When I Fly Towards You

No melodrama, no annoying characters—just normal people growing up

TL;DR at the end with no spoilers.

There's something about early 2000s camcorders that takes me back to my childhood, though to be honest I don't remember ever having one at home. Maybe it's the look of the onscreen interface, or the video quality, but it makes me feel like what I'm about to watch are memories of easier times in my life. Fittingly, the FL of this show makes a point of documenting her life using precisely one of those camcorders: at the end of every episode and also in many other scenes she films herself and her friends, and there are references to these clips interspersed throughout the story. Somehow, this evoked in me a sense of nostalgia for past events in the story as I watched, although I had seen them happen mere hours before; it surely has to be one of the strangest feelings I've experienced lately.

Complementing that is the expansion of what feels like the ending into 5 episodes—which show us glimpses of their growth into adults in between timeskips—as opposed to the first 19 episodes that cover their high school years. The longer ending gives us plenty of room to contemplate what is now 'long ago' for the characters at the same time they themselves look back on those days. It's not just you as a viewer remembering some scenes by yourself: it's you empathizing in real time with what's on their minds. That's very neat, if you ask me. If something leaves you indifferent, that means you've wasted a part of your life on it.

I admit that I wasn't sold on this show at first. I get an irresistible urge to pause when something cringy is about to happen because I hate the secondhand embarrasment, and the FL does a lot of that in the first couple of episodes to get the ML's attention. Thankfully, she drops that soon and instead shapeshifts into the worst nightmare of the government's censorship board: a teenager who is open about her feelings towards a member of the opposite sex. So much so that, in the real world, no sane bystander would be able to deny that she is verbally throwing herself at him, but here everyone avoids acknowledging the elephant in the room. It doesn't come as a surprise, though, seeing how Chinese dramas tend to normalize high schools cracking down on mere rumors of a relationship between two students. Coincidentally enough, the taboo is lifted in the very day of the graduation. This raises some obvious questions, but I won't go into that.

Leaving that little bit of social commentary aside, the dynamic between the ML and the FL is actually quite endearing. I've been past the point of tolerating overly insecure and controlling characters for years now, and I appreciate that these two and their three friends are just normal people. Everyone has their flaws, but they're not exaggerated for melodrama. You just see their relationships evolve over the course of several years. I missed some more development in their background stories, but I suppose the extra screen time was used to flesh them out as a group so it's okay. If I had to complain about something, it'd be that the relationship between the ML and the FL is too perfect: they always trust each other, always know what the other is thinking, always want to be together, and almost never have significant problems or disagreements. It's nice to watch, but real people can't be held up to these standards.

The contrast between the primary couple being obvious about their relationship and the secondary couple dodging the issue until the last minute was interesting, but the fifth friend whose role was just to add some variety and comedic relief... poor guy. The show makes it abundantly clear that this is about two couples in the making who always sit and stand beside each other, which results in the fifth friend always being relegated to the outside of the group. The only time he's allowed to be in the center of the group is when they're all sitting on the stairs in front of the hospital with him after he'd been taking care of his grandma on his own while she was hospitalized. Maybe I'm splitting hairs, you tell me.

All in all, the plot is all about putting them in everyday situations and having them work out their relatable but not life-changing personal problems. There's not much suspense or mystery because you know how it's going to end by the two-minute mark: the opening already tells you that much. You're just along for the ride. And, if you like the characters, the ride is great.

The thing with endings is they have a lot of influence on the aftertaste of the whole story. I'm reluctant to rewatch or reread things that I loved—and know I would love again—even 95% of the way through just because the ending ruins it all. Luckily, in this case the show ends in a satisfying way, arguably not rushed, and also justified by the events that lead up to it without last-minute asspulls to shift the narrative towards a certain conclusion. I think checking this point off is what makes it the best Chinese drama I've watched so far—for a grand total of four, that is.

To wrap up this review, I just want to comment on the pattern I've been noticing of having male protagonists be good at basketball. If I had a nickel for every time I've seen that in a Chinese drama, I'd have four nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it can't be a coincidence at this point considering it's a 100% rate.

TL;DR:

Watch this for a great coming-of-age story with main characters that don't create forced melodrama and are actually reasonable people. It's hard to describe this type of show in just a few words, but it manages to differentiate itself from other works in the way characters and interactions are crafted. Admittedly, this is something more felt than rationally analyzed, but I think a big part of it is just developing characters to deserve the happy ending the show openly promises you from the start—and then not fucking up the ending itself, of course. You won't find heavy drama here, but it doesn't need it either to tell a compelling story.

