#only friends ep2

[gunsatthaphan]

#big bestie boyfie energy

[thatgirl4815]

Self-Destruction

Ray has defied expectations so many times in the last two episodes. Though he is certainly bratty and impulsive, he's also not nearly as bratty as I was inclined to believe before the series aired. This got me thinking about defense mechanisms, and the way Ray's persona could be curated to match the person he wants to be, not necessarily the one he sees himself as.

As evidenced by his reaction to waking up at Sand's place in Ep1, Ray's own sense of self is directly intertwined with wealth. I suspect he's lived his entire life in luxury; more importantly, he's lived with constant comments about this luxury from those around him (come to think of it, how many Ray scenes have there been so far where his wealth hasn't been mentioned?). I'd argue Ray's construction of self is tied up in his money too; he even tells Mew in Ep1 that the only thing he knows how to do with money is spend it. He knows how important money is to his image because there's no escaping it.

So when Sand references the financial disparity between them in Ep2, Ray surely expects it. But instead of growing defensive, we see Ray react to nearly every one of Sand's jabs with a laugh, even the ones that seem particularly targeted at his deepest struggles. Such as--

Ray isn't only a "spoiled, rich brat here"--he's "lonely," and that's the bit that we've seen reiterated throughout this episode. I'd wager it goes much farther back than the show itself, given the subtle references to it in Ep1 with his friend group (i.e., how when he's drunk he always begs them not to leave him). This could be a sign of abandonment issues, likely to do with his mother's death and his father's supposed lack of (emotional) involvement in his life (there's no proof of this yet, but I'd put money on it).

I think Ray has two go-to defenses. The first is alcohol. Understandably, this numbs him to any loneliness he might feel. The second is carelessness--more specifically, the impression of carelessness. There's this common notion that if one pretends to feel a certain way, they might actually begin to feel that way. The same could be said here. If Ray acts unbothered, then he can convince himself that he really is unbothered. The persona blurs with reality until they become one and the same.

Obviously there are consequences to each of these defenses. Alcohol can lead to dependency, creating a greater need that develops into alcoholism. Acting is also dangerous because it's a form of suppression--an attempt at persuasion. It's a desperate man's effort to convince himself he's fine. But this only leads all of one's bad feelings to fester deep inside and create an even larger hole.

The arguable third defense against Ray's loneliness is companionship, which he seeks out in Sand. This has its own risks, as Sand seems to understand, but Ray denies. Intimacy in all its forms is particularly dangerous for Ray because it could only breed more loneliness. If he forms a deep attachment to someone, that's only giving them more power over him later. The moment his control starts to slip is the moment his defense turns into a weapon to be used against him. Again, I suspect this has roots in his mother's death, leading to abandonment and attachment issues.

In terms of future eps, once Ray realizes the control that Sand has over him, I suspect he'll deny it and brush it off. At the same time, he'll need more of it (Sand really does say it perfectly in this last scene). Eventually, this back-and-forth will create an implosion.

[blorbingqls]

Sand being the SASSIEST CHARACTER of Only Friends and I MEAN IT

Please, I come with proof. MAJOR PROOF. Please GET ME.

Episode 1

and this fucking expression. LIKE HE IS SO DONE WITH PEOPLE PICKING UP MICS TO CONFESS THEIR LOVE

Episode 2

and this

BRO THIS IS SENDING ME LOL TF - HOW DARE YOU (affectionate)

Episode 3

AND THIS EPIC MOMENT

Episode 4

bonus:

since this post is reaching the 30 image mark, i'll add episode 5 to 7 attaching to it via reblog.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD MORE INSTANCES. I WILL LOVE.

[twig-tea]

Quick Only Friends ep2 first thoughts

A lot of really interesting parallels this ep. Thinking about the Ray/Sand conversation vs the Top/Mew conversation around losing parents and how it affects you. I appreciate how much was not said because these 20somethings have not yet had enough therapy (if any) or time to process it nevermind speak to it, but the show is giving us as viewers a lot to work with. The mechanism of the characters talking directly to the audience is so great for that too.

I also really appreciated the parallels in how each of these new relationships are negotiating their boundaries and the differences in honesty, manipulation, and transparency. The following is my read based on what we've been shown so far:

Boston is honest about what he wants but he's not against doing more than he should/using Nick's obvious feelings (which Nick is lying about) to get what he wants (i.e. continuation of their existing arrangement).

