Duty First, Kiss Later is a Japanese BL series about the romance between two police detectives. The main character is a likable cop who gets along with almost everyone. Lately, he has noticed that one of his coworkers seems irritated around him. They keep butting heads at the precinct and in their dormitory. The protagonist is fed up with the constant tension. After he confronts his colleague, their relationship takes an unexpected turn.
I adore the police romance in Duty First, Kiss Later. Two gay cops with unresolved sexual tension? You have my attention! While the detective work isn't that interesting, the series shines when it focuses on the relationship moments. The couple is entertaining together! During the best moments, I get so giddy that I wanna inject their romantic buzz into my veins. Plus, both actors are perfectly cast and give their characters so much personality.
Duty First, Kiss Later Summary
Summary
Duty First, Kiss Later (キスは捜査のあとで) is a Japanese BL series about two police detectives who keep butting heads. The main character is fed up with the constant tension and decides to confront his colleague.
Title:
キスは捜査のあとで
Series:
Year:
Format:
Long Series
Genre:
Crime comedy
Type:
Plot
Takoi is a 38-year-old police detective at Yamanomichi Police Station, a quiet precinct in a rural town. Although he officially works in the Criminal Affairs division, crime isn't booming around here. The workload is light enough that Takoi often handles minor requests from civilians. Once, he even heroically rescued a missing cat. Hey, not every cop gets to chase dangerous criminals! Takoi doesn't mind the uneventful cases because he enjoys helping people. He's friendly and gets satisfaction from being useful to others.
Takoi gets along with almost everyone at the station, including Egawa, Hasegawa, and Yagi. Yet, one coworker is much harder to win over. Shu Shiono is a 28-year-old detective in the Community Safety division. He's hardworking and brilliant, earning plenty of praise for solving difficult cases. Takoi admires his younger colleague's accomplishments. Unfortunately, Shiono doesn't return those warm feelings. The two detectives keep butting heads around the station. Most of the hostility comes from Shiono. Takoi has caught him shooting annoyed looks in his direction more than once. What did he ever do to piss this guy off?
Their different approaches to police work become obvious when they deal with Hikari, a frightened child whose father was recently arrested. Hikari's mother is furious and causes a commotion at the station. Shiono bluntly tells them that the father is a criminal, which only makes an emotional situation worse. Takoi steps in quickly to defuse the tension. He smiles at the kid and offers her a juice box. Crisis avoided. Even Shiono seems embarrassed after watching Takoi handle everything so smoothly, although he hides it beneath his usual stoic expression.
Takoi can't even escape Shiono after work. They're next-door neighbours in the police dormitory. Their mail sometimes gets mixed up, forcing them into more awkward encounters. During one conversation, Takoi notices that Shiono always orders takoyaki. Same meal again? Shiono feels judged and responds by attacking Takoi's drinking habits. Shiono warns that Takoi will become a chubby middle-aged man if he keeps coming home drunk. Excuse me!? Takoi walks away convinced that Shiono hates his guts.
After work, Takoi likes hanging out at the local izakaya. He often confides in the owner, particularly about his uneventful love life. The owner encourages him to settle down. Around this time, Takoi meets Haruka, a single woman who seems interested in dating him. The attraction appears mutual, and they start exchanging contact information. Ooh, maybe Takoi's love life is finally going somewhere! But just as things get promising, Shiono appears out of nowhere. He deliberately interrupts the moment and scares Haruka away.
Takoi is furious. He accuses his coworker of ruining his chances with Haruka, while Shiono fires back by calling him a people pleaser. The insult really gets under Takoi's skin. He's fed up with their bizarre one-sided rivalry. Whatever he did to piss Shiono off, they need to settle it now. Takoi drags his colleague into the interrogation room and demands an explanation. Why does Shiono hate him so much? Surprisingly, Shiono reveals that he doesn't hate Takoi at all. Quite the opposite, actually. His younger coworker has been harbouring pent-up romantic feelings for him.
