#kaojao

[bengiyo]

My School President Ep 5 Stray Thoughts

I'm so glad to be back with this show. Thankfully we took a break at what felt like the end of an act. I'm still not over the pinky clasp from the last episode, and am very excited to see where the acknowledged attraction takes these boys next. Also, I really like Sound as a character, and hope he causes more complications.

Ah, a jaded school counselor. Time to think about the future and face the reality that your dream job might not be attainable or give you the life you want.

I like this opening scene. It's very stylish. Placing all of the students in the same framing reinforces the common experience for all of the characters. It's easy to see how a counselor ends up feeling this way, when you watch so many students' lives take a different turn.

Also, Mark Pakin is really good.

Poor Gun. He was having a lot of fun with his friends and staring into the middle distance, but now he has to accept that maybe they're not as committed to music as him.

I'm still floored by the opening song being a torch passed down to this club about how they have each other's backs. It's still affecting me this week.

It's a bit subtle, but I like the way Gemini is playing Tinn as more relaxed about approaching Gun now. Fourth does a good job responding so quickly to it as if it's a matter of fact now. They're a solid pair.

Gun didn't ask, but I want to know what Tinn is interested in as a profession.

Time to revive the #they are literally always flirting tag

The mom's collapsed is executed really well here. The boys are just flirting as they do before the jarring crash behind them. As with all major life events, they happen suddenly and without warning.

She collapses like this all the time? What the hell??

Of course Tinn is going to offer to help his prospective boyfriend and hopefully-future mother-in-law. Gun's little appreciative smile is all the reward our simp needs.

Tinn's characterization is so consistent. He's at his best, bravest, and most endearing when he's helping. Gun is getting a bit nervous, so Tinn suggests a practice dish. Gun gets nervous about how good it is, so Tinn just takes a big bite. Gun is clearly enamored as a result.

Oh ho! Our first signs of mild jealousy and possessiveness from Gun. He was very polite about telling those girls to back off. Kaojao (SCOY) would be proud.

Again, Tinn is finally comfortable enough with Gun that he's only amused when Gun clings to him when the lights went off, and is able to teasingly deflect about how much devotion he's shown.

Ah, the answer to my question: Despite his hardworking nature, Tinn doesn't know what he wants for himself.

Gun loves his mom so much. It's lovely.

Oh no. Looks like the shop isn't doing so well. Gun's whole world is cracking apart.

Hey, Fourth is also pretty good. It felt like that was the first time he's said he'd cut our Hot Wave aloud, and we could see his heart break immediately.

Win's clicks on the controller don't match any gameplay I recognize. (I'm just being silly. I know he's acting.)

Our best boy Tiwson is gonna keep us focused on the prize.

I love Gun's mom. She absolutely knows that Tinn likes Gun, and is only nudging enough to make sure Gun doesn't give up on himself for her. We stan.

I am obsessed with Tinn's jogging outfit. Did they intentionally put him in almost-lesbian-flag colors?

The BL Juice has made its appearance.

Oh it's been a good minute since I've seen a piggyback ride.

Tiwson is going to fix this entire band. Now Por is getting a push.

Yes, boys, let's flirt over a fake interview.

RAP OF WAR CONTEST. Love this energy.

Sometimes you need a rival to make you determined enough to push past your stage fright. Curious where Win and Sound end up.

Is Tinn is a GMM office?? LOL

Oh, Tinn is lying to his mom now. I will remember this seed for later.

This producer looks a little bit like Alanis Morissette. Too bad she has to disappoint our boys.

His name is Winny Da Pooh. I'm going to ascend.

Sound isn't a total ass. Look at him saving Win and giving him a shove.

Oh no the sunshine boy is breaking down. It's always sad, but it really is one of the best parts of any drama.

Business Administration? Baby boy, no.

That's right, Mom. Rebuild your son with the power of music.

It's like Au watched Rainbow Prince and was PISSED that The Philippines beat them to a musical. I'm absolutely here for the whole cast singing. Love that we got the band back together.

