The way I feel about this drama is similar to how Yeol describes falling for Yeon Doo: At first it was just fun and funny, but in time I came to really appreciate it's depth and how it made me change for the better.

Needless to say, I LOVED this drama. It's 8 years old and yet did not feel dated. It brought me back to my high school days. Back then, the smallest things felt so big and earth shattering. Watching these teens step up to the plate and face their problems was a delight. In a way, watching these kids be brave was cathartic.

I have so much difficulty actually finishing shows, but I flew through this one. I particularly enjoyed how friendships were handled-- particularly Ha Joon and Yeol's. The way they laughed together felt so natural, like real friends talking. And contrary to my usual tastes, I didn't mind the love triangle. I think it was handled really well. Ha Joon and Yeol COMMUNICATED-- something grown adults in k-drama land or(let's face it) real life cannot seem to do. It was a pleasant surprise.

Our MCs are fantastic. It's so easy to root for Yeon Doo. She's kind, brave, and tenacious, which describes 99% of all main characters, and yet never came across as a Mary Sue. Yeol is the perfect male lead. He checks every tropey box (smartest boy in class, rich family, handsome) but Lee Won Keun breathed so much life into this role that I didn't mind the tropes at all.

Beaming as I type this. What a lovely, much needed break from the world.