"Kieta Hatsukoi" depicts a 'puppy love' type relationship between two inexperienced teens struggling with their feelings and insecurities. This drama had me smiling from ear to ear every episode. Its simplicity made it so easy to enjoy the cuteness, and the cast, despite being mostly rookie actors, did an incredible job at portraying their characters and the awkwardness that comes with a new, unfamiliar relationship. Michieda Shunsuke is literally the perfect Aoki; he nailed this role and made me fall in love with the character alongside Ida (played by Meguro Ren).

With a lighthearted vibe, great character developments and interactions between characters and good music, "Kieta Hatsukoi" is a perfect pick-me-up show and I'll definitely be rewatching it if I ever need a bit of cuteness to lift my mood.