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This review may contain spoilers
A short and sweet BL anthology
Close to You – a short and sweet BL anthology that's all soft winter vibes, warm cups of tea, and just enough feels to linger. No drama, no toxicity (well… mostly), just eight men across four bite-sized stories that all hit differently but flow together like a cozy snowfall.
1st story – The Bicycle Ride
Two just-out-of-high-school boys, a sleepover, and a peaceful morning bike ride. That’s it. That’s the magic. This one feels like a slice of life captured in soft light, no big declarations, just two adorable friends slowly leaning into something more. I loved all of the caring and sweet moments. The open ending left me smiling and kind of wanting to go bike riding myself.
2nd story – The Time Loop & the Bracelet
This was fun! Starts with a drunken on the phone confession (classic), and the next day, the regret hits hard. Cue: magical friendship bracelet and a wild loop of “what if I answer differently?” Seven tries later, honesty wins… but wait! Turns out both of them had been looping — the friend tried six times too?! That twist gave me chills in the best way. And the random laptop guy in the background, mirroring their convos like some chaos spirit? Gold. Quirky, funny, heartfelt — loved it.
3rd story – The Diary
This one hit me right in the gut. Starts like a chill forced cohabitation trope — his mom’s friend’s son is staying over — but then they bond, feelings quietly blossom… and then he’s gone. The twist? He was sick, and now he’s passed. And he gets to know it a year later.The diary entry that says he’ll come see him again? I was not okay. Beautiful, tragic, soft. I adored their dynamic. Possibly the strongest emotional pull of the four.
4th story – The Office Romance
Okay, this one was kind of messy. A senior and junior with a shared past, including a not-okay kiss that didn’t sit right with me. It leans more into tropey tension and miscommunication. That said, it was still fun in a quick-watch kind of way. Not something I’d want as a full series like the others, but the last scene — the kiss timed perfectly with the coworker walking out — was a mood.
Overall:
Short, satisfying, with one emotional punch and three shades of sweet and strange. It’s rare to find an anthology this balanced in tone, with each story holding its own voice and a wintry warmth that ties them together. Would recommend.
1st story – The Bicycle Ride
Two just-out-of-high-school boys, a sleepover, and a peaceful morning bike ride. That’s it. That’s the magic. This one feels like a slice of life captured in soft light, no big declarations, just two adorable friends slowly leaning into something more. I loved all of the caring and sweet moments. The open ending left me smiling and kind of wanting to go bike riding myself.
2nd story – The Time Loop & the Bracelet
This was fun! Starts with a drunken on the phone confession (classic), and the next day, the regret hits hard. Cue: magical friendship bracelet and a wild loop of “what if I answer differently?” Seven tries later, honesty wins… but wait! Turns out both of them had been looping — the friend tried six times too?! That twist gave me chills in the best way. And the random laptop guy in the background, mirroring their convos like some chaos spirit? Gold. Quirky, funny, heartfelt — loved it.
3rd story – The Diary
This one hit me right in the gut. Starts like a chill forced cohabitation trope — his mom’s friend’s son is staying over — but then they bond, feelings quietly blossom… and then he’s gone. The twist? He was sick, and now he’s passed. And he gets to know it a year later.The diary entry that says he’ll come see him again? I was not okay. Beautiful, tragic, soft. I adored their dynamic. Possibly the strongest emotional pull of the four.
4th story – The Office Romance
Okay, this one was kind of messy. A senior and junior with a shared past, including a not-okay kiss that didn’t sit right with me. It leans more into tropey tension and miscommunication. That said, it was still fun in a quick-watch kind of way. Not something I’d want as a full series like the others, but the last scene — the kiss timed perfectly with the coworker walking out — was a mood.
Overall:
Short, satisfying, with one emotional punch and three shades of sweet and strange. It’s rare to find an anthology this balanced in tone, with each story holding its own voice and a wintry warmth that ties them together. Would recommend.
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