A series about a boy’s love series and the actors who portray the main roles wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024, but here we go, right out of the gate! 

Nichika Akutsu stars as Hajime Aoyanagi a former child star who hopes to prove he’s more than just the “Orange Juice Boy” when he’s cast in the live-action adaptation of the popular BL Manga I Like My Childhood Friend. Aran Abe of 7ORDER (formerly of Travis Japan) stars as his romantic interest Yuichiro Akafuji, a popular idol currently at the top of his game. 

Akafuji (left) reaches for Hajime

Though both want to do a good job, initially there is ZERO chemistry between them, so the production, along with their respective managers Kijima (Shu Watanabe) and Yukari (Yuki Ogoe) decide it might be best for the two to move in with one another to get to know one another better. But there’s a reason Akafuji is so standoffish towards Hajime. He’s been his Stan for the last seven years and has an intense crush on him. He’s cold because he’s too afraid he’ll make his feelings known otherwise.

But as the two get to know one another (both on and off the set) emotions find their way to the surface and Hajime discovers his own feelings for Akafuji. The series also stars Shogo Iwaya (of THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE) as the arrogant (but timid-hearted) idol Ryoga Kuromiya who also forms a close bond with Hajime while knowing Akafuji’s true feelings.

Produced by TV Asahi the episode 45-minute series originally aired on Telasa from 24 December – 1 January in Japan and was broadcast on GagaOOlala for international audiences.

Akafuji leaning in to take his shot

Thoughts: I enjoyed this series. Though it was quick, the story was tight, the acting was great, and honestly it was a lot of fun. I am a big fan of series that don’t meander, and being so short, this one had zero wiggle room to meander. However, I would’ve liked to see more of how the relationship between Kijima and Yukari developed, though seeing them sweaty in bed together was nice. There is supposed to be a special episode

All in all I’d say this series deserves a 09/10

It looks like 2024 is going to be another banner year for the BL Industry so…

Stay Tuned!