Ray is honest about what he thinks he wants but he seems to be lying to himself about what he wants but especially about what he can handle. [Was it just me or did Ray look slightly disappointed he wasn't going to be Sand's bi/pansexual awakening? This is also very relatable so I might just be projecting lolol]

Sand is the most self-aware and is more honest to Ray and the audience about the risks of the situation, the jokes about paying for sex were just jokes but honestly the show could have gone that way and it's interesting that it didn't -- it shows us how much Sand values things staying uncomplicated and not messy (he's got strict rules that Ray is about to tread all over).

Mew is both honest and manipulative about what he wants, he knows if he is going to get an actual relationship out of Top he needs to get him invested, and he's not sure he wants a relationship with Top until he proves himself anyway (I think this part is true?).

Top seems to be more honest than I everyone originally thought though he's definitely portraying a version of himself that will get him laid.

Chueam's relationship has so far not gotten much air time but I think April's absence overall is telling and reminding me of how Moonlight Chicken told us everything we needed to know about Wen and Alan's relationship before we saw them together. The bit we did see of Chueam and April together gives me hope that they're going to get drama too (because I want everyone to have drama pls and thank you).

So far the trailer misled about drug dealing and sex work, really excited to see where and how else it intentionally set up false preconceptions in the audience to be blown apart by the series!

[tinycowboybro]

Man, i can't help but feel kind of bad for Nick- bro is free falling head first for a guy who is pretty obvious about his intent to keep whatever they are strictly casual. Which is not a bad thing, but somehow Nick keeps missing like every sign until he flat out says it.

It's interesting how even when talking about Nick, Boston kinda makes it about himself lmao-

here we see Nick tell Boston that he doesn't look good in photos. Boston's way of reassuring Nick is by telling him that he takes good pictures. He doesn't say anything about Nick's attractiveness even though it's a pretty easy opening.

It's not Nick specifically that makes Boston want to take the picture, or what makes him think the photo will turn out good. He just wants to get the shot because the opportunity presented itself, and it was a good pose. He doesn't only take photos of Nick, he takes photos of everyone, because he enjoys doing it. He's good at it.

Same thing applies to their FWB situation- He isn't going to only sleep with Nick, because he doesn't see the point in that kind of relationship

and sure he calls Nick cute at the end, but he probably would have just ended the conversation with it all being thanks to his own photography skills if Nick hadn't brought up being a kid with curly hair and having a makeover (which is so interesting as someone with curly hair who grew up desperate for straight hair because they thought it would make them feel less ugly lmao) (Nick i see you i understand you but you do not need him)

i also almost feel like its worse to be called cute in this situation because it's not supposed to be a cute photo; it's an alluring photo, he should be hot and captivating but calling him cute makes it just so flippant like it doesn't have the same weight. But again, it's less about the guy and more about the photo to Boston.

IDK, I just hope Nick realizes that being a favorite doesn't mean being the only one, because that is not what Boston is implying at all. And like again, it's not a bad thing. It would be worse if Boston was making it more confusing and overly complimenting him instead of being pretty straight forward about his intentions. I just also really need Nick to catch on, for his own sanity

[gender-lost-them-and-m-found]

And now we have pansexual Sand? 👀🏳️‍🌈

[minniemariex]

only friends ep 2

stream of thoughts

*contains spoilers*

too being capable in his job is a plus in my books

ray. mew said it. he is an addict. and he will have to deal with it at some point. i just wonder what happens for him to get to this point. like even his friends must know by now that the argument is not worth the consequences. like the probably tried their best to keep him from falling so far but it probably didn’t end very well.

loving how assertive mew is.

omg sand you are being so shifty. ray is gonna think you are a dealer. which he probably is but i’d not think it’s the drugs. or maybe.

'a drunkard like you isn’t a threat to me’ wow sand. hit him where it hurts.

omg is sand actually a night worker?? or is it just the distribution??

okay not drugs. plum wine.

omg ray. yo cannot buy friends. or boyfriends. or drinking buddies??

you can see how much chemistry there is between them. and they knwo perfectly how to taunt each other.

okay as a somewhat ace person i do not understand how that works. but good for them. i mean nick is gonna get hurt but still.

