I Feel You Linger in the Air – Series Review & Ending Explained

Destruction

"I wanted to design our house with my own two hands so that we can finally be a family in the future."

Oh no, this was the line that swayed me. I felt my heart tremble when Jom said the sentence to his boyfriend. His words sounded so beautifully aspirational. I loved how he wanted to build their future dream home "with his own two hands", which was such an intimate detail. In my head, I can see Jom's vision. In my heart, I can feel his optimism. After this moment, I foolishly became a Jom x Ohm shipper before they broke my heart three minutes later. 😭

If I was devastated after three minutes of investment, imagine how much worse Jom felt after pouring years into this relationship. Not only was Ohm a cheating scumbag, but he handled his adultery in a particularly hurtful way. Ohm could have broken up with his boyfriend earlier. Jom would still be anguished, but at least he doesn't spend months pining over his doomed long-distance relationship. Instead, Ohm waited until his mistress got knocked up before finally ending his two-timing. He prolonged his boyfriend's false hope. Damn, this weasel is the worst.

Ohm is an obvious red flag of a boyfriend. In retrospect, ending the relationship with this love rat is a secret blessing in disguise. Jom is better off single than getting strung along by someone who disrespects him. With that said, it doesn't diminish the heartbreak of his painful betrayal. The series uses a poignant visual cue to represent Jom's despair. We see a picture of the couple and the blueprint of their custom home next to broken glass fragments. Poor Jom once aspired to build a future with his loved one. But now, his most hopeful dreams had been destroyed.

Drowning

Not only did the breakup shatter Jom's dreams, but it also destroyed his notion of love. Our heartbroken protagonist feels hopelessly disillusioned after his ex-boyfriend's betrayal. Most importantly, he has lost his capacity for self-love. Jom indulges in excessive alcohol, hooks up with sleazy predators, and drives at high speed while intoxicated. His reckless actions come from a tormented soul who doesn't love himself enough. As Jom spirals rapidly, he's on a dangerous descent to self-destructiveness.

A drunken Jom drives his car into the sea and starts to drown. The drowning mirrors his psychological turmoil. Mentally, Jom is in a freefall. He has sunken into a bottomless pit of despair. Jom's agony is so intense that it suffocates his desire to live. While drowning, he doesn't struggle, grasp for air, or fight desperately for his life. Instead, Jom seems resigned to his demise and narrates, "If this is an ending to a new beginning, I pray for life after my death to be a better journey." These bleak last words suggest he doesn't want to exist anymore.

Yet, this is not the end for our pessimistic protagonist. As Jom drowns, a fantasy version of Yai comes to revive him. Like being given a new lease on life, Jom miraculously survives a fatal accident that should have killed him. Later, Jom drowns for a second time after the rowing boat capsized at the end of the episode. Once again, Yai dives in to save his life. The story reiterates that whenever Jom falls hopelessly, his love interest will rescue him. Every time Jom sinks into a mental slump, Yai pulls him up and offers motivation to keep living.

Blessing

Yai's kindness is evident from the start. When Jom and Ming's boat capsized, Yai's first instinct was to dive in and help them. This heroic act is just one of many examples where he shows human decency. As the series progresses, Yai continues to behave compassionately at every turn. From protecting the servants to worrying about his sister's well-being, he's always guided by his empathy. Yai consistently proves that he's a good guy who extends a helping hand to someone in need.

One of Yai's most altruistic good deeds is helping Jom get settled. Yai meets a pitiful homeless stranger with memory loss and decides to improve his living conditions. Despite his mother's opposition, he offers Jom stable employment. This job grants him access to the necessities, like food and shelter. Jom no longer has to sit on the sidewalk, munching on scraps. He's fortunate to encounter a kind employer who provides him with a more stable and dignified life. Others, like Yai's parents or the heartless Robert, wouldn't have assisted Jom this way.

