The scariest thing truly close friends face is the fear of losing a friendship, especially if their feelings for each other change.

Adapted from the manga series Kimi ni wa Todokanai by Mika, the Japanese BL I Can’t Reach You is all about unrequited love and the fear of losing the one person you care the most about.

Ohara Yamato (Maeda Kentaro) is in love with his best friend, Ashiya Kakeru (Kashiwagi Haru), a one-sided love that has grown into a painful need he has difficulty hiding. A love he finally ends up admitting to.

Thus begins a tug-of-war of mutual feelings both are afraid of losing. For eight episodes, I Can’t Reach You ping-pongs back and forth between each of the main leads’ insecurities, fears, and desires. All while maintaining the tension and chemistry needed to keep the emotions a central part of the series.

Friends-to-lovers plots are beautiful but also take some effort since it can be hard to separate lifelong affection from a sudden change in feelings. In I Can’t Reach You, Yamato has harbored romantic feelings for years, but Kakeru just now realizes he may have deeper feelings than simple friendship. Both want similar things, but with Yamato having had years to figure things out while Kakeru is still sorting through his thoughts, they come to an impasse.

One of my favorite things about this series is that despite the back and forth as they navigate how to move forward, there is a lot of honest communication between Yamato and Kakeru. Sometimes, they need a little nudge from those around them, but even without those nudges, they would have found their way. Even though the series title is I Can’t Reach You, they never quit reaching for each other. In reaching, they work through Kakeru’s inferiority issues and Yamato’s fear that the strength of his love will chase Kakeru away.

In the end, their burgeoning romantic relationship makes them stronger. It motivates Kakeru to try harder in school and life, and it makes Yamato more personable. All while cementing the love they share for each other.

For a friends-to-lovers series that brings our leads together while growing them personally, check out I Can’t Reach You, wherever it may be available in your region.

Rating- 4 out of 5