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The one and only romance to fly towards... all of its watchers can testify!

I could do without Hidden Love, Love 020, and Falling Into Your Smile. The same can't be said for When I Fly Towards You.

If you like a beautifully paced and written youth drama with some scattered embarrassing (but not cringy and coincidental) moments, a genuinely smart and confident female lead (you will never find another Su Zai Zai), insightful and witty comments, character growth and life lessons, mostly a lack of nationalized propaganda, interesting and adorable side characters (I could watch a whole drama on any one of them), realistic and relatable characters, and a romance without weird break-ups, triangles, and other fire pits dramas tend to fall into...

Watch this. Otherwise, you're missing out.

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I WANNA GO BACK AND JUST FALL IN LOVE!

I don't know where to start. My heart is so full right now. Getting the chance to meet Zhang Lurang, Su Zaizai, Gu Ran, Jiang Jia and Guan Fang's precious high school life to college to working individuals makes me tear up. I really loved every scene and I enjoyed everything. I definitely recommend this!

This became my favorite chinese drama dethroning Hidden Love. I need to give it to my main guy Rangrang. 😗

This story starts with a one sided crush from the female lead, trying to get closer with the male lead. Her persistence and her hardwork and she gives him assurance even though they're just friends. You know she likes him but he does not confess until they're old enough to take responsibility of what they have. And the male lead's confession is everything. I basically screamed when he confessed. It was the best timing. Their college scenes are one of the best.

THEY'RE MADE FOR EACH OTHER 🌻⭐️
They never made each other doubt
They always put each other first
They always find time
They are perfect for each other
I am so so happy for them

If I'd have someone like Rangrang in the end, then it's gonma be worth it 😭

I'd give everything just to have a Season 2 for Gu Ran and Jiang Jia. This would be the best since I want to see more of them. 🥰

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A Soft, Genuine Love Story That Proves Simplicity Can Be Perfect

“When I Fly Towards You” is a full 10/10 for me, and honestly one of those rare dramas that feels effortlessly special from beginning to end.

What makes this drama stand out the most is how authentic and gentle it is. It captures young love in such a soft, sincere, and innocent way without ever feeling exaggerated or cringey. Instead of relying on dramatic twists, it focuses on how people slowly open up to each other, how trust is built over time, and how meaningful it is to be truly seen by someone at that age.

One of my absolute favorite things is that there isn’t really a big, dramatic subplot where everything falls apart. There’s no forced “something must go wrong” moment just to create tension. It stays consistent and grounded, which makes it feel so refreshing. You’re not constantly waiting for heartbreak or unnecessary conflict, you’re just watching their relationship grow naturally. Even when small challenges come up, they’re handled in a simple, mature way, so the story always keeps its warmth.

The romance itself is one of the purest I’ve seen, but what really makes it special is how it develops. Su Zaizai’s feelings start early, but they don’t feel shallow, it’s more like she’s drawn to him in a quiet, genuine way. From there, everything builds slowly and naturally. She’s open, warm, and expressive, while Zhang Lurang starts off more reserved and distant. Watching him gradually become more comfortable, more open, and more sure of himself because of her presence is honestly one of the most beautiful parts of the drama.

What I love is that their relationship it’s in the small things: being there for each other, supporting each other, understanding each other without needing too many words. They don’t try to change each other, but they grow alongside each other in such a natural way. It feels steady, comforting, and real.

The cast truly made everything come alive. Every character felt natural and perfectly cast, and the chemistry, not just between the leads, but within the whole friend group, was incredible. Their friendships added so much warmth to the story, and it genuinely felt like watching real people grow up together. I laughed so much because their interactions were just so effortless and fun.

Another detail I absolutely loved was the storytelling format, especially the use of her virtual diary. It added such a personal touch, letting us see her thoughts and feelings in a way that made everything more intimate and meaningful.

The pacing was also done beautifully. Nothing felt rushed or dragged out, it just flowed naturally, letting each moment have its space.

Overall, this drama is comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly heartwarming. It shows how simple and beautiful love can be without needing unnecessary drama, and that’s what makes it so memorable. It leaves you with that soft, happy feeling long after it ends.

I loved everything! The story, the characters, the format, the humor, and especially the way the leads’ love grows so quietly but so deeply.

