Love Is Better the Second Time Around 2 – Series Review

Miyata and Takashi are still in a relationship

Miyata and Takashi fell in love back in high school. They even planned to elope together, but Miyata got cold feet. He never showed up at the train station on the night they were supposed to run away. To make matters worse, Takashi's family found out he was attracted to men and disowned him. Twelve years later, the former boyfriends finally reunited. Both admitted they were still in love. Takashi won Miyata's heart again, convincing him to give their relationship another chance.

Miyata and Takashi are now in their 30s. They've been dating for two years since getting back together. Their romance is still going strong. The lovebirds recently even enjoyed a romantic getaway at a resort. They're also living together in Takashi's apartment. Things seem pretty cozy, but Takashi believes they deserve an upgrade. As a university professor, he earns a good salary and can afford to splurge. Takashi has expensive taste! He loves buying premium products and treating himself to the finer things in life. Miyata is often concerned about his boyfriend's spending habits, but Takashi doesn't seem worried.

Takashi learns there's a new property for sale near their area. It's really beautiful. It's also bigger than his current apartment. Takashi believes this is the perfect place for them to settle down together. However, Miyata immediately rejects the idea. He can't afford the place. Even right now, splitting the rent is becoming a financial burden. As a magazine editor, Miyata doesn't make as much money as his wealthy boyfriend. Technically, Takashi can afford the new place for both of them. Yet Miyata hates the idea of relying on Takashi for financial help.

Miyata feels jealous after meeting Takashi's ex-boyfriends

Recently, Takashi ran into Professor Hibino, an old acquaintance from another university. Years ago, they met when Takashi was a young assistant professor, and Hibino was still working on his PhD. They started dating, but their romance didn't last. Hibino received a job offer elsewhere and moved away. Since Takashi didn't follow him, the couple went their separate ways. Now, Hibino is back in town for a short conference. He's interested in rekindling their romance with his ex-boyfriend.

At first, Miyata is thrilled about meeting Professor Hibino. He's a handsome academic with an impressive career. Miyata works at a business magazine and hopes to recruit this accomplished professor as a contributor. Unfortunately, Takashi's nosy assistant Shiraishi spills some juicy gossip. Guess what? Hibino used to date Takashi! Suddenly, Miyata isn't so excited about meeting his boyfriend's ex. He feels insecure, especially after overhearing a nasty conversation. Hibino thinks Miyata is too ordinary for someone as accomplished as Takashi. In his opinion, Takashi deserves a boyfriend who can match his social status.

Miyata also meets Rui, another ex from Takashi's past. Rui is quite the flirt, hitting on Takashi even though they've broken up. Despite his young age, Rui is already a rising star in his design career. Miyata keeps comparing himself to his boyfriend's ex-lovers. They're all so ambitious, just like Takashi. Maybe Hibino has a point. Is Miyata really good enough for his partner? His insecurities worsen when his boss delivers troubling news. Miyata's job at the magazine may be in jeopardy. With his career looking uncertain, Miyata loses confidence in his future with Takashi.

I enjoyed Love Is Better the Second Time Around 2! The sequel gives us more time to enjoy the couple's romance. After all the angst in the original series, it's nice to see Miyata and Takashi be lovey-dovey for once. The first episode doesn't even have a plot. It's just 20 minutes of flirting, kissing, screwing, and Miyata nuzzling his head on Takashi's crotch. But still, I'm all for these ordinary moments. They give us a clear picture of what the couple's relationship is like. I understand their day-to-day life better than before.

Love Is Better the Second Time Around 2 has a funny plot. Season 2 is about Miyata meeting Takashi's former lovers, one after another. Every episode, a new guy pops up like a wild Pokemon encounter. Takashi has whored around so much that his exes can form a squad! As ridiculous as this situation is, I actually think the storyline is clever. Each romantic rival fuels Miyata's self-doubt, making him think he isn't good enough for Takashi. He also feels insecure about not being as successful as his wealthy boyfriend. These anxieties go beyond the usual love triangle drama. Now, that's the kind of substance I wanna see in BL!

Also, I'm glad Love Is Better the Second Time Around 2 hasn't lost its sense of humour. This series is always so cheeky. The characters have sharp tongues and love to make bitchy remarks, such as turning "budget supermarket" into the ultimate insult. Meeting Takashi's ex-boyfriends gives Miyata plenty of moments to mutter snarky lines under his breath. Each romantic rival has his own personality and finds a funny way to get on Miyata's nerves. My favourite troublemaker is Shiraishi, the master of passive-aggressive antics. His actor (Aloha) is so good at playing this role!

In both seasons, I've found Miyata's actor (Makato Hasegawa) slightly awkward. He gets tense during romantic scenes. That said, I enjoyed the moment he bit Takashi's lips in Episode 4. Ooh, how juicy! His co-star (Robin Furuya) is as charming as ever, especially when he flashes his dimpled smile. Regrettably, Takashi doesn't have much to do in the sequel besides flirting. Let's give Robin more material than just looking pretty! I'm also fond of Rui's actor (Haruse Akune), who impressed me in Contrast. Now that I've seen his comedic chops, I'm even more convinced of his talent.

Miyata and Takashi seem like such a sophisticated couple. Look at these two cultured gay men with their chic clothes and fancy wine! Takashi is also super affectionate, always doting on Miyata like he's precious. At first, I thought their relationship was perfect. But the more I watched, the more I realized Takashi is clueless about his partner's feelings. Poor Miyata is stressed about losing his job, yet Takashi is busy lighting candles around the apartment. Is Takashi living in some privileged bubble? Stop fawning over your boyfriend and find out what's wrong!

Miyata gets kinda annoying with his insecurities, but I understand why he feels inferior to his boyfriend. This is a good moment for Takashi to reassure him. Let's have a proper conversation! Instead, the series misses the point. In the finale, every ex-boyfriend shows up to give the same advice to Miyata. "Don't you realize how much Takashi loves you? Why can't you just appreciate what you have?" Ugh, I hate this patronizing message. The story acts like Takashi's love can solve everything, but that doesn't address the big issue. Miyata still struggles with his self-worth.

The finale tries to be romantic. The couple exchanges rings! They kiss and have sex! That's all very sweet, but what about Miyata's actual problems? I want Takashi to listen to him and figure out how to solve their power imbalance. After enjoying most of the series, Love Is Better the Second Time Around 2 disappoints me right at the end. I'm annoyed by how the storyline wraps up. Oh well, it's not the first time a BL drama has fumbled. Just like Takashi, I'm gonna ignore the serious issues and focus on the fluff. If I don't overthink it, I still had fun with this goofy romcom.