Romantic love isn’t predictable, making it one of the most exhilarating, heart-pounding emotions to experience. And while it’s generally a beautiful feeling, it’s also scary and vulnerable. Exposing your heart to someone isn’t an easy feat.

Adapted from the manga Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka by Chiba Ryoko, the new Japanese BL Although I Love You, and You? presents a captivating blend of the charm and vulnerability that falling in love presents, whether it’s at first sight or a slow burn progression. It follows Matsumoto Sakae (Kan Hideyoshi), a charismatic restaurant owner in Osaka, and Soga Hisashi (Nishiyama Jun), a relocated and divorced office worker, as they instantly connect at Sakae’s restaurant before falling into an awkward, endearing friendship.

Japanese BLs are generally good at setting the stage, using their first two episodes to delve quickly but efficiently into the story. With Although I Love You, and You?, it’s love at first sight for the honest and open Sakae. His in-your-face desire to do something about this feeling while also being afraid of getting hurt becomes a fun back-and-forth with the divorced, somewhat repressed, and socially awkward Soga. This deep dive into instant feelings makes it easy to be swept into the story, a romantic comedy full of romantic misunderstandings between an Osaka native and a city boy trying to fit in that touches on insecurities and the courage it takes to embrace love.

Although I Love You, and You? is set to take us on the intricate journey of opening oneself up, and I’m ready for the laughs, the heartwarming flutters, and the love it promises to offer. I especially love how the drama instantly presents our leads’ differences as an opportunity to become closer and grow rather than a reason to immediately push each other away.

For a series that brings two men from different walks of life with complicated romantic histories together in a story set to open us up with them, check out Although I Love You, and You? now on Gagaoolala.

Rating- 4 out of 5