A perfect 10/10, without a doubt. 💫

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This is a very tenuous coming of age drama that is full of fluffy moments for the leading couple. The leading couple develops a nice relationship that transforms them in subtle ways; they are both steadfast and endearing in their relationship. Although the romance takes time to develop and the romantic scenes are a bit lacking, mostly from the female lead, this drama is quite nice to watch. It is a drama about a group of friends and their journey into adulthood. There are no major conflicts and their passage into adulthood is really nice to watch. The female lead was a tad overly enthusiastic and eager but she also has a sense of maturity and awareness that influences people around her, especially the male lead. Overall, this is a lighthearted drama with a very lovely romantic story and great camaraderie among the group of friends. Enjoy it!

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Best youth film have ever watch

This is how I want all the script writer to be writing their school or college drama. I can say this is the first school drama I watch that I don't skip any episodes the acting is the best I even backward some of it, their friends is the best so funny except for the main lead parent I find small annoying, and the best things I like about this drama is that there is no annoying character that disturb the main lead relationship and I like the FL acting is so good if there is something call persistence, nothing is more than that and all the parents in the drama a very lovely. I was having a bad day just came across the drama and all my worries fly away....

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nothing can ever compare

I don't even know where to start.. I am crying like a baby cause I just can't accept the fact that I finished this drama. Nothing Nothing Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of comfort this tv show brought to me. I am afraid I'll never like any piece of fiction more than this, no I am almost certaint I will never enjoy a piece of fiction like this one. My heart is swollen with passion, heartache, joy, sweetness, nostalgia and every emotion possible all together. I will never never never forget this drama. There is no comfort drama that could ever top the way this drama healed me. At the same time it is also my biggest heartache cause I just passed my teenage years and I now know for sure I will never experience a youth like theirs. I will long forever for a group friends like theirs, and even tho I never got my young Zhang Lurang, I will keep waiting for adult Zhang Lurang in my future. Ah... I just can't stop writing... the lingering feeling that this has really ended... I just can't let go of these characters!! I will miss them so much it's unreal I could start crying all over again ...
pls pls pls if u are reading this and still haven't watched it don't waste a single second! I can swear on my heart you'll never regret it.

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Cotton candy fluffy goodness

So, one of my favorite dramas of all time is "A Love so Beautiful" (2017) and I watch it at least once a year. I've been looking for a similar drama about friendship and first/only love and nothing came close until I watched When I fly towards you. I absolutely love this drama and watched all 24 episodes in a few days. Now some might be wondering if When I fly towards you is a carbon copy of A love so Beautiful and in short the answer is no. Both are youth dramas that cover teen up to adult years. Both have a fl that has a massive crush on the ml. Both can be considered slice of life and have a group of 5 friends with two being females and 3 being males. This is where the similarities end though. In WIFTY the Female lead Su Zai Zai (ZaiZai) falls in love at first sight with the male lead Zhang Lu Rang (RangRang). However, unlike in A love so Beautiful and many other youth dramas, the ml falls for the fl from their first encounter as well. So instead of the typical scenario of the fl pining over a ml that shows little or no interest in her, Lu Rang shows how much he cares for Zai Zai from the beginning. Their crushes and feelings for each other are mutual, developing as a healthy friendship that turns into more as time goes by. They also each have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to academics and help one another get better at their subjects by tutoring each other. I thought this was sweet and very rare in dramaland. Usually the ml is a genius and the fl is considered dumb, failing all her subjects etc. Often ml is calling her an idiot and the fl agrees. You get none of that in WIFTY. Zai Zai is outgoing, has her own interests outside of her crush (She keeps a film diary throughout series), gets good grades, and is exceptional in English/language. And Lu Rang isn't a 2D genius that knows everything. He is at first very shy, negative with low self esteem (before meeting his friends) due to being constantly compared to his younger prodigy brother. He is exceptional in science but weak with English. In other words the two leads are realistic.

I will now list what I loved most about this drama and what made it unique:
*Shows great friendship with a group that grows up together on screen.
*Felt attached to 2nd leads as well
*No unnecessary drama
* A feel good cutesy drama that never borders on annoying
*Cool alternative dreamy soundtrack that fit the scenes of the series (I never tired of listening to it)
*I really liked the slow mo scenes and cinematography
*THERE ARE NO LOVE TRIANGLES (HALLELUJAH)
*We as the audience get to see not only the fl fall for the ml, but the ml fall for the fl more and more with each episode.
*There are so many cute romantic scenes in this drama that I was smiling like a school girl, which is I guess the point of a drama like this. It brought me back to innocent first crushes I had in highschool.
*Well developed characters and their family life etc. You could get a good idea of each character's motivations and why they might feel a certain way. For example, we find out why Lu Rang is so quiet and doesn't think highly of himself.
*Such good pacing that this drama even at 24 episodes is bingeworthy
*And lastly, Zai Zai and Lu Rang are the most compatible cutest couple I've seen on screen in a long time.