Duty First, Kiss Later Trailer
Duty First, Kiss Later Cast
Characters
Takoi
Shu Watanabe (渡部秀)
Takoi is a 38-year-old police detective who works at a station in a rural town. He has a friendly and easygoing personality. Takoi enjoys helping people, so most of his coworkers get along with him. His biggest problem is Shiono, the younger detective who lives next door. Takoi has no clue why Shiono hates him so much, although the real answer is much more complicated.
Shu Watanabe
Shu Watanabe (渡部秀) is a Japanese actor. He is born on October 26, 1991. His BL portfolio includes the 2023 movie Natchan’s Little Secret and the 2026 police drama, Duty First, Kiss Later. He has supporting roles in Senpai, This Can't Be Love (2022), I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama (2023) and its 2025 sequel, and Happy of the End (2024).
Shiono
Ryu Saito (齋藤璃佑)
Shiono is a 28-year-old police detective who works in the same station as Takoi. He's known for being hardworking and brilliant at solving difficult cases. Unfortunately, Shiono is also blunt and terrible at hiding how irritated he gets around Takoi. From criticizing Takoi's drinking habits to interrupting his romantic prospects, Shiono keeps finding new ways to get on his coworker's nerves.
Ryu Saito
Ryu Saito (齋藤璃佑) is a Japanese actor. He is born on June 16, 2004. His first BL project is the 2026 police drama, Duty First, Kiss Later.
Supporting Cast
Kamekichi
Egawa
Haruka Kudo (工藤遥)
Hasegawa
Yuta Kanai (金井勇太)
Yagi
Ishimoto Doronzu (ドロンズ石本)
Omaeda
Sosuke Ogata (小方蒼介)
Izakaya Boss
Toshihiro Yashiba (矢柴俊博)
Misuzu
Rei Kikukawa (菊川怜)
George
Joji Shibue (渋江譲二)
Maki
Kanako Takeuchi (竹内佳菜子)
Ito
Sena Kuroki (黒木聖那)
Yamada
Haruka
Haruna Matsui (松井遥南)
Hikari
Yuna Saito (斉藤柚奈)
Hikari's mother
Utano Aoi (葵うたの)
Hikari's father
Cast Highlights
Shu Watanabe
Takoi's actor is one of the leads in Natchan's Little Secret (2023). He also has supporting roles in Senpai, This Can't Be Love (2022), I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama (2023) and its 2025 sequel, and Happy of the End (2024).
Yuta Kanai
Hasegawa's actor has a supporting role in My Beautiful Man 2 (2023) and its movie sequel My Beautiful Man: Eternal (2023).
Ishimoto Doronzu
Yagi's actor has a supporting role in the Japanese remake of Your Sky (2026), which is based on the 2024 Thai BL drama. He plays the main character's father.
Toshihiro Yashiba
The actor who plays the izakaya owner has a small role in What Did You Eat Yesterday? (2019) and its 2023 sequel. He plays one of the main character's neighbourhood friends.
Sosuke Ogata
Omaeda's actor has a supporting role in the 2026 drama, Countdown to Yes. He plays the main character's high school friend.
Duty First, Kiss Later Review
Review
Drama Review Score: 8.8
Duty First, Kiss Later amazed me right away. The first episode sets the tone perfectly, introducing two quirky police detectives with loads of unresolved sexual tension. From there, the fast-paced love story keeps the excitement going. Only the best BL dramas have this addictive quality that sends adrenaline rushing through my system. With every episode, I get more hooked on this couple. Their flirting gives me some sort of psychedelic high. I wanna bottle up their chemistry and inject that romantic buzz into my veins!
