#step by step was 'the one that called out the bl industry'

[mooninagust]

its finally time for joongdunk!!! let's go

[absolutebl]

2024 BL - Top 10 Trend Report

In last year's trend report I said:

"I think Taiwan has the chops to give us something as good as The 8th Sense or Old Fashion Cupcake but in their style, and I would like to see them exercise their talent for good rather than just profit."

And Unknown happened.

I asked for it, they gave it to me. I could not be more happy. So anyway, I just wanted to crow a bit.

And now...

2024's TRENDS!

1 Trope Subversion Levels Up

My Stand In went so far as to subvert the whole damn romance genre. But in general we saw a lot of BL recognizing, highlighting and calling out it's own absurdities and tropes. From Korea commenting on the Dead Fish Kiss to Wandee Gooodday actually promoting green flag behavior (the real deal).

It was an interesting year for meta commentary, it kind of whole scale left parody behind (say goodbye, Japan) and entered almost every BL from Thailand, even the ones who should have left it alone. (Side eyes Mame.)

2 Old Tropes Revisited

Unknown revisited the step-brother trope (as did Addicted Heroin of course). But there were other old ones we haven't seen in ages, like kidnapping for love, kissing on rooftops, and all the dub con (Blossom). Love Sick rebooted with very little modernization (except where it counted) right up to and including no kisses. Mix Up even did "trapped on the rooftop" which I haven't seen in over a decade.

And then Wimpy dropped. And it felt like I was reading yaoi in my tiny attic bedroom in the 90s.

3 BL Enters All the Workplaces

I love how many adult leads and sides we are getting, even from Thailand. By which I mean, BL outside of a school setting. We still have high school and university set stuff, but that used to be ALL we got. I don't mind school settings, but I like that we have some kind of balance going on these days.

We are starting to get not just cubicles and offices (as Japan foretold) but all kinds of workplaces from retail to authors to the film industry.

4 BL Passes the Sniff Test

He smells good has always been a trope that I love. It was one of my favorite things about Bad Buddy. But this year it felt like every third BL trotted this one out. I was delighted by it. Of course I was. But it happened A LOT.

Century of Love was a key use of it since smell is so coupled to memory, I thought they dealt with it particularly well. But even Japan and Korea deployed the sniff test.

(Seoul Blues)

(Blue Boys) Same actors, different characters.

Pitt Babe

Century of Love

Meet You at the Blossom

Soul Blues

Blue Boys

Dangerous Romance

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans

Cosmetic Playlover

Sunset X Vibes

Monster Next Door

Secret Love

Perfect 10 Liners (technically a 2025 show, but the sniff happened in 2024)

5 Fewer Shipper Characters within BL

Negative trends are always harder to call (it's easier to track the presence of something over the absence) but I'm still calling this one.

In a discussion of The Shipper @heretherebedork and I got into a discussion about this. It really seems like both we are getting less "female shipper" characters and/or they are evolving into overly interested but very supportive female friends instead. Softening, if you will.

I think partly this is because there has been a general decline in this archetype in yaoi over the past 5-10 years, but also they tend to incur pretty bad reactions in fans, and Thailand (especially) tends to pay attention to that kind of thing.

Unfortunately this also means we are seeing a worsening of the "no female representation at all" backbone of BL. We Are, which I loved, didn't have a single female character. Not even a throw away.

6 The rise of the green flag seme!

The seme (active attacker in the relationship) got a lot of green flag action this year. We saw lots of Dommy boys, Daddy types, and players asking for permission, trying to communicate, talking about safe sex. Particularly out of Thailand.

To make sure this is clear, green flag means he communicates about the relationship and sex, takes no for an answer, asks for permission for (almost) everything, and doesn't do things like (just spitballing here) take a hotel room key and go into the other mans private room when he's not around (or asleep). Okay? Christ on a cracker. (When it comes to flags Mame has red/green colorblindness.)

Some examples:

Alan from Pit Babe

God from Monster Next Door (except for the one journal reading incident)

Sun from Sunset X Vibes (almost too far)

Yak from Wandee Goodday

Latte from Knock Knock Boys

7 Japan Came to PLAY

Japan came to play and will not leave the field that they built. I may not always like JBL, but when I love it, I REALLY LOVE IT, and when it hits it hit hard (pain or joy). And even when I don't like it, it always gives me a lot to think about.

We had 19 JBLs in 2024:

Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun

At 25:00, in Alaska

Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave

I Became the Main Role of a BL

Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan

Takara's Treasure

Although I Love You and You

I Hear the Sunspot

Living With Him

Love is Better the Second Time Around

Love is Like a Poison

Perfect Propose

Cosmetic Playlover

Sugar Dog Life

0.5D

Let's Eat Together Aki and Haru 2

Mitsuya-sensei no keimakutekina ezuke

Happy of the End

Ossans Love Season 2

Japan had 18 total BLs in 2023.

17-15 in 2022 (a couple I couldn't get hold of and a couple I just don't think are BL, so 2022 is vague).

7 in 2021. <- THAT was when the big jump occurred, 3 years ago. Which might have more to do with the pandemic than anything else.

But back to now: 19 in 2024 means they are actually just increasing their production gradually and in a steady way, as might be expected. In round numbers we didn't see anything unusual.

BUT

The series they've been airing in 2024 are running longer (for them) and being aired over longer periods of time. Not to mention getting better and quicker distribution.

By which I mean, Japan used to have more shorts and movies, less actual series with full run times (by their & Korea's BL industry length standard) on streaming platforms. So I think it's JBL runtime and distribution that is experiencing real growth. And the consistency of that runtime.

In other words, it feels like there are more JBL airing because we have access to most of them (for a change) and they're running long enough to cross into each other (which has been rare in the past).

What's almost more interesting to me is...

8 What the hell happened, Korea?

Korea cut back on their BLs in 2024. I am not sure if that's money drying up, a crack down within the industry over there, the political situation, or something else.

Still, it was wild to see such a stark fall off in production. They had 18 BLs in 2024 but fully half of them were shorts, and more than half were poor production quality than is prior standard. By contrast they had 21 in 2023, but only 1 was a short, and most were very high production (getting 8/10 or higher from me).

Since Korea tends to produce some of my favorite shows, it's no surprise I had no 10/10 BLs at all in 2024 with so little KBL's stepping up to the plate.

I sure hope this isn't a trend but it feels like it might be.

9 Why the hell is the not-kiss back?

Korea doubled down on being a pain in 2024 by bringing back the "they don't actually touch lips and we pretend they did by panning around the back of the head" with the camera. (Jazz for 2 sides, example. Yes, I'm still mad.)

Then Thailand did the with Addicted Heroin. AND with Love Sick.

What is this, 2016?

Color me annoyed. I thought we saw the last of that nonsense with Make It Right.

I remind you all, if they would kiss if they het but they don't kiss when they gay, it smacks of a phobia and I'm salty about it.

Yes yes, there are actor (idol, age) excuses in play. But they should cast differently if this is going to be a problem.

End of discussion.

No really, I don't wanna talk about it. I just want it to go away.

10 The rise of Great Grandmas

We have had cool grandmas before in BL but in 2024 we had so many of them. The Sign, Love for Love’s Sake, Monster Next Door, Jack & Joker, Every You Every Me, The Rebound, Wandee Goodday.

(thanks to @small-dark-and-delicious for bringing this one to my attention)

See the comments for additional discussion of the "why" behind some of these trends as well as a few I missed.

(source)

2023's Trends report here.

[dropthedemiurge]

Love for Love's Sake | Things You Didn't Notice #3 | Learning Korean with the boys

I have (barely) emotionally recovered after the ending of this series, and so I'm back with my usual translation notices and cultural specialties posts ^^ Long post ahead!

// Read previous posts with translations & comments I pointed out //

This time I'll look at the Episode 3 [Yeowoon's Affection level from 0 to -99]. Disclaimer: I'm not fluent in Korean but I've been learning it for years and I've lived and studied in Korea for a while. However, in particular Sangwon and Sia annoyed me so much this episode because their banter is so funny but I cannot decipher their wordplay 100% by ear without KR subs so I have to skip over their dialogues %)

Anyway, there's still some fun language stuff to point out!

- "You're late, Senior (hyung)" - "Senior? (Sunbae?)"

Fun fact: Sangwon, who's the same year as Yeowoon, addresses Myungha as "hyung". Meanwhile Yeowoon addresses Myungha only as "sunbae". Hyung is a term guys call their older male friends (if you're familiar with Thai BLs as well, it's same as "Pi"), meanwhile gender-neutral sunbae means senior, someone who's been longer than you in the industry or some institution (like school).

If I remember correctly, Yeowoon keeps calling Myungha 'sunbae/senior' until the very end of the show. Even when they are sleeping over in the same house after school hours, Yeowoon doesn't call Myungha hyung but sunbae only. In Korea, you use titles or formal full names to people older than you or acquaintances, and you usually use names with the people younger than you. That's why, if you think about it, there wasn't a moment in show when Yeowoon says Myungha's name :D Only sunbae. And that's normal. (this is also why Myungha never mentions Writer sunbae's name at all)

Also, we'll return to Myungha's usage of Yeowoon's name a bit later.

"Keep doing it if you want to die young, Sangwon-ah." "*gasp* You call me by my name when you're mad?"

But Sangwon is talking to Myungha in a very familiar way, using 'hyung' instead of 'senior' every time, making it feel like they are friends (and most of their interaction this episode revolves around Sangwon trying to make Myungha talk to him like a close friend as well xD).

Why is Sangwon so thrilled every time Myungha calls him by his name? Because there are many other Korean words you can use for people, especially if you're angry with them (ranging from the impolite 'this guy' to swearwords). But every time Myungha gives a casual warning to Sangwon who's annoying him, he still says "Sangwon-ah", which is how you'd call your younger friend who's just being a brat. No wonder Sangwon keeps pushing Myungha to get his attention and affection^^

On the topic of names and intonation: I noticed Myungha uses aegyo (acting cute) often when he talks to his grandma. However, with other school students, like I mentioned in my previous language posts, most of the time his speech feels like a patronizing talk of a 29-y.o. adult.

But! I found that one scene when Myungha is deliberately using aegyo with Yeowoon! The reason for it is that Yeowoon finally responded and wanted to meet up after avoiding him for so long, and Myungha is extremely excited.

"Yeowoon-ie, you're waiting for hyung?~" "Don't use that voice".

Two things: Myungha calls himself Yeowoon's "hyung" which feels closer than "sunbae", he wanted to take the next step and make their communication less formal. And instead of saying friendly "Yeowoon-ah" like he always does, he changed the pronunciation of his name to "Yeowoon-ie" — which is, together with the playful intonation in his voice, is so. fucking. cute. However, Yeowoon instantly rejected his aegyo and Myungha returned to the way he always spoke x) RIP.

I already pointed it out briefly in another post but – Myungha cooked a curry rice for dinner with Yeowoon. It might not seem like anything, but I thought it was an amazing detail to show later in the series that even when Yeowoon almost forgotten about Myungha who disappeared, he kept bulk buying rice with curry (yellow packages) for his dinner.

"You act like you're my parent (guardian)." "Well, you're not wrong."

I thought that Myungha telling Yeowoon he's not wrong about him being his "parent" was a bit weird, and indeed, the word they are using here is 보호자 (bohoja), which is "guardian". It can be said about parents but also about anyone who's protecting something or someone as well. Which is exactly what Myungha is striving to do in this world and in this game. To protect and take care of Yeowoon.

