Both are short BL shows with main character(s) associated with gangsters. While red balloon differs in that the main characters are teens for most of the story, and it’s less intense than long time no see, both have very heartwarming and convincing relationships between the main characters, and interesting side characters.
Based in a mature high school, the stories can both be humorous at points, but neither fails to hit the mark when it comes to exploring the experiences of young gay men within their respective societies. Red Balloon goes further in its reflective essence and demonstrates the awful possibilities of what it can do to individuals who are forced to adapt to a heteronormative society that has little desire for their truth.
