Love Area Part 2 – Drama Review & Ending Explained

Story

Love triangles

Love Area Part 2 relies heavily on multiple love triangles to carry the plot, a sign of its limited imagination. Every couple is involved in some frivolous relationship drama with numerous parties. These love triangles are dull, don't add anything to the plots, and drag until the end even though we know how they'll end. Love Area Part 2 doesn't have any other tricks up its sleeves besides indulging in these repetitive storylines.

Here are all the love triangles in Love Area Part 2:

1. Kaitoon, Valen & Nont
2. Kaitoon, Valen & Panggo
3. King, Peat & Ice
4. King, Peat & Sean
5. June, Bill & Toy
6. June, Bill & Sonya

Why do we need so many love triangles? Even one is too much, but six feels beyond excessive. These relationships have no point. Their conflicts aren't compelling. The characters do not receive enough development. Nothing works, yet Love Area insists on creating as many complicated romances as possible. Why?

The main love triangle could have resolved itself in one simple, succinct scene. If Kaitoon didn't have any feelings for Nont, just make it clear that you only see him as a friend. Drop hints, be direct, and simply tell the guy you aren't available for a relationship. Instead, we are stuck in this frustrating limbo for the entire series. We go in circles around the same dynamic without making progress. The same sentiment applies to every other love triangle in the series.

Valen's hair

Yes, we need to address the elephant in the room. Valen's hairstyle changes dramatically in between the scenes. Sometimes, he has short hair in a jet black colour. At other times, he would have the longer mullet dyed in the back. We see him go back-and-forth between these two hairstyles from scene to scene.

I understand COVID affected the filming schedule for Love Area, limiting its ability to shoot all the footage in one setting. It must be frustrating to stop and resume filming weeks or months later. With that said, I think it's the bare minimum to keep the hairstyle consistent on your lead actor. Valen appears in the series a lot, so it's glaringly apparent when he shows up with a different hairstyle. The viewers will notice this lack of continuity.

The actor should have kept the same hairstyle. If that wasn't a possible option, either hide the changes better or edit the scenes in sequence. It's jarring to see Valen with a different hair length and colour in consecutive scenes throughout the same episode. This detail takes away the polish and professionalism of Love Area's presentation.

Romance

Kaitoon and Valen

My opinion of Kaitoon and Valen is defined by their ugly relationship drama near the end. Their dumb argument in the last few episodes makes it tough to root for this couple. Valen crosses the line by blaming Kaitoon for something he didn't do, refusing to listen to an explanation & getting him fired from his job. You know how much Kaitoon needs the money to support himself, yet you still cut him off financially because your feelings got hurt. Valen is a jerk and I can't ship him with Kaitoon.

It's a shame the romance unfolded this way because some parts of their relationship can be appealing. I like how Kaitoon acts more openly around Valen. Typically, his character is very reserved around Nont. You get the sense that Kaitoon is behaving politely and holding back a part of himself. In contrast, he unleashes his real personality near Valen. Their interactions are more direct, more playful, and even a bit more mean-spirited. These are signs that Kaitoon feels comfortable being himself with Valen.

I liked their nervousness when they confessed their feelings and started dating. The scenes are incredibly awkward, but it's also sweet to see them adjust to their new relationship. Episode 5 is a decent showcase of their romance when they travel to the beach for a vacation. Maybe the episode moves slowly, but I like how they spend time together and enjoy each other's company. I was kinda convinced by their bond up to a certain point. However, it doesn't matter because this couple has become a toxic, unwatchable mess in the final episodes.

Kaitoon and Nont

I feel awful for Nont. He spends fourteen episodes pining after a guy who has no feelings for him. We know his character is passive and painfully shy. It's momentous when he asks Kaitoon out on dates, showing that he has worked up the courage to leave his comfort zone. Yet, Kaitoon repeatedly rejects him, blows him off, and treats this guy like a low priority. Nont takes the abuse without getting angry or giving up, internalizing his pain each time. How can I not feel sympathetic?

Yet, Nont is a frustrating character. He's too much of a pushover and doesn't have enough self-respect to distance himself from Kaitoon. Yes, Kaitoon could've clarified his feelings sooner, but it's also pretty evident he doesn't have feelings for his dormmate. Besides, Nont knows Kaitoon only sees him as a friend, but he still clings to this false hope. It doesn't help that his character has a plain, vanilla personality. Kaitoon likes more flavour in his ice-cream scoop, so it's understandable why he doesn't feel attracted to Nont.

Lonely Nont

Before Part 2 started, I had preconceived notions about how certain storylines would progress. My speculation is that Nont would receive a new love interest in the second season. Maybe he'd hook up with one of Kaitoon's restaurant coworkers or Valen's goofy friends. Or perhaps they'd parachute in a compatible character who appreciates Nont for who he is. I didn't think Love Area would drag out this love triangle until the end, but I underestimated this BL drama's tediousness. 😓

After Kaitoon and Valen broke up, I got overexcited that Nont would finally get his chance. The series is almost over, so I wonder maybe we're headed towards a surprise Kaitoon & Nont endgame. Realistically, I know there isn't a chance in hell, but I like deluding myself while watching BL sometimes. 😅 When they kissed at the end of Episode 7, I was happy Nont got rewarded for his kindness and patience. Then, Episode 8 ripped the fantasy away and delivered another crushing blow. Love Area's message is that nice guys always finish last.