"My mom split (ran away) but my dad said she died." "I wish I could split (run away)... I kept running around the field because I felt frustrated. But how could I run away?"

Here I'll need some help from native English speakers, which I'm not, can 'split' be used in this dialogue with the same connotation? Because in Korean, Myungha clearly says "My mom ran away", to which Yeowoon responds "I wish I could run away" and immediately remembering about the reason why he became a runner. And I just loved the accent the show made on this word, which got lost in Gaga subs.

"Don't slack off because you think no one sees." "Maintain your image (Do some mental training)"

This one is surely a mistranslation. The coach says "Do Image Training", in Korea and in some other Asian countries, as far as I encountered this term, this basically means "mental training", or "meditation" and has nothing to do with maintaining one's reputation.

Think "breathe in, breathe out and think how well you'll do and imagine yourself running that race before it starts".

Yeah, probably no one cared about that dialogue or scene anyway, but I hope you're still enjoying my hyperfixation on this show xD Anyway, it's been a long post and I'm done for Episode 3 — but as a bonus, let me share bonus with one of the Sangwoon x Sia scenes.

+

I tried hard to figure out the word that Sia uses when Myungha pleads her to get rid of Sangwoon, and the closest I could get was 분력 (the power of Buddha), but one thing for sure — following Myungha's begging, Sia cross-sprayed Sangwoon with perfume like holy water and ordered him like "Begone, demon!". Lmao :D

[scarefox]

The way some people straight up deny soft criticism of the BL industry (stuff that isn't even a secret if you don't close your eyes and ears!!!) Criticism by literally LGBTq people working in said BL industry in Thailand..... basically one of the only ones who's voice are most valid here in this discourse. That's not hypocrism of people working in the industry to open their mouth! That's called self-awareness and using this genre to convey a message and trying to fix issues. This is about Step by Step and Lovely Writer atm. But those are not the only dramas who brought up some critic but somehow people get salty now about that little poke from SbS? Did you sleep the past 3 years?? And it's not a coincident that it's always the same topics certain BL dramas brought up!

I feel like some people here don't get that you can criticize your own work place, your own industry, your own country WITHOUT hating, shaming or demonizing it completely! Yall need stop this black & white thinking and the constant urge to feel personally attacked by something like this...

Especially the message of LW (the same people who make SbS now) was that there is nothing wrong about loving BL stories and they do like producing them. BUT that there are some things in the industry that are bad and harmful NOT ALL OF IT, SOME THINGS! Like the treatment of actors and certain topics by companies and producers. And the main theme of LW: the toxic overstepping and overcontrolling shipping culture that can (and did) destroy real life relationships / friendships under the weight of the pretend relationship (pretend as in they are not dating for real (everyone knows that! or should know that! this is also not even a secret if you watch interviews outside of the fun and couple game shows) at least in most of the cases.... in some rare ones yes, in some very rare cases some actors actually date but they are too afraid to come out due to homophobia and the way the industry & fandom treats those cases (source Dr. Thomas Baudinette who studies the industry as a form of queer asian media and interviewed companies and actors since years... somewhere in this he talks about actor relationships, I can't find the time stamp atm))

ALSO the point about exploiting the LGBTq community is NOT about the fans or LGBTq audience who love these dramas. But about businesses and literal Thailand itself. For using those stories and actors / couples for advertising, for marketing, for tourism even. BUT at the same time some don't care for real life LGBTq issues and rights or the fact that Thailand is still not agreeing on equal marriage (which is not just about them not being able to marry but they get denied a lot of things married couples get. alone the fact that they can't see their partner in the case of an emergency in the hospital because 'they are not family'). In the said SbS scene they were literally discussing which pretend couple has the most fans and how they could use their fandom and fan clubs to gain profit. Don't you guys get how fucking frustrating this is for the LGBTq people and allies who work in the BL industry, to get paraded in front of the camera for money and image but still don't get treated equally??? THAT is what they mean with exploiting.... And it's a lot of producers, writers and some actors who voice those points, not just these few self-aware BL dramas. But doing it through the medium they adress is the best way to reach the right people, to make the right people aware and ask for their support. Since they can't say such things directly (even though they should) unless they want to lose their job, they still like to a degree.

And I am sorry but the opinion of actual thai people who are inside that industry is more valid than some random fan who just doesn't want to understand those things in order to enjoy their shows without feeling bad.... What if I tell you that you can do both and that this is not about shaming you or making you feel guilty (unless you participate in toxic overstepping behavior or are actually LGBTq-phobic, then yes feel guilty)! Acknowledging issues, supporting to fix those issues and still have fun with these dramas and actors.... Those things can and do coexist and nobody said otherwise!!

[humaninpogresss77]

Thai GL: A Perfect Imperfection.

Is not a secret that Thai GLs have overtaken my life.

We have dozen of incredible beautiful and talented women in an industry where the focus is the love between women.

After so much pain and withdraw in Hollywood and the west; It feels like a gush of fresh air.

This blog has multiple posts praising these shows, their intentions and the majority of things they do in it.

So please don't take these list as complains or hate. Is more like a wish list for the industry to improve.

The first and more important thing for me to the industry to improve is the structure of the schedule. There's so many shows is impossible to keep up. Some shows are announced but we never find out when or where or how we can watch(where the heck is the last case you bastards). There's also the issue that in the last month we had mostly 6 shows to watch in a week but now it feels we have less(if we consider the access to mate and petrichor an issue). I know there's different networks working in this but something that helped regulate this thing would be great. I get to watch some shows I sadly skipped in this year so there's a plus but it would be nice to give the support they deserve when they are airing.

I don't have a problem in how messy the stories they are. After all I grow up with the 90s telenovelas from South America; but I hope these shows reconsider how the structure the balance of the stories according to the number of episodes they have. A lot of story lines felt like they rushed them and there were some finales that felt fumble because they didn't gave them the enough time to breed and they took so many time in things these shows probably can skip.

I am full aware that part of the idea of loving women and only women now is somehow translate to hating men: Is something that sadly we can't escape. So making most of the villains men that think they are love interest is a THING in these shows. I don't think we can't escape this. But somehow some shows really give so much screen time to these men and their stories. Not sure if it is because the companies that make these shows are also the ones that make BLs and they want to bring the fans of these actors. I feel the shows could use the male villain if they want and still give less focus; because some stories suffer a lot(what I mentioned in the last point) like.

There's a serious issue around side characters and relationships in these shows. Is amazing to have a cast where the majority of the women are queer and there's actually relationships in there. After having basically one relationship in our western shows is such an improvement. Some of these side characters and relationships are even better than the main ones. BUT we have basically zero screen time or their scenes are cut and don't have the impact they deserve. If they want to balance the stories having the last episodes just drama and the main couples separate; in those episodes the side relationships could step up and in that way they balance what we watch. I don't know there's so much to do with this.

I love the fact that we are having yuri stories adapted. Is very nice, some of these stories deserve that for years. I wished the industry realized first that there's more than what we called "toxic yuri". Not a problem that the stories have toxic elements, but it would be nice to have more variety in this aspect. And also, would be great that the industry start creating their own stories and scripts.

I don't want to go deep in this one because there are way more reason for this that I don't want to touch for possible hate , but I feel like it would be very healthy for everyone involve if after a number of projects the fixated couples could change. We have so many talented actress and is super nice to see them act together in different projects for improvement in their chemistry and be able to have different scenarios; but we are really missing on having other couples that could shine too.

Again the shows and the industry is amazing so don't take these as complaints. I am just having hopes for next year and the future of Thai GLs.

[bengiyo]

Step By Step Ep 5 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Jeng started his reformed boss procedures to mixed reception. He's also fairly bad at flirting with Pat. I rejected Jeng's work-life integration proposal. Pat met Jeng's niece, and also gets to lead a new major project. Finally, Jeng tore his ACL trying to be cool during karaoke, and finally appears human to the staff. We left at Pat misunderstanding the relationship between Jeng and Jaab, and Put stalking Pat outside his house.

I am curious if Domundi okay'd them referencing their talent in this show.

The commentary about the BL industry and its marketing tactics was NOT SUBTLE. I like that we had two self-affirmed queer characters push back on using BL talent to sell their products because it uses LGBT imagery for fakery.

CHOT IS DOWN! WHAT HAPPENED??

Okay, but Pat has a point about the potential fraud.

I like Pat's shorter hair.

Pat's nervousness and uncertainty in his interactions feels appropriate for someone new to their role.

I'm having a hard time reading Jeng's dad.

I'm with Chot. Ignore the call. Make out instead.

Chot continues to be correct. They should show trust in Pat by not hovering.

A proposal! We stay winning, gays!!

Oh, Pat, please don't lie to Jeng because you don't want to report on problems.

Yo, Pat, that felt rude as hell.

Jeng is like, "Yes! There's only one bed! You'll just have to stay with me!"

Same, Pat. Jeng is a LORGE and ATTRACTIVE man.

Jen confused me. I feel like he definitely knows how Jaab feels.

Where are they getting Jeng's shirts from? He is so big but looks so cozy.

Jaab, please don't touch him in his sleep. You can stare at him all night like a Minbari, but don't touch.

Where is Put and why is there a Lovely Writer poster on the wall?

Still suspecting that Put broke up with Pat to become a BL actor.

WAIT, was Ae hooking up with Beam???

Jeng think he slick trying to see Pat in his jammies and bed hair.

I'm super invested in the outcome of this ad campaign shoot. I know this might be boring for some folks, but I've had to manage expensive projects with a lot of people in decision making power. I'm stressed for Pat.

Pat is such a trooper for not letting his temper flare up around Put.

Jeng, are you jealous because of the photos? Oh, sir, I totally understand you not letting anyone else get aquarium time with Pat.

Oh, so Poopy must suffer in this show. He's proposing while she's having dinner with Beam. This is embarrassing.

Oh nooooooooooooooo

There's so many layers to this dinner scene. Jeng trying to flirt with Pat surreptitiously. Put jealous. Kannon excited about his wedding. Asking Jeng for the restaurant for free. Teasing about Jeng's wealth. Jaab being excited about the baby.

Well well well. The sides get the first kiss, but Jen seems to feel uncomfortable about it.

I'm with Pat. I also like being told I did a good job when I've worked hard on something difficult.

I continue to love this show more every week. Every problem they face on this show feels grounded in a believable reality. I'm also loving that the problems are so adult. Loving as well that this team still has grievances to air about BL as an industry.

[discluded]

often I see people saying MileApo are different from other couples, do you mind to explain what makes them standout ? what makes their relationship special from others?

Hi, not to sound purposefully obtuse, but do you mean Thai BL actor pairings that promote together? I know "couple" is often what they call those too, but just trying to make sure you don't mean like, people who are dating or married. 'cause that I can't answer.

ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ coupla what durr hurr hurr

Thailand seems to have a film/media culture where there are actor pairings that often work together and those pairings are really well loved by the public in terms of their chemistry. This was an old Hollywood standard that doesn't happen as often anymore, but they still exist even in the west, for example, with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler's work, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gossling already cast together on a Ocean's franchise movie, and also Ryan Gossling with Emma Stone.

