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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 12

EVER so much better. Does one writer get the odd-numbered episodes, and another the even ones? Because this isn’t the first time I’ve noticed Tuesday episodes are much better than Monday ones. (Only one person is credited for scriptwriting this series, so this is a rhetorical question.)

Don’t get me wrong, it was still flawed and cheesy, but I don’t mind cheesiness. Over-the-top cornfluffery is part and parcel of this drama at this point. It just has to make sense in the context of the story. Episode 11, in its context, did not make much sense — and we shouldn’t have to fanwank a story to make it comprehensible.

I think I’m just going to excise Episode 11 from my memory, to the extent I can without plot difficulties.

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EPISODE 12 RECAP

Jae-ha admits his villainy and claims credit for everything. He points out the irony of a guy losing his girl at his own mother’s order. It’s too bad Jan-di turned him down, because Jae-ha was planning on splitting the money (from Madam Kang) with her. But, “The moment you rejected my proposal, the goal in my game became one thing: Gu Jun-pyo.”

Jan-di asks why he’s bent on revenge — what exactly did Jun-pyo do to him? Jae-ha answers that technically it was his brother who was wronged — he was F4’s rooftop victim. He’s nearly crippled now, “but he smiles whenever he talks about you.”

It seems his feelings for her were genuine, however: “Yeah, I wanted revenge, but as we became friends, I thought that if you came to me, the revenge didn’t matter.”

Jun-pyo bursts in, his foremost concern for Jan-di’s safety, and asks Jae-ha to let her go. At Jae-ha’s instruction, the guys beat the heck out of Jun-pyo. Sobbing, Jan-di screams for them to stop.

Jae-ha offers to send Jan-di away — if Jun-pyo begs for mercy on his knees. Since begging won’t help Jun-pyo (ostensibly they’ll continue beating him after letting her go), Jan-di yells at him not to do it.

More thrashing. Now Jae-ha instructs him to vow, on camera, that he’ll give up Jan-di. Jun-pyo spits blood (and whoa, fake-blood overload there), saying, “I can’t do that.” Incredulously, Jae-ha asks, “Do you want to die?” Jun-pyo responds, “I don’t want to die, but if you’re going to kill me, what can I do.”

For what it’s worth, since he’s being paid off by Mama Kang, I doubt Jae-ha means to kill him — just maim him a little. Or a lot. Grabbing a chair, Jae-ha demands that Jun-pyo give up Jan-di.

As he swings the chair downward, Jan-di jumps forward to protect Jun-pyo, crumpling to the ground when the chair breaks across her back.

And then, F4 to the rescue! (Arg, no, this is not ALMOST PAAAARADIIIIIIIIIIIIISE. Perhaps the production heard our complaints, because at least we get the instrumental version of the song. But still.)

On the upside, we get to see the F4 boys kicking some ass. Woo-bin takes out several thugs, while Yi-jung is so smooth he delivers a few swift kicks with his hands in his pockets. Even the gentle Ji-hoo gets a bit of action, but in keeping with his sensitive image, he subdues Jae-ha by twisting his arm rather than throwing a punch.

Jun-pyo, badly injured, clutches an unconscious Jan-di.

When she awakens, she’s in a hospital bed, while Jun-pyo sits in a wheelchair at her bedside. He says she nearly scared him to death, which is a sentiment she returns: “Why did you just take the hits? You said you could take on more than ten guys like that with no problem. Liar.”

Jun-pyo: “Idiot. Stupid. Double-digit-IQ dummy. How could I do that when you were captured? I’d rather get all my ribs broken than let them damage one of your fingers. But still, why did you rush in when I was letting them beat the hell out of me? What if something happened?”

Jan-di repeats his words back to him (double-digit IQ, dummy), and they proceed to bicker, which is how we know that all is well.

When Jan-di returns home, her mother and brother are sobbing and their home is in shambles. At first I thought this was Madam Kang’s doing, but turns out Dad got dragged off by loan sharks. (I assume the family took out private loans to stay afloat, although we know there were gambling issues in the past too.) The debt collectors threatened to sell Dad’s organs if they don’t come up with the money right away.

Without other options, Jan-di’s mother swallows her pride and begs for help from Madam Kang. True to her warning, Madam Kang does not issue second chances easily, and coolly says that everything has its systematic order: “Wrongs must be apologized for, debts repaid, then help given. I am a businesswoman, so I cannot abide calculations and procedures that are not conducted properly.”

Mom prostrates herself on the floor; Madam Kang looks pleased behind her paper but shows no emotion to Mom, who takes out a parcel. It’s a bowl of salt, which she pours over her own head, pleading for forgiveness.

Even Madam Kang looks surprised at that. Satisfied now, she extends a hand to Mom. Knowing how frightening she can be, any sign of kindness coming from her is especially ominous.

With Madam Kang’s money, Jan-di’s father is freed. With somber faces, Jan-di’s family explains to her how they got the money — and everyone knows what that means for Jan-di’s relationship with Jun-pyo. Mom argues to keep the money but Dad insists upon returning it, saying that he’ll handle their debt one way or another.

Feeling guilty, Dad asks, “You really like Jun-pyo, don’t you?” She answers, “You’re more important, Dad.”

Dad: “I’m sorry, for being a burden to my daughter’s love.”
Jan-di: “Who said anything about love?”
Dad: “It is. That’s love, Jan-di. That makes him as dear a person to you as your dad.”
Jan-di: “If I’m not sure of that myself, how can you know?”
Dad: “I’ve been Dad to my pretty daughter for 19 years, how could I not know?”

I really like this scene, when Jan-di returns the money — the emotions are played just right, not too extreme or melodramatic. Jan-di’s tone is respectful, and Madam Kang’s is likewise measured and civil. She suggests that in Jan-di’s situation, it would be wise not to stand on her pride foolishly. But Jan-di turns to go, and Madam Kang seems almost a bit desperate when she offers more money.

