I initially gave this drama a score of 8.5, but in the end, I lowered it to 8, mainly because of the slow pace in the second half. In reality, it's not the slowness itself that's the problem, but rather the broadcast format. With 25-minute episodes released once a week, it took 12 weeks to get the full story. This long wait made the progression feel endless, especially with such short episodes. It wasn’t 25-minute episodes twice a week or even one-hour episodes once a week. This format made the story seem much slower than it actually was.

Objectively speaking, the series only lasts six hours in total, which isn't too much time to develop a relationship. In most dramas, it takes at least six hours for the characters to become a couple. However, here, it really is a genuine romantic relationship, but it's told from a slice-of-life perspective, focusing on the challenges of dealing with illness. It’s a different approach compared to more traditional romances, which often emphasize physical closeness or dramatic twists.

The 12-week wait made the viewing experience more difficult, but the real issue lies in the broadcast format, not the story's pacing. I think it's time to move away from this kind of weekly release for such short episodes.

As for the final episode, the confession was truly touching. Kohei’s struggle to believe it made the scene even more emotional. However, the final hug left me unsatisfied: it lacked romance and didn’t have the emotional depth one would expect. Learning that a simple additional chapter could have given us a more romantic kiss only heightens the disappointment.

I completely disagree with those who claim this is a bromance rather than a BL (Boy’s Love). A bromance, by definition, is a friendly relationship without romantic feelings. Here, romantic feelings are clearly expressed several times. Yes, it’s a realistic drama, a slice-of-life story mainly dealing with hearing issues, but that doesn’t make it any less of a romance. It’s a sweet and subtle romance, but since when does a BL need to include kisses or explicit scenes to be classified as such? That’s neither necessary nor enough to define a love story.

As for the actors, I really liked their chemistry. Their relationship was timid, yes, but genuinely sweet. Their performances were convincing, and the music, both the opening and closing tracks, were fantastic. The series also does an excellent job of handling misunderstandings, especially when Kohei experiences hearing loss or tinnitus.

Maya, though annoying for much of the series, becomes more likeable towards the end. However, it has to be said that she single-handedly ruined three entire episodes.

I would have liked to see more physical closeness between the characters, but that’s typical of Japanese productions. By "closeness," I don't mean kisses or explicit scenes, but more affectionate gestures: hugs, tender moments. These touches of softness could have made their relationship feel even more romantic.

I’m still undecided between giving it an 8.5 to encourage this type of romance, which tackles rarely represented illnesses and disorders, or an 8, which better reflects my personal viewing experience. Either way, this drama tells a beautiful story that, despite its flaws, is worth watching.