seen from United States
seen from T1
seen from Russia
seen from Russia
seen from Lebanon
seen from Pakistan
seen from Trinidad & Tobago
seen from Spain
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from Ukraine
seen from T1
seen from United States
seen from Australia
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Spain
"I just want her to be happy." ~ Hikaru Cinderella Closet (2025)
Never did quite figure out how to get lip coloration right, but we're calling it "good enough for today". And when I end up having to stay up all night to catch up on work, because I binge watched this show and spent the day practicing making gifs of this gorgeous man....I'm blaming @usertoxicyaoi. 😅 It should be a well established fact that I have very little self control when presented with a beautiful crossdresser.
Lin is especially cute around Banba
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
As promised, a little snippet of what I’m working on these days.
“Don’t make me go.” Jason begged. He hated getting dressed up for balls. At the very least, Tori convinced him to get a new coat made. The silk was the same blue as the dress he’d made and it was trimmed in brilliant white.
“You promised Mama you would.” Tori said, smoothing down her skirt. “Besides, I cannot go without an escort. And you know how much Zoe dislikes these gatherings. Anthony and Susan completely despise it.”
“We have so many other family members. Anyone could have done this.” Jason sighed. “Do I even count?”
Tori tapped her fan on Jason’s shoulder. “Alec and Jess will be in attendance. But I couldn’t very well arrive alone.”
“Of course not. Miss Victoria Osborne, the elusive young woman who refuses to marry, but flirts with every young man who comes within five feet.” Jason grinned.
“At least I flirt. You barely dance.”
“I’ll dance tonight.” He promised.
A footman came in and announced, “Your carriage is ready.”
“Thank you.” Tori said, standing. “Who are you planning on seeing that you promise to dance?”
“Phillipa Martin.” Jason stayed quiet until they were settled into the carriage. “I saw her in the park yesterday when I was with Anthony. But she was dressed as a man.”
Tori grinned. “You’ve found your soulmate, have you?”
“I don’t know.” Jason grinned. “But I want to find out more about her.”
“As you should.” Tori nodded and settled into the cushions of the carriage seat.
Cinderella Closet (2025) Episode 1 Hikaru isn't just the fairy godmother. He's a wizard. Got it? Good.
The last couple of weeks I rewatched the early episodes of Make Up With Mud as I practiced gif making and prepared to finish out the series. And tonight I started Cinderella Closet by watching the first episode, and ... watching these two shows simultaneously is going to be a trip 😅.
Like, which meek mouse with a heart of gold that's stuck in a dead end job do I want to watch today?
They both want to learn about makeup. So that can't be a deciding factor.
"Red" lipstick it is either way. Style can't be the decision maker either.
They both really need to learn to love themselves. No help there.
Maybe I could decide based on our girls' bad taste in men. One of these is DEFINITELY worse than the other. All jokes aside, Miku (Make Up With Mud) is in a seriously abusive relationship.
But I know myself. Neither the meek mouse nor her bad taste in men are the reason I cued up these shows.
So do I want the sweet and supportive crossdresser (Eve)?
Or do I want the spicy and sassy one (Hikaru)?
I mean, I agree with our girls, they're both fabulous and fashionable.
And even though our ladies are a bit slow on the uptake.
It does look like both of our men are going to be in it to win it.
So which to watch?
Obviously...BOTH.
You didn't seriously expect me to choose between Eve and Hikaru did you? I have eyes 👀, and I plan on using them.
Note: In all seriousness, despite the many parallels, these shows have two completely different vibes. If you are interested, there's a more critical review/take below the cut.
Make Up With Mud (Ep 3)
Ep 1 Ep 2
So either I'm getting used to the obnoxious soundtrack or it wasn't as bad this episode. The full out villain symphony still makes me laugh.
At the end of last episode, Miku had been kicked out because she wasn't acting like a proper meek mouse. She wore red lipstick after all. Gasp.
And Paper-thin Villain isn't having it. He throws the mug away with the lipstick stain while Miku wanders the streets.
Eve's boss spots her though. I knew I loved this woman. She thought Miku was bleeding at first and rushed to her.
Boss is flabbergasted that her boyfriend kicked her out at this hour of the night and invites her to her place. She lives above the cafe where Eve works part-time.
Miku doesn't like troubling Boss, but she insists. Moreover, Boss has called Eve. Another point in your favor Boss. Eve RUSHES over to ask if Miku is okay.
Miku says she just hoped Haru (that's the boyfriend's name) would "accept me the way I am". I know this is super serious, but I'm really having a hard time fathoming that all of this came about due to lipstick. It's symbolic though. It's symbolic of all of the underlying issues.
Eve is upset, but I'm noticing that even his casual clothes rock. "Ordinary Life - Eat. Sleep. Dress."
