You know, I have always been a sucker for childhood friends with promises to lovers... except when it doesn't click with me.
Some of my favourite pairing ideas consist of that sort of childhood promise.
It's like a reunion and oath to a time once pure and innocent, especially after so many things have changed. It's why I like childhood friends to 'whatever you want' to lovers, showcasing that pure bond that holds things together despite everything.
However, I realised that there are some pairings that are purely built on this concept, and yet... I can't grow fond of them. I see that childhood friends and promise aspects and feel like I should be feeling all giddy or something, but something didn't click.
Recently, I've realized why.
It's the promise.
In most media I've seen, one person promises to wait for the other while the other promises to return stronger/better. It is sweet, but doesn't click with me.
Usually, I like it when both friends promise either to reach out for each other after separation, or promise to work together to get somewhere in the future. That way, both parties are pulling their weight and it easily shows how much the promise meant to each other and how much they want to reunite.