I can see how this show would have been loved by a lot of people...don't get me wrong..it's not that I didn't like the show..let me tell you why it didn't work for me as much as I wanted it to...let me get something out of the way...I love psychological dramas...I have watched a lot of them in both Western and Asian media...and I love flawed characters. I prefer characters who are not instantly lovable from the first scene itself...and that is the reason I had no problems with Kiyoi's characterization...though a lot of people disliked his actions and the way he treated Hira but for me I could understand the reason behind each of those actions...for me the real problem is Hira's character..his vulnerability and introvert nature were all endearing until he started coming off as an obsessed lover..there's a difference between an unrequited love and this kind of one sided obsession ( which according to Hira it was one sided) ...he complaints a lot about people treating him this way that way...but the one character who actually treats him respectfully and adores him is completely disregarded by him..by disregarded I didn't mean Hira not saying yes to his proposal..but the moment he meets Kiyoi again, he goes back to his stalker mode completely oblivious to this one person who has been by his side till now....as much as I love characters who don't give up their pursuit in a love story, I cannot stand a character who has no sense of self respect...and a relationship born out of such obsession is not very appealing to me ..maybe the story didn't have enough time to flesh out his character properly or maybe the writing of the character itself was weak but somehow I didn't enjoy Hira and that for me was the biggest flaw of the show....since we are on the topic, let me give you an example of a well written vulnerable, introvert and insecure character ( which apparently Hira's character is supposed to be ) - i.e. Adachi from cherry magic..not only does he make you sympathize with him but also makes you root for him to find happiness.... not to take away from the strengths of the show which were a lot, I wish I would have liked Hira's character better which would have made this couple much more likeable for me ...