One of my favorite aspects of SOTUS S is also something I see it widely critiqued for, so lemme heap some well-deserved praise on my beloved series.

I think Arthit's awkward and uncomfortable and almost cold behavior is realistic, because That's the Point.

Allow me to explain.
Okay, so here's the timeline as I understand it:

• SOTUS is Kong's first year and Arthit's third
• The flashbacks in SOTUS S are Kong's first/second and Arthit's third/fourth
• SOTUS S is Kong's third and Arthit's post-graduation entry into the working world
In SOTUS S, we see two stages of their relationship: when they were dating in university, and when they've been separated into different worlds.

I think it was a brilliant choice to show the audience both, because that information fuels and supports the conflict of SOTUS S.
In SOTUS S, we see two stages of their relationship: when they were dating in university, and when they've been separated into different worlds.I think it was a brilliant choice to show the audience both, because that information fuels and supports the conflict of SOTUS S.
In SOTUS S, we see two stages of their relationship: when they were dating in university, and when they've been separated into different worlds.I think it was a brilliant choice to show the audience both, because that information fuels and supports the conflict of SOTUS S.
Arthit is two years older, and when they start dating, he has an established status at their university. He has a close circle of friends, the respect of his juniors and seniors, and a high academic standing, so it tracks that he's at his most open and confident with Kong here.
Arthit is two years older, and when they start dating, he has an established status at their university. He has a close circle of friends, the respect of his juniors and seniors, and a high academic standing, so it tracks that he's at his most open and confident with Kong here.
Arthit is two years older, and when they start dating, he has an established status at their university. He has a close circle of friends, the respect of his juniors and seniors, and a high academic standing, so it tracks that he's at his most open and confident with Kong here.
Arthit is two years older, and when they start dating, he has an established status at their university. He has a close circle of friends, the respect of his juniors and seniors, and a high academic standing, so it tracks that he's at his most open and confident with Kong here.
Arthit is two years older, and when they start dating, he has an established status at their university. He has a close circle of friends, the respect of his juniors and seniors, and a high academic standing, so it tracks that he's at his most open and confident with Kong here.
It's also important to keep in mind that that's the world Kong STILL lives in. When Arthit comes back to campus, he's in Kong's safe space.

But it's not where Arthit belongs anymore, and it's clear that he knows it.
He's given ONE opportunity to talk about Kong naturally. His coworker asks indirectly if he has a significant other, and he's nervous but ready—and then just as he starts to speak, he's cut off, and the courage drains out of him.

That's it.

He's pressured back into the closet.
He's given ONE opportunity to talk about Kong naturally. His coworker asks indirectly if he has a significant other, and he's nervous but ready—and then just as he starts to speak, he's cut off, and the courage drains out of him.That's it.He's pressured back into the closet.
He's given ONE opportunity to talk about Kong naturally. His coworker asks indirectly if he has a significant other, and he's nervous but ready—and then just as he starts to speak, he's cut off, and the courage drains out of him.That's it.He's pressured back into the closet.
He's given ONE opportunity to talk about Kong naturally. His coworker asks indirectly if he has a significant other, and he's nervous but ready—and then just as he starts to speak, he's cut off, and the courage drains out of him.That's it.He's pressured back into the closet.
He's given ONE opportunity to talk about Kong naturally. His coworker asks indirectly if he has a significant other, and he's nervous but ready—and then just as he starts to speak, he's cut off, and the courage drains out of him.That's it.He's pressured back into the closet.
This is on top of everything else at work causing him stress. He's new, he's at the lowest rung, he doesn't understand certain protocols, John is taking advantage of his kindness, and he's not in the department he feels more suited to.

And now he has to hide the one he loves.
This is on top of everything else at work causing him stress. He's new, he's at the lowest rung, he doesn't understand certain protocols, John is taking advantage of his kindness, and he's not in the department he feels more suited to.And now he has to hide the one he loves.
This is on top of everything else at work causing him stress. He's new, he's at the lowest rung, he doesn't understand certain protocols, John is taking advantage of his kindness, and he's not in the department he feels more suited to.And now he has to hide the one he loves.
This is on top of everything else at work causing him stress. He's new, he's at the lowest rung, he doesn't understand certain protocols, John is taking advantage of his kindness, and he's not in the department he feels more suited to.And now he has to hide the one he loves.
This is on top of everything else at work causing him stress. He's new, he's at the lowest rung, he doesn't understand certain protocols, John is taking advantage of his kindness, and he's not in the department he feels more suited to.And now he has to hide the one he loves.
And THAT is on top of what Kong says, that they hardly see each other as it is, and throughout the first episode it's shown that Arthit's changed from his university years.