Honestly, I don't even ship Kaitoon and Nont together that much. My primary issue is that I wanted something worthwhile to come out of this storyline. We get absolutely nothing after committing fourteen long-winded episodes to Nont's crush. Why did Love Area focus this much on his character if he won't end up with Kaitoon or anybody else? Nont's screentime feels disproportionate to his final impact in the series. We could've wrapped up his unrequited crush in Part 1 or as soon as Part 2 started. What a waste of time.

Valen and Panggo

As if the love triangle between Kaitoon, Valen & Nont isn't unbearable enough, Love Area adds Panggo to the mix. She is precisely what this series doesn't need, another love interest with no development. Valen and Panggo are an unnecessary couple from the moment they are introduced. Their romance adds nothing to the story except to make Valen look worse. Dude, you don't even like her. Why are you wasting her time?

Basically, Valen starts dating Panggo to feel less lonely after breaking up with Kaitoon. It's a pretty scummy thing to do, flirting with some random girl to fill his emotional void. Since Valen doesn't have any feelings for Panggo, he puts zero effort into maintaining the charade. He doesn't even have the guts to break up with her in the finale. She gets fed up with his lack of enthusiasm and simply dumps this loser. Good for her.

King and Peat

Yikes. King and Peat were the weak links in Part 1, but I tolerated them and turned a blind eye to their annoying drama. Unfortunately, I can't overlook their blatant awfulness in the second season. This couple is such a trainwreck. Oh my god, I was fed up every time they appeared on-screen with another intense argument. These two clearly don't like or trust each other. Why are you still together?

Love Area could have tapped into many compelling plots around Peat's depression. This BL drama had a chance to tell a critical story about mental health, depicting how a couple can overcome the issues together. Instead, we get outrageously offensive drama about how Peat faked the condition to hide his adultery. I don't even know if that's the reason why he lied, because Love Area never clarifies the character's sinister agenda.

Ironically, Peat should get a mental health diagnosis because his actions come across as too extreme. If you must take fake medicine to keep your man, you may not be in the best psychological state to maintain a relationship. 😨 Regardless of Peat's reasoning, this scandalous storyline is unpleasant and uncomfortable to watch. I don't enjoy their accusations, their shouting matches, or their overwrought misery. Their perpetual negativity drains my energy. Just break up already and leave my screen.

Peat and Sean

I felt scandalized by Peat and Sean's love affair. Primarily, my shock comes from Love Area's terrible job at building up this storyline. Sean is a minor peripheral character and I barely even remember that he exists in the drama. Yet, he suddenly shows up in a random episode and makes out with Peat. WTF!? Once the surprise wears off, I find myself caring very little about the cheating couple. Sean is a douche and his characterization never expands upon that single quality. He is an ineffective villain with zero development.

Putting the awful story aside, I must admit Peat's actor (Tod) and Sean's actor (Jeff) make a hot BL couple. This statement has nothing to do with their roles or acting capabilities. Speaking from a purely superficial standpoint, they're two handsome actors who would elevate a BL romance with their good looks. If something positive can come out of Love Area, I hope another director will see this kissing scene and cast the actors in a better series. Let's hope they can hook up again in the future. 😚

King and Ice

Before the disastrous scandal with Sean, King and Peat were involved in another cringey love triangle with Ice. I know Peat doesn't have any moral high ground after what he did. With that said, King's behaviour was aggravating in the first few episodes. Honestly, I don't blame Peat for feeling paranoid. King's chumminess with Ice seems dubious, enough to make you raise eyebrows. King can deny it all he wants, but he gravitated towards this new guy and drifted away from his boyfriend.

When King and Peat argued about the dog, I threw my arms up in the air. Why are you still together!? You clearly don't trust your boyfriend, using a hostile and accusatory tone. You're also more attentive to Ice and can't hide your fondness towards him. Plus, there's that awkward scene when King acted embarrassed by Peat joining his friends at the lunch table. Ugh, you treat your own boyfriend with so much contempt. Why prolong this unhappy relationship?

Even though Peat's actions are unjustifiable, I never warm to King and don't feel sympathetic towards his predicament. Love Area hints that King and Ice have gotten closer in the end, but I'm wary of this couple. Ice technically hadn't overstepped his boundaries or done anything wrong. However, his character can't shake off the ~boyfriend stealer~ vibe, which I feel deep in my gut. Overall, I don't like King, Peat, Ice, or Sean. Everyone in this storyline is loathsome, giving off an untrustworthy aura.