Madam Kang: “Fine, let’s make a deal.”
Jan-di: “Please don’t insult me or my family anymore.”
Madam Kang: “Then do you really mean to date my Jun-pyo?!”
Jan-di: “I think that’s between the two of us.”

Madam Kang struggles to maintain her composure, then offers, “Fine, let’s be honest with each other. I admit that we have caused problems for you and your family. So please accept that you are not suitable for Jun-pyo.”

Jan-di nods: “Yes, Gu Jun-pyo and I are very different. I admit that.” Thinking Jan-di is agreeing, Madam Kang smiles, but it fades as Jan-di continues, “But do you know this? The two of us are in the same place, looking at the same thing. I made him a promise that you would never be my excuse for breaking up with him.”

Madam Kang says that this is an unprecedented opportunity to collect a high price on a “worthless” commoner family’s pride. Now Jan-di’s insulted: “I hadn’t known pride had a price. Then how much is your pride worth?” Madam Kang: “Unbelievable.”

Jan-di: “I hope you will change your thinking that commoners’ pride can be bought with money. People’s hearts can’t be bought, either. You don’t know that, do you? But Gu Jun-pyo knows that now.”

Jan-di is so distracted on her way out that she doesn’t even notice Ji-hoo, walking right past him. Sensing yet another Jan-di emergency, he cheers her up by making pancakes (using her recipe), which is his cure for the blues.

You know what else is a cure for the blues?

Skiing, apparently.

All of a sudden, our main cast is enjoying the snow at a winter resort, where Jun-pyo teaches Jan-di how to ski (she’s by far the worst). It’s kind of cute how she’s going so slowly that he walks alongside.

Later that night, the guys notice Jun-pyo fiddling with a necklace, contemplating it intently. Woo-bin jokes that Jun-pyo’s bound to screw up when he tries giving Jan-di the gift, and although Jun-pyo tells the guys to knock it off, he seems worried about that very thing.

Therefore, Ji-hoo takes it upon himself to set things in motion, to help Jun-pyo get over his nervousness by forcing them together. Ji-hoo first sends Jan-di on an errand — getting coffee — then calls Jun-pyo out.

The tactic works, and gets the ball rolling. Jun-pyo manages to figure out the rest on his own — he drapes his jacket around Jan-di, deliberately putting her hand into the pocket so she finds the necklace, which she draws out curiously.

Idiot Jan-di is back for a moment, because she thinks it’s HIS, and teases that it’s way too feminine for him. (Jun-pyo’s facial reaction is hilarious.) He tells her it’s hers.

He says, “There’s only one like it in the world, so if you lose it, you’re really dead this time.” Jun-pyo had designed and ordered it himself, and explains its meaning: He’s the star, and she’s the moon inside, because Jun-pyo the Star won’t ever leave Jan-di the Moon. Somehow that sounds rather possessive in English, but it’s pretty sweet in Korean.

Taking advantage of the romantic moment, Jun-pyo leans in to kiss her, but cough/sneezes at the last moment. Jan-di returns the jacket and puts it over him; Jun-pyo reaches a happy compromise (symbolism!) by sharing.

Jan-di worries to Ga-eul, because hearing that Jun-pyo made the necklace specially for her adds to the pressure to keep it safe. Ga-eul thinks that’s a happy problem: “If someone told me, ‘I made this for you’ and gave me a one-of-a-kind keepsake, even if it’s just a piece of glass, I’d be so happy.” (Yi-jung, are you listening?)

Speaking of whom, Ga-eul spots Yi-jung heading out with Woo-bin and has a sudden desire to ski, dragging Jan-di onto the slopes.

The Jin-Sun-Mi Trio, who happen to be at the same resort, overhear the necklace conversation. As always, they are overcome with envy, particularly Ginger (whose real name isn’t actually Ginger — I think it’s Jin-ju; it seems they use the English names as their shtick).

Keen to stir up trouble, Ginger orders her underlings to swipe the necklace, which they do by knocking Jan-di down, then helping her up clumsily. With Jan-di distracted, they swipe the pendant.

Having skied further down the slope, Ga-eul looks up at Jan-di in concern, so when a careless snowboarder barrels down the slope almost drunkenly, Jan-di notices first. She shouts a warning.

Nearby, Yi-jung hears Jan-di’s yell and spies Ga-eul about to be hit by the snowboarder. It’s a good thing he just happens to be unstrapped to his snowboard at the moment, as we all do in the middle of a ski run, so he can run at her and push her out of harm’s way.

Worriedly, Yi-jung asks, “Miss Ga-eul, are you okay? Wake up! Can you hear me?”

Ga-eul slowly opens her eyes, obviously not hurt but taking her time to appreciate this. LOL. It’s adorable how she can’t hide how much she’s enjoying this situation.

Hey, it’s hard having a crush on a guy like Yi-jung; let the girl savor the moment, right?

There’s trouble brewing at home, referenced indirectly in a phone call from Madam Kang to her husband. Something’s wrong with Shinhwa Group, and Madam Kang insists she’ll manage the problem, only to have the line suddenly go dead.

Worried, she tells Mr. Jung that things don’t look good, and instructs him to locate Jun-pyo. They’ll have to leave the country immediately.

Back at the resort, Ga-eul notices Jan-di’s missing her necklace, which sends Jan-di on a panicked hunt all over her room. The Mean Girls find Jun-pyo, slyly saying that they’re pretty sure she lost his special necklace. Or maybe she threw it away.

Jun-pyo comes upon Jan-di mid-search, and asks why she isn’t wearing the necklace. She hems and haws at first, then comes clean and begs for forgiveness: “I’m sorry. I was definitely wearing it, but I don’t know when I lost it.”