Even when he's with his friends after work, he seems tired and disheartened.
And THAT is on top of what Kong says, that they hardly see each other as it is, and throughout the first episode it's shown that Arthit's changed from his university years.Even when he's with his friends after work, he seems tired and disheartened.
And THAT is on top of what Kong says, that they hardly see each other as it is, and throughout the first episode it's shown that Arthit's changed from his university years.Even when he's with his friends after work, he seems tired and disheartened.
Also important is that we're /shown/ that Kong doesn't realize how much things between them are changing. He lives in the safety of their campus, where he's head hazer, where Arthit was a senior he admired.

He probably can't conceive of Arthit feeling afraid the way he is.
Also important is that we're /shown/ that Kong doesn't realize how much things between them are changing. He lives in the safety of their campus, where he's head hazer, where Arthit was a senior he admired.He probably can't conceive of Arthit feeling afraid the way he is.
Also important is that we're /shown/ that Kong doesn't realize how much things between them are changing. He lives in the safety of their campus, where he's head hazer, where Arthit was a senior he admired.He probably can't conceive of Arthit feeling afraid the way he is.
But Kong /can't/ know because Arthit won't tell him. After Kong surprises him at work, Arthit asks for advance warning in the future. Not because he's afraid of being outed—his actual fear—but for practical reasons that don't sound unreasonable, so Kong doesn't question them.
But Kong /can't/ know because Arthit won't tell him. After Kong surprises him at work, Arthit asks for advance warning in the future. Not because he's afraid of being outed—his actual fear—but for practical reasons that don't sound unreasonable, so Kong doesn't question them.
But Kong /can't/ know because Arthit won't tell him. After Kong surprises him at work, Arthit asks for advance warning in the future. Not because he's afraid of being outed—his actual fear—but for practical reasons that don't sound unreasonable, so Kong doesn't question them.
But Kong /can't/ know because Arthit won't tell him. After Kong surprises him at work, Arthit asks for advance warning in the future. Not because he's afraid of being outed—his actual fear—but for practical reasons that don't sound unreasonable, so Kong doesn't question them.
But Kong /can't/ know because Arthit won't tell him. After Kong surprises him at work, Arthit asks for advance warning in the future. Not because he's afraid of being outed—his actual fear—but for practical reasons that don't sound unreasonable, so Kong doesn't question them.
And Arthit /isn't/ cold to him all the time. Immediately afterward, they have dinner together, Arthit gives Kong head hazer advice, accepts Kong's invitation to attend an event, and visibly just enjoys goofing off with him.

Arthit adores Kong, and he shows him in his own way.
And Arthit /isn't/ cold to him all the time. Immediately afterward, they have dinner together, Arthit gives Kong head hazer advice, accepts Kong's invitation to attend an event, and visibly just enjoys goofing off with him.Arthit adores Kong, and he shows him in his own way.
And Arthit /isn't/ cold to him all the time. Immediately afterward, they have dinner together, Arthit gives Kong head hazer advice, accepts Kong's invitation to attend an event, and visibly just enjoys goofing off with him.Arthit adores Kong, and he shows him in his own way.
And Arthit /isn't/ cold to him all the time. Immediately afterward, they have dinner together, Arthit gives Kong head hazer advice, accepts Kong's invitation to attend an event, and visibly just enjoys goofing off with him.Arthit adores Kong, and he shows him in his own way.
And Arthit /isn't/ cold to him all the time. Immediately afterward, they have dinner together, Arthit gives Kong head hazer advice, accepts Kong's invitation to attend an event, and visibly just enjoys goofing off with him.Arthit adores Kong, and he shows him in his own way.
Of course Kong isn't perfect either. He has his own communication issues, and he oversteps boundaries. He tries to hold their relationship together by taking on every obstacle for the both of them, and it ends in his emotional collapse. He even refuses to cry in front of Arthit.
Of course Kong isn't perfect either. He has his own communication issues, and he oversteps boundaries. He tries to hold their relationship together by taking on every obstacle for the both of them, and it ends in his emotional collapse. He even refuses to cry in front of Arthit.
Of course Kong isn't perfect either. He has his own communication issues, and he oversteps boundaries. He tries to hold their relationship together by taking on every obstacle for the both of them, and it ends in his emotional collapse. He even refuses to cry in front of Arthit.
Of course Kong isn't perfect either. He has his own communication issues, and he oversteps boundaries. He tries to hold their relationship together by taking on every obstacle for the both of them, and it ends in his emotional collapse. He even refuses to cry in front of Arthit.
Of course Kong isn't perfect either. He has his own communication issues, and he oversteps boundaries. He tries to hold their relationship together by taking on every obstacle for the both of them, and it ends in his emotional collapse. He even refuses to cry in front of Arthit.
That's what makes their relationship feel authentic. They're both at fault, but it's relatable and painful because they're trying to protect themselves and each other.

