Episode Thoughts: Secret Relationships, Episode 2

Well here I am. I guess I’ll be writing about each episode of Secret Relationships. 😅

Episode 2 was definitely even more interesting than the premiere as we dove deeper into Daon’s, *ahem*, secret relationships with these three leading men.

So, pardon my rambling recap!

The episode started out with us getting a very vivid glimpse at the dynamic between Jaemin and Soohyun. Soohyun is quite aggressive and the two of them seem to have a very clear understanding about where they stand with each other. And it definitely doesn’t feel like they are normal ex-boyfriends.

Now, I’ll admit that I think I stumbled upon a big spoiler about the story while I was perusing the comments section of the show yesterday. And while the spoiler makes sense, I’ll just pretend I don’t know it and comment as if I’m just interpreting what’s on screen. At least, I’ll try!

But, seeing their dynamic even in just that one scene really offers up a big clue into how their relationship with Daon might really be. Rivals? Rivals-turned-lovers? Lovers-turned-rivals? I dunno!

Very interesting though to include that scene of Soohyun at home, showing him being a good uncle to his niece and showing the pressure he is under from his parents. Especially when it comes to them marrying him off and obviously not approving of his, presumably, same-sex relationship with Jaemin. A bit of a tiny opening to counter basically everything else we’ve seen about him so far. So that’s going to be very interesting to see his character develop.

Meanwhile, the biggest focus of the episode was Daon having to face the harsh, judgmental society they live in, encapsulated in the unfair and gross office gossip against him.

Of course, it was all thanks to his gambling addict father making a scene. But it was all part of showing how Daon has had extra hurdles to deal with growing up. And showing more of how Daon has had to fend for himself in the world. Even if he had a Jaemin or a Soohyun seemingly have his back only for something to have affected those relationships in the past.

And then here comes Seonghyeon. Perhaps the first person to actually make an effort to be there for him in a sincere way. A relationship not clouded by romantic feelings or unrequited love or any kind of toxicity.

It was a nice contrast from Daon and Seonghyeon’s first meeting of course. From Daon telling Seonghyeon not to meddle to now being appreciative of Seonghyeon speaking up for him against their Marites co-workers.

It’s a fast moving development between them. But it feels well-earned and makes sense in the story so far.

It’s great how up to this point, Seonghyeon had been mostly the lighthearted and almost comic relief character compared to the soapier dramatic dynamic with the other guys. And now that his character is getting more serious, it helps make his scenes with Daon all the more exciting and egaging.

Daon is a funny character sometimes, not realizing the little things he does to Seonghyeon can make his heart flutter. First with the tie and now with the wiping off the food from his mouth. Two very romantic gestures otherwise. But just a simple, nice guy gesture from Daon. Or perhaps, subconsciously, he knows Seonghyeon is more the kind of guy he should be attracted to instead of the two potential red flags he’s had to deal with for, I think, 11 years! 😲 hehe

Whenever two characters meet under an umbrella, you know that they’re destined to be. Lol So we’ll root for more of Seonghyeon taking the initiative toward Daon. And Daon slowly realizing he can break free of the cycle or broken record he’s been playing with the two guys.

Speaking of, the episode closes out with Daon spending the night with Jaemin after confronting him about giving his father moneys. We learn this is not the first time Jaemin has helped Daon’s family without telling him first. And of course it’s understandable for Daon to be upset as it can make him feel inadequate with respect to his family, while also making him look incapable to the guy he likes.

I think I was shocked more by Jaemin telling Daon to stay with him tonight and then laying his head on him than Jaemin being cold toward Daon in the morning and shutting him down after he finally confesses.

Did they sleep in the same bed too? Red flag!

“I don’t want our relationship to be like this again,” Jaemin says though. So that implies something must have happened between them before. Perhaps this isn’t the first time Daon’s feelings have been known to Jaemin?

One thing is clear though, seems like Daon’s relationship with Jaemin isn’t the healthiest either. But of course Daon having feelings for him can definitely cloud his better judgement.

Finally, the episode ends with Soohyun and Daon finally coming face to face. Soohyun seems very possessive of Daon. Which of course contrasts the more cutesy vibe we saw in that flashback epilogue scene.

I think basically we can confirm these three guys all have feelings for Daon. Jaemin and Sooyhun must have fought over him. Seonghyeon obviously has feelings for him today. And Daon is just trying to get through his life without needing lots of drama.

As for the acting, they were all solid once again. Kim Junseo as Daon definitely had the widest range of emotions he needed to tackle this episode. And he did very well. It’s exciting to watch as someone who knows him first as a singer and performer.

Overall, episode two was very interesting. Definitely an engaging story. But now I am feeling a bit eager to get the rest of the episodes sooner rather than later. Even if we get a lot of stuff in one episode, that desire to know more immediately is there. And that’s a testament to a well-written, well-paced and well-performed series. Secret Relationships, so far, is all of the above. Let’s keep that momentum up!