But also, I wanted to hear Winny Da Pooh rap.

This show's comedic timing is genuinely funny. "I can put my mind at ease..." Into Gun running screaming into the room. Perfect.

Ah good. Gun now finally understands Tinn's motivations. Not an episode 5 kiss, but close to it on the moving forward phase.

[languidlotus]

QL Favorites Tag Game

I've wanted to do this one and @shortpplfedup tagged very liberally, so here we are. I tried to give some varied answers and not do all of it from the same show(s). These answers might also change depending on my mood.

Favorite Thai QL: Moonlight Chicken. A grown up queer story with layers, different generations, comments on the queer experience, and amazingly told in a gorgeous setting and with experienced, comfortable actors/pairings.

Favorite pairing: EarthMix and Jaeyoung/Sangwoo & WinTeam Actor-wise: EarthMix. Connected to my first answer, lol. They're comfortable and comforting and know what they're doing. They give strong, believable, mature performances regardless what story they're in. Moonlight Chicken and A Tale of Thousand Stars are two of only about 7 shows I've ever given 10/10 to and they are a big part of that. Character-wise: Jaeyoung/Sangwoo, Semantic Error, & WinTeam, UWMA and Between US. I had to go with two here because I like them for very similar reasons. It's the push and pull of personalities that aren't similar at all, yet the eventual realization that they blend super well and are better together than apart. Jaeyoung and Sangwoo are entertaining and funny and an exploration of what it means to be wrong about someone. (So wrong that you actually fall for the person you loathed initially.) Their story is told expertly. Meanwhile WinTeam is such a comfort to me. I think this is the first sidepairing I ever really got invested in - complete with reading fanfic before I'd even finished UWMA - and watching their story unfold in Between Us was one of the highlights of 2022 for me. They banter and fight and yet find comfort in each other. What started out as meaningless turned out to be oh so important for both their lives.

Favorite main character: Nozue, Old Fashion Cupcake. I almost went with Wen from Moonlight Chicken here, because he's good and relatable and (I am incredibly fond of Mix)... However, if I mention relatable then it has to be Nozue from OFC. I'm giving away my age here by admitting I can see myself in him. (I'm not quite that age yet, but I'm certainly not high school or university BL level...) Watching him discover himself and grow made me so happy.

Favorite side character: Milk from Choco Milk Shake. Initially I thought the premise of this show sounded ridiculous, but it turned out to be glorious and sweet and slightly painful. Just the way i like it! And obviously the cat who fell in love was my favourite one. Other faves: Tiw from My School President, RJ from My Tooth, Your Love, Sky & KaoJao from Secret Crush on You, and Tankhun from KinnPorsche.

Favorite scene in a QL: Bad Buddy. The bedroom scene where Pran finds out Pat (thinks he) has feelings for Ink. Nanon's acting still tugs at my heartstrings to this day. The quiet, pained realization in his eyes and posture. The way he hides it from Pat while tears threaten to escape because of the disappointment. You can perfectly see the hope - maybe Pat won't actually have feelings for Ink, maybe he could like Pran, maybe... - fade and make way for heartache Yeah, that will forever be one of the best.

Favorite line in a QL: Recently, the one that resonated with me the most was 'I thought you felt the same way' from La Pluie. I explained why here.

Most anticipated QL (& why): Love Upon a Time Look, I adore historical BLs - a result of me watching and loving so many cdramas - and since Bed Friend I've been 100% on board with NettJames and their chemistry. And no, not just the steamy bits. They're very good and comfortable together, have a believable tension between them, and they're just stunning people that I can't help but draw constantly. Combine this with a good story, a beautiful setting, and I already can't wait! Similarly, I am also excited about I Feel You Linger in the Air and Man Suang.