Episode 2 ends with the characters attending a blessing ceremony. This ancient ritual is supposed to revive a person's blessing, a vaguely defined concept similar to good fortune. In the last scene, Yai ties a string around Jom's wrist and says, "I see you've lost your blessing. Please let me bring it back to you again." Beyond spiritual implications, this scene highlights Yai's generosity toward Jom. Contrary to Jom's assumption, not everyone is as rotten as his cheating ex. If you open your heart again, you may meet a decent guy like Yai, restoring your faith in humanity.

Majordomo

Yai and Jom develop their bond. Episode 3 includes a poignant exchange where Jom opens up and becomes vulnerable around his love interest. Yai offers sensitive advice, "If remembering makes you sad, just forget about it. Start again. Relax your heart." These gentle words help Jom finally heal from his heartbreak. Later, Yai promoted Jom to become his majordomo. This new job position allows them to work intimately with each other, further strengthening their familiarity.

Some may argue that Yai only helps Jom due to his attraction. Majordomo? More like majorhomo! Yai's inner gaydar senses another guy likely to reciprocate his affections, so he dotes on him more than the other staff. My rebuttal to that allegation is, "So what?" Regardless of Yai's intent, it doesn't diminish his good deeds. He has gone out of his way to support someone in misfortune. Whenever others antagonize Jom, Yai always steps in to protect the victim. He has done enough to prove his decency. I don't need him to be the perfect samaritan with the purest of hearts.

Jom has noticed his employer's favouritism. As Yai lists the qualifications to become his majordomo, he admits one of the criteria is personal fondness. Jom questions, "But what about the others who want my position? Don't they have the right?" He feels guilty for this promotion, granting him better working conditions than his friend Ming. Yai responds cautiously. He can't promote all the servants to be majordomos. Despite his generosity, Yai's power to help others is limited. Jom may be lucky to receive preferential treatment, but others must bemoan their circumstances.

Servants

Life as a servant is stressful. The job responsibilities themselves aren't that bad. The staff cooks, cleans, gardens, babysits, and performs domestic errands. Although not glamorous, doing chores for a paycheck is a way of life. However, what makes this role unbearable is the inhumane working conditions. Besides fulfilling household duties, the servants must appease their masters and comply with any demands. Even if the request is unreasonable, the employees remain obedient. This power dynamic doesn't tolerate dissent.

Some employers are kind toward their workers. Yai and his older sister, Eeang Peung, remain respectful of those working under them. Yet, there are heartless jerks like Yai's parents, who punish an employee for attending to her dying mother. Even worse are malevolent tyrants like Robert, who beat his staff with violent lashings. The power has corrupted his mind, making him think he has the right to abuse others due to his authority. Robert believes paying a salary grants him human ownership, so he subjects his servants to cruelty and exploitation.

In 1928, laws weren't in place to protect worker rights. The hired help must endure workplace mistreatment to support themselves and their families financially. Furthermore, there's no career growth. They're stuck doing the same job responsibilities, day after day. Ming describes his tedious routine: "Wake up, work until dark, drink liquor, forget my troubles, and sleep." Later, Prik echoes similar frustrations, "This is the life of a servant. We aren't the masters of our own lives." Both working-class characters feel disillusioned and don't have any autonomy over their destinies.

Oppression

In this household, the wealthy family is the ruling party. Like the king and queen, Yai's parents make all the policies their staff must abide by. Anyone who doesn't follow orders will get punished. When Prik abandons her duties, she must eat leftovers for two weeks. Denying the fundamental right to food is supposed to be a lenient sentencing. Initially, Yai's mom wanted to beat Prik and detain her for a month. The less severe punishment may seem better by comparison, but it's still needlessly cruel.

Prik's leave of absence is to see her dying mother for one last time. Anyone with a conscience would be sympathetic to her reasoning. Yet, Yai's parents insist on enforcing the oppressive rules because it's the tradition. Even as a bystander, Jom is upset. He appeals to Yai's kindness and asks him to intervene. Although Yai raises his concerns, he gets shut down by his domineering father. He lacks the persuasion to influence his family. He also backs down quickly, not putting up a fight. "When things have been this way for so long, change doesn't happen in a few days," Yai justifies his passiveness.

