Love Is Better the Second Time Around – Series Review & Episode Guide

Miyata and Takashi had a teenage romance.

Back in high school, Miyata was a quiet, soft-spoken teenager who admired his senior, Takashi. Coming from a wealthy family, Takashi seemed to have it all. He was also a model student with some of the best grades in his class. But Miyata saw a different side of him. Behind that perfect image, Takashi often looked sad and lonely whenever no one was watching. After a chance encounter in the library, the two boys became friends and spent more time together.

Their friendship eventually blossomed into love, much to the disapproval of Takashi's family. Despite the scrutiny, the teenagers decided to run away together after sharing their first kiss. On the night of their escape, Takashi waited for Miyata at an empty train station. One hour passed… Then another… Miyata never showed up. Takashi graduated soon afterwards, while Miyata moved away to another town. The couple went their separate ways and lost touch. They haven't spoken to each other ever since.

Miyata and Takashi now reunite as adults.

Twelve years later, Miyata is in his early 30s. Miyata works as an editor at Tokyo Business, where he oversees a regular column for a popular business journal. His latest assignment involves working with Professor Iwanaga from the Faculty of Economics at Tohou University. Imagine Miyata's surprise when the professor turns out to be Takashi, now using a different surname. This awkward meeting marks the first time they've seen each other since their high school separation.

While working together, Miyata makes sure Takashi submits his articles on time. Most of their communications could easily happen over email, but Takashi keeps coming up with excuses to summon Miyata to his office. Every visit becomes another opportunity for Takashi to flirt with his ex and suggest picking up where they left off. However, Miyata isn't interested in mixing business with pleasure. "Let's forget the past and focus on being business partners," he insists. Miyata also has a girlfriend and plans to propose to her. Even though Miyata claims he's unavailable, that only makes Takashi try harder to win him over.

As Takashi's flirting intensifies, Miyata finds their working arrangement increasingly uncomfortable. He eventually asks another editor to take over his responsibilities. Before they part ways, Takashi invites Miyata to dinner so they can talk things out one last time. Miyata lets his guard down and drinks too much. Takashi brings him back to his apartment, where the atmosphere takes an intimate turn. With his old feelings resurfacing, Miyata struggles to keep his distance from the man he once loved. Their reunion forces him to confront his unresolved feelings.

Love Is Better the Second Time Around is about two ex-boyfriends. Relationship #1 failed when Miyata and Takashi were still teens. Now, can these grown men make Relationship #2 work? Takashi says HELL YES. Miyata says HELL NO. To be fair, Miyata has valid reasons to avoid his ex. Their breakup was messy… They're coworkers now… He has a girlfriend… But Takashi doesn't care. He still likes Miyata and will do anything to win him back. Flirt shamelessly? Use his manly wiles and get slutty? Yes to all of it!

I like that Miyata and Takashi's relationship is MESSY. They screwed up their romance the first time… Will they do things properly the second time around? Not a chance! Episode 1 ends with a drunken kiss. Then, Miyata freaks out and proposes to his girlfriend. Afterwards, he hooks up with Takashi and regrets it. OMG, this chaotic bisexual has no idea what he wants! Is he thinking with his heart, his brain, or his dick? Their situationship is a hot mess, but that's what makes it so entertaining. Despite making all these bad decisions, Miyata and Takashi somehow stumble their way back into love. Hey, isn't it more fun this way?

Also, I like that Love Is Better the Second Time Around has a wicked sense of humour. Don't expect the characters to mope around. Instead, they get snarky! The series is full of sarcastic one-liners, usually from an annoyed Miyata who mutters funny observations under his breath. Some jokes are delivered so casually that you might miss the punchline if you don't pay attention. Even the love rivals are a hoot. My favourite troublemaker is Shiraishi, the petty assistant. When he says something deliciously bitchy to Miyata, I wanna burst out laughing and give him a round of applause!

Takashi's actor (Robin Furuya) does a phenomenal job as the suave leading man. First of all, those dimples! That smile! The dreamy eyes! What a gorgeous face! Robin knows how to weaponize his good looks, making every moment feel seductive as hell. He's also dressed like a million bucks. Takashi looks handsome in his sleek suits and turtlenecks. Throw on a pair of wire-framed glasses, and he's the sexiest professor on campus. I must admit, his co-star (Makato Hasegawa) isn't the strongest actor. Still, he does a good job of bringing out Miyata's quirky personality.

For the first four episodes, I had a positive impression of Love Is Better the Second Time Around. The scenes are fun. The romance is messy. Yeah, I'm into it! However, the last two episodes aren't as enjoyable. The story wants to unpack Takashi's family trauma, especially his mommy abandonment issues. Um, that's a LOT of emotional baggage to squeeze into 40 minutes! The plot gets too complicated for its own good. The series also introduces a new love rival. Kyosuke may be devilishly handsome, but his timing couldn't be worse. There's already too much going on!

With all these storylines fighting for attention, I don't even know what to focus on anymore. Too many important moments get rushed. Although I like the couple's final scene at the train station, the ending doesn't feel satisfying. If only the series had more than six episodes, it wouldn't have to cram so much drama into the final stretch. Overall, I still like plenty of things about Love Is Better the Second Time Around. But now, my positive feelings on this BL drama come with a big question mark. Did I enjoy it? Was it actually that good? Hmm, I'm kinda second-guessing myself…