Healthiest relationship in a QL: KingUea from Bed Friend. With the exception of one scene, King was a walking green flag throughout this show. He had a lot to deal with and yet he managed incredibly well to be understanding and supportive. Both him and (especially) Uea had a lot of deep, painful issues and a lot of pressure from the outside world, yet he stayed strong and loved Uea the way he deserved to be loved even when Uea wasn't ready to let him yet. And he didn't cross any of Uea's lines! Quick nods of appreciation to WinTeam from UWMA and especially Between Us, and PluemKevin from Ghost Host, Ghost House.

Most toxic relationship in a QL: PrapaiSky, Love in the Air. I could go with TharnType or one of the KinnPorsche pairings, but honestly when I think of toxic I think of PrapaiSky. Yes, they're cute when they're actually together, but the getting there bothered me so much that I actually wrote angry posts about it. And I usually avoid talking in great length about things I dislike about shows I'm watching. It's also because TharnType and VegasPete (or even KinnPorsche and KimChay) are at least acknowledged to have toxic elements to them by their fans, whereas I've seen a lot of attempts at defending PrapaiSky. So, yeah. I could also have gone with both the pairings from Cutie Pie.

Guilty pleasure series: I Will Knock You. Is it the best series out there? No. But is it adorable and cute and something I enjoyed way more than I initially expected? Yes. (Do know that it's a BL that takes a while to actually BL. However when it does you'll adore it.)

Most underrated series: My Only 12% I thought this show was so cute and deep and it had me crying sad and happy tears. It told the story of incredibly close childhood friends who are forced apart by one of them moving abroad. When they're reunited they finally become more than just friends. Basically, 2023's favourite plotline, but done in 2022. It's also a lot deeper than it sounds. Watching one of the main characters realize he is queer and in love with his best friend was a beautiful yet torturous scene. Earth is so good and the setting was so comfortable and soft. (While telling a painful story of feeling left behind and finally recognizing your feelings.) And the pairing is adorable.

[bl-bam-beyond]

BL- BOYS' LOVE:

Series: SECRET CRUSH ON YOU (2022, THAILAND)

By: IDOL FACTORY OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Executive Producer: SUPPAPONG UDOMKAEWKANJANA [Nickname: SAINT]

Directed By: THANAMIN WONGSKULPHAT [Nickname: Cheewin]

Depicts the story of two besties falling for two besties. Toh (WICHAI SAEFANT aka SENG) has a secret crush on upperclassmen Nuea (PATCHANON OUNSA-ARD aka BILLY) though he doesn't realize that Nuea also likes him...

While Toh's bestie Kaojao or Jao (PITTIKORN SIRIPORNSAWAN aka SURPRISE) eventually succumbs to the charms of Nuea's bestie Sky (ASAVARID PINITKANJANAPUN aka HENG]

But first Sky is quite an annoyance to the sensitive Jao.

[a-tiny-jigumi]

New favorite Trope™: fighting non-tangible items because your partner has allergies

[theupstairskid]

Regarding Secret Crush on You and Jao's storyline:

Disclaimer: I'm a plus-sized American woman so I'm only offering things based on my own perspective, experience, and context from the show. I'm not an expert in Thai culture and I'm just giving my thoughts about a show I enjoy.

So I know a lot of people are a little annoyed/confused/angered/pick your poison by the whole "Jao is being bullied for being fat" storyline, especially because when we look at Jao we don't see someone most people would consider fat. (I'm on mobile so I can't really add images but imagine Jao's smiling little angel face here)

I don't look at Jao and consider him fat, not even close. But based on my experience with Japanese and Korean media (I'm very new to Thai media so I don't know if it's similar in this regard) I can definitely imagine if SCOY were set in Korea or Japan that, based on their beauty standards, Jao would be considered at least chubby if not fat. The storyline he has would definitely be something I could see being in a K-drama. It also looks like Surprise did gain a little weight for the role, if you compare what he looked like before filming and what he looks like now to his appearance in the show. Might also just be movie magic though! Just an observation on my end.

