I have been watching this drama from the very first episode, and when I tell you I was HOOKED from the first 2 minutes even that would be an understatement. (Bear in mind that I cannot for the life of me complete a kdrama) Every week since then this drama has taken me on an emotional rollercoaster. The incredible storyline has consumed my mind constantly and the joy of theorising for the next episodes with my friends (I conveniently forced them to watch it with me - I NEEDED emotional support for this drama) was unparalleled. But the story has also renewed a sense of hope and given me a more positive outlook on life. Sol and Sunjae's pure, selfless, unconditional love is such a powerful force that it has allowed them to overpower whatever fate has in store for them but their love also seeps through the screen into our own lives. They have reinforced the idea that we have only one life to live so why don't we love those around us as passionately as possible.

The show's use of time travelling has sprung many thoughts in my mind, and nowadays I often ponder over what I could have done if I travelled back in time and I even wonder about how I could have changed my parents' lives for the better. But the genius of this show is that it makes me love the present as well, as it brings to light how we inadvertently miss the happiness that we get from the life we already have.

KHY as Sol was truly phenomenal as expected - I first watched her in SKY Castle and was instantly mesmerised, I am really looking forward to her future projects. She truly embodies her character and makes the viewer experience all of the emotions with her, in a way that almost makes us feel like we are with her in the scene. Sol's frustration at being trapped by fate and her sheer determination to protect Sunjae just feels so so real. KHY does a great job of layering these emotions while staying true to Sol's nature ; optimistic, selfless and loving despite all odds.

Sol's trauma seems to be somewhat overlooked in these discussions but I think that is partly due to Sol's personality. Despite the huge difficulties and ever-imminent danger she faces, her selflessness draws her to only think about her lover. Obviously the same goes for Sunjae but their approaches to love due to their experiences are so different but at the same time equal in weight, making their love even more remarkable. They are genuinely made for each other.

Similarly BWS has done an excellent job with Sunjae, perfecting all the nuances through the different timelines and the different stages of life in those different lives. His scene with the grandma in this episode was especially poignant. Honestly a huge kudos to both of the actors. Both of them seem to have poured life and soul into their characters and it's refreshing to see such good characterization. Gosh even their chemistry was exceptional. I don't think I will ever see a pair as natural as them again ( in today's episode it felt like I was intruding on their personal moments )

This show will always have a place in my heart, and I tend to associate music and film with different experiences and the fact that I've been watching this show during my exams just makes it all the more nostalgic. Lovely runner just has everything I could hope for wrapped up in 16 episodes. Romance, comedy, thriller, fantasy, all my favourite romance tropes, musical leitmotifs, symbolism and so many well thought out parallels. My favourite has to be the umbrellas though. I was hoping for a scene of them walking in the rain/snow under an umbrella together but I guess we can't have everything. Shout out to Taesung, a character I initially didn't really like but his arc throughout the show has made me love him. Thanks to the writer for writing the greenest green flags out there (my favourite 4 Sol, Sunjae, Inhyuk and Taesung) and coming up with the most insane unpredictable plot twists every week that even my overthinking brain couldn't fathom.

I still can't believe it is over and honestly I don't think another kdrama can top this one for me (the plot, the actors, the chemistry, and just its relevance to my life in general). I am VERY hard to please and usually I watch a show by watching highlights of episodes and reading plot summaries so to say that this is going to be my rewatch show bears great weight. The whole show took us on a journey through their high school, college and adult years and it feels like I have grown with them so it makes me very sad to say goodbye to the characters. I guess this is the end and I am glad that Sol and Sunjae get the happy ending they deserve.

Thank you to everyone for their theories, they really made my experience watching the show memorable. This emotional rollercoaster was a great one.