He asks, “It wasn’t because you wanted to lose it?” — because this is becoming a pattern, and he’s growing frustrated. “You do this every time. Whenever I try to get closer, you trample my heart like it’s nothing. Do I still mean so little to you?”

I can see his point, but Jan-di’s got one too, since this really wasn’t her fault. She says, “Don’t misunderstand. That’s really not how it is.” But he tells her that her behavior is getting really tiresome, and leaves.

I was a little worried that his words sounded so serious, but he’s just venting; he seems much less upset outside. (He gives a snowman (snowgirl?) a Jan-di-like hat and flicks snowballs at it in irritation.)

Hearing footsteps, he thinks it’s Jan-di and starts to go off on how the necklace was one of a kind — but they’re his mother’s employees, here to collect him. Jun-pyo refuses to go, beating them off when they try to force him to leave. Ultimately, though, he is subdued into going.

Jan-di goes around the ski lodge asking everyone if they’ve seen her necklace, and runs into the Jin-Sun-Mi girls. They give her a “tip” — someone posted a notice about finding the necklace — and direct her to the location.

Using that information, Jan-di heads off, leaving just before the latest blizzard warning comes in. Okay, wandering outside is pretty stupid of her, but for once I can’t be too irritated with Jan-di because I would probably want to do the same thing. The thing that DOES irritate me, though, is that apparently the cold has also robbed her of the ability to walk upright, because she falls over every few feet for no discernible reason.

Ga-eul finds Jan-di’s note and alerts F3. Although they worry for her safety, they’re unable to go out looking for her because the paths have been blocked.

With the weather worsening, one of the Mean Girls starts feeling bad. They didn’t intend Jan-di physical harm, but Ginger maintains the hard line and says Jan-di had it coming.

Ji-hoo overhears this, and guesses they’ve done something to Jan-di. Eyes bulging (sorry, not his best look), he demands to know what they did.

F3 call Jun-pyo to let him know the situation. As he’s currently being driven away by his mother’s men, he has to lie to get them to pull over (for a bathroom break), at which point he gives them the slip by disguising himself in someone else’s clothing.

He hitchhikes back to the resort, then takes a snowmobile to the slopes, pleading with Jan-di mentally to hang in there — as he promised (with the star-moon analogy), he won’t ever be able to ditch her. I wonder if Lee Min-ho is getting tired of delivering bad dialogue. It’s to his credit that he commits to it fully.

When the snowmobile breaks down, Jun-pyo continues on foot until he finds Jan-di collapsed in the snow. She must be emitting her mysterious power to call heroes to her side whenever she’s in trouble. She needs a beacon like the Bat Signal. A Jan-Distress Call, if you will.

Barely conscious, Jan-di recognizes Jun-pyo and mumbles weakly, “I came to find your heart. I didn’t lose it on purpose.” (Okay, that line was kind of sweet.)

Jun-pyo carries her on his back, urging her to stay awake. Coming upon an empty cabin, he tries to warm her up quickly, stripping off her soaked outer clothing. Holding her to him, he tells her, “Don’t worry, it’s fine. It’ll be fine. I’ll protect you.”

Wow, they were just itching to get Lee Min-ho topless again, weren’t they?

Some time later, Jun-pyo has built a fire and given his dry clothing to Jan-di to keep her warm, shivering while he remains cold. When she pushes the jacket toward him, he rejects it. She urges him to take it, so once again they (symbolically) share the covering.

Jan-di: “I’m sorry.”
Jun-pyo: “If you’re sorry, that’s good enough. Don’t forget I saved your life this time.”

She asks (half-joking, half-meaningfully), “How should I repay you?” A bit surprisingly, he answers, “A lunchbox,” by which he means the ones she eats every day: “Actually, the first time I saw it, I wanted to try it.” Jan-di promises to make it for him: “Let’s pack lunches and go on a picnic, the two of us.”

(The Law of Kdramas says: If a kiss in a semi-romantic moment is messed up earlier in an episode, it must be made up for in a more romantic moment later.)

In the morning, Jan-di and Jun-pyo make it back to the lodge, relieving their worried friends. Ji-hoo hands over the star-moon necklace, which may be symbolic of his letting go of Jan-di (I think?).

It’s nice that Jan-di and Jun-pyo have already resolved their issue with the necklace, so its return doesn’t magically “solve” their relationship problem. Instead, Jan-di and Jun-pyo trade small smiles, which Ji-hoo notices with a little sadness.

So when they return home, Jan-di packs the lunchboxes for their promised picnic, and omg it’s JUN-PYO RICE!!

I had thought the Jun-pyo-face chocolates in Episode 10 were the adorablest things ever, but the Jun-pyo dosirak totally wins the Jun-pyo-face-shaped-foodstuffs category.

Jan-di waits for a while, although she does so uncomplainingly, remembering how Jun-pyo waited in the snow for four hours. She isn’t aware of the latest news that Daddy Gu has suddenly collapsed while on a trip to China.

Jun-pyo, who’s about to leave with his mother to his father’s bedside, asks Ji-hoo to pick up Jan-di. Ji-hoo urges Jan-di to hurry, because they only have half an hour before the plane leaves.

Unfortunately, they’re too late. Some distance from the airport, Ji-hoo pulls over and Jan-di watches the Shinhwa plane take off.

Jan-di cries (saddened at not having the chance to say certain things to him, like how much she likes him), while Ji-hoo comforts her.

From the plane, Jun-pyo sends her a text message, which reads:

“I’ll come back soon.
Stay there, and wait for me.
I love you, Geum Jan-di.”

 
COMMENTS

This is a tiny point, but one thing I was disappointed about was the fact that we won’t get to see Jun-pyo’s reaction to the Jun-pyo Rice Face Lunchbox.

I really appreciate how Madam Kang is being portrayed, particularly in this episode. Lee Hye-young is acting the hell out of the character, and she gives her a complexity I wasn’t expecting. I thought the Japanese Kaede was fantastic, but Madam Kang manages to be scarier, yet also more vulnerable at moments. That’s unexpected. Case in point: the conversation when Jan-di returned the money, which both actresses acted with nuance.

Yes, I love that Mama Kang is evil, and scary, and possibly a little too obsessed with her son. But I also love that she’s being acted as a human, not a live-action Cruella de Vil (pointy collars notwithstanding).

You know, I’m a fan of the Ga-eul and Yi-jung pairing, but I agree with sentiments that this relationship is being built on shaky ground. I’m not sure their development is occurring completely logically, although I don’t blame this on writers throwing them together based on fan response. I’m pretty sure they were going to make this match from the beginning (although they were probably waiting to see how viewers reacted). It helps that they’re a side couple, so fans are more willing to accept bumps in continuity. (Arm socks? Where did THAT come from? I know they were a present from Ga-eul — but more importantly, WHY?)

Still, despite the shortcomings I find myself rooting for them — I think part of why the Ga-eul and Yi-jung pairing is compelling is because it hasn’t been done before. (Yes, some complain that this isn’t “canon,” but if it DID follow canon I’m sure we’d get complaints on the other end saying that this is yet another disappointing non-romance. If fans were disappointed that the two never got together in the other two dramas, why disappoint a third time for the same reason?)

Since they may be diverging from the previous storyline, we don’t know how this is going to end. Maybe they won’t end up together, but because this feels like new ground, it keeps people interested. At least it does for me.

SPOILERY(?) SPECULATION

Stop here if you don’t want to read speculation for future episodes.

As you may know, Episode 13 is going to jump ahead in time. Apparently F4 will be attending university, but as they are already in their last year of high school, I’m not sure if they’re jumping one year, or several. But if Jun-pyo’s father ends up dying, this sets him up nicely to take on the mantle of Shinhwa Group leadership. I’m sure he won’t take over completely — his mother is more than capable — but I can see how this presents a different kind of conflict. As much as I enjoyed the Japanese Hanadan, I never really bought Doumyouji as running the company, but I can see Jun-pyo take this position believably. It probably has to do with how Jun-pyo has been shown to be serious and smart on occasion.

 
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is it weird that i was laughing out loud at the most intense parts.....i have to say..the dramatic scenes were just halarious..all the music and zooming into the characters faces....i couldnt stop laughing at how dramatic they were trying to make everything

this was filled with fanservice...enjoy enjoy

can't wait for the second half...the plot gets alot more interesting (if they're following the japanese version)

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Really Thanks for updating this series..

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We would all get drunk a LOT faster if we just drank each time Jan Di fainted, or was about to faint, or just plain got hurt one way or another. I needs to get me some shining knights so that I do whatever I want whenever I want and know that someone will save me at just the right moment. Life's lessons indeed. ;)

That said, I thought this episode had some great scenes and some random stupidity. It has this feeling of being just a bunch of chopped up scenes put together, and the storylines flow willy-nilly, but I guess part of that can be attributed to it being based on a manga (and part to last-moment-editing). I'm looking forward to the time jump and to see the many more ways Jan Di will collapse.

Also, Madam Kang is officially second to Jan Di's dad in my favorite people in the cast. Woman gives me the creeps but at the same time has me staring in awe. The scene with Jan Di's mom was ter.ri.fic.

Somewhere out there...some multimillionaire chaebol's girlfriend is wondering why HER life isn't so freaking adventurous and exciting and action packed...

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I don't know if anyone have mentioned this. It seems that Jan Di has been wearing a lot of hats in this drama. Not a problem, she looks good in hats and it is cold out...however, when she really needed one, in the snowstorm, no hat.

Oh, and I’m also a fan of the Ga-eul and Yi-jung pairing, keep hoping to see their relationship develop more.

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Jan-Distress call!! LOL LOL too funny

And yes Mama Kang scares the hell out of me... She just needs to look...Those eyes are scary... plus the eye makeup's awesomely scary... And she's awesome...

Now what am I supposed to do for the next 5 days...

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completely agree, this one's better than last episode. couldn't help my self from shouting on the necklace scene.

also on the hospital scene, ji hoo bought a flower plant intending to visit jan di but he heard jan di and jun pyo so he just left. i feel that ji hoo still likes jan di especially with all the help he's giving to the couple. so sweet but wouldn't he feel hurt doing that?

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I could go on about what I don't like and don't understand about the series but what's the point?! I have already resigned myself that this drama does not make sense.
But what really bothers me is I don't really understand the explanation of the necklace thing. Basically, I don't get the moon and star and the star not leaving the moon. I know its symbolism for Jandi and Junpyo but since the symbolism does not really make sense, it's not an "awww" moment for me. Didn't the Koreans know that moons revolve around the planets that generally revolve around stars (i.e. earth and sun), so essentially, it is the moon that revolves around the star (i.e. earth's moon and the sun)? I'm not a science geek but this is fairly general knowledge.
So what's with the moon inside the star and the star not leaving the moon thing? I would have understood better if it's like the earth and the moon or something. I don't know really.

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awesome recap!! thank you soooo much! ^^ loved this episode. I think the necklase was pretty...but, cant help it but i love more the jversion ..=)

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I actually didn't like this episode. For the first 10 minutes, it was just bad Jandi characterization, for the rest, it was just fast without any good transitions.

I don't get why Jandi was so emotional when Junpyo left. Did someone tell her that his leaving was for good? I was just a bit baffled when Jandi was rolling in tears simply because she didn't get to give the curly boy dosirak.