Miku begins spiraling that she's foolish. She shouldn't have told him. And actually, this was semi-decent camera work. Eve was blurred in the background, but then became sharp as Miku blurred. It's still a little too on-the-nose for me. But it's at least an attempt at artistic camerawork.
I love Eve. I'll repeat myself - everyone needs an Eve in their life. Eve points out that kicking her out of the house was no longer just a fight. It was abuse. See - Eve knows to call it like he sees it. He's not mincing words here. "You should be angry at him for your own sake!"
He also calls Miku out on her doormat behavior. Don't apologize if you've done nothing wrong. It's just running from the problem.
And then we're back to Villain who is gloating while eating, because he's put a tracker on Miku's phone. I knew it was odd he let her have it. Also - this dialogue is straight out of the 1950s.
Sometimes this music and the sound effects remind me of the really really old TV shows too (like Murder She Wrote/Diagnosis Murder, etc.).
And I've found another character to love in this show besides Eve.
Boss is bringing it. I love her energy. Also her hair is another point for representation of things we don't see often in Asian shows. She tells Miku that she can stay another night if she wants. She calls Eve out once Miku leaves. Apparently, he's been hiding behind the counter.
This statement could be perceived as he likes Miku. But it could also be seen as him just caring about his friend. I wouldn't want my friend in this type of relationship after all.
We get confirmation that Haru/Miku have been dating for 6 years (since she was 19). Miku figures Haru is regretting his actions.
However, villain is actually making sure his business plans don't get in the way of watching over Miku. The symphony is back.
Apparently Eve is a little down in the dumps about the whole Miku situation. He is still dressed to kill. Complete with fabulous nails.
Miku's brother is shocked to learn that the Eve from the market is this stunning beauty before him.
He calls Eve beautiful again and makes a move. We know this won't go anywhere though. Eve's been very clear where he stands sexuality wise.
Eve does give him the number though.
Miku gets a text from Haru, and it's not what she was hoping for. "Does he mean that I'm entirely at fault?" She remembers what Eve told her about getting angry on her own behalf. She calls Eve.
Miku shows Eve the text and apologizes for calling him out to complain. I'm distracted by Eve's earrings and his bracelet. Have I mentioned that he often wears asymmetrical earrings? That's a fashion weakness of mine. I love them.
Eve lets her know that it's alright to feel this way. That he's been angry at her boyfriend since yesterday.
He decides to take her somewhere that she can vent her anger.
This exchange is actually wonderful. Miku complains about it being unfair that the ball comes at her like that. Eve points out that her boyfriend was unfair when he kicked her out of the house too.
"Don't run away from the ball. Don't give in to everything just because you love him."
Eve asks a GREAT question. This is an excellent trauma framing question. Miku immediately remembers back to the water-pouring incident. This is the one time I don't mind that flashback. She gets angry. She starts connecting with the ball.
She keeps making valid points about how Haru has wronged her, and she keeps hitting the ball. And then...
She misses. Because this one is a lie. They're not really on equal ground. He will never treat her as equal. Holy crap - I didn't think this show had this level of storytelling in it. I've seen similar sequences done better. But I'm actually impressed this show used this type of framing. I hadn't expected it. She realizes that Haru is really doing all of this for himself. Eve has had a light behind him in a few scenes. I'm not really calling it as symbolic, but it could be.
Miku realizes she's been turning a blind eye to things. Eve says that must have hurt. He tells her she has to speak up though or she'll end up battered and unable to move.
And our third guy from the show's banner appears...
He's been listening in apparently.
Miku says she can't hate Haru, but she doesn't want to end up a battered mess. She packs up her stuff and moves to her parents house.
And paper-thin villain? His psychopath tendencies are showing as he realizes Miku has moved out. He's drowning his head in his shower, dripping water everywhere, and making facial expressions straight out of a comic book.
We end on this shot since he's happy that she went back to her parents house. Were you worried she'd go back to the cafe?
Overall, I found myself really enjoying this episode. It was a lot heavier on Eve, and we all know that's why I'm here. Plus, I appreciated that Miku is struggling with her emotions, but she's not wavering on standing up for herself. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that they keep up some level of solid messaging.
So who is our third guy? What's Paper-thin Villain's next move? More importantly - what will Eve wear next episode? That is the real must-know.
P.S. I still can't in good faith recommend this series to anyone unless you are the type that enjoys a low-brain mess of a show with some unusual representation. This is no literary masterpiece. This is a dime store novel. However, I meet shows where they are at. I have no shame reading the dime store novel from time to time if I'm enjoying the vibe.
Make Up With Mud (Ep 2)
Ep 1
I'm curious where this show is going to go now that I've finished episode 2. It's still a background watch for me. No thinking required.
