TL;DR: This show doth play it safe for too long.

The scheduling god was not kind to this drama. It is released around the same time as the popular k-drama, Love Next Door. Comparison between the two is inevitable. If you filter out the obvious cultural differences and filler subplots, it is basically the same trope. As such, I can’t in all honesty make this show up to be better than LND because it isn’t. Please allow me to explain.

As in LND, the basic premise is the classic BFF to lover trope except in this case, there is the added complication of the ritualistic sworn brothers.

Sworn brotherhood is OG. You can see it in classic literature of many cultures. Most are born out of harrowing experiences on the battlefields or during extreme trials. Just ask Henry V or read ancient fables. This is all very well within their historical context but not so relevant in the modern world except for some niche situations. It works great for male bonding but awkward when it is between the opposite sex of similar age.

While this is a valid meet-cute, the show really leans into it. When you consider the whole premise is the OTP having a mutual crush on each other for years, this is a millstone around their necks. We are presented with endless horseplay, push-pulls and staged closeness but they all end with the decoration of "Nothing to see! We are bros!!"

Ye gods, what a killjoy! It went on for so long that I became numb. I knew where the show is heading but I lost all faith. The unicorns might die of old age at this rate!

Eventually, our leads confronted their feelings, but their trial is not over yet. First, we have the muddled confession which leads to a period of relationship twilight zone. Then when they are a couple, they enter the Failure to Kiss phase. Just note that this is well past the 2/3 mark of a 30 eps show.

I know the interrupted kiss is such an old cliché in c-dramas but this is taking it to the next level. It is funny the first time, but it wears thin, fast. After numerous failed attempts, I just groan.

I think this is the biggest problem with this drama. It really thinks that the viewer is happy to be baited endlessly. The show kept dangling the carrot before us until we are on the verge of despair. Then we get a little bit of fan service and out comes the carrot again.

Praise be to the Drama Gods when they sealed the deal. It is telling when their best buddy found out, his reaction was “that’s impossible. You are sworn brothers!!” Yes, I feel the same, bro. Of course, it is all sweetness overload from then on.

Our leads really spent too long in the bro zone and their chemistry suffers. It ramps up later on, especially after they dialled up the skinship, but it was lacking for much of the run. Too much fake horseplay and testiness will kill the mood.

There are 2 other pairings. The married couple are there to occupy screen time. The 3CP of the nerdy partner and the movie star was so low key, their confirmation during the last ep was a brief holding of hands. It takes the mutual understanding idea to infinity and beyond. If you blink, you'd miss it.

This brings me to the final point. This show really played it safe on every level and for too long. The romance took forever to jumpstart. The skinship is ok but needs more "heat". The business subplots are just window dressing. You can skip them, and miss nothing. There is a bit of angst, but it is very formulaic. The typical misogynistic boss is front and centre. Every element is there for you to tick them off, for better or for worse.

As such, it is watchable and even enjoyable at times, but it is also forgettable. The production value is decent. The support cast did their best. However, it doesn’t really hit you right in the feels. IMHO, that's a key prerequisite for a good romance drama.