Jom gives an impassioned response. "The future of our country is changing, but why are you letting these things happen in your home!? If no one speaks up, will change ever happen!?" If you can read between the lines, you'll surmise his speech isn't just describing the story. It's a subtle critique of the real-life oppressive leadership that existed a century ago and still stands today. Yai's family draws parallels to the Thai monarchy and other tyrants worldwide. Yai represents those who have some influence, yet they fear speaking up and opposing the unjust power structure. 

Buffalos

After Jom's impassioned plea, Yai becomes more forceful with his parents. Yai brokers a negotiation that reduces Prik's sentencing. Good news, you only get your privileges taken away instead of your freedom! Jom doesn't think there should be any punishment at all. From the disproportionate severity to the sympathetic circumstances, Prik deserves compassion from her employers. Yet, Yai's tyrannical parents are so out of touch with their elitism that their son has to remind them to show humanity.

Yai apologizes for his inability to overturn Prik's punishment. Jom doesn't blame him and understands systemic oppression is too deep-rooted to resolve quickly. "We should be angry at what made us like this," Jom directs his outrage toward the ruling party. Thankfully, this incident has strengthened Yai's conviction to stand up against injustices. He vows, "Some day, I'll be the head of household and change everything. I promise I'll make this better." Progressive change may not come today in 1928, but there's hope for compassionate governance with future leaders like Yai.

Eliminating systemic oppression isn't an easy journey. The story alludes to this struggle in Episode 7 when Yai's brother orders Jom to pose as a buffalo for his entertainment. Jom lashes out, "I'm not a buffalo! I'm a person!" This line sounds comedic, but the underlying message is alarming. Jom and the staff are always dehumanized. The brother, representing a governor of tomorrow, perpetuates the existing structure of oppression. He treats the working class as animals instead of humans. Sadly, for every progressive leader like Yai, there's an oblivious tyrant like Lek.

Fong Kaew

1928 was a culturally conservative era that only favoured a specific demographic. Namely, rich straight men held all the power in society. This lopsided power hierarchy hasn't changed significantly today, but the inequality seems worse a century ago. Life could be harsh if you didn't belong to this preferential class. The challenges were particularly hellish for women without money. They lacked options for a better life. Marriage was often an economic necessity, providing a pathway to security and stability.

After her father's death, Fong Kaew secures a wealthy husband to provide comfortably for her ailing mother. The love of her life is Khamsan, but she sacrifices this relationship for financial support. Being sickeningly mercenary is her best means of survival. This marriage isn't rosy for Fong Kaew, whose abusive spouse violates her. Initially, she wallowed in self-pity. Over time, she adapts to her adversity. Instead of letting herself be a victim, Fong Kaew devises a cunning scheme to ease into Robert's good graces. She pretends to be a dutiful wife to minimize her mistreatment.

Fong Kaew's plan works, but it comes with consequences. Firstly, she alienates Robert's other wife. As she flaunts her sultry red dress, Fong Kaew competes against Eeang Peung for spousal affection. I'll be his favourite, not you! Eeang Peung doesn't care, but Fong Kaew's actions have an antagonistic edge. Secondly, Fong Kaew compromises her self-worth. After Robert's arrest, she doesn't reunite with Khamsan. Fong Kaew feels disgraced and sees herself as unworthy of his devotion. Sadly, she's a cautionary tale of tragic sacrifices when surviving oppressive environments.

Eeang Peung

Sexism transcends class differences. Even an upper-class woman like Eeang Peung isn't protected from mistreatment. This well-educated lady had bright aspirations for her future. She wanted to continue her studies and work in politics. Yet, Eeang Peung got a harsh reality check from her parents, who reduced her worth to a business bargaining chip. As an aristocrat's daughter, she is expected to marry a wealthy man like Robert. She must give up her ambition and autonomy to bring honour to her family.