Rating: 10/10

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I LOVE THIS DRAMA SM

i cried immediately after i finished the show i cant let it go bro😭 this is the first time ive ever been SO attached to a show let alone a cdrama?! i hvnt even been this attacted to kdramas bro, this drama hit different like it literally made my life a million times better, i love whoever wrote this drama and whoever casted the cast for this drama, this made my life worth it with this drama fr🫶🏻 the plot the chemistry between the 5 friends and the chem between the 2 couples as well, i wish they started dating earlier esp guran and jia but lurang and zaizai also shouldve dated earlier because 5 eps of them dating IS NOT ENOUGH, anyways this is probs the first and last drama ill suffer post drama depression from, this drama did smth to me istg i love it too much ill never let go and i fell inlove wif zhang lurang(zhou yiran) as well overall this show is ♾️/♾️ i will defo recommend it to everybody its too good not to watch, if i didnt watch this drama my life would probably be a million times more depressing this drama actually changed my life im too attached to this couple i cant watch any other shows where they're dating smbdy else ill cry AND THEIR RS IS SO CUTE I CANT ANYMORE

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The Most Heartwarming Youth Drama

9.5!!!!!!!

Rating by episode:
01-05: 7.50
06-11: 8.00
11-15: 8.25
15-18: 8.00
18-20: 9.25
20-24: 9.75

SHE FELL FIRST, BUT HE FELL HARDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Note 4/4/2025: thinking back, the plot itself was fine, but what really made this special is the directing (so scenes they chose) and the acting of all five leads.

Story:
-character development brilliantly done
-very healthy and not toxic
-extremely sweet
-both main CP and second CP were adorable and funny
-I like how the drama was able to be funny but not a joke
-I love how they documented their youth using videos
-happiest ending, brought many to tears
-lovely friendship
-really good communication between main CP
-a little slow burn

FL:
-love her personality
-shameless in the cutest way
-has teenage rizz for days
-knows how to stand up for herself and her friends

ML
-also love him
-got the best character development
-see this especially when he started flirting back to our fl
-he might've been cold in the beginning, but gets the "best boyfriend ever" reward

Jiang Jia (2fl) and Gu Ran (2ml) are so crazy, I love them.

I like how they showed the friend croup, especially the mcp and 2cp. When the mcp got a little slow, the 2cp was fun to watch, and when the 2cp got a little slow, the mcp was fun to watch!

Acting:
Zhang Miao Yi
-succeeded in being cute, but not cringey
-the character was already great, but this actor brought life to her
Zhou Yi Ran
-has the cutest smile, which you get to see when he is with the fl or his friends

-I like how they were able to keep an 8 year story in 24 episodes. They used time skips in a very eloquent way.
-beautiful cast
-couples had surprisingly good chemistry for a youth drama, which I really enjoyed. Many of the youth dramas I've seen before all have had lacking chemistry. Here, there is no lack.

Music:
-matched the scenes so well
-even though they used some english songs (which I usually don't like) they made me like it

Rewatch
-you can watch this over and over
-I wanna rewatch rn, but I find it more rewarding to wait at least a few months before rewatching
-nothing is toxic, only character development
-EDIT: 1/28/2025: Rewatched the last 6 episodes a few nights ago. That's like 2 weeks after I first watched it. I still laughed and happy cried the same way 😍. Couldn't stop myself from rewatching

Con:
I wish Gu Ran and Jiang Jia got together earlier.
First bits of the show had a bit 2nd hand embarrassment (but it's forgiven)

I usually don't like youth dramas. I also usually don't like female lead pursuing first. Actually, I watched the first episode of this last year and dropped it. Multiple months later, I tried again, after hearing many good reviews. This is the kind of drama that gets better as you keep watching. I soon realized that this drama is really worth watching. After watching this drama, I've started opening my heart to other youth dramas and haven't been disappointed!

So, I know that there are soooo many good reviews for this drama. It's actually good, y'all. The only way you could not love this is if you don't like great character development, sweet, cute, funny, and beautiful youth romances! Highly recommend!

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