A pure childhood friends-to-lovers BL series with detailed, cute, and dynamic artwork, perfect for fans of Love on the Horizon, My Summer of You, and Sasaki and Miyano.

As kids, Kazuho and Tokio were close enough to give each other piggyback rides. But now, in high school, a gulf has opened between them—one that’s carrying them further and further apart. It’s a distance Kazuho is keeping on purpose, to keep from revealing the new feelings for Tokio that have been growing in his heart. But one day, Kazuho falls asleep in class, those feelings come spilling out—and it’s all Tokio’s fault…

This is a painfully sweet story of a love that’s been unrequited for a long time, and how the closeness of friendship brings these feelings to a head.

Kazuho is in love with his childhood friend, Tokio. They had an incredible closeness growing up, where they were openly playful with each other, but now that they’re in high school, they’ve cooled off a bit, although Tokio openly admits to missing how things used to be.

There’s a reason Kazuho isn’t keen on Tokio being so physically playful with him…Kazuho has been holding a torch for Tokio, and it’s getting more and more difficult for him to be around Tokio when he’s harboring romantic feelings for him.

Tokio notices things getting a little more awkward or Kazuho sometimes reacting or overreacting to his playfulness. Whenever the two get close like how they used to be (bonking each other in passing, or leaning up against each other to do homework, or falling asleep on each other on the train), other people take notice and make comments that seem to bother Kazuho only (“are they….” or “didn’t mean to interrupt cuddle time”). Kazuho is worried that confessing will ruin their friendship and more.

But it’s getting harder and harder for Kazuho to hold back, especially when Tokio is so encouraging about Kazuho sharing whatever’s been bothering him.

There is a moment of tension after the two are rained on and they take shelter. When Tokio encourages Kazuho to share what’s on his mind, Kazuho can’t hold back anything anymore. It’s not a full confession, but pretty darn close, and even Tokio picks up on how romantic the scene has become.

Tokio point-blank asks Kazuho if he is in love with him, which freaks Kazuho out so much that he flees the scene.

I’m not going to go further into the plot, but just know that with all romances, there is an HEA that feels earned and a sense of relief knowing that everything is out in the open and love prevails.

This is a sweet, quiet BL of childhood friends who have become something more, but something true and honest at the same time. To watch these two finally get together is a wonderful thing, and I look forward to the story continuing in Volume 2.

---

What if I Said, “I Love You?” releases June 30 from Kodansha Comics. You can preorder or later purchase the volume directly from Kodansha or any other book retailer in store or online.