'i only do that with my favorite' nick is gonna be huuurt.

i think bostons parents are rich but don’t push their kid to take over. which is nice of them and a nice representation for that type of parents.

of course ray lives in a f mansion. that look of just wonder and like intérêt is a very good look on sand.

and he has to be a dick. cause of course he does.

uuu he like records. that’s gonna be a bonding point. ufff. mums stuff. a bomb. but still music is gonna be a bonding point. and trauma. probably so much trauma.

did she commit suicide? oh no. she drunk herself to death. omg ray. taht explins why he drinks at least. he could’ve gone two ways. no drinking at all or drinking to forget. and he clearly chose the latter. oh honey. that’s a lot to deal with. doesn’t excuse the behavior but a coping mechanism is a coping mechanism.

the way sand is looking at ray when he goes to put music on? god. and the way he sits?? goooood.

TAHT LITTLE SMILE WHEN HE PUT THE MUSIC ON !!! (khao will kill me at some point)

‘just stay with me. i don’t want to be alone.' 'fine i like easy jobs taht pay big’ oh sand you will eat your words the moment you start to realize how much ray drinks and how much you are for him.

i love how sand looks at ray when ray is relaxed and listening to music.

god they really wnet all the way with the budget for this show. that water boarding looks super fun.

top is very clearly trying to get along with mews friends.

the look on rays face when mew said top gets along with his friends. omg that boy is saaaltyyy

ton being meeesy meeesssssy

looool did he get ton to go over the f wall?? to the second stall? how the f did they do that??? i need like a recreation of this move since i refuse to believe it happens with no injuries or loins noises

ton is not happy. not happy at all.

omg is the eating the cookie supposed to be sexy??

i really really like how assertive and sure of himself mew is. it’s refreshing.

ton wtf omg wa snot expecting that

nick you poor poor man with horrible taste in men.

also god ton saying he hates drama is so funny to me (and hypocritical)

ray interrupting sand getting laid is hilarious. also ray fully knowing he’s irresistible when he pleads is gold. he looks soo good. and those hands on the shoulders move?? perfection

loving all of the confidence. sand may be poor but he’s sure of himself and knows his worth. and that he looks good and how to use it to his advantage.

bonding time. showing vulnerability is a great way to someone’s heart. especially when that someone is somewhat interested in you. i do wonder is he’s telling the truth.

that sweater cardigan whatever it is will kill me

the pointed questions. out with it ray. just hit on him

i wonder how many times they had to shoot that scene with the cigarettes.

omg. the tension is magnificent.

the hooker question and sands answer of 'if i’m interested i’d do it for free’ and rays making sure and asking for validation ‘ what about me? interesting enough?' superb

the way sand scooted and leaned back? and reclined? put his hand on the sofa and crossed his legs? took a long puff of smoke?? HOT HOT HOT 🥵

the way ray responds? stu’s kinda curled up but still showing off his good side? and taht drag and kiss?? HOT HOT HOT 🥵

THE WAY SAND LOOKS AT HIM AND JUST TAKES HIM IN AND LJSUT GOD THATS SO HOT

thé interviews show how differently they ar a preaching their relationship. and i wonder how it will all go

that was a very good way to end the ep

[ishowmymombldramas]

The Only Friends Theory (Top moment)

I'll ever let go of the idea that OF is very similar to the Friendzone (similar to the first season in vibe, in some actions - like the second).

In the second episode, we were finally told about Top's pills (I thought he was on antidepressants, but okay). And I think it's important.

The first trailer has a scene of Top taking a lot of pills, while the second trailer pills lying around on the edge of the bathroom.

And it gave me one thought and a plot twist.

We all know that Top and Mew's relationship is toxic and doesn't really deserve a happy ending, BUT there's an ace up the sleeve in case the creators want to keep them together at the end.

These are Top's pills.

I think that after some high-profile scandal with Mew, when he does not forgive him, he will attempt suicide by overdosing on pills. And then they will have a possible happy ending (actually, Top doesn't look like someone who would do something like that, but what devil is not kidding, right?).

Actually, I'm thinking of this plot development because of the scene in the second season of the FZ, when the main rat and gossip, Bew, takes a bunch of sleeping pills and drinks champagne in the bathroom (is that a reference to Kurt Cobain?). And after this act, when everyone finds out that she is on the verge of death, the main characters "forgive" her and start all over again, becoming her friends.

I think that such a move has a place to be, because Top is still a manipulator, and suicide is a beautiful manipulation.

