“It’s Never Too Late: A Slow-Burn Journey of Love and Rediscovery”
When I first started this BL, from Episode 1 to Episode 2, I honestly didn’t fully understand what it was trying to show me. At first, the pacing felt slow, and I couldn’t quite catch the point. But after rewatching and paying closer attention, I began to see the strength and sweetness behind it. That’s when this story really opened up for me.
The focus is on Suzume Tōjō, a 40-year-old man who suddenly realizes how much of his life he has missed out on. For years, all he has done is work, work, work. His whole world has been about being responsible, dependable, and respected. But deep down, he hasn’t really lived. Watching him reminded me of how many people strive to build a “better life,” earning money and stability, but in the process, they forget to actually enjoy life. Suzume is the perfect reflection of that—someone who has everything on paper, but nothing that truly makes him feel alive.
This is where Keishi Tanaka enters the picture. Keishi has admired Tōjō-san for years, seeing him as a role model and someone deeply respected in their company. There’s a large age gap between them, and Keishi is his junior, but the love Keishi feels for Tōjō is real and persistent. At first, Tōjō doesn’t know how to respond—he is lonely, unsure, and almost too rigid to accept what’s being offered. But Keishi’s warmth, persistence, and ability to show him small joys slowly open up Tōjō’s world.
What I love about this drama is how it reflects real life. Many people, especially as they grow older, look back and realize they never really lived for themselves. They didn’t chase simple joys, they didn’t allow themselves love, or they let time slip by without grasping it. 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 is about recovering that lost time and discovering that it’s never too late to embrace life, even if it feels unfamiliar at first.
The romance itself is slow and gentle. In fact, it took almost the entire drama before Suzume and Keishi finally shared their first kiss. That slow burn made it even more rewarding—it wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t forced; it felt earned. The series teaches that sometimes accepting love takes time, and sometimes healing means relearning how to live.
In the end, this BL is not just about romance. It’s about regret, rediscovery, and the courage to accept joy even when you think it’s too late. It shows that love doesn’t care about age or timing—it only asks if you’re willing to take that chance before the moment passes you by.
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