At first, I enjoyed this couple because they're funny together. Serious Cop falls in love with Silly Cop! Shiono's attempts at flirting are hilariously awkward, while Takoi freaks out over every intimate moment. Eventually, they start to relax and get comfortable. In Episode 5, Shiono and Takoi sit down for a home meal. They chat casually, flirt a bit, and tease each other. Their connection feels so natural in that scene, almost like they've found their own rhythm. I can easily imagine what their everyday life might look like in the future. Just two gay cops with their pet turtle, eating good food while trading inside jokes across the dinner table.
I've seen Takoi's actor (Shu Watanabe) pop up in supporting roles before, so I'm thrilled he gets to lead a BL drama. He has so much charisma, especially during the funny scenes. I love watching his face go through ten emotions at once. His co-star (Ryu Saito) is perfectly cast as Shiono. Oh, this man was born to play a tsundere character! His stone-cold expression looks like he's silently judging everyone. One icy glare and I already know Shiono disapproves. Yet, he knows how to soften his face and change the mood. In an instant, those sharp eyes are filled with warmth.
Detective shows are everywhere. Over the years, TV has given us countless police dramas about restoring law and order. But how many of them have two gay cops as the leads? Duty First, Kiss Later feels refreshing because we love seeing gays in straight-dominated fields! Sadly, the detective work is the weakest part of this series. Whenever Takoi & Shiono do their jobs, the writing feels shallow. That's a shame because the police setting helps this BL drama stand out from other romances. Yet, the investigations barely matter to the story, which feels like a missed opportunity.
The story feels rushed. With only ten episodes, Duty First, Kiss Later must simplify most of its plots. I enjoyed Takoi and Shiono's enemies-to-lovers arc, but it would be even better in a longer drama. Let these men stay rivals for a while! I wanna watch them spend more time together at the precinct and catch feelings day by day. Sadly, the finale is where the rushed pacing becomes a serious problem. It tries to cram too much into twenty minutes. What's happening!? Nothing makes sense! If I'm judging the series as a legit police drama, that last episode is a hot mess.
Despite the disastrous finale, Duty First, Kiss Later is still an enjoyable romantic comedy. The police plots may be a mess, but like, seriously… who cares? In Episode 9, Takoi and Shiono have a heartfelt chat about their future. Aww, they're planning a life together! When a scene is written that intimately, I can feel a romantic buzz even without a kiss. By the finale, I'm too obsessed with this couple to give the series an unbiased review score. Duty First, Kiss Later is going into my BL favourites. I'll look back on this drama fondly and remember how much I adore the relationship.
Summary
Lighthearted story
Duty First, Kiss Later is enjoyable if you view it as a lighthearted police romcom. The couple is entertaining, but the story can feel rushed. I wish they had more time to solve crimes and fall in love.
Buzzy romance
I love Takoi and Shiono as a couple! Their flirting is fun as hell. Their chats can be surprisingly heartfelt. In some of their most iconic scenes, I feel a romantic buzz even without any physical touch.
Stellar acting
I love the expressiveness and comedic timing of Takoi's actor (Shu Watanabe). I'm legit obsessed with Shiono's gorgeous actor (Ryu Saito). That man is born to play a tsundere character.
Happy ending
Duty First, Kiss Later has a happy ending. The finale is a hot mess, but I just laugh and go along with the dumb nonsense. The most important scene is when the couple kisses on the rooftop.
Polished artistry
The production values are as polished as you'd expect from a modern Japanese series. The rural police setting gives this BL drama its own identity and helps it stand out from the usual romances.
88%
Duty First, Kiss Later is an entertaining romantic comedy. I love watching these two cops get flirty and fall in love. Both leads are perfectly cast and give their characters so much personality.
Duty First, Kiss Later Episodes
Episode Guide
- Start Date July 27, 2026
- End Date September 28, 2026
- Episodes 10 episodes
- Episode Length 23 minutes
Duty First, Kiss Later has a total of 10 episodes. Each episode is around 23 minutes long. It is a medium-length BL drama, and you can finish the entire series in around 4 hours. Duty First, Kiss Later started on July 27, 2026 and finished on September 28, 2026.
