Minase,a high school student is very diligent with his studies, a good student and admired by all the teachers too. His mother who mostly stays abroad wants him to go to US for further studies. His father is a busy film director and keeps his distance from the family. So Minase mostly lives by himself. And then we have Haruki, skips classes, smokes cigarettes, and spends time with a rough crowd. One day while walking Minase watches Haruki being badly beaten up by his drunk father, but he doesn't do anything. Later that night he finds Haruki alone on the bench, and a conversation starts. After that incident, Haruki starts being warm and friendly with Minase, even spending evenings at his place unknown to anyone in the class. While watching a film, Haruki even kisses him. Unsure of what's going on, Minase starts to avoid him, but again one night Haruki shows up at Minase's home all beaten up admitting to provoking the fight on purpose. "If I get hit, will you feel sorry for me again?". Haruki keeps flirting with Minase and when they both go on a weekend trip to Haruki's mom's place on the beach they even make love to each other. But despite this they are not sure of what exactly is the relationship that they both share. When Haruki's father suddenly passes away, he decides to move out of town. Minase feels very lonely and visits Haruki's house where he finds. Letter written by Haruki confessing his love but also saying that he will never reach out Minase because he wants Minase to have a good life. 4 years later. Minase is in final year of university and he hears that Haruki is also in town studying film making. After a few failed attempts, the duo meet and Minase is happy to watch Haruki's film. After a few awkward interaction, the two guys finally admit their love for one another.
You know, this show fell like poetry in motion. Something about the way the scenes are shot, the cinematography, the dialogues which always hint at something profound; it feels like star crossed lovers and will they - won't they dilemma. This is a very differently told BL love story. We are given backstories of both the boys, and trust me it's complex. There are reason why they do what they do, including not admitting their love and care for one another. A top student and his delinquent classmate may seem incompatible, yet the series creates a compelling journey that brings them together. They maybe teenagers but both of them are forced to deal with adult-like problems since their guardians have failed them. The show has sad moments but it doesn't linger just on that. A kiss happens in the second episode itself, but the way the romance eventually slowly develops over the course of many episodes is beautifully portrayed. The leads share vivid chemistry, brought to life by their stellar performances. The series highlights both their physical and emotional bond. They both show their vulnerability in their own unique way and heal each other in ways that no one can imagine. The two don't talk much and their conversations are more poetic like (which can be good or bad for viewers depending on what an dhow you like things). In the end, it was their differences that made them whole, even as the world around them seemed to push them apart. Their bond was fragile yet undeniable, a quiet rebellion against fate, a love that defied the tides of time and change. The actors managed to capture the raw, unspoken pain of their characters with such grace and authenticity. Every subtle gesture, those gazes and the deep internal monologue felt real. My one problem with the show was slow pacing and sometimes way too many silent moments. After the 10th enepsidoe, I think coming out with a special episode was good idea. It finishes the story strongly. Overall, this was a heartfelt exploration of growth, vulnerability and healing which was both raw and hopeful. Was it the best show I have ever seen, I dont think so. But to was pretty darn good. (8.5/10)
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