When I first started the drama I was lowkey skeptical about it being the “Soft fluffy Japanese bls” but they proved me very wrong with it.
Firstly, the plot in itself is very interesting, it has gradual growth . I would suggest you to not be skeptical about it being sad.
Ofcourse given to the plot it, indeed has sad undertones throughout all the episodes but along with it, it has some sweet, funny and heartwarming moments.
The acting is top notch, there's is no overreacting. Each character feels so real and genuine. Also everyone is a green flag

The cinematography is very beautifully yet smartly done. You can see the tones, scenes, the little cuts adds into the feeling of the drama.

I personally loved the gradual growth between Mitsuru and Yamada Koichi so much. You could practically feel the character (Mitsuru) opening up and breaking down his walls and expressing his, love hurt, breakdowns etc to Koichi after him being dead and to not loose him.
Koichi on the other hand, had one of the most loveable characteristics; he's warm to Mitsuru, and his love is just so pure that he is okay if his whole world consists of koichi.

It's honestly very hard to describe in feelings how this series makes you feel,it's like you know something bad is about to happen / the time is slipping away and the state you are in will end but somehow the current state you are is comfortable.
Please 🙏🏻🥺 watch them it's just so good.
PS: i might make changes after i finish the last ep.