Why Do We Have to Hide It?!

In the hallways of a Japanese high school, Riku and Keita are navigating the sweet, secret terrain of first love—but their relationship exists in the shadows. Riku is the effortlessly popular golden boy, while Keita is a quieter soul who feels the weight of their hidden romance pressing down on him. Every stolen glance and whispered conversation comes with a cost: the fear of being discovered. Keita's insecurity grows as he questions whether he's truly important to Riku, or just a well-kept secret. What Keita doesn't realize is that Riku's caution isn't shame—it's protection. Afraid that coming out could paint a target on Keita's back, Riku struggles with the impossible choice between public honesty and keeping his boyfriend safe. Packed into just 17 minutes, this short film delivers a surprisingly deep emotional punch, exploring the delicate balance between love and societal pressure. With a supportive classmate acting as a stand-in for us viewers (all heart-eyes and nervous glances), Why Do We Have to Hide It?! is a tender, bite-sized drama that proves even the simplest stories can leave a lasting mark.