One such popular Thai couple is Mario Maurer and Mai Davika whom Apo has both worked with before, and Mario one of Apo's good friends. They've appeared in a number of films and projects together, though they often do work separately as well. Like the aforementioned Hollywood pairings, Mario and Mai are are also openly dating other people. Apo is good friends with Mario's partner Junji too!

The QL/BL industry has taken this and set it up where often, successful partnerships will involve the pairing working together across multiple projects almost exclusively. The standards for getting into acting into a QL/BL project are also not very high, which contributes to the Thai general public's perception of the quality of work and the actors' skills among those who participate in BL projects.

As such, a lot of people who want to get into acting see doing BL as a stepping stone into a more "respected" acting career, such as doing lakhorns. Oftentimes, these pairings will work together for a few projects and then like, sometimes part on bad terms. Often times, if the first project is super successful, they might not even pair in the projects even if they're both in the series or show (See: BrightWin).

MileApo differ in terms of that because Apo started out as an lakhorn actor and was relatively acclaimed as an actor on a local level. He's appeared on magazine covers, both for the series he's starred in and solo prior to KinnPorsche.

For actors who achieved such the level of success they have in their first series, many similar actors would decide to part ways and pursue more "respected" roles/projects, like BrightWin have. Part of the reason there's so much toxicity and infighting between solos and couple fans is that has been the precedent set for among BL fans, and solos were expecting them to part ways as acting partners with their own projects.

In fact, I've read quite a number of not-so-nice tweets implying Mile was "relegating" himself to BL roles when he doesn't have to do "that kind" of project anymore. (ah the inherent homophobia of people choosing to consume BL shows... 😑)

So they're mostly different in that they're actively choosing to work together across multiple projects even when they have the opportunity to pursue solo projects given how famous their first project made them. Of course, none of us expect this to be forever since Mile will have to return full time to his sexy CEO job at some point... but the future isn't written in stone.

But yeah, toxic solos be big mad that Mile and Apo genuinely love and respect each other and want to continue working together despite having multiple options otherwise. LMFAO.

[waitmyturtles]

Turtles Catches Up With Old GMMTV: Make It Right (Season 2) Edition

TW: suicidal ideation, suicide attempt

[What’s going on here? After joining Tumblr and discovering Thai BLs through KinnPorsche in 2022, I began watching GMMTV’s new offerings -- and realized that I had a lot of history to catch up on, to appreciate the more recent works that I was delving into. From tropes to BL frameworks, what we’re watching now hails from somewhere, and I’m learning about Thai BL's history through what I’m calling the Old GMMTV Challenge (OGMMTVC). Starting with recommendations from @absolutebl on their post regarding how GMMTV is correcting for its mistakes with its shows today, I’ve made an expansive list to get me through a condensed history of essential/classic/significant Thai BLs produced by GMMTV and many other BL studios. My watchlist, pasted below, lists what I’ve watched and what’s upcoming, along with the reviews I’ve written so far. I’ve covered Love Sick, SOTUS, Make It Right (season 1), and Together With Me so far, and today I offer my thoughts on Make It Right, season 2.]

Alright! Like I mentioned last week in my analysis of Together With Me, this review of Make It Right, season 2, is out of order chronologically from my watchlist (pasted below), as I mixed up the air dates of TwM and MIR2 -- MIR2 aired before Together With Me. I do have some quick thoughts on what I saw in TwM that may have been inspired by MIR2 -- we’ll get to that later in this post.

I’ve been noodling a lot on how I want to frame out my thoughts on this gorgeous second season of Make It Right -- and to focus in general on why this series hasn’t gotten the kind of historical love that I think it ABSOLUTELY deserves. Separately and recently, I’ve been feeling very wiggly and bummed out about what’s happening in BL fandom by way of episodes of Step By Step being edited to remove meta commentary about shipping culture and the BL industry -- and it made me wonder whether there are points to be made about shipping culture regarding MIR and its historical significance. The absolutely wonderful @miscellar​ has noted for me that MIR gave rise at least to Thai teenage actors participating in this culture for the first time. (Thank you for all the conversations, @miscellar​!)

The whole Step By Step debacle last week got me heated. But I think, after VERY helpful and calming conversations with @bengiyo​ and @lurkingshan​ (THANK YOU, MY DEAR FRIENDS!), that the general historical regard for MIR is not directly related to a criticism of whole-scale shipping culture per se. (I’ll save all this shipping criticism for another post and another day, very much informed in part by this incredible post by @absolutebl​ from last year.)

Despite all of this, I think there’s something here about the ways that the majority BL fandom accept the complications of queer life, and depictions of queer joy and emotional equity, that I want to pick apart later in this post.

Before I do that: let me offer some critical thoughts on the second season as a way of addressing pitfalls that may have held MIR2 back in the historical reminiscence of respect and/or nostalgia that other shows, like Love Sick and SOTUS, have around them. Thanks to @lurkingshan​ for talking this through in part with me. 

1) After reading more about MIR on Tumblr and Reddit, it really seems to me like the number one reason why people haven’t glommed more onto MIR/MIR2 is because of the youth of the actors and the heat of the show’s few intimate scenes -- which, as I wrote in my post on the first season, is interesting to me, because teenagers have sex in real life. At least for me, the youth of the actors did not make me uncomfortable, and in conversations with @bengiyo​, it was amazing to me to see queer love BEING ENJOYED by young men -- and in @bengiyo​‘s paraphrased words, to see those young men not suffer in their societies and families because of that queer love. (Let me also reference Perth Nakhun’s recent video about the BL industry and his joy about acceptance in shows.)

2) @lurkingshan​, I agree with you that there are MANY editing fumbles in this second season, particularly related to how sex was portrayed between classmates Lukmo and Yok (Yok, who very strongly defended his out sexuality to his mother in the first season). New Siwaj and his side couples, man. Rodtang and Nine still confound me. But I agree with @lurkingshan​ when she stated to me that the weirdly filmed and edited sex scenes -- which, I think, were likely included as a way to hew closely to MIR’s canon novel, but that is ONLY a guess -- undermined Yok’s actual very emotional, VERY beautifully acted journey in realizing that a bisexual Lukmo was falling in love with him (Yok), a very out and gay young man. Sex scenes that included mortars and pestles (yep), weird pacing, food metaphors...it didn’t seem to work, and undermined Mo and Yok’s emotional journey. But I really don’t know if I’m missing something by way, again, of cultural reference back to the canon novel. 

The other major editing fumble that @lurkingshan​ and I both noted is that interspersed in Frame’s tending to Book after a major emotional disaster for Book, is that Frame seems to have gotten a tattoo of their names that he then gets removed -- but we never saw him get the tattoo in the first place, and the reason why he gets it removed isn’t consistent with the ending of the series.

Many of you know New Siwaj better than me (A Boss and a Babe just ended, and I heard there were thoughts about the ending), and I’m going to get to know him more later in my watchlist. I know he likes to throw in all this side couple action without always tying knots eloquently. I’d say again (sorry @bengiyo​!) that the RodtangNine ship was unnecessary, and that while Mo and Yok were fine -- that Yok’s trust journey to Mo was really the most compelling part of the ship, and that was about it.

All of what I’ve just stated can, and has, definitely held MIR/MIR2 back in the historical regard, like I said earlier.

BUT.

I will make a VERY STRONG ARGUMENT, as I did for the first season, that it is ABSOLUTELY WORTH watching through that stuff to get to the gold of the second season. Overall, this second season gutted me. 

While I’ve mentioned New Siwaj as a director and screenwriter throughout both of my MIR posts, I haven’t talked enough about Cheewin Thanamin, New’s collaborator on both seasons of MIR. I posted a lot during my late-night blogs about how Cheewin and his character in the show, Christina, were an ABSOLUTE WONDER in this second season. This is Cheewin/Christina comforting Yok after Yok worries about Lukmo’s investment in their relationship:

Imagine watching this after Love Sick and SOTUS -- two shows that did not address being gay. And then we have Christina/Cheewin going right to the heart of it in MIR.

I bring up Cheewin not only because his Christina was a wonder, but because he directed the much more recent Bed Friend -- and, as I noted in my post-watch flip-out after finishing MIR2 -- that I saw a LOT of MIR2 in Bed Friend and vice versa.

Not to spoil anything, but not only do the two main ships, TeeFuse and FrameBook, have happy endings -- but they have emotionally complicated journeys to get to those endings during the second season. 

As @absolutebl​ has noted often, the second season of MIR is even more chaotic than the first. (If I’m doing a Bed Friend comparison here, I’ll think of episodes four/five/six, where Uea’s trauma seems to just pile up, and us viewers are like -- how the HELL are they gonna get out of this.)

Tee and Fuse are confirmed in love, but Fuse does NOT leave his girlfriend, Jean. Frame and Book are confirmed as a couple, but Book is held back by an unrevealed insecurity, that turns out to be related to a sex tape he was unwittingly filmed in by an ex-boyfriend -- and then the video is released to the audience of his high school classmates.

Fucking chaos. My dear man, Fuse -- bro should have DEFINITELY LEFT JEAN earlier in the series, because Jean was DEFINITELY TWO-TIMING HIM with a dude she was calling HER BROTHER, that Fuse had NEVER MET in the course of their relationship (?!). 

And, poor, sweet, patient Tee. Tee, being courted by dudes all around him. Tee who, after FINALLY being able to be with Fuse, after Fuse FINALLY comes to his senses -- Tee holds himself back, and gives himself the space to recognize what’s happening between him and Fuse. He sees what’s happening with his mom and her new boyfriend, and how the new boyfriend’s behavior might be a little concerning -- but that the boyfriend decides to ultimately hold himself responsible for his own behavior to make Tee’s mom happy and stable. And after all of that -- SEEING how his mom’s boyfriend will stabilize himself, SEEING how Fuse stabilizes himself -- Tee finally dives in with Fuse with love and commitment. GORGEOUS.

FrameBook. MY GUYS. Frame, head over HEELS in love with Book. Book, SWEET Book, holding back with secrets about his past. We learn that Book is very bisexual, having had a boyfriend in the past who filmed their sex. Book, questioning himself as a “good person” in the case the video got leaked, and Frame confirming with conviction that he would be at Book’s side if anything ever happened. The video gets leaked, and Book loses it. Frame is by his side as much as Book will allow it, with Book pushing Frame away constantly, to the point of a suicide attempt that Frame saves Book from. 

These are stories of unintended trauma. Uea’s life story in Bed Friend was one of unintended trauma. What New and Cheewin are showing us in MIR2 are the stories of trauma that arise from these young men -- these LOVELY, well-intentioned, queer young men -- FINDING THEMSELVES in a society that is DESIGNED by paradigms to be INFORMED by toxic masculinity, internalized and externalized homophobia, cishet societal prioritizations, and much more working against them.  

Fuse doesn’t leave Jean literally because he feels bad for her. Because society TELLS HIM he SHOULD feel bad for a girl who, what? Pretends to like him? Book is driven to a suicide attempt because a same-sex sex tape could bring down the careers of his demanding and absent parents, and could condemn him at school. Christina comforts Yok as Yok waits for Lukmo to get over his ex-girlfriend, with Christina saying to Yok, “Lukmo is not like us, Yok.”

This second season focused on how the bigger aspects of bigger society could have potentially held the guys back. Even after Tee and Fuse are very much a couple, they overhear homophobic comments in a cafe, and Fuse needs to pull Tee back. Fuse no longer has any reason to hold back his love for Tee, and he’s certainly not going to let social homophobia stop him, after the mistakes he went through with Jean. 

