This is a drama that I began a while back, but then dropped. So, if you've found the first few episodes to be slow, maybe like me, if you keep watching, you just might begin to connect with it.

Park Dong Hoon is a righteous man who doesnt seem to care about materialistic things, nor does he care about competing with others. He lives a diligent life, at least by the standards of others. But, hes not happy. Often, he expresses how he doesnt know how to live and how hes forcing himself to go to work, and forcing himself to live. He puts on an act that everything is fine, and doesnt confront his problems by conveying what he truly wants. As for the female leade; In many dramas I've watched before where the main character is poor, they are usually portrayed as a bright person who can act cheerfully regardless of their circumstances. Ji-an is an example of someone who is unable to do that, and it's important to have that kind of representation because not all people are able to put on a happy face when the world has beaten them down. And that shouldn't be seen as wrong or pessimistic.
To be a good actress, you dont have to be the best at acting melodramatic. At crying loudly. At screaming and acting over-emotionally. Sometimes, it's the roles where you have to convey your emotions with the least lines that end up captivating the viewers. This was true for both the main characters. The fact that they were both reserved and quiet made it more noticeable and impactful when the slightest change occurred in their facial expressions. I was both eager to know what they were thinking, and also able to connect with them on a profound level.

At first, I wondered what kind of relationship the main pair would have. Exactly what kind of events would bring the two of them together, and create such a strong bond? The more I watched, the more understanding I had of this relationship.

"Once you know someone, there comes a point where you dont care what they do. I know you."

This phrase sums up their relationship, basically. They come from completely different backgrounds, yet they feel as though they understand each other more than anyone.

The relationships in this drama were very realistic. The conversations felt real; awkward silences, outbursts between siblings, heartfelt exchanges. The lease realistic thing, although it was the basis for the story, was Ji-an eavesdropping on Donghoon. It made me question the relationship between the two leads, and how negatively those actions could impact this relationship. On the other hand, this was an integral part of the story, because through these moments, Ji-an began to change for the better. In a way, she was doing what she does best; listening. She listened in on other people's lives to soothe her own loneliness. So, I cant completely hate her for it.
The bond between the three siblings was my favorite bond apart from Ji-an and Donghoon. The way they get so worked up when something happened to Donghoon; how they cry with him, and walk home with him, and sit with him. I loved that aspect so much. Nothing beats family.

Broken things can be mended. "This life is ruined. How many times do I have to be reborn for things to go right?" That kind of thinking is broken in itself. When this life veers off track, it's our job to put it back and turn things around, so we dont end up wishing our lives away. The end ties everything together well because Donghoon finally decides he wants to be happy. This life is not ruined. There's hope.
"Being humiliated? People talking about your life being ruined? Those are nothing. I can be happy. I wont let this ruin my life. I'm going to be happy. I'll be happy. " - Donghoon

Coming into a drama with two main leads, many people ask whether there's going to be a romance between them. No, there is none. Their relationship was more than that. And while I still found myself hoping for more, I am completely happy with the way their relationship unfolded. I still found myself happy to see the profound, meaningful interactions between them.

Overall, this is one of those dramas that have a wholesome set of characters. I loved hearing about all their stories, and was delighted to witness the events that occured in this neighbourhood.
I wish there were more scenes of everybody walking home together.
I'm gonna miss the soccer team who are always on standby; whether it's to beat someone up, or attend a funeral.. and play soccer. If there were a season two, I'd definitely watch it; even if just to see how the characters are doing with their new lives. It didnt feel like a story that ends once the curtains are drawn; but like the characters will continue to live their lives in search of what they're looking for, if that makes any sense to you. Hopefully that's how this drama makes you feel too. I know I'm going to keep thinking about it for a long time.

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