The whole ski thing was weird, like out of nowhere, to me. How exactly did they get there? And the necklace fiasco didn't add up either. I guess the objective of that particular event is the wooden cabin kiss, and Jun-Di confirming each other's feelings, but they didn't handle it very well. I would've liked they completely forego the ski story and went to Jandi making dosirak for Junpyo and built it from there.

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just a thought- can you change the little icon on the left side to something more... "boys before flowers"y? like junpyos hair? hahaha

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this episode is for sure better than the previous episode. jan-di seems to have returned to normal.

the actress who plays the role of madame kang is great! her portrayal made the character, madame kang, come alive! she is indeed scary. but i have to say both her sequence with jan-di's mom and her sequence with jan-di in this episode were scenes with strong acting! : )

but it's disappointing that kim bum and kim so-eun have barely any screen time. it would be really nice if the yi-jung and ga-eul storyline was less choppy/disjointed (ex: when yi-jung tells ga-eul that the club sequence was all just acting and rejected her, but then later, when ga-eul gets a call from yi-jung's cellphone dialed by ji-hoo, she gets all excited---where did the smart and sensible ga-eul go? where's character continuity?) and less confusing in terms of ga-eul's actions (ex: giving yi-jung the arm socks---what was the arm socks based upon?)

if only yi-jung can get serious now and start pursuing ga-eul in earnest...and if only ga-eul can get serious too, and stop acting like fan girl and come back to her senses...then maybe the yi-jung/ga-eul storyline won't seem so choppy and disjointed. i am aware that yi-jung and ga-eul's storyline is a side-plot, but still i hope that there will be more character and plot continuity.

honestly, it is time for some serious/ solid development in the yi-jung/ga-eul storyline. it is such a pity that kim bum and kim so-eun are truly under-appreciated and under-valued in BOF because kim bum is a great actor (see EOE) and kim so-eun is a great actress (see Empress Chunchu a.k.a. Iron Empress).

i'll be hoping for more yi-jung and ga-eul storyline (serious/solid) developments. : )

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I honestly do not care that much for the Ga-eul and Yi-jung pairing. I guess it's because I've seen it all before, "the playboy with a heart of gold and the nice, sweet girl who falls for him and changes him for the better".

I'm not sure I care that much for the main couple either. Lee Min-ho is the only reason I'm watching this drama ..which is kinda for the wrong reason.

If only I get to see that "love confession" from JD before JP leaves for ..wherever that is he's going.

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I keep forgetting to ask, but WHAT is with the short, short uniform skirts?? Do they not seem a little chilly/breezy/trampy?? Where are the teachers that should be passing out demerit chits to these chippies??!

Are all school girl uniforms like this??!

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I'm starting to not like the Gaeul and Yijung pairing, and this is quite unfortunate because this couple is the only reason I'm watching, mainly because I like the actors playing the characters. I'm starting to not like Gaeul and Yijung (the characters) because they don't make sense, their development as a couple I don't get. I mean they are cute and they act well and they look good together but when you think about it, you try to make excuses for their actions in the story but really, it seems like your excuses are walking on very thin ice.
I still can't deal with Jandi's cutie face so every time she appears on screen, I have to fast forward it to another scene. I like Lee Min Ho and I think he acts well, but I can't really say that for certain since I tend to not watch most of his scenes with Jandi. Junpyo is a very blah character. I don't care if this is his first relationship, if he is a smart one, he should know better. I don't really like Jandi for stringing him along but I hate him for letting himself be in that position. If he is strong and smart, wouldn't he have realized that he needed to talk to Jandi and establish what their real relationship is? He can love Jandi with all his heart but if she's not into him, it's not a relationship.
And Jandi, who for most of the drama couldn't care less about Junpyo. She suddenly acts as if Junpyo is dying and he's the most special person in her life? What the?! Based from her actions, one would think that she doesn't love love love Junpyo so really, the crying as if he's dying is way out there.
The fiancee is coming out next episode and by now, the relationship between Jandi and Junpyo should be established fairly well but it isn't.

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Better than the previous episode, but still a frustrating episode in many ways. I still think this is a forgettable drama because you can't understand the story, you can't empathize and relate with the characters, you can't feel the emotions because everything is all over the place and one time you get a character and her emotions and the next scene, you think she's s different character altogether (must be because she acts differently, thinks differently, etc than her previous self).
The Taiwanese version is so drawn out and I always thought Taiwanese dramas are so melodramatic and exaggerated and out-of-this-world in terms of its presentation but still the Taiwanese version of this drama was consistent. Even though the characters are anime-ish, your emotions are still tugged at and you feel the characters.
I still think the Japanese version is so much better because their story is more organized and well-thought out. Hence, the characters are easier to understand, the story flows properly, and everything works together well. I still think Jun made a better Tsukasa but of course, I acknowledge that in that sense, I may be a little biased.
The faults and shortcomings of the other versions are way minor compared to this drama and I find it astounding. This is the most recent drama that took months/ years to produce and had a lot of other versions to look at and consider...

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Sorry, I know I'm nitpicking but I have to let this out! :] (I'm really only bothering to nitpick this one point because, imo, this episode and your recap was completely perfect except for... )

The little complaint you had about Jan-di not being able to walk properly in the snow when she was out looking for the necklace alone. Now, normally, stuff like that really annoys me too but that fact that Jan-di couldn't walk didn't irk me at all. I actually thought it was pretty believable because I assumed that she was losing control of her legs because it was THAT cold and she had been out searching for a really long time. Y'know, that feeling you get when your limb is literally a frozen chunk of meat? I assumed that Jan-di was at that point of coldness which allowed me to really believe in that scene and not be annoyed that she couldn't walk.