Duty First, Kiss Later is adapted from a Japanese manga. The original story is created by Su (すう).
Episode 1
Episode 1 Review
This opening episode is a fun start to Takoi and Shiono's enemies-to-lovers arc. Poor Takoi spends the entire time convinced that Shiono hates his guts. Oh buddy, you have misread the situation! To be fair, Shiono acts like such a hater. "Be careful you don't balloon into a chubby middle-aged guy" is a hilariously asshole thing to say to the guy you like. His attitude makes sense once you realize where that bitterness comes from. In Shiono's mind, Takoi is this unattainable straight guy who won't return his feelings. If I can't have you, I'm gonna be petty about it!
My favourite petty Shiono moment is when he interrupts Takoi & Haruka's conversation. Takoi is having a pleasant chat with his female love interest. Uh-oh… she seems like legit wife material. Just as they're about to exchange contact info, Shiono comes between them. Like, literally. This man appears out of nowhere, lunges forward, and punches a damn wall just to stop them from talking. He turns his entire body into a human barricade against heterosexuality. I'm sorry, but the behaviour is so ridiculously deranged that it becomes iconic. You wanna mingle with that single lady!? NOT WHILE I'M AROUND!!!
Oh, I love that they use the interrogation room for Shiono's love confession. Great location. Iconic choice. As Takoi grills him for answers, the sexual tension gets so deliciously intense. Then, Shiono suddenly kisses him! You wanna know how I really feel? HERE COME MY LIPS! BAM!!! We still don't know how Takoi will react. That kiss could kickstart the romance or become Exhibit A in a sexual harassment lawsuit. This is how #MeToo ends your police career, Shu Shiono. Either way, I appreciate that the series doesn't waste time dragging out their relationship.
Episode 2
Episode 2 Review
The first kiss makes for a memorable cliffhanger in the previous episode. But I really wish it hadn't happened like this. Shiono suddenly kisses his coworker when Takoi isn't expecting it. Hey creep, you've crossed a line! My policy is consent first, kiss later. That said, I'm not gonna be the moral police and prosecute every problematic BL moment. The aftermath never gets particularly ugly. Takoi doesn't stay shaken up for long. The couple quickly moves past the awkwardness, so I'm willing to do the same.
This episode introduces Kamekichi, Shiono's pet turtle. A turtle is a slightly quirky choice for a household pet, but it suits him. I like that Kamekichi gives Shiono's character a little more personality beyond "the serious cop with a crush." We learn that Shiono has raised Kamekichi since childhood, showing how loyal and devoted he can be. The funny thing is that Shiono and his turtle have a lot in common. Both are quiet and retreat into their shells whenever life gets uncomfortable. Shiono had one random burst of courage when he kissed Takoi, but he usually hides his feelings behind a tough exterior. Like turtle, like owner!
I really liked seeing Shiono soften at the end of this episode. Up until now, he has been so tense. This grumpy tsundere is always glaring at Takoi, snapping at him, and wearing a perpetual frown on his face. But then, the confession scene changes everything. Shiono drops the attitude and admits, "I like you. I really like you." In the final shot, he leans against the wall and his whole face relaxes. Wait, is that a tiny smile!? Suddenly, he looks like a different person. We've unlocked a brand new Shiono after he released some of his pent-up sexual frustration!
Episode 3
Episode 3 Review
Takoi talks to his coworker Hasegawa, who jokes, "At this rate, you'll live in the dorms forever. With Shiono." Hasegawa means it as a jab at Takoi for being hopelessly single, but all I can picture is the two of them living together in the dorm with their pet turtle. Marriage goals! Hasegawa also gives useful advice. He encourages Takoi to keep an open mind about romance. "Doesn't that make your heart flutter a little?" Ooh, we're chipping away at this bicurious man's psychological barriers! Takoi's hesitation about dating a guy? Level cleared!