In good news - our Meek Mouse is finding her backbone.
But word to the wise - the soundtrack to this show is OBNOXIOUS. I'm wracking my brain to think of a soundtrack that was this bad, but I can't. The thing is...it's not that it's discordant. It's just too much. It even gave a drama first - a jump scare when the title showed up with a huge "splat" sound.
I realized we do have a singular symbol in this show (so far)....our red lipstick complete with a heart shaped case. Definitely meant to demonstrate our lead Miku learning to love herself.
My man Eve is still by far the BEST thing about this show. He doesn't back down from Mr. Lawyer (Miku's Boyfriend) even though he's a bit intimidated.
I thought he might get his feelings hurt, and they are hurt I think. But he does seem to know that Miku is in a tough spot. Her boyfriend may have dragged her away, but he calls after her as she leaves saying he'll text her soon.
Paper-thin villain is not loving that Miku didn't do as told.
And he's trying to keep Miku on a leash.
He proposes marriage to keep her in line, and she accepts. After all, it's what she's supposed to do.
He asks her to keep supporting him by staying by his side, and that he'll keep her happy forever. He apologized for pouring water over her head saying it was jealousy. I seriously do NOT need another flashback of that scene. But Miku says he has nothing to be jealous about.
Poor Eve, because boy is in his feels eating the madeleine cookies that Miku made him while he ponders the differences between people. Could this come back as food symbolism? I don't think this show has it in it. I'd love it if it did though.
Thankfully his boss (who I also like) tells him to get a grip.
This line could probably be analyzed, but I'm not sure I'd like what I discovered if I dug into it. Anyways, Eve is accosted by the person who obviously knows why I decided to watch episode 2. (He says he's admiring Eve's complexion.)
Eve explains that make-up is a type of art and texts Miku to thank her for coming to the flea market.
Which means our paper-thin villain does one of the quickest whiplash moves ever in going IMMEDIATELY from proposing to this behavior.
He tells her to do it or take the ring off. All while our in-your-face villain symphony plays. Miku messages Eve that they can't talk anymore.
Apparently Eve is a student, and he's helping people do their makeup. He HAD said Miku was older than him in episode 1. I just didn't think much of it.
These girls invited him to an all-girl slumber party, and he cleared the record fast. There is something in this that I appreciate. It's a rare type of representation in dramas. The girls ask about his love life and whether he's interested in anyone. He evades.
And now, we're learning how Miku got into this situation in the first place. It's pretty much what I suspected. This level of submission is programmed into you.
I'd like to say there's nothing to analyze here; however, I realize that this type of conversation may be foreign to others. I might be sick if I tried to analyze it right now though. My mother "reminded" me just tonight that it was my duty to serve my husband. She even asked three times if I was sure my husband was okay with us (me & her) going out to dinner by ourselves. (Note: I didn't ask; he didn't care)
Hey! A surprising development! Our boy from the flea market is actually Miku's brother who wants to go to art school. She offers to give him some advice.
However, he has her number. There's a terrible attempt at a mirror/reflection shot.
As Miku begins to ponder her life choices....or rather that she's never made a choice for herself.
Because Mr. Lawyer, he latched onto her a LONG time ago. He's been the one calling ALL of the shots.
Again, I don't blame her here. When you grow up in this environment, it takes a strong wake-up call to realize that this is not okay and it is not everyone's normal.
But Miku remembers that she DID make one choice for herself. The color of the lipstick she wanted to use when Eve was teaching her. Red for passion? Red for loving ourselves? Red for bold? Probably not. I don't trust this show to have that much thought in its symbols.
Miku seeks out Eve who is wearing the first fit of his this entire show that I absolutely hate. Points for being himself though. I did like the braid.
Miku says she doesn't want to throw away the one choice she made for herself and that she wants to keep being friends.
While our music lyrics for this ENTIRE scene have been incredibly basic and way too straightforward.
Miku goes home WEARING the lipstick. Paper-thin villain is not happy. He calls her "selfish". Bastard. Her lipstick leaves a print on the cup. Yay! Some level of symbolism.
And Miku is now saying exactly what she wants. She wants to wear make-up, and she wants to remain friends with Eve. She says she wants to be the kind of girlfriend he loves, but....
Which...doesn't go over well.
He says it makes her look indecent, and that he hopes she'll remain the pure Miku that he loves. 🤮
Miku REFUSES. She says she is sick of belittling herself and avoiding things she wants to try. She's sick of that part of herself.
At which point Paper-Thin Villain kicks her out of the house. He did give her money and her phone though, so I'm kind of surprised on that score.
Anyways, Meek Mouse Miku is being meek no more. So where does she turn to now? Does she call up Eve? I hope so.
