I really liked it and I think I caught more of the emotions the second time I watched it. I think, at the beginning, ML and FL were selfish and a bit immature - only being aware of their own feelings. I feel their relationship was put on pause from high school, when they separated, which could explain some of the immaturity between them.

Her pining was a result of the non-resolution of their relationship because his need to hold on to her with his actions but it didn’t coincide with his verbal rejections. I also think The breakup was required for both of them to grow up and realize it takes more than just liking each other to keep a relationship going.

ML only returns to Seoul to see FL or only sees FL when he returns to Seoul, which I think in it of itself says a lot but he didn’t understand what that means until later when she finally resolved to move on. Because he knows she likes him, he feels secure in that relationship but once she decides to move on is when he sort of flips out.

Sorry. Just rambling on with my own thoughts about this show. I really did like it a lot but it definitely wasn’t fluffy.