Eeang Peung tries to protest against her arranged marriage. Despite expressing valid concerns, she can't change her circumstances. Eeang Peung's mother even chastises her child's career plans. "Women like us are expected to take care of households. There's no room for us elsewhere." As a fellow woman, you'd think the mom should sympathize with her daughter's predicament. Instead, she enables the oppressive culture and coaxes Eeang Peung into accepting the misogyny. Poor Eeang Peung sobs on her wedding night as she mentally prepares to sleep with a man she doesn't love.

Eeang Peung's situation has an extra layer of tragedy. She's in a secret relationship with Maey, her female servant. Their forbidden romance faces the insurmountable obstacles of homophobia, class differences & misogyny. Beyond financial gain, Eeang Peung's father eagerly sets up an arranged marriage since he disapproves of her same-sex attraction. Despite her privileged upbringing, Eeang Peung lives in a gilded cage with little control over her destiny. Men dictate each significant decision in her life, whether her husband or her father. Her lack of agency is distressing.

Maey

Oppression isn't a competition. However, Maey is one of the most severely disadvantaged characters in the entire cast. Being a poor gay woman is the complete antithesis to the rich straight men ruling society. Out of everyone, life has dealt her with the toughest cards. After Robert exposes his wife's affair, the severity of the punishment differs between the two women. Eeang Peung suffers, but at least she can access necessities like food and shelter. In contrast, Maey is imprisoned and loses all her freedoms.

When Fong Kaew rescues Maey, she delivers a chilling line to the prisoner. "You should care about yourself first. Eeang Peung will be fine. But you, Maey, who would care if something happened to you?" Fong Kaew has spoken the hard truth. Due to her upbringing, Maey's existence is at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Under this oppressive structure, an aristocrat's daughter is perceived as more valuable than a servant. Imagine how utterly dehumanizing it is that your life has a lower priority based on societal standing. Yet, this is the cruel world that Maey lives in.

Maey has faced many tragic hardships. Rich daughters like Eeang Peung have arranged marriages, but poor daughters like Maey get sold off to brothels. She must fight for her survival in violent surroundings where customers exploit her. Due to life's inequalities, Maey deserves the charity of others. She needs the support and compassion from those who are more fortunate. Women's networks, advocacy platforms, and charitable organizations are designed to assist those like Maey who need aid. Society must evolve to protect all the Maeys of the world.

Womanhood

The women in this series had suffered terrible misfortunes. On top of dealing with the misogyny from degenerate males, they also view each other as adversaries. Early on, Fong Kaew and Eeang Peung had a rivalry. The two women competed and sabotaged one another. Fong Kaew tried to one-up the other wife for their husband's affections. Meanwhile, Eeang Peung pushed her abusive spouse onto another victim to alleviate her burden. Both did what was necessary to survive their hellish conditions.

Fortunately, they can put aside their differences. Fong Kaew, Eeang Peung, and Maey realize they share similar experiences. Their physical and emotional trauma mirrors one another. In Episode 9, the two wives apologize to each other, letting bygones be bygones. "You've been oppressed by him, just like me. We're women. We have to fight." The pair devise a successful plan to rescue Maey and expose Robert's crimes. They team up with the gay men and other servants, forming a righteous alliance between multiple marginalized communities.

Women face unfair hardships, regardless of their status. Maey may be locked up in a physical prison, but Fong Kaew and Eeang Peung also suffer from societal confinement. All are vulnerable to our sexist culture, which was prevalent a century ago, but still prevails today. Amid challenging circumstances, this series promotes the message of female solidarity. By encouraging and empowering each other, women can become stronger together. They don't have to fight alone. An alliance can bring down deplorable men like Robert and topple the oppressive patriarchy.

Stigma

Besides rampant misogyny, the 1920s were also an era rife with homophobia. Gay men like Yai and James must conceal their sexuality for personal safety. The series highlights the dangers in Episode 7 when two out lesbians get gunned down by bigots. As brutal as that scene may be, it's a scary reality for LGBTQ+ communities. They become the target of hatred and hostility simply for being themselves. You can mind your business and not bother anyone, yet the harassment still occurs.