Early on, Shiono and Takoi's eating habits are extremely single-guy coded. Shiono survives on takeout, while Takoi eats at the izakaya or wolfs down cup noodles at the precinct. Meanwhile, his married coworkers show up with homemade bento lunches. Both men are usually eating alone. That changes once they grow closer. In this episode, Takoi buys takeout for Shiono. Later, they share meals at home in Episode 5 and eat together with Shiono's family in Episode 8. By Episode 9, Shiono even feeds Takoi food in public. Eating together has become one of their relationship rituals. They no longer need to have lonely bachelor meals.
I love the last scene! Shiono opens up about his secret crush and admits how insecure it has made him feel. "I wanted you to notice me…" Oh, the emotional walls are coming down! This is the most vulnerable we've ever seen him. Takoi has An Important Moment of his own. He spent the whole episode freaking out about Shiono. But now, his psychological barriers are gone. Most importantly, Takoi initiates the kiss. Wow, that's HUGE. Their first kiss came from Shiono's one-sided feelings, but this one tells us Takoi is ready to meet him halfway. He's willing to explore!
Episode 4
Episode 4 Review
Just when Takoi is about to kiss Shiono, the damn doorbell rings. Worst timing ever! The interruption gives Takoi an excuse to pull away, but Shiono is like, NOPE. He goes in for another try. When you're so close to unlocking someone's bisexual awakening, you don't let the opportunity slip away! Takoi still freaks out and escapes the moment. Gay panic first, kiss later. But I love Shiono's little smirk afterward. Oh, he knows. If Takoi was willing to kiss him, the feelings are obviously there. It's only a matter of time before Shiono gets his man, hehe~ 😘
Ooh baby, the seduction has begun! Shiono is shamelessly flirting with Takoi, and his boldest move happens at the izakaya. Everyone else is just trying to enjoy a normal evening at a respectable dining establishment. Meanwhile, Shiono starts rubbing Takoi's thigh under the table. OH MY GOD. Right in front of my salad!? He's getting handsy with Takoi in public and doesn't give a damn who sees them. Excuse me, where's the decorum!? SEND HIM TO HORNY JAIL! Of course, Takoi is freaking out over this. You try to kiss a guy once, and suddenly his hand is creeping close to your crotch. How did we escalate so quickly!?
After arresting Hikari's father, Shiono acts like a jackass to that poor little girl. HEY KID, YOUR DAD IS A CRIMINAL! Then, he has the nerve to act like this is a valuable life lesson. OMFG, can he shut up!? Her dad is already going to jail. I think this kid's life is tough enough without some evil cop rubbing salt in the wound. As much as I enjoy the romance, even I have to admit that Shiono can be seriously unlikable sometimes. You know what? I'm glad Hikari kicked him in the leg. Get him again, girl! That bastard deserves to get his ass handed to him by a child.
Episode 5
Episode 5 Review
I love Takoi and Shiono's aquarium date. It's nice seeing them somewhere they can forget about police work for a day. Shiono cracks me up because, of course, he overprepared. He looked up random animal facts and recites them to Takoi like a science fair. Most people see a jellyfish and go, "Aww, so pretty!" But Shiono is like, "Fun fact! Jellyfish are 95% water." Meanwhile, Takoi is being his usual goofy self and doing dumb shit like the jellyfish dance. They're both dweebs in different ways, which somehow makes them even cuter together.
The best moment from the aquarium date? Takoi and Shiono visit the gift shop, where they find these cutesy pens. The pretty stationery isn't marketed toward two grown men, but Takoi buys them anyway. Yay, couple merch! Afterward, Shiono jokes, "It feels like we're a high school couple." Look at his face lighting up like a Christmas tree! He has such a giddy little smile. Shiono can't even make eye contact because he's getting all shy. Earlier, Takoi was self-conscious about doing romantic stuff together. Once he sees how much this silly souvenir means to Shiono, Takoi feels more comfortable being a sweet boyfriend.
