While some people end up finding the right partner, others spend their whole lives wondering why they didn’t shack up with their high-school crush instead. “All About March” follows the fortunes of a pair of schoolmates who were clearly made for each other, even if it will take them half a lifetime to realize it.

When we first meet Yayoi (the single-named Haru) and Taro (Ryo Narita) in 1986, she’s a forthright over-achiever planning to become a teacher, while he’s a soccer ace with dreams of playing in the World Cup.

On graduation day, Taro promises Yayoi that if she makes it to 40 without getting married, he’ll do the honors. It’s the kind of thing you only say to someone you’re secretly in love with and, indeed, the pair both quietly hold a candle for each other. The strength of their bond will be put to the test over the ensuing three decades, in a romantic saga with its finger permanently on the fast-forward button.