE STORY
Quite honestly, there was a lot of skipping for me in the first two episodes. The start was realistic but didn't have too much magic to me, but I'm glad I stuck around until around the third and fourth episodes, which is where it started to pick up a lot. The story seems like nothing new, just a college life, but in a way that was its magic. It managed to have a not-so-regular college (sports college) but show how the students are living everyday life like everyone else. I really liked the character development and how the story was very character driven based on their choices. There were not overly dramatic plot twists that were unrealistic, but portrayed the everyday dreams and how burn-out can affect college students. I particularly enjoyed the character growth of Shi Ho, how she went from living life for others and causing mutual destruction of those around her to someone who can be proud of herself. I'm really glad they developed her further than "the bitchy ex-girlfriend who only exists to create drama for the main couple and doesn't change." The directors paid a lot of attention to individual character growth and the realistic highs and lows- not all first loves work out (as seen with Bok Joo and Jae Yi), but others do (like Joon Hyung). It was lighthearted but also showcased real problems, and I liked how they addressed mental health issues. I really enjoyed the spunky heroine here and how Joon Hyung was a little wimpy- but didn't see any problems in his girlfriend being physically strong. I really liked how it wasn't "guy save girl" but the two helping each other, healing each other, and operating as equals. The part where Tae Kwon was telling Joon Hyung he must have gone crazy for liking that strong "unladylike" woman, but Joon Hyung replied with her strength being sexy- that part got me smiling hyper wide and laughing. Also the uncle falling for the strong women was hilarious and cute! There were a few things that I wished had been expanded on more, like the disappearance of the Tinnitus for Joon Hyung but overall everything was wrapped up nicely. Also the cameos and the references were perfect!

THE CAST
Oh god I loved the cast. Everyone had amazing chemistry with each other- come the close friends, to the romantic relationships- everyone seemed to understand their characters and "be" their characters, instead of "acting" the part. I really appreciated how real the relationships and bonds seemed. Honestly, Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk were perfect and SO cute together. Words cannot express how good of a job they did together and on their own. They clearly had a very close bond as friends, then a couple, and even as individuals. I was so glad to see LSK as the lead here, as she often portrays glamorous and manipulative second female leads and it was a nice change that she portrayed so well! I wish she'd get more lead roles like that. THE CRYING SCENES. The time when Joon Hyung's momma came back and caused a whole ruckus- everyone's crying was so on point and really pulled at my heartstrings. Man, my little angst-loving heart. Also, special shout out to Lee Joo Young- one of my favourite actresses out there. She was amazing and besides being so hot, she always does her roles so well, and she really shined! I wish she'd be more appreciated because she deserves so much!!

MUSIC
The music was cute and fit every situation well, it's just that for me it wasn't the main "oomph" factor that could have let the drama soar. It was appropriate and the songs were pretty but that was it for me pretty much. It was good, but not out of this world amazing. Oh, but the sound effects that were added were great! There weren't too many and were put in at the perfect times.

REWATCH VALUE
Hahahah I'd rewatch any day I'd want to watch something wholesome and cute. It's a drama I'd likely not get tired of anytime soon and would watch it again to feel happy, to take a break, or be with friends.

CONCLUSION
A surprisingly enjoyable and lighthearted (mostly) watch. I feel like it should be more recognized, honestly, and was a fairly realistic rom-com. There were parts of the comedy that resembled Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, but I think the plot was more coherent and how they fell for each other made a lot more sense here. I appreciated the acting, story and character development a lot, and it is definitely one of my top five kdrama romcoms.