Takoi and Shiono haven't told their coworkers about the relationship yet. But then, they start using those cutesy matching pens… Of course, Detective Egawa notices immediately. Nothing gets past her sleuthing skills! Egawa cracks me up because she's always the first person to clock every romantic secret. Shiono has a crush? There's Egawa, giving him a knowing smile. Matching couple pens? Here she comes again, ready to tease Takoi. Powered by pure nosiness and a parasocial investment in her coworkers' love lives, Egawa might be more effective than the FBI!
The aquarium date is lovely, but my favourite scene is simpler. Takoi and Shiono are just eating a meal together at home. I love how natural this moment feels, like we're getting a glimpse into their everyday life as a couple. Their conversation flows so smoothly. They make dumb little jokes while eating. As Shiono teases his boyfriend, the happiness is written all over his face. Even without a fancy date, this BL drama can create a romantic buzz by letting the two of them enjoy each other's company.
Unfortunately, the couple's happiness doesn't last. Takoi goes on an ugly NO HOMO rant when others suspect he might be into guys. God forbid anyone thinks you're dating a man! Better act like a complete asshole to prove how straight you are! Yes, Takoi has been drinking, but alcohol doesn't erase how hurtful those comments are. Worst of all, Shiono hears everything. Naturally, the whole thing blows up in Takoi's face. The episode ends with Shiono breaking things off and tossing his matching pen into the garbage. NOOOOO. NOT THE PEN!!! MY HEART HURTS. 💔
Episode 6
Episode 6 Review
Shiono has gotten promoted and will leave the precinct. As a parting gift, Egawa gives him a book called How to Show a Natural Smile. GIRL??? That's so shady! I'm dying at the passive-aggressive present. To be fair, Shiono only shows his natural smile around Takoi. Aww… and now they've broken up. Of course, Detective Egawa's nosy ass is already caught up on the latest relationship drama. They haven't announced the breakup, yet she knows something is wrong. Girl, HOW!? TMZ wishes it could get relationship gossip as fast as Egawa does!
I thought I'd hold a bigger grudge against Takoi. Self-loathing homophobes don't get an easy pass from me. But then, Takoi gives a tearful apology at the end of the episode. As soon as he tells Shiono, "I like you… It's you…", I folded instantly. Takoi is back in my good graces. Now, I'm rooting for the couple again. To Takoi's credit, the apology feels genuine. He's confused about his sexuality and scared of coming out. Hearing him admit those insecurities is such a raw moment. I like seeing him drop the defensiveness and be this vulnerable with Shiono. Okay, you're forgiven! But from now on, you better treat Shiono nicely!
The last scene is so cute! I love that Takoi slept over at Shiono's place. Mind you, he lives right next door. Yet, he spent the night with his boyfriend. Hehe, their relationship is getting intimate~ 😘 Then, Shiono gives him a tiny peck on the cheek. Aww! This simple moment shows that Shiono isn't upset at his boyfriend anymore. They've officially kissed and made up! I also love watching them hang out on the balcony and clean the turtle. This feels like a little preview of their future. Just two dudes building a cozy life together with their beloved turtle.
Episode 7
Episode 7 Review
The long-distance relationship officially begins! I kinda wish Shiono could've stayed at the precinct. Now, the couple can't spend as much time together. The first six episodes worked so well because Takoi & Shiono were constantly in each other's orbit. They're coworkers. They're neighbours. They couldn't escape each other! Just when their romance is heating up, the story suddenly rips apart that cozy dynamic. Omaeda and George also show up, bringing a bunch of jealousy and love triangle drama with them. Ugh, did we really need to complicate things?