Arthit's biggest fear has always been that their relationship will drag Kong down, and Kong's is losing Arthit.
That's what makes their relationship feel authentic. They're both at fault, but it's relatable and painful because they're trying to protect themselves and each other.Arthit's biggest fear has always been that their relationship will drag Kong down, and Kong's is losing Arthit.
That's what makes their relationship feel authentic. They're both at fault, but it's relatable and painful because they're trying to protect themselves and each other.Arthit's biggest fear has always been that their relationship will drag Kong down, and Kong's is losing Arthit.
And their fear brings out their habitual flaws:

Kong pushes, and Arthit runs.
And their fear brings out their habitual flaws:Kong pushes, and Arthit runs.
And their fear brings out their habitual flaws:Kong pushes, and Arthit runs.
That's why their resolution is so perfect. It addresses both of their fears simultaneously. Arthit chooses to prioritize his relationship above all else, and that shows Kong that he won't lose Arthit.
That's why their resolution is so perfect. It addresses both of their fears simultaneously. Arthit chooses to prioritize his relationship above all else, and that shows Kong that he won't lose Arthit.
That's why their resolution is so perfect. It addresses both of their fears simultaneously. Arthit chooses to prioritize his relationship above all else, and that shows Kong that he won't lose Arthit.
That's why their resolution is so perfect. It addresses both of their fears simultaneously. Arthit chooses to prioritize his relationship above all else, and that shows Kong that he won't lose Arthit.
That's why their resolution is so perfect. It addresses both of their fears simultaneously. Arthit chooses to prioritize his relationship above all else, and that shows Kong that he won't lose Arthit.
It's what makes Our Skyy work so well, because it's the same issue in different circumstances: Arthit's afraid he can't do enough for Kong, and Kong's afraid of losing him. Fears often manifest in different ways, and it can take years to fully overcome them.
It's what makes Our Skyy work so well, because it's the same issue in different circumstances: Arthit's afraid he can't do enough for Kong, and Kong's afraid of losing him. Fears often manifest in different ways, and it can take years to fully overcome them.
It's what makes Our Skyy work so well, because it's the same issue in different circumstances: Arthit's afraid he can't do enough for Kong, and Kong's afraid of losing him. Fears often manifest in different ways, and it can take years to fully overcome them.
It's what makes Our Skyy work so well, because it's the same issue in different circumstances: Arthit's afraid he can't do enough for Kong, and Kong's afraid of losing him. Fears often manifest in different ways, and it can take years to fully overcome them.
It's what makes Our Skyy work so well, because it's the same issue in different circumstances: Arthit's afraid he can't do enough for Kong, and Kong's afraid of losing him. Fears often manifest in different ways, and it can take years to fully overcome them.
And that's why this ending is perfect to me.

Arthit reclaims that confidence he had back in university, but now it's not just in front of their peers: it's before the world.
And that's why this ending is perfect to me.Arthit reclaims that confidence he had back in university, but now it's not just in front of their peers: it's before the world.
And that's why this ending is perfect to me.Arthit reclaims that confidence he had back in university, but now it's not just in front of their peers: it's before the world.
(Also they have sex ALL the time. Kong just calls it "rewards" and Arthit is JUST AS INTO IT.)
(Also they have sex ALL the time. Kong just calls it "rewards" and Arthit is JUST AS INTO IT.)
(Also they have sex ALL the time. Kong just calls it "rewards" and Arthit is JUST AS INTO IT.)
(Also they have sex ALL the time. Kong just calls it "rewards" and Arthit is JUST AS INTO IT.)
(Also they have sex ALL the time. Kong just calls it "rewards" and Arthit is JUST AS INTO IT.)
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