Although Yai hides his sexuality due to caution, he isn't ashamed of being gay. Despite the ignorance around him, he seems remarkably self-assured about his attraction. There's no confusion or doubt. Furthermore, Yai isn't afraid of defying stereotypes based on gender norms. He reads romance novels and makes flower garlands in public. Jom mentions how learning floral arrangement is "strange" for male offspring, only to be rebuked by Yai. Amazingly, the guy living in 1928 has more progressive ideas than someone from a century later.

When Yai gives his love confession in Episode 6, Jom's first reaction is to ask him to reconsider. Jom is worried about the stigma that comes with a same-sex relationship in this era. He lacks his partner's self-assurance and fears they may encounter discrimination. Yai remains dauntless about pursuing the forbidden romance, no matter the pushback. He states, "I don't care. Whether it's the pressure from my family or society, I can bear it." For him, the perks of falling in love outweigh the prejudices of others. He won't allow societal judgment to dictate his desires.

Secrecy

Yai and Jom start a relationship. Like many couples, they navigate through some nervousness in the early stages of dating. The iconic massage scene highlights their repressed sexual tension. They have yet to figure out how to communicate their desires to each other. "I'm afraid to hurt you" is Yai's coded way of saying: "I'd like to penetrate you, but I also want to be polite." Thankfully, they reach an understanding and engage in steamy encounters. Their romance bursts alive with passion!

The couple agrees to hide their relationship from everyone else. Discretion seems wise, given the potential danger and public outrage against same-sex romances. However, they do a lousy job of being inconspicuous. The problem is that Jom & Yai can't resist each other. They constantly want to show affection, regardless of the setting. Soon enough, multiple characters have witnessed their PDA. From servants to family acquaintances, everyone knows they are majorhomos. Gay rumours spread like wildfire, passing from one ear to the next. It's the worst-kept secret ever!

Jom and Yai are careless. If only they kept a low profile, nobody would suspect their relationship. But why must they hide their intimacy in the first place? The public display of affection would be acceptable for straight couples. Yet, prejudice forces these boyfriends to retreat like scoundrels. They shouldn't have to face gossip, fear backlash, or steal private kisses in the dark of night. The slow-dancing fantasy scene supports their openness. In an ideal world, Jom and Yai can dance proudly before a crowd. Their love is supposed to be a stunning spectacle, not a shameful secret.

Enlightenment

You may be curious about how Yai develops surprisingly enlightened views. His thinking is more progressive than the societal norms from this period. Yai's upper class exposes him to sophistication, which helps a bit. Yet, Robert is also from a refined background and turns out to be a barbaric monster. There isn't a correlation between culture and compassion. Instead, Yai gains his knowledge through books. This well-read scholar learns worldly experiences by analyzing many passages and absorbing different perspectives.

In Episode 7, Yai shares his thoughts after reading a book. "This story reflects the oppression and principles of a woman being kept and suppressed. It also reflects who I am." The literary analysis highlights Yai's insightful nature. He can observe a character's experiences, discern societal issues, and draw meaningful connections to his identity. This valuable skill explains how he becomes so empathetic to those less fortunate than him. Initially, you may think Yai is only reading trashy erotica. Yet, each romance novel offers knowledge that shapes his mind and enriches his heart.

Powerful narratives can transform our thinking. Readers may relate to a fictional perspective and learn morality lessons they wouldn't consider otherwise. Beyond books, every piece of media we consume has the same ability. BL dramas can also enlighten viewers with meaningful insights. I Feel You Linger in the Air is an example of a love story with embedded social commentary. Besides dazzling fans with juicy kisses, it encourages us to think about the issues that marginalized communities face. This series has masterfully combined entertainment and enlightenment.

