It takes a lot of chemistry and magic to make a straightforward storyline work, but it also makes for much better storytelling when compressed into a short story format.

Only two episodes in, and the Korean BL Our Dating Sim is making its friends-to-lovers story work for them.

Starring Lee Seung Gyu as gamer Shin Ki Tae and Lee Jong Hyuk as shy artist Lee Wan, Our Dating Sim has a simple premise: run away from the feelings you’re afraid of or face them? But the way it dives into it, transitioning from past to present, with electric, chemistry-laden acting, sets it up nicely for a heart-fluttering race toward the finish.

The story follows best friends Shin Ki Tae and Lee Wan from high school to adulthood following an awkward separation after Lee Wan confesses his feelings for Shin Ki Tae only to run away and disappear.

Coming out to someone you have feelings for is a challenging feat. Sometimes it takes every bit of courage you have to admit it. Running away from the answer seems much easier than receiving a reply, especially when the idea of rejection is terrifying. While running doesn’t leave the person left behind in a comfortable position, it does give both people time to think.

While many may see Lee Wan running as cowardly, I like his choice in Our Dating Sim. It works for the story and gives both characters the growth they need to mature into their feelings. Not only for each to come to terms with their sexuality but the chance to come together later when both are aware of their feelings. And it was nice seeing they also chose to maintain it by making Shin Ki Tae the ‘Gameboy’ who has been secretly encouraging Lee Wan to step forward from the beginning. It makes for an interesting short story that, if paced well, will fit much better into the Korean BL story format than many of its predecessors.

There is nothing especially profound about Our Dating Sim, but it feels emotionally compelling. And it has a much stronger start than the recent Korean BLs.

I’m sold.

For a heart-fluttering story about first love and the chance to grab onto that love years later, check out Our Dating Sim on Viki or Gagaoolala.

Rating- 4.5 out of 5