[candygalaxyyy]

Edit: Nevermind I t’s actually Sand!!! OUR PAN KING

Me thinking about how Ray (khao’s character) was all up on female strippers in the club. Not to question his sexuality cause I know gay men enjoying performances by female dancers doesn’t make them any less gay. But if Ray is bi… if this is the messy bi representation I so continuously and desperately crave then I’m seated!! Actually no matter their sexual orientation it is just as messy, cause they’re all already messy in their own ways. And I mean I was already seated since the pilot trailer but now I’m strapped in, seatbelt and all!

AND YESSSS TO LESBIANS! NONNIE MY QUEEN

I am here for all the drama, all the mess and the sheer chaos (minus the lesbian cp they need to be my comfort cp for when the other pairings are putting me through the ringer)

[gg-carboxylase]

One random post for today —

Youse all, Mark is so fucking pretty. I hope this lad is absolutely drowning in his gender(s) of choice.

[gunsatthaphan]

"if I'm into it, I'll do it for free."

[thatgirl4815]

BostonNick vs. RaySand

I noticed it in the first episode, but it's become even more apparent in Ep2 that BostonNick and RaySand are both similar and different in a handful of ways. We see both couples (if they can be called that at this point) discussing their relationship statuses in this episode, and it clues us in to some interesting bits.

The reason I compare BostonNick and RaySand is because their relationships follow a similar track, but with differences that could mark the conflicts coming for both relationships. The interesting bit is that the characters themselves and their personal conflicts are what make these relationships feel so different from each other; from an outside perspective, the dynamics between both appear quite similar, but we know as viewers that Boston is motivated by something much different than Ray. It'll be interesting to see how these motives shape the issues both couples face in upcoming eps.

"What are we?"

Both RS and BN have this discussion at some point in the episode, and the way they handle it (and who initiates it) says a lot about the foundations of both relationships. I’d argue that characterization is a key factor in setting these boundaries.

For BostonNick, Nick has fallen into the trap Mew explained in the first episode: he slept with Boston, and now he's grown attached. Nick wants Boston to see him as more than a bedwarmer or a mere distraction when the latter’s pursuits with Top come up dry, but Boston has no interest in settling (he very clearly states that the doesn't like drama...which....ironic).

BostonNick have this discussion after they've slept together multiple times; this is the crucial point. Nick has already developed an attachment that Boston is, perhaps unknowingly, egging on with his flirtatiousness. Boston defines the relationship as FWB right then, but the damage has already been done because these parameters were not set prior. (Even if they had been, I suspect Nick's emotions would still spin out of control, as RaySand seem to be demonstrating well at the end of this episode. Intimacy really is like playing with fire.)

The other crucial point is that Nick and Boston don't know each other beyond their names--at least when they first hook up. They still know relatively little of each other, and I suspect that is because Boston is purposely closing himself off, providing only brief conversational details about his life and interests. He doesn't want to deepen the relationship. At the start, Nick probably saw his relationship with Boston as a mere hookup too...but when Boston kept coming back for more, he was left reasonably confused about the status of their relationship. When relationship boundaries are set is what's important.

On the opposite side of things, RaySand spend basically the entire episode having subtle (and not-so-subtle) conversations about what their relationship is.

So, what do they know of each other at this point? Ray knows Sand is a singer at a bar, he's poor and always looking for jobs to earn money; he's confident, helpful, and forgiving. Sand knows Ray is rich, he likes to get drunk, he's got emotional baggage from his mother's death; he's lonely, flirtatious, and desperate. (Just a side note, but Ray has unwittingly revealed more about himself than Sand has about himself, and I think that says a lot about how broken down he is.)

Ultimately, Sand not only understands the emotional ties they could form by sleeping together, but he makes the effort to push against them (to spare himself of future heartbreak). Meanwhile, Boston and Nick both go in guns blazing without this foresight. Nick’s naïveté is part of the problem, and it’s part of what separates him from Sand. (Personally, I can’t see any situation where Sand’s character would get romantically involved with Boston because he seems to understand that he’s bad news…Ray is like the Boston lite version. Easier to manage, but still dangerous. And much, much sadder.)