Dreams

Despite his worldly knowledge, books alone cannot satisfy Yai's boundless curiosity. He dreams of studying in France, a cultural mecca where many intellectuals gather. Yai wants to broaden his views through first-hand experiences, from meeting modern thinkers to attending political debates. This progressive landscape, especially compared to conservative Thailand, seems like his utopia. Sadly, Yai's father forbids this overseas education. Yai, the eldest son, isn't allowed to wander far from the family nest.

Yai explains, "My father wants me to work here and inherit the dignity he has built up for his whole life." I love the phrase ~inherit the dignity~, which is a beautifully profound way to describe his situation. Sadly, Yai must obey the orders. Besides his obligations as a dutiful son, he lacks the financial means for independence. Born with a silver spoon, Yai depends on his dad for monetary support. All his privileges come solely from having a wealthy family. Without parental connections, Yai wouldn't even be able to dream of achieving these luxurious opportunities. 

Although Yai may have grand ambitions, reality forces him to compromise. His father's aspiration becomes Yai's burden. Like Eeang Peung agreeing to her arranged marriage, her younger brother must accept his predestined career in local government services. Despite their privileged upbringing, both siblings have less freedom than expected. Still, Yai learns to see the positives. His promising relationship with Jom makes giving up on an unattainable wish more bearable. Yai states, "It doesn't matter if my dream will be smaller, as long as I get to live with someone I love." 

Autonomy

Yai's father confronts his son about the scandalous gay relationship. The accusations turn ugly. Yai endures every offensive remark from his homophobic parent, from "shameless" to "sodomite". With his dignity under attack, Yai's first instinct is to defy. He stands up for himself and argues over his autonomy. He's tired of being the obedient child who must always accommodate his dad. Screw that geezer! Stop controlling his life! From now on, Yai will do whatever he damn pleases!

Yai's dad calls the bluff, setting up an arranged marriage between his child and a business partner's daughter. The assumption is that Yai wouldn't have the conviction to defy his family for long. Sadly, the father is correct. Yai's courage vanishes as he backs down from his earlier claims. The harsh reality is that he'd lose many privileges without parental support, including money, social standing, and personal safety. If Yai's father is heartless enough, he has the power to cut all ties and put his gay son's livelihood in jeopardy. Yai's independence comes at an unfeasible cost.

Like his sister, Yai is roped into a marriage and bitterly accepts his fate. Despite being higher on the social hierarchy, he's still powerless to control his circumstances. As Prik would say, he isn't the master of his life. Yai hides the news from his boyfriend, perhaps not wanting Jom to witness his moral weakness. He's embarrassed by his cowardice. Yet, Jom understands when he finds out. He suspected their relationship was doomed all along. As Yai poses for a wedding photo, his face is stoic. Shutting down emotionally is his only way to cope with another broken dream.

Patriarchy

As foreshadowed throughout the story, the winds of change are coming. Tyrannical leaders like Robert and Yai's father escaped accountability all their lives, making them think they were invincible. While sitting smugly on their thrones, they never prepared for the possibility that corruption could catch up to them. Hubris is the downfall of many egotistical men in history. The underestimated women and their allies have pulled off a successful coup d'état. They overturn the existing power structure in a rare win for moral justice.

Fittingly, Nuey delivers the fatal blow to the patriarchy. The societal outcast they call the Green Queen hasn't enjoyed a privileged existence. Imagine taking the painful hardships from the women, the gays, and the working class. Now, combine them into one character's life experiences. In a power structure that rewards traditional masculinity, Nuey has been mocked for showing stereotypically feminine qualities. Thankfully, Nuey possesses the resilience of women, rising above adversity. The Green Queen gets the last laugh as the male oppressors crumble easily.

After the humiliating scandal, Yai's father loses his bravado. He resigns from his authoritative position and retreats to a pitiful life of nothingness. The story highlights that he barely speaks to anyone in his self-imposed exile. That's because disgraced tyrants like him shouldn't have an amplified voice in society. Don't interact with them. Don't listen to them. And don't ever give power to them. As one leader falls, another rises. Yai's opportunistic mother steps into the vacant role as the head of the household. The old king has been dethroned. A new queen is now in power.

