“Not all stories end with grand declarations of love & marriage.”

For those wondering if the show ends on a high note, with the quarreling couple reigniting their relationship, honestly, the answer is “No.” We are making it clear at the very beginning that this show isn’t about reconciliation, rather it deconstructs the main couple’s failing relationship and liberates them from unwarranted pretense. You can very much pretend that you are watching the couple going through their divorce phase, where efforts were made to reunite them, but in the end, they choose to part ways amicably. There aren’t many shows portraying the end of relationships, maybe because most fans prefer “Happy Endings.”

“The Boy and I Who Will Break Up in 100 Days” steers clear of this prejudiced notion and sets off to depict a flawed relationship between two flawed individuals. They have their own mindset and opinions that don’t particularly feel together. Their imperfections set them apart and they slowly come to the realization that reconciliation isn’t meant to be. This is one of those shows that needs to be taken with a grain of salt. It is realistic and hard-hitting.

Storyline & Chemistry-

Kasuga Yuma (Ito Kentaro) and Hasegawa Itsuki (Sato Kanichiro), a same-sex couple, gain attention on social media for being “adorable” after giving an interview about the partnership declaration system for sexual minorities. One day, they receive an offer to film a documentary capturing their cohabitation over 100 days. Wanting to promote greater understanding of homosexuality, Yuma accepts the proposal. Sadly, Yuma and Itsuki have already broken up and are no longer together. Yuma persuades Itsuki, and the two decide to act as a loving couple in front of the camera. Unaware of the truth, documentary director Kayano Shiho (Narumi Yui) is eager to capture them as they truly are. Problems ensue when Yuma strives to be the perfect partner, while Itsuki feels suffocated by those expectations. As Shiho and her assistant follow them around, their carefully constructed lies begin to fall apart. Their differences are jarringly obvious, as Yuma strives hard to become the voice of the LGBTQ community. Itsuki, on the other hand, is a private person. He leads a carefree life, being jobless and has no intention of being dragged into the media circus that Yuma enjoys. As the shooting continues, their misunderstandings and insecurities bleed deeper, until they are forced to accept that they were faking their relationship in front of the camera. Ito Kentaro & Sato Kanichiro have a commendable camaraderie. I’m not mentioning their chemistry, because they play a couple who are on the verge of separation.

Final Impressions

Two people in a tactile relationship might not always know each other well!!

Yuma & Itsuki’s relationship begins with a one-night stand, after which they start dating. Initially, Yuma likes Itsuki’s carefree nature, but as they get serious, Yuma admonishes Itsuki about the very things he liked. Itsuki feels suffocated by Yuma’s idealist principles and doctrines. Their personalities are totally opposite. The endgame could only lead to their breakup. It was inevitable!!

Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala