My Only 12% is such a beautiful series. Everything about it: from the casting and acting to the direction, cinematography, and OST, it's just chef's kiss. I honestly can't believe I ignored this for so long, thinking this was just another typical high school BL full of clichés. But it's so much more than that.
The story is actually set in the mid-2000s, maybe around 2006 to 2008 since Cake uses an old desktop and they both have flip phones. That little detail made it feel really nostalgic. It took me back to a simpler time, before smartphones and social media took over.
I absolutely loved Cake and Eiw's friendship. It's funny, wholesome, and so relatable. They're always teasing and messing with each other like real teenagers. Cake's goofy and playful personality brings a lot of charm to the story, while Eiw's shy, introverted side balances it out perfectly.
Despite their differences, their bond runs deep, and that's what makes their relationship feel so real. Also, props to the casting, the actors actually look like teens, which adds to the authenticity.
That said, falling in love with your best friend is already confusing, but it gets even more complicated when you're the same sex. One moment you're laughing like usual, then suddenly you're overthinking whether a simple touch meant something more. You don't want to mess up the friendship, but pretending you don't feel anything is even harder. It's love mixed with fear, hope, and a whole lot of silence. That's exactly what Eiw is going through in this series. I really appreciate how the show explores this kind of story, because it's something that actually happens in real life.
As the series progresses, we see them grow from teens into young adults. I really appreciated how naturally the story developed, it felt grounded and true to life. Even after going their separate ways for 4 years, their friendship didn't fade.
If anything, the distance helped them grow individually and made their connection even stronger. And when Cake finally realizes his feelings for Eiw? So satisfying.
I'm usually not into friends-to-lovers plots, but this one hit different. There's just something incredibly sweet about watching two people slowly realize their feelings through everyday moments: jokes, support, shared experiences. It's not forced or rushed. It's the kind of story that makes you believe that sometimes, the person meant for you has been right in front of you all along. And that's exactly what this series captures. My Only 12% isn't just a romance. It's also a touching story about family, friendship, and growing up. I'm so glad I finally gave it a chance.