I didn’t realize what was happening by way of comparing Bed Friend to MIR2 until the last two episodes of MIR2. Remember that the last two episodes of Bed Friend were just joyful. (I mean, Pran’s dad gets his, and Uea’s mom freaks out, but whatever -- they ended in the right places for Uea and King.) (And, yachts.)

For me, the last two episodes of MIR2 slowed everything down into a burst of joy, like Bed Friend. The boys went to the beach. Cheewin took them to the water before he took Uea and King there in Bed Friend.

Book survived. He’s beyond thankful for Frame’s interventions and loyalty. 

Fuse has the most gorgeous confession to Tee.

They become boyfriends. Two months go by. Frame and Book are asked to model same-sex wedding photos (had we seen that yet in a Thai BL, in 2017?) And then Frame proposes -- like, actually proposes!

Besides that proposal, there were so many other moments, as I blogged about, in the last episode that really moved me, and again, took me back to Bed Friend. I’ll repeat myself from that last blog post and from earlier in this post:

I think what New and Cheewin did was VERY intentional in including stories of trauma. Make It Right was meant to show journeys to queer joy and emotional equity on behalf of young queer men -- young queer men JUST LIKE New and Cheewin themselves at the time they made MIR.

As I wrote in my final Bed Friend review, there were folks on the Bed Friend tag that wondered if Bed Friend needed the last two episodes. I strongly argue that the series ABSOLUTELY needed those episodes, to show the LOVE and JOY that had grown between Uea and King after everything they had gone through -- that queer men DESERVE JOY, even if, AND ESPECIALLY IF, they’ve gone through journeys of trauma at the hands of microsystemic and macrosystemic society that generally condemns queerness, and does not celebrate it.

Make It Right and Bed Friend showed that our boys can fight, win, and be happy. THEY CAN DO IT. THEY WILL NOT LET SOCIETY HOLD THEM BACK. 

Goddamn. We got two proposals in MIR2 and in Bed Friend, in a country that has not legalized same-sex marriage.

Both MIR/MIR2 and Bed Friend were marketed as high heat shows (thanks to @lurkingshan​ for this link!). Especially with Bed Friend, I think myself and other viewers were thrown with the subsequent trauma-informed storylines.

But I think that was Cheewin being fucking REAL. He was real about both his shows.

As compared to Love Sick and SOTUS -- MIR2 was complicated! It WAS chaotic. The dudes WERE young. Fuse was complicated vis à vis Jean. In real life, Ohm and Toey’s ship ended when Toey and his girlfriend were bullied by BL fans. That shit’s messed the fuck up.

I can absolutely understand why MIR/MIR2 doesn’t live in the history books as a must-watch, the way that folks have nostalgia for Love Sick or even SOTUS. MIR/MIR2 are not at all linear stories. (Not to say that Love Sick was linear -- but it treated its characters much more lightly.)

Cheewin gave us stories of how complicated queer joy is in the face of the social impediments that the queer community -- in this case, queer young men -- face. That brutality can be hard to deal with. It’s not fluffy. These are not fluffy storylines. Book WAS DEVASTATED by every single implication of his unwitting sex tape being released. Frame’s heart and patience WERE hurt by Book pushing him away. Tee’s patience WAS tested, time and time and time again. In real life, the OhmToey ship ended BECAUSE fans demanded a fluffy false reality to that ship continuing. Both on-screen and off, MIR carried complicated baggage.

I argue that for fans of BL, that Make It Right/Make It Right 2 are must-watches, because of that complicated nature. When Together With Me airs after Make It Right, we get streamlined down again -- ONE major couple, one focus, and guaranteed high heat, with only light (and sometimes toxic) side couples.

Make It Right instead lifts viewers into the complicated soup, and that’s where I like to live in my favorite dramas. I like trauma-informed storylines, because if a show is successful at unwinding them, the payoff is usually SO much more satisfying.

But trauma also hews to reality. If I see my beloved characters struggling AUTHENTICALLY? As a person, as a mom, as an ally, I’m all that more connected to what I’m watching. Because I know that trauma for young queer men, in REAL life, is VERY REAL, within the paradigms of homophobia and other societal guardrails that implicitly inform how we all behave vis à vis each other.

Make It Right, as I wrote in my review of the first season, was ultimately about young queer men making their lives RIGHT FOR THEMSELVES. Subsequently, Bad Buddy did it for its boys. Bed Friend did it for its boys.

Make It Right did it first. Make It Right, in its two seasons, took us through very detailed journeys that got our boys to their right places, in a most beautiful, sophisticated, and emotional way. 

I’m thankful that New and Cheewin took us on these journeys. Whatever biases we may hold against the series -- question those biases. Go on this journey with these characters, and celebrate young queer love, because it’s absolutely worth celebrating. 

[Oh man -- I’m a little wiped! Not only did MIR2 totally gut me, but I decided to take on Step By Step to join the protest against extreme BL fandom (lol), so I’m a little behind on starting SOTUS S. But that’s up next. And I know I’m also going to be taken for a spin over the course of the next two weeks with Our Skyy 2 x Bad Buddy/ATOTS, so expect a few delays from me on this project with those detours as well.

Talking to @bengiyo and @lurkingshan about Make It Right/Make It Right 2 was an UTTER pleasure. THANK YOU AGAIN, FRIENDS. I so appreciate you both taking the time to unwind with me.

Here’s the watchlist as it currently stands. One quick update: after @manogirl​​ suggested watching Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 1 and 2 for its BL cuts/OffGun exposure, I’ve decided to add it to the list. @manogirl​​, you were totally right about my adding a ship focus with MaxTul/Together With Me before, so I’m following your lead again with OffGun. THANK YOU for your thoughts! (And thank GAWD those cuts are short!)

As ever, I’ll always take recommendations and thoughts from the fam!

1) Love Sick and Love Sick 2 (2014 and 2015) (review here) 2) SOTUS (2016) (review here) 3) Make It Right (2016) (review here) 4) Make It Right 2 (2017)   5) Together With Me (2017) (review here) 6) SOTUS S/Our Skyy x SOTUS (2017-2018) (watching) 7) Love By Chance (2018) 8) Kiss Me Again: PeteKao cuts (2018) 9) He’s Coming To Me (2019) 10) Dark Blue Kiss (2019) 11) TharnType (2019) 12) Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey (BL cuts) (2016 and 2017) (I’m watching this out of order just to get familiar with OffGun before Theory of Love -- will likely not review) 13) Theory of Love (2019) 14) Dew the Movie (2019) (not an official part of the OGMMTVC watchlist, but I want to watch this in chronological order with everything else) 15) Until We Meet Again (2019-2020) 16) 2gether (2020) 17) Still 2gether (2020) 18) I Told Sunset About You (2020) 19) Manner of Death (2020-2021) (not a true BL, but a MaxTul queer/gay romance set within a genre-based show that likely influenced Not Me and KinnPorsche) 20) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) (review here) 21) I Promised You the Moon (2021) 22) Not Me (2021-2022) 23) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) (thesis here) 24) KinnPorsche (2022) (tag here) 25) The Eclipse (2022) (tag here) 26) My School President (2022-2023) 27) Moonlight Chicken (2023) (tag here)]

[brainmassofficial]

How to become an actuary: 4 steps to earn six figures

Becoming an actuarial is a long process, but it can lead to a career with many financial rewards.

Have you ever wondered how to quantify risk? Or know how insurance companies figure out how much to charge you every month?

Most of the time, it isn’t all based on innate intuition; it’s instead powered by a lesser-known science called actuarial science.

The field combines mathematics, statistics, and business modeling in strategic decision-making. Actuarial science turns risk into calculated risk—helping businesses make decisions based on the highest probability of reaching goals.

If that sounds complicated—you’re right, it is, which is why actuaries are a high-paying occupation that is growing significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, actuaries earn median pay of $120,000 per year—with a projected growth rate of 22% over the next decade.

Prospective actuaries should acquaint themselves with both the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Both organizations have thousands of members who have undergone an extensive training and examination process to become fellows of their respective organizations. While the process takes many years and costs extensive time and money, it can be very lucrative.

Albert Beer, assistant professor at ​​St. John’s University’s School of Risk Management and Actuarial Science, says becoming an actuarial fellow can essentially lead to “guaranteed income for the rest of your career.”

While becoming an actuary is not a walk in the park, it can be certainly be rewarding. Here are 4 steps you need to take to land an actuary career:

1. Find your calling

Actuary science is closely related to many fields at the intersection of statistics and business, such as data scientists, data analysts, and financial analysts, so it is important that before you get started on the process, you do some exploration. 

One of the best ways to do that is to speak directly to an actuary living and breathing in the field. Using LinkedIn or other network resources, try to find one and ask if they would take a few minutes to have a conversation and allow you the opportunity to ask any questions. If they live in your community, you could even ask to shadow them for a day. Alternatively, YouTube has content where individuals have posted day-in-the-life videos that you could check out alongside the r/actuary subReddit.

Keep in mind that the number of actuaries in the job market is relatively small. The BLS reports that there are only about 30,200 actuaries—most of which work at insurance companies. Compare that to 202,900 data scientists and 404,800 financial analysts.

Actuaries tend to be well-rounded individuals with skills in mathematics and statistics paired with finance, economics, and law, Beer shares.

2. Complete a bachelor’s degree

At a minimum, all actuaries need a bachelor’s degree. Ideally, individuals should major in subjects related to mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, or accounting. Some universities even have bachelor’s degrees in actuarial science.

In the U.S., there are about two dozen universities that SOA has designated as “Centers of Actuarial Excellence”—meaning they meet specific criteria pertaining to the curriculum, faculty, industry connection, and more. These programs largely prepare students for a career as actuaries by setting them up to complete the first requirements toward an actuary designation, like completing coursework and taking examinations. The centers are:

Brigham Young University*

Drake University*

Georgia State University*

Illinois State University*

Pennsylvania State University*

Purdue University*

Robert Morris University*

St. John’s University*

Temple University*

University of Iowa*

University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign*

University of Nebraska–Lincoln*

University of St. Thomas*

University of Wisconsin–Madison*

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee*

Arizona State University

Middle Tennessee State University

Towson University

University of California–Santa Barbara 

University of Connecticut

University of Michigan

University of Texas–Dallas

*These universities also have University-Earned Credit status, meaning students are eligible for SOA exam credit for certain courses.

During one’s undergraduate years, internships are a large part of one’s journey to becoming an actuary, Beer says. Not only does it help students determine which direction they may want to take their actuarial career, but it also heavily helps in networking for an eventual full-time job and whether individuals will pursue a fellowship at SOA or CAS. 

By the end of a student’s years at St. John’s University, Beer says most will have already completed the first two exams—both of which can be used for either SOA or CAS pathway. Graduates typically land jobs with starting salaries of about $85,000.

“I’ve been teaching 18 years now. I’ve never had an actuarial student with two exams and two internships not get a job,” he says.

3. Obtain actuary designation

To land most actuary jobs, it is required for you to have been designated—or on the pathway to—an associate or fellow of either SOA or CAS. To start, obtaining validations by education experience (VEEs) is necessary, most commonly obtained through college coursework. Then, about 10 competitive examinations must be passed, a process that can take many years and cost thousands of dollars.