Speaking of those kinds of things, did it annoy anybody that Jan-di WOULD NOT get on the motorcycle when Ji-hoo came to pick her up while she was waiting for Jun-pyo so they could have their picnic? That's probably the reason they missed him! Because Jan-di wouldn't just get on the motorcycle and just stood there!

But, god, GREAT FANTASTIC episode. Thanks for all your hard work Java! (An episode really doesn't feel complete until I've read your amazing recap of it. :]] )

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the 'fiance' will be aired on the 13th episode. next week girls, next week!

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Damn that song! It ruins every could be-should be -would be awesomely fantabulous moment of the entire show so far! Even When It's Just The MUSIC!

I 'm a bit suprised they brought in the Junpei storyline so quickly but it worked, it flowed so kudos to the writters. I kind of wanted more of a reaction to the photos tho. She looked awesome so I was expecting some nods from the boys but GJP rage overshadows all.

I hate the Bimbos Three (my favorite name for them that you've come up with so far) Am the only one who wanted to see Ga Eul Kick their tarty butts? I really want to see her just unload on someone in a rage and they are as good a targets as anyone. I love how she just could not contain her joyat the moment of YJ's concern. He wants her so bad. If they don't have some kind of romantic story after all this build up then there could possibly be riots from pissed off fangirls around the globe. No lie.

Am I the only one who thought slash pairing when the whole arms around each other happened with WB and YJ at the resort? or with JH and GJP in the bed thing? Maybe? No? Yes? I thought it was funny is all.

JD is the most vertically challenged person I have ever seen!!!! I mean really! But hey, whatever. I can overlook it as long as she keeps up with all the GJP face shaped food stuffs! OMG! SO CUTE!!! and at least now she realizes how much she loves him...time for the shoe to be on the other foot i think. Now she is going to have to do all the chasing.

AWESOME recap as always!

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Actually,I'm not very good in eng.But still I want to share my thoughts about ep 12..I can say that one of the reason I cannot wait until Mon & Tue is becoz i am deeply excited about Yi Jung and Ga Eul..Well,to be honest I always like the minor characters than the main characters.For Ga Eul,I think she looks desperate but somehow i think it is very cute.Maybe she don't need to try so hard to win Yi Jung.Instead,Yi Jung should be the one that try to win her heart.Another good looking guy should make an appearance.The guy must deeply in love with Ga Eul.It's time to make Yi Jung get jealous.Can't wait to see that.Another thing,I remembered that Yi Jung said he will keep the chocolate that Ga eul gave until she has found her soulmate.Ga Eul should ask Yi Jung to give back the chocolate to her after another guy came to win her heart.

Another upcoming episodes makes me really nervous.So frustrating when Domyouji does not care about Makino when she find him in NY.Hope,kor ver is much more better.Well,BOF is the best.To javabeans,one 1000 million thanks because you guys make my days really great when reading your recaps.I must visit this blog everyday or else my day seems somethin missing.I love the part where you say,Yi Jung are you listening?hahaha

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I <3 ur episode recaps, clarifies a lot of stuff. Also love the pictures. I want some lip action btw Yi-jung and Ga-eul!!!! hahhaa

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really really really hope that Ga-eul and Yi-jung do happen in this series! i was sooooo disappointed by the other two versions when their characters sort of didn't come together!
Can't wait for the episode next week! thanks so much for another amazing recap!

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"This is a tiny point, but one thing I was disappointed about was the fact that we won’t get to see Jun-pyo’s reaction to the Jun-pyo Rice Face Lunchbox."

We share the same disappointment! I really wanted JP to at least see and taste the bento that Jandi made. Actually, I was kinda disappointed that Jandi didn't make it in time. The scene where Makino and Tsukasa had at the airport was one of the better scenes that I loved in the original HYD. It sort of solidify their relationship. I'm looking forward to next week!!

I'm really glad that Jihoo is improving! KHY is delivering his lines better as well as having more expressive expressions. I agree that the eye bulging scene in this episode was not his best look, but it was definitely more pleasing to the eyes than the previous with Jandi.

Thanks for your recap, I always come here and read what you and the others have to say after I watch an episode. Its not complete until I have a shot of java cap~

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Hi JB! :)

How's the rating for this episode?

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Ha, you're right. Even if the Japanese Hanadan was really cute and fun to watch, somehow the one thing that BOF has over it is that its characters are presented much more realistically.

And the same goes for me. I think this time I'd really be able to buy that Jun-pyo is taking over the Shinhwa Group, cause on Hanadan I find it difficult to "like" Domyouji because he's like overly stupid... or immature. ROFL.

Plus, I think Gu Jun-pyo is the best portrayal so far. Because he has his stupid 'Jun-pyo' moments, but he still has his smart moments in where we don't expect it.. that's why he comes out as "muhshissuh" (cool). haha Plus, Jun-pyo is like really serious with Jan-di and we can all see that. Haha... it's so appealing to me.

rofl. You're right about Madam Kang. I think she's like the scariest mom version ever. ROFL. I think it's because she doesn't look like a psycho.. and she does seem smart and controlled most of the time which is even scarier because of her calm nature it seems like it's going to be hard to make her back down. rofl. (Unlike Kaede.. rofl sometimes she freaks me out with the random smiling face. -o-).

--
Thanks for your summary once again. (: I rarely comment here... but you make such amazing summaries that I feel that you really deserve lots of comments... and so here's one. haha (:

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Thanks again for the great recap! I laughed out loud at several points, esp. about Ji Hoo's bug eyes.

That said, what a rough week. I've been so enthusiastic about the series until now, but episode 11 & parts of episode 12 were just...so poorly done. My little fangirl heart is as ridiculously bloody as Jun Pyo.

Jae Ha was a weird Frankenstein's monster of Jun Pei and Amon (plus a dash of Kin-san). He needed at least 2-3 episodes (and some foreshadowing--why do we only learn about this superhot model in episode 11? Couldn't we have seen his adverts before, at least?) to make an impact, but they only gave him one ep, and even bungled that.