June and Bill

I don't want to focus on June and Bill's genders, which are treated as minor details in the drama. With that said, there's little else to remark about this uneventful storyline. Their scenes are so insignificant and irrelevant. These two random characters are introduced in Part 2, almost completely isolated from the main story and everyone else in the cast. I don't know why I am suddenly watching their mundane interactions.

Like the other characters, June and Bill's romance takes a sharp miserable turn. They don't stay friends and end the relationship on unamicable terms. Love Area can't even let us have one happy ending in this series, not even for a minor pairing. 🙄 I'm also left wondering about the necessity of this couple. Why were they introduced in the first place if their subplot accomplishes nothing?

Acting

Kaitoon & Valen kiss

If there's one area where Love Area does alright, their kissing scenes pass the test. Firstly, this series has plenty of kisses, averaging around one per episode. Secondly, the actors look comfortable in their passionate displays, making out with tenderness and affection. I've seen worse kissing in other BL projects, so Love Area deserves credit where it's due. Their performances deliver, at least in this aspect.

I love the first kiss between Kaitoon and Valen, perhaps my favourite scene in Love Area Part 2. Many first kisses in BL look elegant and effortless to fulfill the fantasy aspect. Love Area takes a different approach, highlighting the raw awkwardness as the characters respond clumsily to their feelings. These guys are supposed to be confused, inexperienced, and flustered. Their vulnerable emotional states show when they lock lips for the first time.

Basically, both characters are alone in the restaurant on a rainy evening. Valen seizes an intimate moment and leans in for a kiss. You can see the nervousness on Kaitoon's face. As Valen inches closer and closer, Kaitoon's eyes dart rapidly from left to right. I thought his actor (Pak) did a great job here, highlighting the self-contained panic that his character felt. Even after Valen pulls away, Kaitoon still exudes shock and confusion mixed with desire. His expression looks like, "What just happened!? Oh my god!" without saying the words aloud.

Ending

Sad ending

Love Area has a miserable ending where none of the characters have romantic partners. Kaitoon doesn't pick Valen or Nont in the end, choosing to be alone instead. Likewise, King and Peat don't reconcile after their explosive relationship drama. Even June and Bill aren't friends anymore. Every romance in this series fails, highlighting an unusually pessimistic outlook towards romance for a BL drama.

The final episode begins with Kaitoon and Nont kissing on the beach. However, that moment didn't happen for real. Love Area edited this scene a bit awkwardly, but it's implied that Nont fantasized about the kiss in his head. Kaitoon didn't actually kiss Nont. Instead, he rejects his dormmate and apologizes that they can't be more than just friends.

Kaitoon doesn't feel attracted to Nont, and he finally admits this after fourteen episodes. Nont is left devastated and distances himself afterwards. He stops pining after Kaitoon and even returns his bracelet. They don't stay on speaking terms after the rejection. Sadly, Nont ends the series as lonely and insecure as he was at the start.

Final scene

Valen is also single after Panggo dumps him for not being attentive towards her. Although both leads are partnerless, they don't reconcile in the end. The last scene shows Valen and Kaitoon talking in the same location where they met. Valen wants to get back together. He apologizes for being a terrible boyfriend and promises to change himself.

However, Kaitoon doesn't give him a chance. Valen caused him too much distress with his baseless accusations. Kaitoon needs time to heal, walking away from their relationship for good. Valen wishes him well as the characters part ways. Ultimately, Love Area has an empowering ending where Kaitoon picks himself instead of reuniting with his awful boyfriend. The series has shown that Valen isn't mature or self-assured enough to date Kaitoon. Instead of forcing them back together, Love Area states that the characters are better off alone.

Ending explained

Initially, I was surprised Love Area went for this bittersweet ending, which felt appropriate. There was no way I would've championed a Kaitoon and Valen reunion under these circumstances. Valen is an emotionally stunted man-child who doesn't deserve Kaitoon. So, I appreciated the gutsiness to keep the leads separated in a BL drama. The rest of the finale was an atrociously written mess, but I thought this poignant conclusion might have redeemed the episode somewhat.

Yet, the emotional impact was undermined by a final scene included after the ending credits. It was a short epilogue that only lasted a few seconds, which showed Kaitoon and Valen running towards each other in an embrace. Does this exchange imply that the leads have reconciled? Or maybe it was just a meaningless Easter egg for the committed fans who watched through the ending credits? Personally, I'm inclined to believe this hug isn't the official ending. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's meant to be part of the canon narrative.

Nonetheless, the vague epilogue causes more harm than good. The embrace leaves just enough doubt and uncertainty to undo the elegance in the original conclusion. I'm no longer 100% confident Kaitoon walked away from his emotionally abusive boyfriend. Now, it's a 50/50 speculation game. I wish I could unsee this scene and maintain my original positive impression of the ending. Regrettably, the tiny moment after the ending credits affected my overall opinion. I feel unclear about the thematic messages that Love Area wants to convey.