However, candidates don’t have to do it alone. It is a common practice for an employer to assist employees in receiving the full designation in terms of financial assistance, time off to study, and career guidance. Specifically, Beer says some companies tend to give individuals two weeks off from work to study—and if they pass, they are typically rewarded with a promotion and $5,000 raise. Plus, the employer will pay for the exam itself.

Keep in mind though, that passing an actuarial exam is not easy; the pass rates for many of the exams is less than 50%.

Requirements to become an associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA)

VEE: Economics ($85)

VEE: Accounting and Finance ($85)

VEE: Mathematical Statistics ($85)

Exam: Probability ($260)

Exam: Financial Mathematics ($260)

Module: Pre-Actuarial Foundations ($210)

Exam: Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics ($390)

Exam: Advanced Short- or Long-term Actuarial Mathematics ($475)

Exam: Statistics for Risk Modeling ($340)

Module: Actuarial Science Foundations ($210)

Exam: Predictive Analytics ($1,170)

Module and assessment: Advanced Topics in Predictive analytics ($1,195)

Course and assessment: Fundamental of Actuarial Practice ($1,770)

Course: Associateship Professionalism ($625–$805)

To then become a fellow (FSA), there are eight to nine additional modules, exams, and courses individuals must complete via six different track options: 

Corporate Finance and ERM

Quantitative Finance and Investment

Individual Life and Annuities

Retirement Benefits

Group and Health

General Insurance

Requirements to become an associate of the Casualty Actuary Society (ACAS):

VEE: Economics ($75)

VEE: Accounting and Finance  ($75)

Exam: Probability (must take through other organization, such as SOA) 

Exam: Financial Mathematics (must take through other organization, such as SOA) 

Courses: Data and Insurance Series

Exam: Modern Actuarial Statistics-I ($550)

Exam: Modern Actuarial Statistics-II ($550)

Course: Professionalism (~$1,375)

Exam: Basic Ratemaking and Estimating Claim Liabilies ($850)

Exam: Regulation and Financial Reporting ($850)

To then become a fellow at the Casualty Actuary Society (FCAS) three additional examinations are required: 

Exam: Advanced Estimation of Claims Liabilities ($850)

Exam: Advanced Ratemaking ($850)

Exam: Risk Management for Actuaries ($850)

Both the SOA and CAS are similar in prestige, and many individuals go down a specific pathway based on their first job. While the requirements for CAS are less extensive and will cost you less money, the SOA is more popular. Both organizations also offer discounts on select requirements for full-time students.

4. Engage with the actuarial community

The actuarial community is tight-knit. While one is learning and working there will be in-person networking experiences to connect with fellow actuaries.

Also, don’t forget to keep up to date with trends in the industry. In order to maintain professional membership, continuing education may also be required. Actuarial science is not averse to the need for lifelong learning; technology, legal requirements, and regulations are always changing, so it is best to stay ahead of the game.

The takeaway

Becoming an actuary takes patience. Individuals must be dedicated to learning the craft and not be easily deterred by examinations—or even failing one. 

Despite the large barrier to entry, the actuary career can be very rewarding in terms of job security, high salaries, and growth opportunities. The key to success is being highly motivated, but do not just let it be led by career perspectives; find something that strikes you as interesting, every single day.

“You’re never going to be good at something you don’t like. So you better find a passion. If you want to succeed in life and in business, find a passion,” Beer encourages.

Frequently asked questions

How many years does it take to become an actuary?

It can take over a decade to become an actuary fellow, but the exact timeline depends on one’s preparation habits. While continuing to balance work and life, one may expect to take an examination every few months to achieve associate and then fellow status.

Do actuaries make a lot of money?

Yes, actuaries tend to make six figures just a few years after obtaining their undergraduate degree. Those who get on a pathway to becoming an actuarial fellow should expect to experience high-paying salaries for most of their life. And if a management position is in your future, pay can be especially high.

Is becoming an actuary hard?

Yes, becoming an actuary is not easy. It takes many years of studying for about 10 competitive examinations to become a full-fledged actuary. However, many top companies that hire actuaries have built-in support for individuals, like time off to study as well as promotions for exam passage. 

[kit-teung]

the thing about step by step is that it genuinely does have some good (albeit brief considering the length of these episodes) critical commentary on BL industry: them calling out the exploitative nature of such queer media, how it's rarely gay actors playing the roles (well, this one i don't agree with 100% - while it's true that LGBT actors should have more opportunities it is at the same time true that a good actor can portray any kind of relationship regardless of their sexuality and gender - but it was interesting of them to bring this up nevertheless), how companies will make these actors perform couple-like behaviour even outside their roles to profit off of their delulu cp fans while not giving a flying fuck about the state of actual LGBT rights, how these actors have to keep their personal life hidden (or can't have any at all) lest the fans see them dating someone outside their company-assigned couple partner and as a result stop buying the shit they're trying to sell. like all of that is good critique that should be brought up more

that being said. the rest of the show is one big incomprehensible mess

[absolutebl]

10 Great Slow Burn BLs

I was asked about great chemistry, slow burn, with lots of pining and yearning, and an HEA (of course). For slow burn there will be less high heat due to the style of narrative, so I am going with actor chemistry, as well as emotional and mental resonance, not necessarily physical chemistry. (Something like Bed Friends could be argued is high heat slow burn... which would be what? A rolling boil?)

Honestly, slow burn is pretty relative, so I'm going with romance pacing puts the kiss and togetherness at the back 1/3 (if not the very last episode). Rather than at the "normal" 2/3.

1. Light On Me (Korea 2021 Viki)

Korea does an elegant pastiche of traditional live action yaoi but all filming is cleverly deployed to bolster one of the most riveting love triangles ever put on screen… and I don’t like love triangles. The high school angst is strong with this one and it's certainly slow burn and there is some EPIC yearning drawn out over a longer than usual KBL. Full review.

2. My School President (Thai 2023 YouTube)

GMMTV gave us a classic high school set Thai BL with tropes like messy boys singing their feelings that made this one Love Sick for the modern age with all the gentle sweetness and pining ache, but none of the dated damaging tropes or issues. Yes, we’ve seen it all before, but I still ADORE this. And there is a lot to be said for the classics being executed perfectly. Who let my BL be this wholesome and funny? Possibly too slow burn for some, we wait many eps for that pay out, and Tin's pining is NOT quiet, but it defined dorky and earnest.

3. Old Fashion Cupcake (Japan 2022 Viki)

It's hard to call such a short show slow burn, but it is. There are many episodes spent watching Togawa just HUNGER for Nozue and try to court him by feeding. This is about a younger man with a long cherished crush on his boss (ten years older and going through a mid life crisis) who decides to save and seduce said boss with pancakes. It’s wholesome, comforting, sexy, and a very necessary narrative about still having hope, interests, and openness to affection at any age. It’s a stunningly filmed late-in-life coming of age/queerness story packaged in a subtle critique of expectations around masculinity, love, and loneliness… and it’s beautiful. Full review.

4. My Ride (Thai 2022 Gaga)

Thai BL grew up with this pulp (the first ever to make my end of year top 10). It’s a truly lovely and special little show featuring the extremely rare pairing of sunshine/sunshine (AKA a cinnamon roll couple) plus mature explorations of relationships using one of the softest, sweetest and most innocent friends to lovers vehicles. Kindly, overworked doctor meets broken-hearted motorcycle taxi driver in an “other side of the tracks” slow burn romance. Even though we see them meet, we also see one of them fall in love, step back, and PINE for olympic gold. With honest queer rep that adds to, but doesn’t impede, the story, and genuine conversation about the nature of class, wealth, and classism, not to mention communication, honesty, and respect for boundaries, you can’t go wrong with this show. Full review.

5. Cherry Magic (Japan 2020 fan sub)

AKA 30 Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard AKA 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii AKA Cheri Maho

The sweetest fluffiest magical realism BL, packaged as a pinning office romance, very low heat (practically chaste) but the cutest. It’s truly great. Don't expect kisses tho.

6. Wish You: Your Melody in My Heart (Korea 2020 Viki)

Set in the music industry featuring a talented singer and the pianist who falls in love with him (and his music), subtle and achingly adorable. High production, low heat, short run, very tame, and Korea, so all the pretty. Slow burn and lots of pining.

7. About Youth (Taiwan 2022 Gaga)

A truly lovely little coming of age high school BL with a classic YA low drama but high angst and an earnest depth. I didn’t even mind the singing, and that’s saying a lot. A weak seme/uke dynamic but tons of BL tropes (both rare in a high school setting but common for Taiwan) makes this one feel both sweet and colored by an almost real world authenticity and grit. Full review here.

8. The Tasty Florida (Korea 2021 Viki)

Another one where it's hard to describe as slow burn because it's so short, but there is certainly that feel and it's def got the pining. Not really a love triangle featuring the prettiest men ever to be grouped together outside of K-pop, honestly the visuals are ridiculous, there’s a story, it has to do with food, whatever, they so pretty.

9. See You After Quarantine? (Taiwan 2021 Viki)

This under appreciated gem is Taiwan’s answer to Gameboys and is just as charming and adorable yet still as quintessentially Taiwanese as one might hope. It features a Japanese love interest and the cutest most confused disaster gay. Slow burn because the two have almost no actual screen time together and yet manage some truly amazing chemistry. How does Taiwan do it?

10. Restart After Come Back Home (Japan 2020 Gaga)

AKA Risutato wa tadaima no ato de

Atmospheric study in rural Japan meets complex family dynamics built on a romance framework of city boy meets country boy, grumpy/sunshine. It’s beautiful and icy sweet. Slow moving in places but ultimately worth the patience, low heat, low angst, and stunning. Full review here.

Others?

A Tale of a Thousand Stars

Step By Step

Our Dining Table

Where Your Eyes Linger

Choco Milk Shake

Love Class

DNA Says Love You

My Only 12%

Dear Doctor I’m Coming for Soul

2nd part of the question:

Who does it best? Shows, actors, countries?

COUNTRIES

I have said it before and I will say it again, no one does thirst like Japan. I think however, Korea is also very good at pining and yearning. So for "countries" those would be my top picks. But most BL producers have some examples, it's just that Thailand, Taiwan, and the Philippines tend to pay out the yearning more quickly (see something like 2 Moons Ambassador for an example of this kind of pacing).

Japan and Korea will make you wait for it. For Thailand you usually have to rely on the high school stuff. 21 Days Theory and Love Sick are both also slow burn.

ACTORS (characters)

I do have a post about great piners, several in fact.

(from @crowie ask)

These top 10 picks are based on my personal definition of slow burn and pining, yours may differ.

Post updated June 2023 and only contains BL that has completed its run. Not responsible for epic pining or fab slow burn BL that comes after that date.

Please feel free to comment or repost with additions! Share the love... slow though it may be.

(source)

[shijiujun]

Hi I have a question about a tag I saw on some cnovel translations. It’s “Dog Blood,” which I think is a direct translation of the Chinese tag. One place I saw it was on a novel by priest called 锦瑟, if that helps. I couldn’t figure out how to find the meaning without reading a whole novel.

