Episode guide

In the realm of "tug-of-war" romantic entanglements, it's common in South Korea to hear phrases like: "내 남자친구가 항상 나를 밀당하는 것 같아," which roughly translates to: "It feels like my boyfriend is always playing hard to get with me." Does your crush exhibit hot-and-cold behavior? One moment they're pursuing you ardently, and the next, they're withdrawing and distancing themselves? It's precisely in such scenarios that Koreans employ the term "mildang." This describes the deliberate push-and-pull dynamic someone creates with another individual. In the drama 'Boys Be Brave,' directed by Lim Hyun Hee, the plot revolves around the "mildang" of two couples caught between confessing their feelings and holding back, depicting the adorable yet agonizing tug-of-war of unspoken love. The story unfolds through the lens of Jin Woo, a naive perfectionist who meticulously plans his life. However, when he falls for Ki Sub, a confident and determined individual, their playful push-and-pull dynamic begins. Ki Sub's unexpected intrusion into Jin Woo's apartment not only usurps the living room sofa but also heralds the start of a beautiful love story between former friends turned roommates. Despite initial reluctance, sharing a roof turns out to be an ideal opportunity for closeness. What fascinates me is the transformation between Jin Woo, a perfectionist longing for an ideal relationship, and Ki Sub, initially perceived as just another popular guy but harboring a desire for genuine affection. As the story progresses, they evolve for each other. Similarly, Ki Sub learns to navigate complex emotions and reveal his true self. The series showcases the characters' evolving actions and emotions, fueled by Ki Sub's relentless charm offensive against Jin Woo, leading to amusing and heartwarming moments. Additionally, it delves into the love story between Choi Balg-Eum and Ji In Ho, who harbor a secret from their high school days. Adapted from Seok Young's webtoon "Roonmates," this LGBT+-themed romantic comedy explores the unique personas and charms of its characters. The narrative, crafted by emerging writer Lee Sin Won, subverts conventions and delivers a compelling storyline, highlighting the interconnected conflicts and stories that bind the four boys through friendship. Nam Shi An's portrayal of a popular yet lovestruck character, intrigued by Jin Woo's unspoken affection, adds depth to the storyline. Meanwhile, Kim Sung Hyun captivates as the seemingly flawless Jin Woo, whose life takes a tumultuous turn with Ki Sub's arrival. The burgeoning romance between Ki Sub and Jin Woo, born from their love-hate dynamic and solidified through empathy, forms the heart of the narrative, demonstrating how genuine relationships often stem from friendship. On another front, Ji In Ho's unresolved feelings for Choi Sunny from high school lead to unexpected encounters, testing their bond and ultimately fostering personal growth and forgiveness. Jung Yeo Jun's portrayal of Choi Sunny, an optimist shaken by past events, adds layers to the narrative, showcasing how friendship can weather storms and evolve into romantic love. As these characters navigate their emotions and confront their hearts, a tender romance blossoms, satisfying the audience's longing for heartfelt storytelling. Reasons to watch the series: - Captivating cast with undeniable chemistry. - Based on a beloved webtoon. - Directed by Lim Hyun Hee, known for previous hits. - Promises a blend of drama and visual allure. - Offers relatable characters and genuine emotions. - Features standout performances by talented actors. - Explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. - Touches upon the complexities of real-life relationships. - Showcases the actors' versatility in a BL drama setting.

*April 28th. It aired 3 days ago! Never started a series so early. Almost right after its release lol.* The series is incredibly charming and humorous. Many parts were thoroughly entertaining. It’s exceptionally engaging. I adored most of the characters, and the OST was simply… INCREDIBLE and perfectly fitting! Now, to be honest, some aspects would be a huge NO for me in real life. Even within the series, it's still borderline. Let’s begin with Gi Seop because he’s the one I'm particularly focused on here. He raised a huge red flag when Jin Woo mentioned he was a two-timer and then elaborated on how he would blatantly cheat on his girlfriends. Who would give their number to someone clearly interested in them, right in front of their partner? Then, I was irked when he became overly intrusive. Initially, it might have seemed funny, but it crossed a line when he started meddling in people's lives and personal belongings! When he declared he would give Jin Woo a week to ask him out or else he would leave – firstly, pressuring someone into asking you out, especially when you say ‘yes’ to almost everyone, is not okay. Secondly, persistently following them around and refusing to accept rejection is just not acceptable behavior. What kind of person insists on being asked out just because they’re accustomed to it and can't handle being told 'no'? Furthermore, when he was rejected, he pulled out a contract stating he would leave as soon as Jin Woo failed, even though he had just been rejected moments ago and said he wouldn’t leave? It’s incredibly twisted to want someone to ask you out just for the sake of saying 'yes' out of obligation rather than genuine interest. It could seriously damage the other person emotionally, especially if, like Gi Seop, you're juggling multiple relationships simultaneously. Other than that, he's a cute and funny character...? Also, why is he everywhere except school or his part-time job? By the way, he’s so devoted to Jin Woo that he got a mole tattooed, right? Hope their relationship lasts long! Another red flag of the series is the public confession. I would throw a tantrum if someone asked me out publicly, especially if they were pressuring me into accepting. Pressuring someone into a relationship can have serious consequences! Jin Woo is hilarious and refreshingly real from episode 1. Go team Single-since-birth! Although, his self-description as the type of girl he would like to date triggered me a bit. But aside from that, he’s pretty relatable! I absolutely adore Baelgeum’s character! He’s adorable and authentic! I can’t wait to see more of the side couple because they seem to have some backstory. Those crosses in Jin Woo’s note (next to Gi Seop) probably indicate how many times he caught Gi Seop's attention, right? That would explain their low count. But that's just my observation. Kudos to the actor for not resorting to the floating kiss! I appreciate how Gi Seop might be dense at times, but he’s surprisingly perceptive and avoids many communication clichés. I felt sorry for Baelgeum because when he was down, Gi Seop was partially there for him, albeit somewhat reluctantly. But at least he made an effort! The second couple is amazing; they have a strong backstory. I love both of them, and their relationship is so heartwarming (and realistic!). Regarding the girl who appeared (forgot her name), she’s so adorable and funny. She’s the best friend material he needs, honestly. Also, if they were to end up together, I would root for them, but it’s a BL, so obviously, they won’t, but they are cute together. Hope the writers won’t portray her as toxic or something. I adore the music too! Shazam isn’t working right now though? *11/05/24 EDIT: I’m dropping this because I’ve lost interest in this. I still love the second couple, but it isn’t strong enough to keep me invested in this show.*

I understand that requesting a second season after just two episodes may seem ambitious, but that's a testament to how captivating the show is! The production quality is top-notch, and the acting and chemistry between the actors are remarkable. While it delivers emotional depth when needed, it also shines with its light-hearted moments!