This review may contain spoilers
sweet first 7 episodes
Overall: I was okay with the slow burn but episodes 8 and 9 stalled their development. 12 episodes about 22 minutes each. Airing on GagaOOLala (not in Thailand, Taiwan, Korea or Japan) https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5485/ten-things-i-want-to-do-before-i-turn-forty-2025-e01What I Liked
- their different personalities
- showing how a character is friendly and sweet but also does not act like a child at work
- that they clear up misunderstandings fairly quickly
- supportive sisters
- production value
Room For Improvement
- how Tojo was kind of pressured into it
- episode 2 was repetitive, could start at 5 min
- episode 8 made no sense that they only had 1 minute of screentime at the end and episode 9 ruined things before they even really got going (suggest watching beginning to 7:30)
- (neutral) voicing internal thoughts
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Feel-Good Drama with a Side of Bland Chemistry
=====INTRO=====I don't really like this show, but it’s a feel-good drama that’s super relaxing. If you’re looking for something simple with a slow romance, this is it. Tojo’s once dull life starts to become full of color, and it really makes you realize the importance of doing something meaningful rather than just living a mundane life.
=====PLOT/STORY====
Of course, this is a BL (Boys' Love) series, so Tojo gets help completing the tasks on his list from Keishi, who likes him because Tojo is hardworking and caring. Tojo starts to grow as a person throughout the series, which is a great part of the character development. He realizes that just because he is getting older doesn’t mean he has to stay the same. Keishi acts as a catalyst; he helps and pushes Tojo to take action and get out of his comfort zone. I like how the two main characters communicate with each other and gradually form a steady, tortoise-slow relationship. Each episode focuses on one task from the list.
======CHEMISTRY=====
What I don’t like about this series is the CHEMISTRY between the leads. It's just so bland. I mean, their chemistry is about as fiery as a cold cup of tea. Honestly, they feel more like co-workers or friendly acquaintances than, you know, a couple supposed to be romantically involved. There’s barely any physical affection, and you start to wonder if they even know what holding hands feels like. But if you can look past that, the show is still quite enjoyable.
The relationship between Tojo and Keishi feels overly tentative, like two people tiptoeing around each other, more focused on being polite and accommodating than actually building romantic chemistry.
I'm just going to say it after Episode 7, I started skipping scenes and fast-forwarding a lot. That's never a good sign for me. It means I'm finding it tiresome, boring, and repetitive. I need some fire and passion, just a little bit would be nice. I know it's supposed to be a gentle, sweet romance, but wow, it's painstakingly boring and so slow.
========FINAL THOUGHTS======
Sure, there are some slow moments, and there is a lack of spark between the leads, but I’d still recommend it. It’s wholesome, light-hearted, and will give you those warm, fuzzy feelings that make you want to cuddle up with a cup of tea.
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Heart-warming romance with a light airy vibe
This is a nice sweet cute Japanese BL story.The pacing is slow and the relationship development is moving at a snails pace.
The storyline is authentic and believable, but it is going in circles, instead of progressing foward.
The M / M lead characters are realistic and endearing.
You can actually root for thier relationship.
The chemistry is different yet interesting.
Tons of sweet heartwarming moments.
The M/M leads have a good opposites attract dynamic but the relationship development is too slow.
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This review may contain spoilers
Kawaaiiiiiii...this is cute as hell.....seems like a sure shot mood lifter
The older virgin-clueless in love-cute office worker and his younger hot-popular-savvy colleague entangling in an unlikely romance....there have been many of this trope in JBLs (Ocean's Love, Old Fashioned Cup Cakes, etc.)...and they get me every damn time...this one seems to be headed the same way...and I'm not complaining at all!!BL-needle Score: 8. High BL-ness
I love the stereotype of middle-age, shy Japanese gay man who has never explored any dating, romance or even kissing...who spent his life so far just working and getting back home, and then repeat...but also the slight break away from that stereotype where Suzume buys all those soft toys, dresses up in that cute suit at home and eats what he wants to....the adorable details of a cute character....and then the way Keiji uses the 'Oh he is good looking and must have a girlfriend' to conveniently hide him being gay, while secretly watching and crushing over his senior colleague...in other words, both the stereotypes and the quirks in this drama make me grin like the chesire cat :D
And that scene where Suzume jumps at Keiji to try and take his phone and struggles due their height difference, and how Keiji hugs Suzume from the back....awwww...it has me melting all the way.....
Watch if you like them JBL tropes, and also if you feel out and blue....it will surely lift your mood
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Beautiful realistic, story line and script and acting
beautiful gem in the BL drama world. The storyline is heartfelt, realistic, and filled with emotional depth, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and dreams with maturity and sincerity. It’s not just a romance — it’s a journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply. The actors deliver outstanding performances; their chemistry is natural and compelling, bringing raw emotion to every scene. Each moment feels authentic, making it impossible not to get invested. This drama is a must-watch for anyone craving a thoughtful, well-acted, and deeply moving BL experience.Was this review helpful to you?