HAHAHAHA omg my friend, i’ve been wanting to do this post for a while, but anyway since you asked, i shall just go through some of the danmei/novel/cdrama genres or types below. it ain’t an exhaustive list at all, there’re plenty of variations, but you may see some of these on jjwxc, also feel free to add for others

[but before i go on a tangent, for 锦瑟 pipi’s description is 狗血仙侠 I think? means angsty, melodramatic, makjang (if you’re into kdrama) cultivation to become immortal types]

*some of the below are like, you’ll totally turn up your nose at it and go like what the fuck, and not that i consume some of these genres, and i have ZERO comment as to what these genres are and i don’t want to hear stuff about how immoral things are (which they, some of them really are) - i’m just adding it in so yall know what to look out for in jjwxc next time if you chance upon weird shit okay

and i know all of these by some unfortunate crash course by a friend who’s a weibo supertopic trawler:

甜／虐 tian／nue 

Sweet or angsty/suffering types.

宠爱 chong ai

Means one of the main characters/leads really, really dotes on the other person. Basically a sweet novel, excessively sweet one.

狗血 gou xie

Literally translated yes it means dog’s blood, but what this means is that it’s angsty as fuck, and melodramatic, a lot of parts that will make you want to like spit out blood, which is where the name sort of matches. It ranges from like main characters with shitty personalities, betrayal, a lot of heartbreak, have I mentioned blood-spitting angst HAHAHA because yeah that’s what I get. Sometimes death (temporary or fake or transmigration or otherwise) yeah you get it. It does not mean BE, it can be HE, but you’re in for a fucking ride

沙雕／搞笑 sha diao／gao xiao

This means humour, comedy! Rather safe, refers to light-hearted humour, meant to be funny hahaha

鸡汤 ji tang

Literally translated means chicken soup, and no this does not mean chicken soup for the soul type of novels - this is also used to mean humour but like meme-ish and more like in your face humour that’s dumb and smart at the same time. Like just ridiculous humour.

骨科 gu ke

LMAO okay this literally translated means orthopedist, like the doctor department u go to when you break a bone? AHEM in danmei or actually not just danmei, any sort of het books, if you see this it means incest. So most of us would steer clear of this. The name came about (don’t take my word for it, there are a few versions I’ve heard but this is the most common one I think) because this popular male blogger was on a livestream or smth, and then his father came into this room to basically break his leg because he found out that the guy was sleeping with his younger sister, and that’s how it got its name

Look, I don’t judge, but I’d totally run the other way if I see this on any novel description just saying hahaha

小白 xiao bai

Literally translated as Little White, but used to mean surface-level type novels or stories (commonly used to describe web novels or fan fiction oops hahaha) - No depth in storytelling or characterization, no overarching huge plot, not very creative either HAHAHA (but does this mean it’s not good?! we’ll leave the jury out for that one)

菠萝 bo luo

Literally means pineapple, the fruit lol, but it’s used as slang/euphemism for B (bo) L (luo) - BL novels HAHAHAH

清水 qing shui

PG-13 novels, no explicit plots or scenes or people etc.

傻子 sha zi

This is a bit of an iffy line as well, technically it’s used to mean like a main character (one of the main leads) is a bit like naive and innocent and a bit of a bimbo/himbo/thimbo - but I think recently there’s been a rise of novels where authors (not just danmei, also in het ones) take the ‘silly’ part one step further and one of the leads can be actually mentally ill or retarded - so if you see this, you may wanna find a second opinion to see what kind of book it exactly is, so you don’t get a shock :/ Some of them are written well and treat the issue of mental instability and illness properly, others use it as just a trope/plot point, yeah so it’s hard to tell.

Don’t even ask okay, don’t ask why this exists or why people write certain things I do not have the answer. 

And then there are types based on like the setting:

末世 Apocalyptic

明星 Entertainment Industry 

民国 Republican Era 

高干 Main lead comes from like the upper echelons of society

军 Military

生子 Preg/MPreg

机甲 Robotics

声优 Audio VA/Entertainment 

重生 Reincarnation

穿越 Transmigration

科幻 Sci-Fi

修真／仙侠 Immortal Cultivation / Xianxia

[patandpran]

The idea of consent is hardly a new one but the fact that Lovely Writer called it out like this is fascinating to me.

The Director of ‘Bad Engineer’ clearly is asking Nubsib and Aoey to do something that neither of them are exactly comfortable with and acting out a situation where consent is clearly not given. While one could debate it’s a ‘gray area’, Sib is bold enough to call it out for what it was.

Unfortunately, they go forward with filming the scene anyway with the Director egging them on to blur the lines even further to entice the ‘fans’.

The meta approach to this series brings a fresh and critical lens to the BL genre as a whole and while it still features some questionable tropes and scenes, it’s a big step in the right direction. Ultimately, it’s causing the target audience to reflect on what they are consuming and question the content of the series as a genre.

Let’s hope that Lovely writer continues to shed light on the BL industry and, at the very least, makes the viewers think about what they are watching.

[potteresque-ire]

More ask answer about Word of Honour (山河令, WoH) and the so-called “Dangai 101 phenomenon” under the cut ~ with all the M/M relationships shown on screen, does it mean improved acceptance / safety for the c-queer community?

Due to its length (sorry!), I’ve divided the answer into 3 parts: 1) Background 2) Excerpts from the op-eds 3) Thoughts This post is PART 2 💛. As usual, please consider the opinions expressed as your local friendly fandomer sharing what they’ve learned, and should, in no ways, be viewed as necessarily true. :)

(TW: homophobic, hateful speech quoted)

The following are three opinion pieces published by state-controlled media re: Dangai and WoH:

O1) Published on 2021/03/04, in Shanghai Observer 上觀新聞

8.6分爆款武俠劇《山河令》背后，是90后愛看的江湖 Behind the 8.6-score Wuxia drama WoH is the Jianghu loved by those born after 1990

[Pie note: the 8.6 score refers to the score WoH got from the popular TV and film review site, Douban]

O2) Published on 2021/03/16, in China Comment 半月談:

國產電視劇掀起「耽改」熱：「腐文化」出圈，青少年入坑 The Rise of Dangai in C-dramas: “Rot Culture” exits Circle, Youth fell into the Ditch

and its related editorial:

「耽改劇」 盛行？警惕對「腐文化」進行無底線炒作和過度消費 Dangai Dramas Prevailing? Be alert to the Uncurbed Hyping and Excessive Consumption of “Rot Culture”

[Pie Note: “Exiting the Circle” (出圈) and “Falling into the Ditch” (入坑) are both fandom vocabularies. “Exiting the circle” refers to something being so famous that it is no longer contained within fandom (the circle) and instead, breaks into public consciousness, mainstream. “Falling into a Ditch” means to fall for a fandom so hard that one cannot crawl their way out it. For example, c-turtles commonly refers to their joining the YiZhan fandoms as ditch falling, followed by being “hammered to the bottom of the ditch” by Gg and Dd’s candies.

“Rot” 腐 refers to the same rot as in fujoshi 腐女 and “rot selling” 賣腐 described in PART 1.]

O3) Published on 2021/04/07, in 光明日報 Enlightenment Daily

耽美作品改编盛行带偏大众审美 Popularity of Dangai Dramas leads the Public’s Aesthetic Astray

To summarise first,

* Article O1 was very light on the characterisation of Danmei—the terms Danmei and Dangai never even appeared in the article. It focused, instead, on WoH’s Wuxia elements, including the beauty of its presentation—much like People Daily’s review of TU focused on the drama’s aesthetics, including its world view. The relationship between Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing was never mentioned, not even garnering a description such as 摯友 (“close friend”) as LWJ and WWX did. The article did point out that the drama was catering to a women audience.

* Article O2a (the opinion piece) and O2b (the editorial) are about Danmei and Dangai, collectively as the subculture they named “Rot Culture” (腐文化). No drama names are mentioned (in reading Chinese news, it’s important to note whether the critiqued target is named or not; the former (點名批評) is considered significantly harsher). The article, as hinted by the word “rot” in its title, leaned heavily towards characterising Danmei and Dangai by the traditional BL characterisation. Article O2a was also the only article out of the four that explicitly addressed  homosexuality. Rather than addressing the queer elements in Danmei/Dangai as queer, however, the article argued the genres could turn their young audience queer.

* Article O3 is also about Danmei and Dangai as the “Rot Culture” subculture, without the naming of any dramas. This article is notable for its association of the genres and the state’s concern with the “feminisation” of Chinese men.

Based on these op-eds, the state is characterising Danmei and Dangai predominantly as characterisation 2 — traditional BL, women’s fantasy. They recognised the psychological need behind the popularity of the genres among their (het) women audience, and the tone, is overall, of understanding and approval:

One of the cores of Dangai is the pursuit of “beauty”. The “double male leads” in Dangai dramas score sufficiently high beauty points to become the party to be defined, to be gazed, to be consumed. It is a counterattack to the male gaze. In addition, such “double male leads” enjoying equal relationship, admiring each other and fighting together shoulder-to-shoulder, also reflects the ideals of women towards relationships.

In the visual world of Dangai, two beautiful men respecting and treasuring each other, progressing together shoulder-to-shoulder, not only fits with women’s ideal model of  relationships, but also also create wide, yet-to-be filled emotional spaces for women’s unstoppable imagination to flex. Such relationships have less considerations of reality and self-interest, and thus appear to be more pure.

However, these opinion pieces have also made clear that the state saw the queer elements surrounding the genre, and its opinion of them is much more … reserved, especially when they cross the fiction / reality line and become the focus of the promotion of the dramas via the actors, who straddle that fiction / reality line.

Due to the lengths of these articles, I’m only translating the notable “chunks” in each of them—the “chunks” that connect the genres with queerness. I’m deliberately keeping these passages as “chunks”—ie, without removing sentences in the middle—to highlight the state’s logic in making the connection.

From O2a: 國產電視劇掀起「耽改」熱：「腐文化」出圈，青少年入坑 The Rise of Dangai in C-dramas: “Rot Culture” exits Circle, Youth fell into the Ditch

“M/M CP”, “Beautiful Men Economy”, topics surrounding this market—today, nobody bets an eye anymore at “selling the rot” being the industrial phenomenon. “Sell the rot” is to sell “rot culture”, with “rot culture” being the subculture for the audience’s imagination, of M/M (ambiguous) love stories for major content.

Such subculture, if confined within its fandoms, may be harmless. However, if it is to be adapted into TV dramas in significant scale, if it is to break through the subculture circles and enter the realm of general public entertainment, then one must take caution of its bad influence, especially to inexperienced youths.

With the established review system for web and TV dramas, production teams often remove the “romantic plot line” between the two male leads in the original Danmei canon and display “brotherhood love” in the TV drama, while “playing edge ball” to provide their audience with room for imagination. In the subsequent promotion and marketing, however, the two male actors may have to “sell the rot” as well.

[Pie note: I’m translating 打擦边球 literally as “playing edge ball” as this is a very commonly used term in discussions of China’s censorship. It means to step as close to the forbidden line as possible without crossing it, to take advantage of loopholes.]

Author of the article “On the Danmei-ization of Chinese Dramas” believes that, in recent years, CPs “selling the rot” , the practice of which is rooted in Danmei culture, have become a hit in the Chinese TV industry. TV dramas with Danmei elements entice their audience to create CPs around the leads of the dramas; they make use of the fervour generated by the discussion topic to achieve high viewership.