I was so intrigued by the banner for Make Up With Mud that I didn't even bother reading the description before starting episode 1.
I have a love/hate relationship with make-up. I LOVE how make-up looks and how I feel when wearing it, but I often dislike the actual feel of make-up itself and the commentary it invites. I'm very slow at putting it on. That's time that could go to other things. Most of the time, it doesn't feel worth it to me. I tend to save it for Halloween or special events. I absolutely love shows that get into makeup or fashion though.
We start with our lead discussing how "the me with makeup on is filthy". I'm immediately having When It Rains swamp flashbacks. This feels like it's going to explore personal desires and identity. I'm always here for that. Plus, that shot is a vibe.
The boyfriend is a controlling bastard complete with villain music. The music is so on the nose that it's comical to me. Not subtle at all. We're not even going to try to pretend this man is good. Got it. I'm not even sure I'd count her lipstick as red in this scene (which was apparently the issue).
Enter our...second lead? Maybe. It's at this point that I know I will be watching this show until the end no matter what crimes it commits. This is Princess Jellyfish vibes. That's pure nostalgia for me. I learned so much about myself watching that show/reading that manga.
However, I also have no idea how I'm going to tag this post to get it to the right people. Hmm. 🤔 Anyways, is Eve (our crossdresser) a romantic second lead? It's definitely possible given this info. This could also turn out to be a self-love story though.
Our meek mouse lead inadvertently asks for a makeup lesson from Eve. And, I mean....I get what they're going for in terms of message. But ideally it would be both. For example, there are a lot of clothes I absolutely love that I wouldn't wear. They don't suit my body or my lifestyle. I do appreciate the thought though.
Oof. That feels personal for me. It's not so much that I "worry" about it, but I do get why our meek mouse cares.
Nope. Villain music already told us that isn't going to happen. A girl can dream though, right?
Yeah, me too. This show hasn't been exactly A grade on the production/technical side so I appreciate the glowy haze here to depict her happiness.
But yeah, knew he wasn't going to like it. Our meek mouse feels instantly defeated. I feel for her. I know that feeling. It was over a dress, not make-up - but the principal is the same. It sucks when your partner rains on your parade.
Seriously? I didn't mean literal rain! The show really isn't making ANY effort for us to like or understand this man. He's a paper-thin caricature of a manipulator at this point. Coming off of Fujisawa in When It Rains and Jae-min in Secret Relationships, this guy is laughable. He's so obvious that the only reason our lead is staying is that she's a true meek mouse character. Also paper-thin. For the record, I don't mind meek mice characters. I think there's space for all types in dramaland.
Yeah, there's no subtlety here. Which...ehh. I do prefer my villains a little more nuanced.
He's exhibiting classic abuser signals, but our meek mouse is swayed. He says he'll marry her after all. He's a lawyer. It's everything society says she should want in life.
We're hammering in on the "purity" vs. personal desires theme. It's very to the point. Villain music is extremely obvious.
But I am still vibing, because ....
Eve is amazing. Or at least Eve's fit is amazing 😍.
Eve's getting passionate and spitting out facts.
Have I mentioned how much I love this fit? This sweater tank top alone is enough to make me watch this show.
I love Eve. Everyone needs an Eve in their life. Man is speaking facts. That said....this dialogue has NO nuance. It's not giving me anything to dig into, because it's so obvious. Unless I wanted to self-reflect, but that's dangerous territory. 😬
Eve invites our lead (Miku) to the flea market where they'll be running a booth.
Miku invites our paper villain, but he declines. Not shocking. He also instructs Miku to not go and just stay home. Also not shocking.
At least our meek mouse is recognizing her feelings to some degree.
Which is probably why she goes to the flea market. Even a meek mouse has moments of disobedience. Especially if their desires are being consistently ignored.
Eve serves in another great fit. I LOVE their earrings.
Eve is taking meek mouse to explore the world of style. Trying to decide if Eve has ulterior motives 😘. Seems very likely given the narrative and music cues. Eve is the only character so far that may have hidden depths.
Meek Mouse, I understand. Well, for me it's self-denial rather than self-deprecation. But still ... trouble is a hassle. That said - your man is no bueno. This might be the first line in the show that I think has some analysis value. It's a "habit" and bad habits are hard to break.
Yep. Eve appreciates good sweaters.
And look who decided to show up to the flea market. Paper villain isn't pleased with his meek mouse, and he's storming off to see Eve. The music and editing just makes me laugh 😂. It's so very direct.
At the end of episode 1, I'm vibing. It's a bit too direct and over the head with all of its themes so far. But, I'll forgive everything for Eve at this point.
This was a fun lunch break distraction if nothing else.
