#looking like kimis failing to chat him up at a bar

[maxz-b]

whoever decided to put that creature in the photoshoot and also make the tie satiny I am giving you head so explosive you're shitting urself in part 22/???

[ineffable-opinions]

If It Is You (2023)

Kimi to Nara Koi wo Shite Mite mo (2023)

Final review: sweet, the anguish only makes it sweeter. Rating: 8/10

Summary: A highschooler (Amane) moves in with his grandmother after having his heartbroken by his first-love/crush who took his confession as badly as he could. His exploration of sexuality took into the arms of an older friend-with-benefit. In the new town he meets a gentle classmate (Ryuji) whose sincerity who have him thinking: if it is with you [I can fall in love].

The story revolves around their life – the high school experience, busy summertime and a love confession that sneaked out of Amane's heart. HE.

Pairing: mujaki, tsukushi seme X sasoi uke

What I liked:

Ryuji drinking tea and chatting with grandma while waiting for Amane to wake up. And leaving after making sure Amane is ok. 

Early on in the story, we are made to feel Amane’s broken heart. The friend-with-benefit was definitely not the right person for Amane. This one gesture from Ryuji won him my approval. He proved perfect for Ryuji. If it is with him then I can rest assured.

2. Amane teasing Ryuji.

That was Amane’s way of testing Ryuji’s reaction to his androphilia. I love how that was a reflection of Amane’s failed attempt to connect with his first crush. Ryuji’s confusion and surprise are overshadowed by his tenderness in treating Amane.

It reminded me of the scene from His - Koisuru Tsumori Nante Nakatta (2019) where Nagisa tells Shun a love story to introduce his androphilia.

Not only that scene but also the location of Ryuji’s restaurant kept reminding me of His (2019).

3. Ryuji preventing girls from his class from stealing Amane from him by invoking their promise to watch fireworks together.

4. The cliff-hanger at the end of episode 4. Resolution at episode 5.

I was scared that Ryuji would forget about their date with how busy he looked. I was super happy to see his POV – throughout his summer vacation, while he was very busy, his thoughts revolved around Amane. Just like Amane kept thinking about him. Better yet, flowers, food, and other quotidian stuff reminded Ryuji of Amane. And that convo he had with his mother. Him realizing that it is love!

5. Ryuji taking Amane to the temple grounds so they can talk. Them turning up late to school.

6. Amane going all the way to Ryuji’s restaurant to take a look and returning right after. Amane not telling Ryuji about it later. That was so good!

7. Amane drinking tea in one cup and rushing out. Grandma’s smile.

8. Watermelon

It made me realize that the series was like that, tough on the outside, sweet & soft on the inside. Juicy and perfect for the heat.

9. Amane missing Ryuji while in a karaoke bar, surrounded by friends.

Reminded me of the Yunmeng extra from danmei novel Mo Dao Zu Shi where Wei Wuxian missing Lan Wangji while surrounded by friends.

10. The festival crowd.

11. BL quirk – how seme Ryuji’s name is.

12. Direction was neat. Actors were good.

13. Traditional shudo-type pairing: Amane is ideal Wakashu.

Especially the part where he realizes his friend-with-benefit was not actually kind. Ryuji is shown to be worthy of Amane.

Shigatsu no Tokyo wa... (2023) had a scene where Kazuma stops Ren from having friends-with-benefit situation with older guy. There is no one stopping Amane here. Ryuji is also not an average highschooler, having to take on restaurant duty.

What I didn’t like:

Post-firework extended date.

It was not bad. I didn’t care for it. I feel happy for them. It felt personal and a shorter montage would have been enough. This is probably because of Indian movie influence where date/dance montage are employed to depict romance efficiently. But then they had to add filler to make the episode full.

2. Camerawork in firework scene was a little off. What’s with that angle of looking at nose. The coloring didn’t help it either.