It's also possible that they needed to do this storyline but already committed to casting Surprise and didn't want to force him to gain a lot of weight and hurt his chances at other shows or something. (based on some YT videos I watched, it looks like the cast of SCOY was at least partially done around the end of 2020. Sky was originally going to be played by someone else but it looks like Surprise was going to be Jao since the beginning)

Since it's a tv show that's also a factor, and there are some limitations that can't really be avoided and you just have to use your suspension of disbelief. (Like every time I notice a continuity error 🤣) Sometimes outside factors affect the storyline.

One thing I really love about SCOY is that everyone loves Jao just the way he is (especially Sky) and no one feels like he should change (especially Sky). Are they a little insensitive sometimes? Sure. I think about the breakfast scene before Jao goes for that walk on the beach where the Engineering gang is bestowing compliments on the Comm Arts gang and excludes complimenting Jao. I don't think they were trying to be malicious, they were just thoughtless. And that's very human and very real. I've had smaller people make thoughtless comments around me that made me feel bad but I didn't feel like they were trying to hurt my feelings, more like they may have been so comfortable with me they didn't even think or consider that it could be bad. But it still hurts! Plus Sky from the very beginning never wants Jao to change, loves him as he is, but is very supportive and offers to help Jao make changes IF and ONLY IF that's what Jao wants. Sky is very aware of how Jao's size is a huge insecurity for him, and does his best to assure Jao that he is very into him exactly the way he is. Insecurity manifests in everyone differently and since we learned that Jao used to be bigger in ep 12, it's possible when he looks in the mirror he still sees that bigger person as opposed to the smaller one he is today.

Plus I can say from personal experience, I have someone very much like Sky that loves me at my current size and doesn't think I need to change in any way but is supportive if I want to make a change. And as wonderful as that is, sometimes past experiences and your insecurities make it very hard to believe that person is telling the truth.

So while I wouldn't consider Jao fat in any way, your culture and the world around you may make you feel that you are regardless of your size. (The average size for a woman in America is roughly a size 12 and that is often considered plus size despite not being plus size at all for example. Unrealistic beauty standards are everywhere yo 😔)

Another thing I love is how it's super common for Jao's storyline to be played out with a female, but we almost never see a male in it. It's nice to see that yes guys go through these kinds of insecurities too.

As far as the bullying plotline goes, I feel like it's really important to remember that these are shitty people on the internet. These types of people, especially when they don't actually know you or anything about you, love to go for the low-hanging fruit. They love "you're ugly" or "you're fat" as hate comments because they're easy and most importantly, they work. Also consider that Toh and Jao are the unpopular kids, the nerds, the outcasts, the invisibles, and are sudden thrust into the spotlight simply because they fell in love with and are dating two of the most popular people on campus. Both of them actually try really hard to dissuade and discourage Nuea and Sky from pursuing them because they both know they are not the "main characters" and that they aren't supposed to end up with the handsome and popular boys. (Remember the rules of having a secret crush 😢)

Thankfully neither Nuea or Sky give up and help Toh and Jao see that they're serious about them and they'll shout it from the rooftops if they have to.

So the cyber-bullying comes from 1) a place of jealousy and 2) a place of anger at them for upsetting the status quo. Especially when we learn who's behind the posts (Prao and her gang, because I don't know if I believe that Peach would act alone). Prao and Peach were rejected by Nuea and Sky respectively and neither, especially Prao, can accept it. Especially in the case of Prao who is the hot popular girl, people take her picture wherever she goes, and who believes that of course as the most popular girl she deserves to be with the most popular guy. Being rejected and having Nuea choose nerdy, "ugly" Toh over her is something she literally cannot comprehend or accept. Same with Peach (both of them clearly do not take no for an answer 😬) but I feel like Peach probably needed a push in order to act but definitely was all aboard the "humiliate Toh and Jao until they break up with Nuea and Sky or until Nuea and Sky are so embarrassed they do the breaking up whichever comes first" train. She doesn't see it as wrong, or maybe she does and doesn't care, because she feels like doing this will re-establish the status quo and put everything back the way it should be. With Toh and Jao back to being unknown losers and her and Prao by Sky and Nuea's sides. (Interesting to note is how blatantly they ignore, disrespect, and try to invalidate Nuea and Sky's choices.)

And, as with a lot of things on the internet, it blows up because people love joining the bandwagon. People love having an excuse to be mean to make themselves feel better and they're probably relieved that this is happening to someone else and not them. They're going with the popular opinion because maybe they are upset and jealous that it's someone else and not them but chances are they just wanna be apart of the thing taking over campus. They wanna feel included even if it's at the cost of someone else. It's so totally wrong and bad obviously and Som does such a good job calling these people out, but the thing that sucks is a lot of the time people need one person in power (or popularity) to openly say the things they're thinking and they take it as a sign that it's okay to share their (usually trash) opinion. And as we see during the basketball game in ep 12, the IG account they were checking was called tj.go to.heaven which was a IG making positive posts about them to combat or offset tj.go to.hell which is the negative account. So popular opinion basically seems to sway depending on which account is more popular at the time. (I'd love to know who's behind the tj.go to.heaven account)

Also I know people probably find it a bit weird that students were taking pictures of Nuea and Toh at the basketball game, but just like people were taking pics of Prao when she came to visit the Engineering cafeteria apparently that's like a thing? From what I understand it's pretty common in some Asian countries to take pictures of people that they find pretty or interesting or popular.

Last thing I wanted to point out because I didn't see anyone mention this, but in the scene where Fon and Touch are reassuring Jao that everyone has a belly, the blonde girl that stops and makes a comment about Jao being fat/obese is the same girl that Jao shoo'd away when he and Sky were jogging. Now it could be that they just needed an actor and didn't think much of it, but I personally love the idea that she's salty and being mean because her attempt to flirt with Sky was shut down by Jao. I'm not saying I love that people are being mean to sweet angel Jao but I love the thought that they brought her back intentionally as almost like a callback to show how people and moments really exist in this world. Sometimes SCOY feels like it moves a little fast at times so I liked how that moment felt real. Like yeah this girl is being mean to Jao because he stood up to her and shut down her shot with Sky and she's bitter about it. I'm not condoning bullying in real life obviously, but I like the subtle world building.

Anyway this is just my thoughts on the past few episodes and how I think there maybe a few things that may play a part in why they're going with a "fat" storyline with Jao when he's clearly not fat.

Ultimately as long as you're enjoying the show I think that's really what matters. It's clearly got a lot of positive messages about love and acceptance wrapped up in absolutely unhinged horniness, camp, cringe, and fabulousness, and I for one didn't think I'd be as in love with this show as I am when I started.

[heretherebedork]

Jao is just the most darling boy and he is one of my favorite characters ever. Poor boy just struggles so hard to use boundaries because none of his friends can be arsed to listen or respect them. I just want to hug him and tell him it's okay to say no sometimes.

[mosbanks]

Jao and sky are just the cutest!

[onstoryladders]

"Discover the secret of a nerdy young man who falls in love with a third-year senior. Because his dream is so far from reach, observing is the only thing he could do. “Kaojao told me I was falling in love. Som said I was seriously sick. Daisy said I was gay. But I think I’m a completely novice stalker.”"

um sorry but have you read the SCOY description?? this is so iconic and so very much them like "daisy said i was gay but i say im just a stalker" jvjvjcjkv i really love them

YES GRNDJDNHD Toh is dumb in every version of his universe and we appreciate it 😌 here's a doodle I attempted since this made me laugh 💞

[khunvegas]

no but listen. what if the delivery boy got confused and the flowers were to daisy? there's a whole world between kaojao and daisy but WHAT IF

[countingthesteps]

It’s over… Scoy is over and I’M A MESS!!

Honestly I don’t have the words to explain what this journey has been like, and I won’t even try to put into words how I feel about it and the fact that it’s over. Just know that I never NEVER cry for tv shows no matter how good they might be. But right now? I just want to let it go but can’t and it’s an awful feeling. (My family would think I’ve really gone off the bend)

I didn’t know any of the actors in the series and they blew me away with their talent. I barely knew Saint and I’m so grateful he brought this story to life and gave it to us.