[blorbingqls]

Despite my lack of sleep and completely boisterous way of not responding well with mess and completely almost forgetting to write my thoughts on the episode, here you go.

only friends ep 2 stray thoughts relay an eventually peek into many of the history of these characters - this time was ray and top

i love the confessionals bit - that adds a lot to the story, personally for me - reminds me of barbie: life in the dreamhouse damn - i want the confessionals to continue

NAMCHEUM AND APRIL - so so cute babies - but i want more bits pls - let this web not be just within sandray, mewtop and bostonnick.

sand being the tired gay gives so so much - also, the pansexual notes - *chef's kiss* - the long glare at the last scene - DAMN - the pot is cooking

ray being more than the troubled rich kid with a dead mom - yes thats a well known trope but can we not kill more mothers pls

i need few more episodes to analyse mew - because he give me the reader trying to apply the theories in real life without a full-proof backup plan vibes - he is strategising the perfect love - with top

boston is an interesting character - not believing in permanence or drama but being the drama - the love for photography - damn thats so good

top - you didn't have to jump from that low point into the water - it will hurt your ribs pls - the fact that he didn't like how boston was heading and how he wanted to establish a boundary but wasn't able to clearly indicates so much more of him as a character - adds a layer to being more than the asshole character

nick - my poor babygirl whore with low self esteem issues - bub you are loved - a person like 'ton confusing you is completely understandable - i relate to you on this

with reference to @ranchthoughts @lurkingshan and @waitmyturtles 's post here and here I COMPLETELY agree that the show hints a lot towards impermanence of life and the fact every moment is fleeting each time, with decisions taken by each character towards their life indicates how they don't think twice while taking a decision.

i would like to link ephemerality with control - because that also, i feel, will become a running subtheme in the series - because as these characters will have the wish being in the moment and having the control respectively.

Sand wants to have boundaries within the friends with benefits bracket as that establishes some sort of control for him - where money, job security and materialism are things out of his control

Ray is wiling to buy off Sand in order to get some control in his life because the love he desires, the abandonment of people and loneliness in his life are left out and he has only money that can buys him the control the loneliness somehow.

Mew and Top want to have a control of the way they approach the relationship because they want to play with each other in terms of control. they believe individually they are at the higher end but that isn't the case.

Nick and Boston is the most interesting pair so far; Nick wants to have control on how he feels by asking Boston to label this relationship in order to fall less and Boston doesn't want any drama in his life as he sticks to one night stands but wants to have control on Top since that stand has imprinted in his memory and somehow bring Mew down. But since he can't have what he wants, he sends pretty mixed signals to Boston which according to him are clear but confuse Nick.

When shit hits the fan, all control will be lost, it will be too late and it will glorify as burning into a thousand suns.

[mikooksworld]

I'm late, but NeoMark scene, helloooo??!!!!!

[sweet-decay]

okay so I have to throw my Only Friends thoughts/reactions into the void cause uhhhhh

Mew? literally so in love with his character already🙏🏻 he’s doing his best to play it smart and we know when the time comes we are all going to be hurt right along with him rip

Mike? baby noooo we know the pain is coming hard for you soon too💀 Mark is killing it in this role

Ton? idk mans is just be the slippery lil snake he is lmao

The girlies🥰🩷💕💘✨

Force your goddamn arms broooooo thank u for the blessing😮‍💨👌🏻

RAY & SAND??? stealing the show let’s be fucking real here. I’m def getting a soft spot for Ray and I love that he is just so upfront??? And obv that seems partially due to “I have money so I get what I want” but regardless lmao he is just like “hey am I hot? Interested in me?” and like okay bitch get it👀 also the fluffy black jacket??? sending me. the whole fit was 10/10 also Khao has easily slid up the scale of top fav actors like his expression/mannerisms and just everything is always amazing and pretty much he just wraps me up in any character he plays. First is also moving up there🙏🏻

ALSO the smoke kiss???, bitchhhh👀 like are y’all for real? so good

also also really love the like one-on-ones and I was pretty much laughing and smiling most of this ep

Next week???? The car??? The rain??? Ton & Top??? Rippppppppp and we getting some more look so not Ray having eyes for Mew?👀 I’m not ready to wait another week omg

[twig-tea]

Don't mind me I'll just be here obsessing about how Sand has his hands all over Ray and Ray clings back while Sand's on top but as soon as they flip Ray still holds Sand but Sand keeps his hands carefully off Ray as though he's afraid to keep holding on to a connection as soon as he feels out of control

Some kind of friendship can start from having s*x.