I had few expectations going into this show, really just that it would probably be cute since the characters and actors are quite young. But I was blown away by just how delightful the show is and how instantly attached to the characters I was. None of them are a stereotype or stock character, and while some could use a little more development (like Jian) they all still feel like real kids falling love for the first time. Yeguang is popular and confident, but he turns out to not really like all the attention he gets and has extremely demanding parents who make him feel quite insecure. Qizhang is quiet and shy at school, having crushed on Yeguang from afar for a long time, but around his bandmates and on stage he's funny and confident, and that confidence comes out when he's with Yeguang as well.

Their dynamic is so sweet and honest, probably owed to the actors also being kids getting to know each other (they're literally only 5 days apart in age, a refreshing change from finding out that high schooler is actually 30). There's no seme/uke roles, they each have moments of vulnerability and strength and support each other along the way. The 2nd couple as well is very sweet but in a different way, their path is a little more bumpy but their end point is becoming the clingy cheesy couple with matching tshirts and lots of gentle teasing. Ray is fascinating, as we're introduced to him when he's dressing as a girl to meet up with his asshat secret boyfriend. They never really explain why he's cross dressing, he doesn't do it again after they break up so it's likely that he was doing it bc the boyfriend didn't want to be seen with another boy. But Ray does seem to enjoy it, though there's no statement of gender queerness or anything, which at first felt like a plot hole but after a rewatch I think accurately reflects the life of a young queer person experimenting with their gender without wanting to choose a particular label yet. And I love that Jian takes Ray as he is no matter how he chooses to present himself.

Beyond the actors and characters, everything else about the show works so well together to create such a warm, comforting vibe even when there's conflict. Lighting, cinematography, editing, and of course the music. Seriously, I haven't vibed with an OST so much possibly ever. Both main songs will be on repeat along with this show for a very long time for me. Give this show a chance, I promise you'll feel like you've had a warm hug when it's done.