Jesus, I’m an emotional wreck. What’s happened to me?!

Nuea, Toh, Sky, Kaojao, Som, Tor, Daisy, Intouch, Fon, Kongkwan, I love you all the most! ❤️🫶🏻

[bengiyo]

The End of the World With You Ep 2 Stray Thoughts

Last time, we learned that the word will end in about 11 days, so Masumi decides to spend that time at his alma mater's library. While there he runs into Ritsu, and has such a strong reaction to seeing him that we were ejected into a flashback for the rest of the episode. Maybe this will be like the Untamed and we'll be in the past for 24+ episodes.

In the past, they met in college, and Ritsu joined their nerdy magazine group. Masumi developed feelings for Ritsu, but Ritsu is clearly a rich, hot playboy. Regardless, Ritsu sensed Masumi's feelings, and they hooked up. Let's see how badly they fall apart.

Okay, so we're beginning at the bed scene in the past. This is clearly not Ritsu's first rodeo, and we're acknowledging the physical reality of cum. I love how nervous I am about a Japanese BL is inversely proportional to how sexy it is.

I appreciate consent, but did this boy just go in raw?? 🚩

Oh my goodness. Ritsu is explicitly bisexual, and this is neither of their first times.

I feel like ABC in Japan saw the fussing we had about the chaste ending to Kabe Koji and was like, "Fine, we'll get actors who can fuck this time."

Okay, Masumi. You and Kaojao eat at the same table. He looked back at that girl with smug satisfaction at being chosen.

It's kinda surprising after waves and waves of Japanese BL dancing around sex and desire to have a show be so frank about sex. Like this feels very different from even a MAME show.

Oh good. I think I saw a condom wrapper.

They're even letting us see bulges in briefs. What is happening??

Okay, the kissing the water was kinda hot.

Ritsu is basically dating Masumi, and now he's out on a date with a first year girl? I don't judge people's non-monogamous relationships when all parties understand the arrangement.

Poor Masumi. This is uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Stalking? Let's please not.

Blackmail? There's the vileness I was expecting with high heat from Japan.

The people who inflict harm rarely seem to comprehend how badly they fucked someone else up.

And now we have to dispose of a body? This man is psychotic.

[sapphorarelyreads]

Can we talk about the communication in SCOY, like this is so fricking ideal and i find their relationship healthy and non toxic

ALSO KAOJAO,SKY, DAISY, SOM AND INTOUCH ARE ADORABLE😭😭😭😭💖💖💖💖

[somucherry]

@manjusaka I just wanted to report that I gave SCOY another chance. While I was still uncomfortable with some of the story I did manage to finish it.

I had hardcore side couple syndrome, Sky x KaoJao and Touch x Daisy were really where it was at for me. Really enjoyed both of the couples. I think I now have a special place in my heart for KaoJao and Daisy. I cared about nothing but their happiness LOL

my heart <3 was soooooo happy

[meu-light]

Kuddos to our cutie pie Kaojao for resisting Sky for so long!

By the time EP. 5 rolled in, I was so in love with Sky! Sky is a person you fall easily for, he knows what to say to make you intrigued, I fell so hard my knees still hurt.

Kaojao also fell but he kept stopping himself from starting something serious because he had doubts, my stupid ass would never.

SkyJao best couple!

[theupstairskid]

I just learned the Surprise (our most loveable Jao) auditioned for KinnPorsche. I'm watching a video from the auditioning process and boom there he was.

EDIT: They actually show a bit of Surprise's audition and he was auditioning for Porchay

My god imagine a world where Surprise is in KinnPorsche 😳

I love Barcode, tbh I think he's like the perfect Porchay but I'm just loving the idea of seeing Surprise in something so gritty.

[darkbluemork]

i love kaojao with my WHOLE soul