Like you said, though, Episode 12 was much, much better--Madame Kang is amazing, and I loved all the Jan Di/Jun Pyo & Ga Eul/Yi Jung scenes. Plus, PD Jeon used his magic weapon: Jun Pyo's nipples.

As for episode 13 and onward, I'm hopeful. I've heard we may get a new OST (and even if it sucks, at least it won't contain "Paradise"). I've also heard that the scriptwriters are going to do more of their own thing, which, when it was first announced, made everyone afraid we were getting another "Meteor Garden 2." After looking at it again, though, I think BBF's success lies with its original material (e.g., GaEul/YiJung; Jun Pyo bonding with Jan Di's family; many of the cute scenes between Jan Di & Jun Pyo). It's when it tries to cram in manga plot points that we get things like episode 11.

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thank you again for the recaps. i actually watched the episode with subtitles early this morning. was pretty anxious to watch the scene between yi jung and ga eul but it was so short. hope there are more.

i agree with some of you guys as enticing this drama is but there are so many gaps or holes to be filled with sudden jumps in scenes or sudden change in character. last week's episodes, you can feel the love between jan di and jun pyo but suddenly in episode 11, i felt that they were like strangers. then suddenly in episode 12, jan di loves jun pyo again... a bit weird nonetheless.

but without a doubt i will still be anticipating for next week's episodes. thanks for the recap!

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Though I'm a major Ga Eul + Yi Jung fan, it's a little disappointing to see how much Ga Eul's reaction towards Yi Jung has changed. I mean she's having a MAJOR CRUSH now that she doesn't seem sensible anymore. Yi Jung seems to pop in and out and they keep on exchanging gifts & help, but with no real conclusions so far. Hopefully Ga Eul's one sided 'love' towards Yi Jung will be based on stronger reasons, and that there would be BIGGER events invovlving Ga Eul & Yi Jung!

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in my own opinion, this is better than the taiwan and jap version..
hehe!!

i'm so addicted with this!

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@107

In the actual translation of the speech btw Jun Pyo and Jan Di as he hands over the necklace is "The Star is me and the Moon inside is you" and when Jan Di asks why he gets to be a star and she is only a moon he replies "Because It means The Moon that is Jan Di will never be able to escape the Jun Pyo Star."
It DOES sound possesive, but I guess he is trying to say that he will always find her~ *shrug

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I absolutely adore your way of recapping. It's super funny.
Especially the line:

And then, F4 to the rescue! (Arg, no, this is not ALMOST PAAAARADIIIIIIIIIIIIISE. Perhaps the production heard our complaints, because at least we get the instrumental version of the song. But still.)

I must say, this would be etched in my mind for quite some time.

Please keep up the good work ! :D

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@126...

Episode 11 was basicly a "fangasm" episode... to please the overwhelming manga purists who wanted the junpei storyarc inserted in the drama. It didn't work with the flow of the developing story, and established relationship between JunPyo and JanDi.

I myself made a decision that every plot point involving HeJe, including the rescue from the perverted studio to the hospital scene... NEVER REALLY HAPPENED.

For all I care... After Ji-hoo had his chat with Jandi at the gas station, she went straight home to find out her home was invaded by debt collectors. It makes more sense... and thanks to the fact that Episode 12 never refer what happened in the preveous episode makes it better.

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OMG. Like you say Javabean, Episode 12 is flawed and cheesy. I agree but it is not better than epi 11. I think it's as bad as epi 11. It makes no more sense and....again.....a ruined romantic HYD scene....(battle scene)

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Ditto x 100, Empress80 :)

Being, pretty much, a newbie to k-dramas (excrept for maybe like the first 4 eps. of 'Coffee Prince #1', which I dug), the insights from these Javabeans' recaps and comments, this dedicated culture of netizens and fellow addicts, plus the fan-subbbing of the episodes in English (godblessit!) are, like a commoner family's pride, priceless. Sure, taking BBF as 'Korean Culture 101' would be kinda nuts for someone who grew up outside both those geographic borders outside manga/k-drama/k-pop culture, but this site really let's you right in on it, even if (like me) your k-drama IQ is definitely only in double digits.

The show definitely redeemed itself with ep 12, regaining a lot of lot of the ground it lost with the, just... inexplicable crap-o-rama of most of 11 (please, let that be the last we see of "Jan-DUH!")

But man, if I hear "aaalmost paaa-ra-diiise!" one more time, even without the words, I think my head will probably cave in, or flip its lid... Mister music man, sir, I'm begging you...

I (and everyone else, it seems) really LOVE Madam Kang! The pure evil-vulnerability balance is spot on. Those eyes... my GOD! She could freeze hell and burn a hole right through and out the back of your head. Acting is superb... And Ji-hoo's inappropriate-toothy-grinning-itis seems to have been cured. Good. Back on the horse (or the bike) of coolness. Please dont' fall off...

Can't wait to see what happens in the second half of the series. Since I'm coming into this story for the first time through this particular version, I've got no idea where it will go or how it will end, even though I have a few sneaking (but maybe nto that surprising) suspicions. I did manage to resist and not read beyond the spoiler warning (though a lot can change in 5 days)...OH!

Does this mean tha with a new series and a change of scene, they change the pop CD in the stereo that's been on permanent 'shuffle' mode that is supposed to pass for a soundtrack? Dare we hope for more new songs? I do love Ji-hoo's theme, though (that piano melody, which he also plays on the viloin (or played). Anyone know the title, or where I can download it, or if I can?

Also, does anyone know anything about any plans for the DVD release of this series?

