Netflix's BL series explores nostalgia and memory through the story of Ryu, a national ice hockey player, and Hwang, a Korean boxer. Both are struggling with past traumas and difficult life changes. When Ryu’s teammate confesses romantic feelings for him, it disrupts his life, leading him to escape to Berlin. There, he meets Hwang, who faces similar struggles. Their meeting develops into a profound friendship, which becomes the heart of the story as they help each other heal.
Ryu and Hwang cross paths as life pulls them in opposite directions, leading to a dramatic friendship-to-love connection: Series Explainer
In just a matter of minutes, two lives meet, share the past, heal, and then leave behind a series of memories and lifelong bonds that still linger in the mind. Narutaki Ryu, a 21-year-old national ice hockey player, had never thought that one day a mere confession could give him a trauma that still aches him. His life filled with hockey, friends, and studying in college collides with a shy team player, Arata, who confesses his love for him. At first, Ryu seems to be shocked as a friendly conversation turned a bit too serious. Instead of accepting or acknowledging, he simply avoided Arata.
Being a shy gay, Arata had anticipated that this might lead to a new issue, but after the team member leaks this out of curiosity, Arata takes a drastic step. Escaping from reality, Ryu runs away, leaving everything to Berlin. Meeting his childhood friend Sumiko, he just wants to be left alone. Upon hearing that Arata is in the hospital, he confesses his sin in a church, but to his bad luck, the pastor is not there. A young boxer, Hwang Jo Han, listens to this and pretends that he heard nothing. An arsonist sets the church on fire that had a surreal sculpture portraying the sins of people, leaving behind a fire bed engulfing everything, and Ryu tries to find his salvation.
Fate often tests Hwang Jo Han. His parents are dead, and his only family, his sister, studies in Berlin, so he travels to the country to fight a boxing match. He has often taken the wrong path just to get his sister a better life, but after meeting Ryu, something changes in him. He no longer wants to live the same life of losing for money. After the incident and exposing the boxing federation's cheap tricks, Ryu and Jo Han explore the city and decide to face their fears.
Ryu, who thought his life was burdened with the guilt of not letting Arata know his feelings, finally meets him and confesses his sin. Arata, who now doesn't need an apology, simply decides not to escalate this and let bygones be bygones. Nothing remains the same. The team splits up, and Ryu continues his studies. On the other hand, Jo Han starts from a fresh point and enlists himself for military service. Both start to live again and interact while they have time.
Years pass, and their bond grows stronger, but life keeps testing them—through sacrifice and saving each other, they become Soulmates
Ryu and Jo Han's lives are split into two, but this time they feel happy. Despite challenges, Hwang overcomes setbacks and, with Ryu's support, they begin to live together and help each other grow. As they adjust, their deepening bond carries them forward, forming the emotional core of the story.
Seeing an opportunity, Ryu and Hwang decide to become guardians of Kanau. Life begins to return to normal when Hwang is diagnosed with an incurable disease. Despite building a career in Japan, Hwang leaves everything for his friends. Years pass without news from Hwang, until five years later, he confesses his feelings to Ryu. All those years together felt magical to Hwang, and as his time is limited, he wants to thank Ryu in person.
Ryu meets him back in Berlin, takes him out, and as they drive to places, time seems to go by like it's a memory. In the end, Ryu and Jo Han spend every moment embracing their love, not a real love but a platonic one that lasts forever. The series was an honest love story, besides the fact that it was a BL series. Honestly, there was nothing BL in the series even though the two guys shared love. It was quite a bromance story with a little element of boy love. Just a simple, impactful story about friendship and love. The characters played a great part in bringing the story to life. Each emotion felt real, and the narrative brought a glorious friendship to the viewers.
Out of 5, it's a solid 4. This series stands out for its honest portrayal of friendship and subtle love, leaving a powerful emotional impact long after the final scene. It is a story packed with love and surreal feelings that were never explored, making it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling.
