[[Chinese Webseries 2016] Heroin Web Series 上癮网络剧]

Hi everyone! Been a lurker in this wonderful little corner for a bit now. <3 I was watching the newest subbed BTS by LovelyThings and Ryokise, and was inspired by a particular moment. I loved it so much I had to make some gifs and write this post haha.

 

First, this is the video: 

 

 

Before I reached this part of the video, my spirits have sunk a little because this BTS itself confirms that the leg-warming part was orchestrated (at 9:51 mark, the staff instructs ZZ to warm JY's legs). ZZ obliges but at first, it looks and sounds fake and playful. Even the staff acknowledges it, and so instructs ZZ for more contact, and even throws a lighthearted "I want to kill you!" at 11:04 when JY and ZZ cackle exaggeratedly instead of act lovey-dovey as instructed.  But ZZ's concern for JY's stiff calves is genuine. Perhaps ZZ didn't thought they'd freeze so much from the fishing scene they earlier did. JY acts tough-like and insists a calf's muscles ought to be stiff.

 

The first true sign of their free will in this scene is when ZZ tells JY "Let's do it according to how we feel" (11:31). This is after the staff told JY to act like he's in bliss even as he confessed that his legs had gone numb and could barely feel ZZ's massage. The staff can be cruel sometimes lol. ZZ asks JY how he feels and drums against his legs playfully. The staff instructs him to do it properly, to be sincere. ZZ repeats the word "Sincere". Maybe it sparks something in him, because he stops the drumming, takes a quick look at JY, and then unzips his jacket. No one tells him to do so, he just does.

 

It says so much about ZZ that his idea of sincerely helping another person is not just to help with his hands, but with his--and I mean this in the purest way--body. Like JY, he gives more than what scripts and their production team tells them to. Sure, the scene is orchestrated, but they turn it into something so honest. They both know that scene is supposed to be for show, but JY is genuine with his feelings (to the point that CJD tells him not to refute her as the author) and ZZ is genuine in wanting to help. He sees the leg rubs aren't doing anything, so he offers more warmth even if it means less comfort for him.

 

I merged these four pictures for less lag, but they all share the same thought: JY WAS SO CONFUSED AT FIRST. The poor half-frozen whale is staring dumbly at ZZ. Probably thinking why on earth ZZ was taking off his clothing in that kind of weather. He stares and stares. ZZ cheerfully shares his warmth. This is the part that made me want to gif all of it. I'm dying to have a glimpse of how JY was feeling at that moment. See, his legs were cold as heck, but he was prodded by staff to act like they weren't. Instead of getting a break first (a warm drink or a heat pad for his legs maybe), he was supposed to act sweetly? At 11:35, you can see him clenching and unclenching his hand. He must be so cold at that point, only his pride and commitment to his role won't let him admit it. If his co-star isn't someone as creative and quick-thinking like ZZ, he maybe would've endured an hour of discomfort and futile leg-rubbing for the camera. But no, in front of him was someone who didn't shy away from body contact and who really wanted him feel better. You can see his discomfort ebb away when he finally figures out what ZZ's plan is. "OH, HEAT PADS!" *face lights up*

 

 

Idk but I laughed when JY asked "What are you doing?" in a near-whisper, like he's almost fearing ZZ lost his sanity. Hahahaha. Just look at 11:53 to 11:58, he looks so lost. I love JY when he's in his cocky-and-in-control mode, but I love seeing him being vulnerable and swept away by ZZ more. Especially in their earlier moments together, when he was still reserved and ZZ was more open and tactile.

 

Also, I think even the staff doesn't immediately realize ZZ's plan with the heat pads? Someone chuckled when ZZ unzipped, but maybe it was due to JY's reaction. Perhaps like JY, it takes them a bit to figure it out.

 

This is it for my first post (too long omg sorry!) I hope you all have a lovely day!