School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To (2025)

Cliché, but charmingly so effective

Story
What immediately works here is the focus on a single main couple. I’m not against series with secondary couples, but giving the story this tight focus allows the emotions between Watarai and Hioki to fully breathe. The plot itself is simple... probably the most cliché out of clichés, but that simplicity is exactly why it works. It’s not a story that feels deeply personal, yet it hits in a strange, nostalgic way, almost like healing the teenage version of myself who had never experienced this kind of love as a gay teenage boy. The longing and intensity in Watarai’s gaze, his patience, and the eventual reciprocity from Hioki make it all feel tangible. I wish I could’ve been bolder like Watarai back then. To be reciprocated by someone you don’t expect after waiting so long is the best feeling in the world

Acting and Cast
The performances elevate the straightforward story immensely. Fujimoto Kodai carries his role with a natural ease, impressive for his age, while Hideyoshi Kan’s expressive eye expressions every time he looks at Hioki communicate so much without a word. Their chemistry is absolutely top-notch and it feels effortless and gives weight to moments that might otherwise feel ordinary

Characterization
Watarai’s characterization isn’t flawless. His possessiveness occasionally gives me the ick, to be honest. But that imperfection is what makes him believable. Teenage love is messy, intense, intimate, and flawed, and this portrayal embraces that rather than sanitizing it into a “perfect boy” stereotype. I also appreciated the supportive networks or supporting characters around them, from Morisaki’s brother to their circle of friends. It adds a grounded, lived-in feel to the story. It is just so easy to watch and comforting

Rewatch Value
This is a show I could revisit multiple times, alongside favorites like Eternal Yesterday, Cherry Magic, and My Love Mix-Up!. For me, the replay value is undeniable, a full 10 out of 10

Music
While the soundtrack itself didn’t stand out, in my opinion, the musical score is carefully crafted and adds a subtle layer that enhances the dialogue and emotional exchanges between Watarai and Hioki

Standout Moments
The kissing scene deserves particular commendation. I really wasn’t expecting that from a high school romance in a Japanese BL. Watarai’s gentleness in the first kiss was clearly mindful of Hioki’s inexperience, while the second kiss escalated with more passionate intensity, conveying a natural progression of emotion. He didn’t even stop there, the seemingly improvised stolen kiss at the end, which didn’t seem part of the script, added a layer of spontaneity, suggesting that the actors fully understood the emotional beats of the scene. They knew exactly what they were doing. Tbh, I was fully expecting a fish kiss, which I would’ve understood since that’s how it’s kind of described in the novel, but man? I just loved it. It’s so refreshing to see a real, proper kiss in a Japanese BL, which I think it elevates the intimacy between the characters and grounding the romance in authenticity

Critiques
If I were to nitpick, it would be the added line, “I like you whether you’re a boy or a girl.” It wasn’t in the original novel, and while I understand the intent, it feels a little forced and slightly disconnected from Watarai’s previous lines. It reads as a concession to a broader audience, mostly straight viewers, rather than an organic moment in the story

Overall
This isn’t a BL for those who demand tightly plotted, highly polished narratives. It’s a simple, heartfelt story that resonates, reminding viewers why they fell in love with this genre in the first place, and sometimes we just need a little escape from reality. I think this is exactly why this BL series worked so well. An MDL overall 8.7 score is a fair rating considering how good it actually is

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Cuteness overload...

How to begin this review? I'm a bit overwhelmed with positives and negatives of this show. First of all, The workshop/rehearsals they all did payed off very well. But I still don't like the representation of Japans society. The first irk was the question of the girl on the end of episode 2 "By the way, why are you so protective of Hioki?" - no-one in Japan would ask the question, if they are not really, really close or family. This does not happen. And then we have Morisaki brother. First the prank in the car was really of very bad taste and would have earned him a beating in my book. But then pushing Watarai would also never ever happen. The four friends only spoke for about four months at that time, which means Watarai may have seen Morisakis brother but does not have any connection to him whatsoever. This is the typical fantasy land most BLs are in and we could have done without that.

One the other hand, this couple is one of the cutest we ever have to get to know. Hiokis actor protrayed his character to perfection. I only wish his scream was much much much longer. 🤣Yes he is shy, but on the other hand he is direct, asks what's on his mind and is not wishywashy at all which was very refreshing. Watarai's actor plays the cool one, but he is shy himself but covers it up most of the time. Both characters grow with each other and in the finale Hioki is the leading man. Perfect!

Production quality was also top notch! Cinematography, costumes, editing and the audio were all perfect as well. So this was very enjoyable and cute and of course I have to recommand that show. Also we get the treat of two special episodes airing consecutively next week and the week after. And both of them on a spring break trip is something I look forward. 🤣

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