Progress

Yai's mother is an ominous replacement for the new head of household. This wicked woman has been nearly as culpable as her husband in every callous decision he made. She enabled his wrongdoings while coercing her children to compromise their happiness. She also issued severe punishments to the servants. Although the dad received his comeuppance, the conniving mom escaped scrutiny. Instead, she seized the opportunity to grab power and grow her influence.

Yai's mother represents the false hope that comes with a leadership change. The father was such an evil tyrant that we cheered for his downfall. We assumed any replacement would be better than him. Yet, the mom is the same beast in a different skin. As long as this complicit culprit is in power, the existing oppression continues. The mom pretends to be empathetic by allowing her son to study overseas. See? I'm fairer than my predecessor! But never forget she pressured him into a marriage just a few days ago. She switches her rhetoric quickly according to her agenda.

The winds of change have arrived, but the gusts don't seem strong enough. The fall of a mad king ushers another sinister queen. Sadly, systemic oppression is too deep-rooted to overthrow through one regime shake-up. Society requires more time before we can remove all evildoers from positions of power. Nonetheless, we must celebrate small victories. Although she can't be trusted, Yai's mom is a slightly more compassionate leader than her husband. Life has improved under her authority. Accepting the lesser of two evils as a win is the bittersweet nature of progress.

Loss

I Feel You Linger in the Air began with a lost relationship. A heartbroken Jom couldn't cope after his ex dumped him, driving him to hopeless despair. After meeting Yai, Jom heals emotionally and opens his heart to romance again. He has fallen in love with Yai's empathy, sensitivity, and worldly sophistication. Maintaining a same-sex relationship isn't easy in the 1920s. Despite parental pressure and societal backlash, the couple overcomes the hardships as they strengthen their commitment.

Sadly for Jom, he must return to the future. Our time-travelling protagonist doesn't belong to this era. Like many characters in the series, Jom has no autonomy over staying or going. Fate has already decided for him that he needs to leave. The departure is devastating because Jom and Yai won't see each other again. Their separation is final. As Jom loses another boyfriend to circumstances beyond his control, history has a painful way of repeating itself. It worsens Jom's recurring fear that he's cursed and not meant to love anyone. Otherwise, why do his relationships never last?

Although he loses his love again, Jom's perspective changes. Before, Jom had felt so anguished that he acted recklessly. But now, he has made peace with the inevitability of separation. Relationships end for everyone at some point, whether through breakups, deaths, or the unpredictable twists of time travel. Due to Yai's influence, Jom becomes an enlightened thinker and handles the farewell with a newfound dignity. Instead of agonizing about loss, he feels grateful about gaining love. Jom cherishes their time together, no matter how short-lived it may be.

Lingering

After returning to the present, Jom's enlightenment continues. Notably, he forgives his cheating ex. Unlike before, he has healed from his wounds. Another welcomed change is societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community. As Jom's sister gushes about her female crush, we observe that times have evolved. Same-sex couples can love each other with less fear of persecution. Yai, a lifelong progressive thinker, must have enlightened many others. His past advocacy contributed to this open-mindedness in the future.

In the final scene, Jom returns to the renovated house. We now know this is where the leads nurtured their loving relationship. Remember when Jom daydreamed about designing a dream home with his own two hands? It has already happened. He's standing inside the same place where Jom and Yai shared many passionate moments. Also, Jom finds a love letter that his boyfriend left behind for him. Yai wrote it years after their separation, proving he remained loyal until the end of his life. The passage of time hadn't affected his feelings. Yai was forever devoted to Jom.

Yai never stopped loving Jom. He struggled with grief initially. While his sadness simmered, his devotion remained unwavering. He confirmed his lifelong commitment in the letter: "The currents of time always run forward. I may already be your past, but you are my future." When Jom scans the dream home, he realizes Yai had left traces of his feelings everywhere. He finds remnants of Yai in every nook and corner. Despite living in separate timelines, this romance was never lost. As Yai's image manifests before him, Jom can feel their everlasting love lingering in the air.