This is a stunning and beautiful short BL that while soft in its approach speaks volumes in the message. Paing Kha (Khay Han) has lived with his best friend Tun Ko (Shin Ye Htut) for many years. To say they are close would be an understatement. There is a fervid attachment between them that goes deeper than friendship but is not quite sensual. Much like a hand to a glove. They seem on the surface to be connected to the same tree of life.

Tun Ko has had a girlfriend for a long time but his relationship with Mi Mi (Zun Pwint Phyu) is not one of intimacy but more of viability. Even though they have been steady, they rarely spend much time together, since she resides quite a distance from him. Unexpectedly, she surprises Tun Ko with a visit and can sense and feel immediately the tension when she is present. Not that she is treated badly; she is not. But she knows and can see that the deep relationship between Tun Ko and Paing Kha only seems to be growing stronger and her presence has somehow disrupted that flow.

At their dinner together, they open a bottle of wine and proceed to drink perhaps just a little too much, especially Paing Kha. When Mi Mi observes the care and comfort Tun Ko provides to Paing Kha, she confirms what she already ostensibly grasps and knew for some time. She decides to tell Tun Ko that it is time for them to break this relationship off. She, amiably, tells him that his first and last thoughts are always for Paing Kha and his priority has been and always will be him. In essence, she realizes that his relationship is with Paing Kha, not her. Without saying the word, she implies that Tun Ko is so deeply in love with Paing Kha that he can only see him in his life.

When Tun Ko arrives back, he tells Paing Kha that Mi Mi was broken up with him. She has done so because she has found someone else, and she also knows of his deeper devotion to him than for her. Tun Ko finally acknowledges that he does not love her, as he tenderly and fondly looks into Paing Kha’s eyes and holds his hand. They embrace and decide and acknowledge that they can never really leave each other. Both make a commitment to always be with one another.

While not overtly romantic in a physical sense, this has such a naturally reflective but sensuous message underlying it. The two performers have unbelievably great screen chemistry together and look good as a couple. You can feel their attraction to one another. Given that their society and country is quite repressive, they displayed their love for one another in every other sense of that term except a physical one. The screenplay, while sometime confusing and obtuse, gives just enough of an inference that they know the struggles they are going to face may be challenging if they are going to remain together. They without a doubt love one another and have pledged to be together. Even if, Tun Ko might need to get married. If that happens, as Pain Kha says, he “will follow him and take care of his children.” I can think of a no stronger commitment to each other than this.

The way the two of them look at one another says it all. Words with them are unnecessary. So much love is conveyed in the small things that they do with and to each other that makes this series so unique and special. It might move past you so quickly that it could be missed.

If this were a real story, then a special shout-out would need to be given to the character of Mi Mi. She feels, senses, and knows that the relationship between the two of them will never be as strong as she should have with Tun Ko. Rather than being bitter or fighting for something that would not gain her anything, she literally walks away and states the obvious. In this way, they can all remain friends with no resentment. In a sense, this creates a new or perhaps a newer beginning for a more intense and loving relationship between Tun Ko and Paing Kha. And also frees Mi Mi to dignify her more authentic love.

This is a surprisingly strong and powerful BL despite its brevity. Appreciate the fact that it is from Myanmar and the courage it took to both produce and perform in this tender and unexpectedly poignant narrative. Just a remarkable saga of love, not just one of romance but also a shining example of a distinctively platonic one as well.

Rating- 4.5 out of 5

Streaming on- MCA Entertainment YouTube Channel