In recent years, academics have already expressed concern and investigated the influence of Danmei culture on the youth’s gender awareness, their opinions of marriage etc. For example, the article “Sexual Orientation of Some Youths in Hunan Province and Analysis of their Potential Causes” investigated the sexual orientation of 1,260 youths in the province and discovered that: among males, 2.9% self-identified as homosexuals, 4.9% bi-sexuals, 12.4% unknown; among females, 2.4%, 12.4%, 14.3% respectively. 37.5% of the people knew about Danmei or Doujin (同人; fandom), among which 32.3% indicated they “liked” it. 11.9% indicated that they longed for the homosexual romance in such works.

The author of the article analysed that, students who knew about Danmei or Doujin were more likely to report bisexuality or unknown sexual orientation. This demonstrated the influence of such culture on the sexual orientation of youths.

( Cartoon from O2a, titled “Learning to be “cool” 學酷 )

From O2b:「耽改劇」 盛行？警惕對「腐文化」進行無底線炒作和過度消 Dangai Dramas Prevailing? Be alert to the Uncurbed Hyping and Excessive Consumption of “Rot Culture”

Not to be overlooked is this: the severe reality of “Rot culture” exiting the circle and becoming immensely popular is urgently awaiting the entire society’s alert and attention. Objectively speaking, many Dangai works are not aspiring to positively, proactively guide and display Danmei culture, but only to set up attention-grabbing gimmicks, the purpose of which is solely to “sell the rot”. Not a small number of Dangai’s plots are illogical. Worse, in order to attract attention and satisfy the “taste” of fans, some production companies are forcibly selling “M/M CPs”,  conducting “bound” promotion [Pie note: as in bound by CP pairing] and embarrassing interactions [Pie note: as in, getting the actors to interact in a suggestively romantic way] , “playing the edge ball” [Pie note: as explained above] to generate personalities, consuming “Rot Culture” without a bottom line. These poor marketing tactics not only hurt the interest of Danmei audience, but interfere with the online environment and its order. The indulgence of radical language, moreover, challenges and affects mainstream values. These bad influences must be paid attention to and supervised.

From O3) 耽美作品改编盛行带偏大众审美 Popularity of Dangai Dramas leads the Public’s Aesthetic Astray

In addition to the explosion of the number of Dangai dramas, many dramas that are not originally Dangai are attaching themselves to the Dangai genre, by setting up double male leads, by playing up the suggestive atmosphere between male characters in their plot lay out. Some variety shows make use of the plot setup, the post-editing, the promotion of topics etc, to forcibly pair up their male guests for the purpose of hype and attention. This vulgar custom of “playing edge ball” as a means to tempt, to lead the audience into indulging in fantasies [Pie note: sexual fantasies implied by the idiom 想入非非] have spread from visual media production to the areas of promotion and marketing. Some interviews, magazine photoshots, short video production have also joined the bandwagon of borrowing the popularity of Danmei culture. They use all sorts of sensitive topics to tease and excite the public, tirelessly, happily guiding the fans to overanalyse Dangai dramas and even, the relationship between the actors of Dangai dramas. With the push of such gimmicks, Danmei is reaching the public through multiple channels, gathering popularity and turning into a phenomenon.

From O3) 耽美作品改编盛行带偏大众审美 Popularity of Dangai Dramas leads the Public’s Aesthetic Astray

Men with delicate looks, with traditionally feminine (soft and reserved) quality, are often sought after by the rot women (fujoshis). There has been a recent, popular saying in the industry: to find out if a male star is popular or not, find out if there are fans calling him “wife”. Artists with a tough image often do not make it big, but explode in popularity once they switch to a soft beauty style. Netizens have teased “Ten years as a tough man known by none; one day as a beauty known by all”. This take on aesthetics is influencing visual media creation and entertainment production to a certain extent. Watching from a distance, more and more traffic-generating stars look like “cream young men” [Pie note: 奶油小生, from 奶油 “cream” + 小生, “the role of young men in traditional Chinese opera”, is an old-fashioned term traditionally used to describe young, good-looking actors who often presented as pale, mild-mannered, scholarly]. Some entertainment venture capital picks “flower men” as their choice for leads regardless of the TV dramas/films’ subject matter, follows the young (male) idol path. Commercial products and ads extend their offers to “little fresh meat” [Pie note: 小鲜肉 is the nickname for young (male) idols]. Even cosmetics, which have conventionally been thought of as women-only products, are no longer asking only women stars to be their spokespeople. Feminine beauty can exist, but all things shouldn’t be taken to the extreme. As “flower men” overflow on screen, masculine, tough men are reducing in numbers. This may counter the basic rules of art creation, and disrupt the development of diverse social aesthetics.

Any product produced by the mind, in the process of production, is also producing minds that will accept it, consume it. Audience of Dangai include not only adults, but also not-too-mature youths who pursue “Rot Culture” as a fashionable trend. In particular, as the aesthetics of men in the eyes of young women turn even more feminine, such change can indirectly influence the cognition of young men, cause the young men to subconsciously shift their own gender expression closer to the feminine beauty anticipated by women. Most Dangai stories are far removed from reality; some young audience nonetheless mix them up with real life, develop biased understanding such as “only love that doesn’t treat matrimony and reproduction as destinations is true love”. Although Daigai is often made “Danmei-less”, in that the romantic relationship between the two male leads are re-written as brothers and zhiji (confidants), the canon and the Rot Culture behind it still hides large amounts of pornographic, violent content, including biased, unhealthy perspectives on gender, and un-scientific, even wrong biological knowledge. If such content isn’t given restrictions, it will seriously mislead the values and self-fulfilment of the young.

PART 1 PART 2 <-- YOU ARE HERE PART 3

[blouisparadise]

Here are some amazing bottom Louis fics posted or completed during the month of August. We really hope you enjoy this list and that you give these fics a lot of love.

Happy reading!

1) Move Out | Explicit | 1525 words

Harry and Louis are moving in together, so they might as well make the most of Harry's apartment.

2) Take Off Your Business Suit | Explicit | 3082 words

“Yes, let me get another chair.” Louis said, leaning up off of the desk. He stood up but before he could leave the office to get another chair, Harry was grabbing his hand.

The words that came out of Harry’s mouth made Louis’ knees weak and heart beat quicken. “Just sit on my lap.” Harry said. Whatever he said afterwards didn’t make it into Louis’ ears as he was moving quickly over to Harry and placing himself on Harry’s lap.Louis would take anything Harry wanted to give him; hand touching, lap sitting, all of it.

Louis hadn't realized he was holding his breath until it came out in a quiet sigh. “Okay so th-this one will be slightly different right?” He asked as he pointed at the sheet of paper in front of him.

3) So Good, It's Making Me Drool | Explicit | 3364 words

He kept his back turned to Harry, whispering the few words he knew that would make Harry go absolutely wild. “If I’m only yours, maybe you should take me to bed and teach me who I belong to.”

4) What I Like | Explicit | 4245 words

Note: This fic has mentions of BH.

Harry gets tired of the "older women" jokes and the incessant teasing from Louis.

5) ll Belong To Your Creation | General Audiences | 4349words

Louis had always thought it was impossible to do so. Thankfully, upon doing research he learned that he still can as long as there are no complications throughout the whole pregnancy. He also stumble upon a birth vlog where a mum was able to give birth naturally even after going through c-section with her first and second pregnancy.

6) An Axolotl and the Fake Date | Explicit | 5976 words

Harry runs a stall at a farmers market every weekend and Louis comes by one day with an odd request.

7) Feels So Right | Explicit | 8804 words

The one where Louis is Troy, Harry is Gabriella, and we find out what really happened after karaoke at that ski resort...

8) Giallo! | Mature | 9776 words

Louis was a mess. A stuttery mess of weak knees and grass stains on his fresh linen clothes, his cheeks blooming a natural pink that matched his sunburnt nose. Upon his return from University, his family abandon the bustling city of London to bask in the comfort of their summer villa. With such a property came maintenance, Louis' father hired a strapping young fellow with tanned skin littered with ink and a charming smile aided by dimples in both his cheeks. Between reading, baking and painting, Louis stares at Harry, he couldn't help it. They grow close under the sun of Greece in 1989.

9) Interlude: One Night in March | Explicit | 10671 words

Note: This is a sequel to this fic.

“Said I would, didn’t I?” Harry let his hands roam over Louis’s bare back, his muscles rippling with that same frenetic energy he always had, swirling just beneath the skin, just beneath Harry’s fingers. “May come a time I’ll have to carry you again.”

Cupping the back of his head and burying his fingers in Louis’s hair, he pulled Louis back into another deep kiss, moaned a bit when Louis squeezed his chest again, harder this time, like he wanted the shirt off. But instead he drew his hand down Harry’s side and tugged at the hem, as though to say best keep this on, before he licked into Harry’s mouth, drew Harry’s tongue out to play only to pull back enough to speak.

“May come a time I’ll actually fucking let you.”

10) Hate To Smoke (Without Me) | Mature | 12164 words

Sleep. Harry just wants one good night of sleep. However, his neighbour has a thing for headboard-banging-against-the-wall-sex every night. After a secret set-up and a bet, Harry may finally get the sleep he so much desires.

11) Call You Mine | Explicit | 12755 words

“I have a request.”

That’s what Louis Tomlinson says to Harry when he opens the front door a bit too aggressively. The latter feels justified after a round of annoyingly incessant knocking that was much too loud in the drowsy sludge of early Saturday morning.

“Zayn’s asleep,” is Harry’s tired, hoarse reply, irritation prickling at his skin. Less than a minute ago he was in bed, feeling perfectly content sprawled out on the mattress with the chilled air from the fan cool against his bare skin. And now he’s leaning up against the wooden door frame in nothing but his briefs because Zayn’s best mate decided that showing up unannounced at seven in the fucking morning was a brilliant idea.

“I’m not here for him,” says Louis curtly.

12) A Vivid And Wistful Melody | Explicit | 13128 words

"Slowly, he takes his violin out of its case, listens for a few more minutes to Louis’ flute, before joining him as best as he could. The flute stops for a few seconds, and Harry imagines Louis blinking cutely, taken aback, before huffing with a smile, and starting to play again, on a suddenly far happier tune. Harry closes his eyes as he twirls around the living room, violin in hand and music filling the air. He pictures Louis doing the same in his own flat while being careful as to not step on his cat.

Somehow, even with heavy eyes and tired limbs, this is the happiest Harry has ever felt in years."

In which they are neighbours stuck at home and they happen to start talking through a wall with a piano, a violin, and a flute. They end up writing the soundtrack of their own love story.

13) Until This Blood Runs Cold | Explicit | 13685 words

In a town as small as Louis’, everybody knows everybody and gossip spreads faster than the wildfires that rage on just outside their backdoors in the sweltering heat of summer. When something happens here everyone knows about it within seconds. Neighbors call neighbors and notes are left on doorsteps, old telephone lines ringing until there isn’t a single person who is left in the unknown.

So it’s definitely hot gossip when a vampire moves in across the street from him, the very same one who’s just become Louis’ boss.

14) A Road To Hope | Explicit | 18280 words

Note: There is no explicit smut but its implied BL.

“We’re far from the people and their issues, don’t hold back. Please.”

It’s true. They are far away from anything that could stop them, the middle of nowhere being the safest place on Earth for them to fall in love. The sacred land where sacred love is created. However, Louis is certain that even if they weren’t safe, he wouldn’t resist the sight of Harry, his pleading eyes, his warm skin beneath his touch.

