Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (5)

Close Friend is a Thai anthology series that weaves six standalone love stories into a single emotional tapestry, each tied to a song by Boxx Music artists. From a long-term couple struggling with neglect when one partner's career takes off, to a man who sees his cat as a human in a bizarre romance, a judo club senior and junior finding connection through training, a broken-hearted man guided by his best friend through superstitious rituals, a nostalgic 1990s pen-pal relationship between two high schoolers, and a fan who meets his idol through a virtual reality headset—each 15-20 minute episode explores a different form of love: love strained, love absurd, love built on sweat, love discovered in friendship, love across distance, and love between fantasy and reality. While the brevity leaves some stories feeling rushed, the series offers a quick, diverse sampler of BL romance with standout performances and unique concepts.

Chacree Rujiviphat

Cast

May Piangpaitoon Satrawaha

Cast

Sadanun Somachriyakul

Cast

Ohm Thitiwat Ritprasert

Cast

Fluke Natouch Siripongthon

Cast

First Chalongrat Novsamrong

Cast

Ja Phachara Suansri

Cast

Nat Natasit Uareksit

Cast

Max Kornthas Rujeerattanavorapan

Cast

Yoon Phusanu Wongsavanischakorn

Cast

Talay Sanguandikul

Cast

Jimmy Karn Kritsanaphan

Cast

E01

Close Friend Episode 1

Season 1 · Apr 22, 2021

~ min

E02

Close Friend Episode 2

Season 1 · Apr 29, 2021

~ min

E03

Close Friend Episode 3

Season 1 · May 06, 2021

~ min

E04

Close Friend Episode 4

Season 1 · May 13, 2021

~ min

E05

Close Friend Episode 5

Season 1 · May 20, 2021

~ min

E06

Close Friend Episode 6

Season 1 · May 27, 2021

~ min

6.4

out of 10

497

373

870

746

nostalgia_penpal

January 2024

9/10

I watched episode 5 first and it completely won me over. Jimmy and Tommy have this gentle, yearning chemistry that makes every letter exchange feel like a love confession. The 90s setting with cassette tapes and payphones is so lovingly crafted—I could smell the nostalgia. Even though it's only 15 minutes, it left me wanting a full series so badly. This is what BL can be when it prioritizes atmosphere and emotion over rushed plots.

bl_critic_eye

March 2024

5/10

Anthologies like this prove why short formats rarely work for romance. Episode 1 had fine acting from OhmFluke but the conflict about career neglect had zero resolution—they just kiss and pretend everything's fine. Episode 2 was outright bizarre and uncomfortable. Only episodes 5 and 6 felt somewhat complete, but even then the pacing is breakneck. If you want a cohesive story, skip this and watch a proper series.

soundtrack_soul

November 2023

7/10

The Boxx Music songs are the real stars here. Each episode's theme perfectly matches the emotional beat—especially 'Your Problem, My Solution' for the pen-pal story. The music doesn't overpower the scenes but lifts them. Episode 6's ambient soundtrack gave the VR scenes a dreamy quality. I wish they'd release an OST album. For a quick musical journey through love's many shades, this works.

critique_of_love

June 2024

4/10

Episode 2 is deeply problematic. Romanticizing a pet relationship—even as a metaphorical 'cat boy'—is unsettling, and the framing normalizes an unhealthy power dynamic. Episode 1 shows a partner lying about his relationship and dismissing his boyfriend's feelings without real accountability. These stories needed a sensitivity reader. I appreciate the diversity of plots, but the lack of attention to consent and emotional safety is a dealbreaker for me.

ohm_fluke_forever

August 2024

8/10

I came for OhmFluke and stayed for the whole anthology. Yes, episode 1 is too short and the ending feels abrupt, but Fluke's crying scene is award-worthy—he conveys so much pain in just seconds. Episode 3 with MaxNat was adorable and funny, and episode 5 stole my heart. This is a love letter to BL fans who miss seeing their favorite couples together, even if only for a few minutes. I'm grateful for every second.