I avoided this drama, I was sure I wasn't going to watch this ever. Why? Because for some years I was in a similar health-situation. I don't want to elaborate this, but let's say, I am in a position to judge this from a real-life point-of-view. And I really loved this drama. I wonder what person wouldn't appreciate such a sad but beautiful story, especially knowing, that it is based on a real person. I didn't cry at all (maybe because of my experience), but I was really moved, especially at the end of each episode where we are shown pictures of the real Aya and excerpts from her diary - these sentences are so real, so important, so dramatic, so beautiful - it really is, what you feel and think when you are in such a situation, and thus Aya helped even me just by watching this. About the story: Well, you know she will get sick, it will get worse and eventully she will die. So what is there to gain from this story? First, the setting: You have a quite realistic take on how the patient and her family and friends react. The actors did a great job here. Nothing was over the top (proving that J-drama can be "normal", too). The story progresses steadily and surprisingly with a good pace, that does never bore you, nor does it dive into huge melodrama. Aya's courage and her relationships carry this beautifully. And about the love story: Other than the real Aya, drama-Aya was so fortunate to have this amazing class-mate, who knows what loyalty is. The male lead was my favourite actor, I just loved his performance. Of course, drama Aya was depicted in a more collected and beautiful way than it happened in real life. When this desease progresses, your face becomes distorted, too and nothing is as "sleeping beauty" like as it was shown here at the end. However, it is okay, since this is a blurred improved version of sickness, that protects viewers. What can I say at the end? I am glad I watched this. Throughout this drama I will remeber the real Aya and when I think about my own sickness, I will remember her couragious way of living. Thank you, Aya.