15) Your Eyes Of Blue, Your Kisses Too | Explicit | 21785 words

When they get out onto the streets away from the crowds Niall turns to walk backwards, “So did you get any leads?”

“Well- uh.”

Niall shakes his head, “Too busy kissing that pretty boy onstage, I see. Gonna blow the whole case for a piece of ass?”

16) Thinking About Peaches | Explicit | 23724 words

Note: This fic is a sequel to this fic, which is #18 on this list.

Eight smutty drabbles following the events of bruise you like a peach.

17) Quiet People Have the Loudest Minds | Mature | 38065 words

Broadway shows were one of the few things that could keep Louis’ attention for a full two hours without needing to move about. But not tonight.

The alpha next to him was both infuriating him and practically turning him on at the same time. He needed to leave. The alpha, that is. Louis was staying.

18) Bruise You Like A Peach | Explicit | 40694 words

Note: The sequel to this fic is #16 on this list. 

There’s two reasons Harry despises Econ.

The first is that it’s boring as fuck. The second reason is a bit more personal, a bit more focused in a way. As in it’s focused on one specific thing, or in his case, person.

His name is Louis Tomlinson.

19) Falling Out Of Fashion | Explicit | 42123 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Harry Styles has been the established face of the Grimshaw House of Design for two years. It’s a prestigious and coveted modeling contract Harry took away from once-famed supermodel Zayn Malik. With the model transition Grimshaw’s designs went from a more urban, Zayn-forward aesthetic, to a Harry-favoring flowery, flowing femininity in the Grimshaw designs for men.

So when Harry sees a dress Grimshaw made for a famous Marvel actress, “only a tease”, Nick says, of the evolving look, Harry knows Grimshaw is shifting his aesthetic.

Harry wonders if he can pull off the look.

Or could Grimshaw be looking for a new face?

20) Secretly Dating | Mature | 43615 words

Lottie groaned, looming over Louis with a glare. “If we’re late, Mum and Dad will never let Harry see me – ie. see you.”

It was the first time they openly addressed the fact that Harry saw more of Louis than Lottie on their supposed ‘dates.’ He supposed he knew as much, but it still startled him. “You’ve been setting us up!”

Lottie snorted, cocking out her hip and brushing her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Honestly, Harry. You’re so dense. To be fair, it was at Louis’ request.”

Louis’ mouth gaped like a fish as he jumped to standing position, wobbling only slightly. “Don’t sell me out!”

Lottie rolled her eyes. “Come on lovebirds.”

21) You’ve Got My Devotion (Hate You Sometimes) | Mature | 95417 words

Harry was in the biggest boy band in the world. He was also one half of the best (or worst, depends on who you ask) kept secret relationship in the music industry.

Now, almost five years on, after One Direction has broken up, and Harry and Louis' relationship has as well, a video threatens to put everything at risk.

One determined Irishman, a massive publicity stunt and two begrudging exes are all it takes to bring One Direction back to life and maybe, just maybe, Harry and Louis' mangled love life too.

22) The Healing Song | Mature | 111851 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Louis was carrying the large stuffed elephant like it was a baby, it’s trunk hanging over his shoulder and down his back and it’s front legs were resting around his neck, like it was hugging him. Said elephant was a present from Louis’ close friend Steve, who had thought Louis needed something to hug on bad days and had gifted him with a stuffed elephant the size of a one year old.

Steve had been right. Some days Louis did need something to hug, and this elephant was as good as anything.

Louis was having one of the rougher days. The harmonious state of the anxiety free life of a fearless Louis had ended the week after he met with Harry. It ended as abruptly as it had started. It was like pushing a button. Lights out. Almost as if the universe said “You’ve had your fun, crazy one, now go be sick” and slammed the door in his face.

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[watchinglikeafangirl]

Lovely Writer Epsiode 8 - analysis

I have to say, this week's episode is the best one so far because so many things got explained and the puzzlepieces suddenly find their places. It's incredible how much hidden forshadowing the other episodes contain. Every week, I sit here and find clues they placed in episode 3 or something. It's really nice and that's what good writing is about. I find the script really great because this show focuses on so many different aspects, it's literally overwhelming.

On the one hand, we have Nubsib and Gene's lovestory which mostly happens apart from all the other stuff going on. Lovely Writer makes fun of all these cheesy romances with cringey dialogue underlined with a soundtrack that doesn't fit the atmosphere in the scenes at all. Gene and Nubsib have scenes which mix all the cliches at the same time. But at the same time, their lovestory is slow and their affection for each other is not all about physical attraction because love is not about that. Of course, enjoying kissing and having sex is a normal part of a relationship but I often feel like BLs want to tell me all the other stuff happens "off screen" because the talks late at night and taking care of each other are actually way harder to write. But Lovely Writer shows us very much about all those other aspects of a relationship, for example when Gene and Nubsib talk on the phone for hours. These are relationship goals which are rarely addressed but take place way more often than making out.

On the other hand, Lovely Writer is not about a lovestory at all. They make the Thai BL industry look bad by showing the harmony on camera and during interviwes is a fassade because all this pressure and fame gets to one personally and you turn out to be the worst version of yourself. This industry basically wants the actors to sacrifice their life, their identity for entertainment. This is a very sharp critic and Lovely Writer portrays this very well. They manage to switch between lovestory and toxic film business quite well.

Lovestory in a fairytale

Last episode nubsib went to the house where Gene hid and this story continues in this episode. We all know, what happened last week, there were many gifs about it and the cuteness continues here on an even higher level.

But all this takes place somewhere far from their work with no other people around. They are in this house together and spend two day there of explorig their feelings and I guess, talking about stuff most of the time. The rooms are always flooded with daylight and it looks very cozy and warm. Their relationship went next level and they both are very happy about it, so the first half of this episode contains a lot of positive feelings and the outside is not interfering. It looks more like a lovestory in a fairytale because they are drunk on happiness and excitement. It's something new, the start of a relationship and that's a big step. In the beginning they don't face challenges and can basically live happily in this house. But of course, the fairytale has to end and they go back. The mood switches at an instant and the lighting is different because now they aren't as free any more. Before, they were in a lonely house and were free to do anything.

This sort of bright lighting returns on the balcony because there, they can't be disturbed either and are just two young people in love again. Being in love in a silly and cheesy way is also part of a relationship and it's something normal, so Gene and Nubsib have those moments too even after they are back because now we (and Gene) know it's real. It's not something that happened in a different world. It is the reality and takes place even in the normal life.

Relationship goals

Like I said, their relationship looks very natural and is not faked or forced. In fact, their romance is too good to take. They share a few kisses but it's not the kisses which make my heart melt. It's Nubsib ask for consent in those moments. It's their talks. It's the little actions for me because little actions of care and love are way cuter than just a bunch of kiss and NC scenes. That's not what I want. I only watch BLs because they are about a love despite what society might tell you is right. I'm not here for kiss scenes. In some shows, all the private scenes of the main couple contain either kissing or sex and I don't understand why. In a relationship, you like this part as well but like the person you do that with more.

So, I like Gene and Nubsib's relationship being more lovingly and honest very much because trust, loyalty and honesty are more important.

Also, we can see they are both very serious about the relationship and go all in for it. There is no angrily storming off again. There is no being mad for a whole epsiode any more. There is no annoying shyness and blushing. Both characters don't really match the cliche dynamic and I love that because stereotypes just make me sick.

Here, Gene and Nubsib have an argument and even though they get disturbed, Nubsib makes sure they will talk about it later. They will have a mature and conversation about this when they both have calmed down. And this is real. This is normal and nothing to be very scared of. It's just a little argument that will probably be solve in a few sentences.

Lovely Writer has a whole concept. We got a moment when one of them was storming off and was mad for a whole episode but they just did that to reverse it and portray it as unrealistic and unfair for the other person because this way Gene wasn't giving Nubsib any chance to apologize nor explain himself.

Oversexualization

If I'm gonna talk about the fact the love story doesn't contain a lot of kiss or NC scenes, then I need to talk about this problem here. Actually, the oversexualization of BLs is harshly criticized in this scene and I belive Gene is totally right but the thing is, it's not just the Thai BL industry and it's not just BLs. It's far more than that and I believe westernization is a part of it (that's a huge topic, I know. I will only address one tiny aspect here). I don't know very much about the eastern countries of Asia. I only know what I've seen in documentaries or on the internet, so I can't say I'm an expert at all. But from what I know and what I've seen, Eastasian societies are more closeted about relationships and sex. I'm not saying every country (please, don't be offended and feel free to correct me) and I don't know how open Thailand is about this topic but I feel like the "western" countries are more open about it. I live in Germany and here it's a topic like everything else and people tend to overshare. I feel like the countries which are that open, oversexualize very quickly because it's no difficult topic among the people. So, oversexualization happens in all film businesses of such countries and since Thai BLs have fans all over the world, they oversexualize too in order to make the people like it. The whole internet seems horny all the time, so it works and sells itself pretty good. So, Gene doesn't just call out the Thai BL industry. He basically calls out half of the world's film businesses because they all do it.

But like Hin said, that doesn't mean NC scenes should be banned or are bad. Just an overuse of such passages is the problem here because then it's not about romance any more. Then, you can call it an erotic novel. When there's one or two NC scenes and they make sense in the story, it's totally fine. The writers and authors just need to find the right balance. And since the preview looked like things will be happening, then it's just happening because the mood was right. See sex as part of bonding because relationships are basically just good friendships with some next level stuff.

Consent

People love Nubsib asking Gene for consent whenever he wants to kiss him and that's really considerate but I saw this post here and discovered Nubsib is not the king of consent at all. He's only asking for consent whenever they are alone. But not when they are with other people because he knows Gene is shy. He outs him to three people during this episode even though he said he'll wait and Gene obviously doesn't want him to do that. Afterwards, he even comforts Gene to lift the pressure but he can't deny he put this pressure on Gene in the first place. As I said, Gene is shy towards other people, Nubsib knows that and plays this card. With others, Gene won't say anything because he's too polite and also, you don't have an argument in front of others. So, Nubsib doesn't stay true to his words and is still manipulative.

Finding your soulmate

Believe it or not, but I totally see Lovely Writer fulfilling the "soulmate" trope because this episode both indicated this - more or less through words.

Nubsib tells Gene, he felt lonely all these years in America and this loneliness vanished when he saw Gene again. He had a relationship before but still felt lonely (also, I love his previous relationship doesn't matter at all. There's no jealousy or anything). This sounds like he wants to say Gene is his long awaited soulmate.

Gene was lonely as well over all these years and got used to it but as soon as he and Nubsib grow closer he's reminded of the loneliness. He doesn't accept it any more and I believe he's nearly dying inside right before he calls Nubsib. They spend two days alone and many things happen emotionallywise, so when he gets home, he feels very lonely. Nubsib reminded him what it's like to not be lonely. He became aware of the loneliness again and hates it even more now he has someone freeing him from that feeling. Even though Gene doesn't say it, I feel like they want to tell me Nubsib is his soulmate too.

Product placement

This show's product placement cracks me up everytime. The picture with this woman... what was that lmao

Why would she hold up a face mask for a picture?

Also, the spray is so misplaced... Gene was upset but Nubsib was like "at least smell good"

Nubsib: the king of comforting