Why I will never get over Tian and Phupha
And no, its not because its outside the usual university/office context. (well yes it adds to the reason but hear me out).
Classic Thai BL is how a rich boy with issues meets poor boy with a big heart who gives him confidence to open his heart again. Jealous ex, old girl crush, second lead, poorly shown confusion about ones sexuality…. But this one? Almost none of it.
Well poor boy rich boy yes & no. Tian is a rich boy who is having a tough time coping with the prospect of death. He was not heartbroken from an ex…. he was genuinely frustrated from having no goals, a comfortable life with little room to aspire for more, no clue of his interests. And then he knows he might just die one day before he even gets to 30. Then one fine day Torfun’s unfortunate death saves his life. He feels burdended with guilt. A horrible guilt to live with. There was this young woman, with hopes, dreams, a desire to do good for the village kids. Because of his parents connections & wealth he not only cuts the line but also gets to prolong a life he was living aimlessly. Unhappily.
But now for the first time in his life, guilt it may be, drives him to actually do something. The near death experience pushes him to try something new & seek something in this second life that was bestowed upon him. Also notice how it’s not poor boy teaches rich boy there is so much to live for. Tian finds a reason to keep going by himself. Phupha was a sweet bonus on the side that made out worthwhile for him to stick around in a remote place (and as a city kid let me tell you living in such remote places semi permanently is hard for us. It’s a 360 degree lifestyle change)
And idk if it is Tian or Mix but he has this firm yet gentle feminine charatcter about him. He is just a little bratty with Phupa to get his attention. He doesn’t wait like the princess to be pursued, he initiates. But when hints are thrown at him he shows he picks on them and still plays just a little hard to get.
Also Phupha. Earth just does it so well as a reserved masculine lead 😂 but even then, him caring for Tian seems more of a protective instinct. It feels like at first he had this prejudice knowing who Tian is, that he wouldn’t be able to bear hardships. However at the same time he’s hit with the fact just how attractive he finds this man. Sure he must have given up on dating after being heartbroken losing his father…. But think about it. He’s near the border. Few colleagues & families in the village. There was Torfun. He knew she liked him. Although not explicit he was probably gay & could not afford to come out in such a tight knit village where many don’t understand it. They may not be homophobic, but they also may not understand what being gay is. And they keep telling him to get a “wife”. Then comes this man who is attractive, sassy AND into him? Phupha may not be this brooding masculine guy after all he might just be unaware of how to flirt confidently. Especially with a man.
Leaving aside the manufactured conflict which could’ve been done so much better…. Phupha is such a shy character. He doesn’t show much affection in public. And in Our Skyy 2 it is clear just how insecure he feels seeing Tian has moved & changed his lifestyle to suit him but he’s barely done that much of a lifestyle change for him. And the difference in social class makes it hard for him to see Tian’s parents. He must have worked so hard to get that diamond & plan the proposal w his parents🥹
And I love how genuine the ending feels. Tian gives his life abroad a chance & ultimately decides he wants to go teach in that village. Phupha knows he likes his job & sets Tian free saying he’ll wait for him but doesn’t expect him to return. It was not a real compromise on careers or dreams, but a natural draw they had towards each other & the place & its community.
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