Four stories that were half-good, half-bad
As a compilation, Close to You feels like your average K-BL anthology: visually appealing but held back by inconsistent writing. While some stories stand out on their own, others lack the charm and substance to leave a lasting impression. Here’s my ranking from favorite to least favorite.
Friendship Bracelet.
What an insane plot twist paired with such a remarkable concept. I only started watching this show because of Kim Jeong Seok, and fortunately, he ended up starring in the strongest story of the four. This episode had the most unique premise, blending romance and fantasy in a way that felt surprisingly effective despite its short runtime. The idea of a rainbow-colored bracelet that lets you travel back in time with a flick was both cute and creative. However, the real highlight was the reveal that the other guy had been using the bracelet first, repeatedly going back in time just to confess his feelings to his best friend. That twist was genuinely brilliant. I really enjoyed how simple yet emotionally powerful the story was. My only complaint is that dry kiss did absolutely nothing for me.
Last Diary.
I am a sucker for tragic romance, and this episode delivered exactly that. It starts with a charming enemies-to-lovers dynamic, supported by solid chemistry and a believable relationship development. Then it hits you with the heartbreaking revelation that one of them has been hiding a terminal illness all along. Watching someone slowly fall in love, only to be left behind without ever knowing the truth,w as incredibly painful. In the end, he becomes the only one left to remember the brief yet unforgettable moments they shared in that house. It was bittersweet, emotionally devastating, and beautifully executed.
Riding A Bicycle.
Unfortunately, this episode felt as stagnant as the bicycle itself. While I appreciated the story’s key ideas, the chemistry between the leads never really clicked. The pacing also lost momentum halfway through, making the entire episode feel flat. At least it gave us a heartfelt confession between two best friends before they went their separate ways for college. That emotional payoff saved an otherwise underwhelming story.
Sunset Boulevard.
This was easily the weakest episode. Very little actually happens. It’s mostly a flashback followed by two former schoolmates reuniting after years of ghosting. Their reunion should have been emotionally charged, but instead, we get a cup of lukewarm coffee spilled on them before they casually talk about the past. By the time they finally confess their feelings, the episode is already ending. There simply wasn’t enough buildup to make the reunion feel satisfying.
Overall, Close to You is a mixed bag. A couple of stories significantly elevate the anthology, while the weaker ones drag its overall quality down. I appreciate the creativity behind the individual concepts, but I hope they move away from cramming multiple unrelated stories into such short episodes. Rather than feeling like a cohesive web series, it ends up resembling a collection of rushed short films. The potential is there, but it just needs more room for each story to actually breathe.
Friendship Bracelet.
What an insane plot twist paired with such a remarkable concept. I only started watching this show because of Kim Jeong Seok, and fortunately, he ended up starring in the strongest story of the four. This episode had the most unique premise, blending romance and fantasy in a way that felt surprisingly effective despite its short runtime. The idea of a rainbow-colored bracelet that lets you travel back in time with a flick was both cute and creative. However, the real highlight was the reveal that the other guy had been using the bracelet first, repeatedly going back in time just to confess his feelings to his best friend. That twist was genuinely brilliant. I really enjoyed how simple yet emotionally powerful the story was. My only complaint is that dry kiss did absolutely nothing for me.
Last Diary.
I am a sucker for tragic romance, and this episode delivered exactly that. It starts with a charming enemies-to-lovers dynamic, supported by solid chemistry and a believable relationship development. Then it hits you with the heartbreaking revelation that one of them has been hiding a terminal illness all along. Watching someone slowly fall in love, only to be left behind without ever knowing the truth,w as incredibly painful. In the end, he becomes the only one left to remember the brief yet unforgettable moments they shared in that house. It was bittersweet, emotionally devastating, and beautifully executed.
Riding A Bicycle.
Unfortunately, this episode felt as stagnant as the bicycle itself. While I appreciated the story’s key ideas, the chemistry between the leads never really clicked. The pacing also lost momentum halfway through, making the entire episode feel flat. At least it gave us a heartfelt confession between two best friends before they went their separate ways for college. That emotional payoff saved an otherwise underwhelming story.
Sunset Boulevard.
This was easily the weakest episode. Very little actually happens. It’s mostly a flashback followed by two former schoolmates reuniting after years of ghosting. Their reunion should have been emotionally charged, but instead, we get a cup of lukewarm coffee spilled on them before they casually talk about the past. By the time they finally confess their feelings, the episode is already ending. There simply wasn’t enough buildup to make the reunion feel satisfying.
Overall, Close to You is a mixed bag. A couple of stories significantly elevate the anthology, while the weaker ones drag its overall quality down. I appreciate the creativity behind the individual concepts, but I hope they move away from cramming multiple unrelated stories into such short episodes. Rather than feeling like a cohesive web series, it ends up resembling a collection of rushed short films. The potential is there, but it just needs more room for each story to actually breathe.
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