Falling in love may seem simple, but it’s a complicated process that goes well beyond our beating hearts. Love requires a level of openness and courage that isn’t always easy to tap into.

Adapted from the manga series Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun by Toriya Ko, starring Kizu Takumi (Sahara Ichiro) and Hachimura Rintaro (Toki Kanade), Mr. Sahara and Toki-kun taps into how touching a delinquent’s pure heart manages to open up those around him.

Despite being a fun, over-the-top romantic comedy, there’s a fine thread of pain and truth that adds depth to each character, no matter their role. The first two episodes set a relatively simple stage. Toki-kun is a delinquent frequently involved in fights who falls for the handsome physical education teacher, Sahara after said teacher helps him.

It’s easy to get lost in Toki-kun’s immediate interest and feelings, especially considering how quickly he opens up to ‘growing’ beyond the walled-up delinquency he’d fallen into. His innocent need to be near the man he’s developed feelings for is refreshingly honest and courageous. Toki-kun’s growing feelings may confuse him, but he never questions ‘who’ those feelings are for. His quick acceptance of his crush on same-sex Sahara sharply contrasts the glimpses we get of Sahara’s past in episode two.

Fear meets truth in the brief exchange between the past and the present, which quickly makes Sahara and Toki’s burgeoning relationship that much more interesting because it’s evident that this series will be just as much about Toki ‘growing’ Sahara as it is about Sahara ‘growing’ Toki.

While I haven’t read the manga this series is based on, I’m excited to discover this growth for the first time with both of them. In only two episodes, an obvious ‘opening up’ is happening for both men. Because of Sahara, Toki opens himself up to the people around him while courageously accepting his feelings. On the other hand, Sahara seems to be facing himself, his choices, and feelings he couldn’t confront in the past.

And I’m here for what they bring to each other.

For a series full of laughs and fun that also captures something deeper, check out Mr. Sahara and Toki-kun on Gagaoolala and iQiyi.

Rating- 4.5 out of 5