I just finished this jdrama and I’m struggling to find the words to tell you how good it was.
Not everyone will watch a show just because you reccomend it so this is for those people who will read this but might not watch it. If you want to watch it *spoilers are ahead*
I have talk about this show. It was too good not to.
Mischievous kiss 1: what the show did well
Opposite of disapproving mom -> mother was extrememly supportive of Kotoko and Naoki being together, even when Naoki didn’t like Kotoko yet.
There are quite a few dramas with the “girl who is useless, immature, clumsy, and sTuPiD loves smart boy who is cold and doesn’t undertstand most human emotions” trope. This show however showed real growth on Kotoko’s part. Naoki tutored her yes, but she strives for her own goals and never stopped trying to be a good (whatever trait she wanted at the time). She even decided to give up on him because he made her feel like crap and she was tired of it(of course this is when he was like ‘maybe I like her…?’)
Naoki’s development was also wonderful to watch. He went from this cold person to actually showing concern, sympathy, selflessness, and vulnerability. It was beautiful I tell you.
Naoki finally showing his feelings and then IMMEDIATELY going to ask for permission to marry Kotoko. Boss move.
Mischievous Kiss 2: what the show did well
A lot of people think it’s hard to outdo the original but this sequel DID IT FOR ME.
Kotoko’s first time really expressing her anger at Naoki was my FAVORITE PART. When you’ve watched the first season, she spends so much time trying to get him to like her, trying to be a girl he would want, trying trying trying and to her, she always loved him more and he had the audacity (after another man is clearly challenging him on behalf of Kotoko) to be so jealous he barely looked at her or talked to her that she SNAPS and…the excellence! The F L A V O R !
Naoki being jealous because Keita(a fellow nurse in Kotoko’s group) developed feelings for Kotoko is also great to watch. “Don’t talk about her like she’s yours” and “She’s for me. I need her.” I nearly fucking fainted.
All of their growth as a couple. The love rivals, the getting into medical school and becoming doctor and nurse together, being apart for a year. They went through SO MUCH and were still loving and supportive
Naoki showing genuine affection to Kotoko. I’m sorry but the hugs from behind, the hugs, the kisses, the Eskimo kisses. Even his support and how he takes care of her makes me soft. He never babies her and never sugar coats but he NEVER tried to dissuade her from something she really wanted.
Naoki talking about what he loves about Kotoko. MY FAVORITE LINES OF THE SHOW:
“That’s why…that’s why I fell in love with her. Unlike you, she can’t do anything right….But I love her power.”
“She kept saying I love you as if it were a spell.”
“Kotoko can’t do 90% of what I can do, but she can do the 10% that I could never do in a hundred years.”
He loves her for exactly who and what she is. He never once in the show tries to change her from her loud, over the top, partially insecure, crazy self. The small stuff really impacts you because you watch them go from Naoki literally saying “No, thanks.” to her confession of love and walking over her love letter to them getting MARRIED and having a DAUGHTER. UwU.
I’M SOFT ASF BECASUE OF THIS SHOW. I’m crying in fetal position as we speak.
Please. PLEASE. Watch this show. It’s on Netflix. It really is great content, great writing, great characters. My top 3 Asian dramas list has been ransacked again.
Jackson Wang:
An international star, popular idol, host of many television programs, and rising actor….
spent his New Years Eve throwing a water bottle at a wall to trickshot it into a trashcan to impress his otter friend