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Oh after Ice Hockey, they went on skiing...hmm what else do rich people do to waste their money ^^ now i really wonder what they'll gana do next. This i really can't wait to see=]

I finally get to hear the magic word "Sarangheo". if only i could save it and convert it into a ringtone...it'd be uber nice to hear lee min-ho's voice, saying "i love you" over and over whenever someone texts me. Now i gotta figure out how to do it! hmmmm

Madam Kang! *oh how funny it is that right after typing Madam Kang-- Poker Face is playing in my itunes* The end

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And please do you think in this drama the characters are realistic???When you can't even feel or understand why they do this or that??

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thanks for the recap.
I was asking myself why they
ended up going sking after
almost gettingn murdered
by the hot Jae Ha.

I saw the other 2 versions
I gotta tell you I'm scared
of Mama Kang because
she is more human than
the other two. Cat eyes!

I also want to know what
happens to Jae Ha after
they rescued JD and JP.
At least with the Sakurako
character she left school
what happens to the hot
but slightly psychotic Jae Ha?

Why is Ji-Hoo always playing the
matchmaker? I feel for him.
He tries to be a good friend and
keeping his feelings for Jandi
in check.

I enjoyed the fact that Jandi
is ready to accept and admit
her feeling for Jun-pyo and I
gotta say. You figured it out
too late!

I also have to say it's great
to see Song Woo Bin in
the episode again. Hope
we get to learn more about
him.

LEE MIN HO naked in any
form is good for ratings.
I kinda wonder why they
had such a "tame" kiss
when Jun-pyo and Jandi
were half naked fever be
damned.

Thanks again!

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And Ella I agree with everything you said.

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i will have to say kudos at least to the writers and producers of BBF because while i am a HUGE fan of the YJ/GE pairing in this version, i found my inner romantic satiated with junpyo and jandi's interaction (making up for a shortage of YJ/GE scenes). they do know how to tap into one's cheesiness well.

(but i still wish that YJ and GE end up together! the promo posters of BBF said "third time's the charm!" so it SHOULD reflect the soujiroh/yuuki pairing!!!! i mean what else is there to make a winner out of, right?!)

but i still think that if somebody else portrayed junpyo, i wouldn't have gotten so carried away with BBF's main romance/OTP. that's certainly saying something about lee min ho's acting. (sidenote: please don't let him lose the perm after the jump! that 'do totally defines junpyo.)

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I think Jun Pyo love for Jandi is getting sillyness with Jan-di who acts like she love him.

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BWA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally blurted that out while reading your recap. Especially at the picture showing Yi Jung/Kim Bum's face from the point of the fallen GaEul/Kim So Eun.
I was like 1) *Scroll down the page*. 2) See Kim Bum's big round eyes. 3)*Scroll page down some more. 4) See the full face. 5)BWA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know why, but it looked so funny to me... bwa hahaaaaa.........

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The main picture of Kim Bun in the green/beige snow outfit is all I wanted to comment. He's sooooo cute!

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I'm starting to think that the dream Jan Di had in New Caledonia, is going to come into play in the later episodes... but with Jun Pyo as her sole mate, and Ji Hoon as her husband. Perhaps the real world will prove too difficult and their fates will end up temporarily screwed up. I'm sure it'll work its way right in the end though...

I wonder if their characters will look any different once they do the time jump.

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I also read Dramabeans' comments after watching the episodes in Vikii....it's so right on! Keep it up! I love episode 12!!!!

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Kim So Eun (Ga Eul) is so beautiful, love her in The Iron Empress. Does she by any chance related to Gong Hyun Joo (You Are My Destiny/ Flowers for my life)? She has the same eyes and lips....

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I really don't mind being spoiled because these recaps are waaaay too good. ^^

This is a good make-up for the 11th episode which sort -of disappointed me. The sweetness in the two pairings have the right recipe in them -- it's sweet but not overly cheesy either.

And I do agree, if they're not planning to go 'canon' on this, why not tweak it some more, ne?

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This is a tiny point, but one thing I was disappointed about was the fact that we won’t get to see Jun-pyo’s reaction to the Jun-pyo Rice Face Lunchbox.

ZOMG I AGREEEEEEEEEEEE! I WAS HOPING FOR THAT TOO!!! :'(

Anyways, I adored this episode. Their kiss was so sweet :'( And a good thing they've lessened the *not-in-sync-with-the-scene* music.

THANKS FOR THE RECAP :D

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I am a die hard fan of the side couple and I am anxiously awaiting the development of Yi Joung and Ga Eul's relationship. I really hope that the writer's for the Korean version change the storyline because the two previous version had me dissapointed. Aside from that, I am surprisingly enjoying this version. Thanks for all your recaps, I always look forward to them.

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i'm glad that JH is NOT playing the violin for once but a guitar instead... makes it looks more natural and real. i wish they had decided to give JH a guitar instead of a violin earlier on. so what if it's totally different from the manga or the japanese hanadan.. at leats it'll make JH's musical ability more believable... (given that KHJ plays the guitar offscreen).

but i guess strumming a guitar all alone in the woods while sporting an all-white outfit would look sorta insane... heh... heh...

the song 'almost paaaaradiiiise' is not that bad. though i don't understand a word of korean, i feel that it has it's own quirky charm.. the problem is just that it's being overplayed.
did somebody mention a drinking game earlier? if it involves how many times this song is playing in one episode, i'm sure by the end of each epi we'll be drunk enough not to remember that we hate this song.. ; )

and finally.... i'm all for JP- JD pairing,. that's how it's supposed to be. but i'm still sad that JH is sad. poor him, longing for a girl who's in love with someone else and having to help them get together to boot....

TO THE WORLD!!!!

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I was thinking from the beginning that the storyline will be the same like the 2 older version. But now i´m not really sure because they´ve changed more than I expact. Better in this way I think . =) Good work , thanks alot! :D

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Love this more than ever!!!!

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