“The On1y One” tells the story of a slow, sincere love between two teenage boys whose parents suddenly remarry. Filled with cozy vibes that are perfect for the fall season, “The On1y One” comes from the same director behind “Your Name Engraved Herein.”
If you aren’t already watching this BL series hailing from Taiwan, here are seven reasons you should hop on board!
Warning: Some spoilers up to episode 7 ahead.
1. It’s about finding love in unexpected places
Brothers falling in love, a tale as old as time (in the BL world, that is). Okay, well, hold your horses.
Sheng Wang (Liu Dong Qin) and Jiang Tian (Benjamin Tsang) aren’t actually related. When their parents remarry, they begrudgingly move in together and attend the same school. At the start, they don’t want anything to do with each other.
But who can blame them when they finally get to know each other, and their feelings turn into something more? Their mutual understanding of loss, feeling alone, and being young bring them together.
This love between step-brothers plot isn’t new to BLs, especially Taiwanese and Chinese ones. Think “HISstory 2: Crossing the Line,” “Unknown,” and “Stay With Me,” and those are just a few.
2. The cinematography will make you press pause
The cinematography in this screams nostalgia, youth, and the whimsy of first-time love. The drama has so many beautiful scenes that you can’t help but pause and really soak it in.
The purely visual scenes are really something. Sometimes, words aren’t needed.
3. It’s got a poetic side
There’s seriously so much wisdom to absorb in this drama, and it applies to all ages, not just young folks. A lot of the time, the script sounds like poetry.
Coupled with the beautiful scenes, this is a huge selling point if words mean just as much to you as visuals do. Who knows, the drama might just inspire you.
4. There are so many cute moments
Squeal! The dorky but sweet Sheng Wang and the tsundere Jiang Tian get into a lot of adorable moments together, from a piggyback ride upstairs to helping each other ace their school tests via late-night study sessions.
They’re silly and cute at the same time.
5. …but there’s also crazy tension
You can’t have enemies-to-lovers without tension. It’s a given. And least to say, you can really feel it through the screen with these two.
At one point, there’s a disagreement between Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian about the meaning behind a kiss, which leads to an interesting confrontation at home.
6. The side characters add extra spice to the story
Exhibit A is Sheng Wang’s funny, mischievous friend named Crab (JN Yu), who, yes, wears crab accessories to drive the point home.
Crab is Sheng Wang’s go-to person to call for advice and insider info. From helping Sheng Wang answer a difficult homework problem to giving him (mostly) helpful life advice, he seems to do it all.
Coming in at a close second is the lovable couple, Zhao Xi (Samuel Gu) and Lin Bei Ting (Yan Yu Lin). They own a café together and are good friends with many of the students. Along with keeping the students fed, they also give important advice to Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian about life and love.
Not everyone is so nice though.
There’s also a classmate who’ll do anything for praise and good grades. There’s trouble lurking when both Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian start stealing this student’s limelight.
7. And, finally, it has immaculate autumn vibes
This also ties into the amazing cinematography and attention to detail of the scenes and sets in this show. Cozy. Nostalgic. Rainy days and crisp fall leaves. This show is seriously autumn-coded.
It just might be one of the best BLs to watch as the leaves change colors this season!
Start watching “The On1y One” now:
Which dramas are you watching this autumn? Is “The On1y One” on your watch list? Let us know in the comments below!
Asya’s a BL-biased Soompi writer with a love of K-pop and all types of Asian dramas. Some of her favorite shows are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!,” “Light On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
Currently watching: “First Note of Love,” “The On1y One,” “Time of Fever,” and “Love is a Poison.”
Looking forward to: “Your Sky the Series,” “See Your Love,” and “Fourever You.”
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