I just . . . <3 ❤❤❤

Such wholesome and supportive MLs! Ida and Aoki were everything good in this world.

The first episode did an amazing job setting up not just the characters and comedic style of the drama (which I adored) but also showing who Ida and Aoki are as people.

Ida is the kind of guy who thinks about things very seriously and carefully and despite not being exposed to/experiencing what many others already have is open to something unfamiliar to him. He also cares deeply about the feelings of others and always takes them into consideration, though he appears quite stoic and awkward at times. Lol.

Aoki is the kind of guy who doesn't let jealousy guide him in acting in ways that would benefit him personally while hurting others. He is willing to make sacrifices for the people he cares about even if it is to his detriment. And, he is very outwardly emotional and expressive, but also quite shy at times. Lol.

That was an impressive thing to accomplish in just the first episode alone.

This is the kind of drama that will not only make you cry from laughing so hard at Ida's dry humor, Aoki's meme-worthy and iconic reactions/facial expressions, Hashimoto's violent/impulsive nature, and Aida's blissful ignorance, but also from how much consideration and kindness oozes from the MLs.

Ida's sincerity was seriously too much for my poor heart to take! And Aoki made my cheeks ache from how many times I couldn't contain my giggles and abrupt bursts of laughter! Needless to say, I along with many of you now have to figure out a way to share custody of the absolute mood that is Aoki Sota.

Something a bit underrated and beautiful I didn't fully notice about this drama until it had a few episodes left was Aoki and Ida saying statements Directly expressing their emotions about things related to their relationship, and also the other paying attention and taking them seriously. Such as, "That made me upset," "That made me happy," etc. Saying This thing you did made me feel This. Basically, "I" statements.

I can't think of very many dramas that do this/have done this.

I've actually read that couples counselors will advise their clients to communicate in this way to directly address their feelings and not be accusatory when/if they're upset with their partner. Yet another reason for me to adore Kieta Hatsukoi and the precious couple in it.

This drama was not only a great showcasing of healthy and communicative relationships, it was also highly addictive. I rewatched each episode (until it was completed) about a dozen times before the next one aired.

Regarding representation, I could not be more happy! Aoki was a wonderful and respectful representation of Bisexuality. It was also delightfully easy to show. He was in love with Hashimoto and then he fell in love with Ida. Simple. He didn't declare that he "doesn't like boys and just likes him" (I hate that trope so much) nor was there any line indicating he never truly loved Hashimoto and was just "confused." He didn't deny his past love and also accepted his present love. I could cry!

I think this was as perfect Bi representation as you could get without actually saying the word Bisexual.