Their relationship, when it finally develops, is very teasing and sweet. However, the flip does occur, with Kong’s only option being to follow Arthit around like a lost puppy, which gets kinda stalkerish.
Plus Kong is such a sweetie who would never force physical intimacy. I like the dynamic of the uke being in a position of dominance and social power, it effectively negates any non-con action. This is the only example on my list that depicts solid female friendships (with each other and the boys), as well as a lesbian character. The surrounding friendship groups for both characters are quite lovely. So, be warned, if you can’t stand SOTUS for this reason, you won’t be able to take any of the others listed here except those out of China or Taiwan. There is much less overacting/slapstick although there are a few cartoon noises and interjected clumsy pop songs. ( Although He’s Coming to Me might actually be even better now that it’s widely available.) And it’s why it appears first on my list. That, combined with so few triggers makes it easy to see why SOTUS was so palatable to Netflix mainstream. There is very little physical intimacy, and almost none of the culturally-understood intimacy (like head touching or forehead/cheek kisses). There is an earnestness to SOTUS that lends it an air of authenticity that other BL dramas on this list simply don’t have. There is a one episode look in, as part of the Our Skyy series, which follows Kong deciding to study abroad and Arthit’s feelings of abandonment after being the object of his obsession for so long. It deals with coming out at work and has some interesting insights into corporate culture in Thailand.
The second series is both flashbacks to their second year as a couple (when Kong takes over as head hazer) and their current-day relationship, which is Arthit’s first job and Kong’s senior year/internship. The first series follows Arthit succumbing to Kong’s relentless pursuit, and them coming out to their friends. (If BL teaches you nothing else, it’s that in Thailand, if you’re in engineering, you’re gay.) Arthit is older, meaner, grumpy jerk who goes after his junior Kongpob (played by Singto Prachaya) because Kong objects to the Faculty of Engineering hazing rituals.