I love how seriously Shiono takes this long-distance relationship. He endures a four-hour round-trip commute just to have dinner with Takoi. Geez, that's commitment! Yet, Shiono keeps his priorities straight. When Takoi asks him to stay the night, he doesn't abandon his responsibilities. Sorry babe, work comes first! Takoi looks a little disappointed, so Shiono makes it up to him with a sweet kiss. Hehe~ 😘 Normally, I'd be upset about getting robbed of an overnight BL moment. Instead, I'm impressed by Shiono's work-life balance. Shiono is living proof that you can have a boyfriend AND a career. Look at him thriving!
George and Omaeda feel like the supervillain versions of our main characters. George is Evil Ossan, an older detective who can help Shiono move up in his career. Of course Takoi hates him. His rival is more successful than him and spends too much time around his boyfriend. Meanwhile, Omaeda is Evil Twink. He's younger, sensitive, and needs reassurance after screwing up at work. He's perfectly designed to activate Takoi's saviour complex. Every time Omaeda needs Takoi-san to comfort him, Shiono looks pissed off. Oh, the jealousy is JEALOUSING!
Episode 8
Episode 8 Review
This episode is a great showcase for Takoi's actor (Shu Watanabe), who gets plenty of opportunities to be his usual funny self. I wasn't thrilled with the storyline where Takoi suspects his boyfriend of cheating. Ugh, jealousy and paranoia? Two BL tropes I could happily live without. Yet, Shu makes all the ridiculous overreactions fun to watch. He also has amazing chemistry with the rest of the cast. Put him in a scene with Shiono, and he sparkles. Pair him with any supporting character, and he'll find a fun rhythm with them too.
Shiono introduces Takoi to his sister and brother-in-law, aka George, the man Takoi mistakenly thought was his love rival. Oops! When it's time to explain their relationship, Takoi freezes. Coming out is difficult for him. During the longest awkward silence ever, I really like how Shiono handles the moment. Instead of pressuring his boyfriend, he gives a neutral description of their relationship. Then, Takoi blurts it out anyway. I'M THE BOYFRIEND! Okayyy, look at you! Everyone had already figured it out, but saying those words is still a big breakthrough for him. The closet door has opened a little wider!
Takoi acts ridiculous for most of the episode, so we laugh at his silly behaviour. Yet, the series knows when to be serious and deliver a sincere moment. After the family meal, we get an intimate conversation between the couple. They're getting better at expressing themselves. When something makes them happy, they share it. If anything bothers them, they say that too. Look at their healthy communication skills! As they close the episode holding hands, I have the biggest smile on my face. Watching them figure out how to love each other is so damn satisfying.
Episode 9
Episode 9 Review
It's the hot springs episode! You know what that means in a BL drama. Sightseeing? Local cuisine? Nope. We're waiting for these men to get physical. KISSING! BONING! LET'S GO!!! Except Duty First, Kiss Later takes a different approach. Takoi & Shiono spend the night playing footsies while chatting about their future. They talk about their careers and include each other in their long-term plans. Sounds like they're getting serious about their relationship! Shiono even jokes about a proposal. No ring yet, but we're saving that storyline for Season 2!
If you compare the aquarium date with this hot springs trip, you can see how comfortable Takoi and Shiono have become. Back then, Takoi got nervous about showing affection in public. He instantly let go of Shiono's hand. Now? Shiono takes a bite of food and casually feeds his boyfriend the next bite. They're one of those embarrassingly sweet couples! I also love how much food they're sharing during the trip. They've enjoyed a big feast! It's so different from their lonely meals at the start of the series. Shiono only had his takoyaki takeout. Takoi got drunk at the izakaya. But now, every meal feels like a romantic date for two.
Uh oh… Trouble in paradise! Evil Twink Omaeda has been shamelessly flirting with Takoi. His main motivation is to get revenge on Shiono for giving him a hard time at work. Omaeda's most diabolical move is when he uses a handkerchief to wipe food from Takoi's lips. Didn't Shiono do something like this back in Episode 5? Well, Omaeda is copying his playbook and using the same tactics to steal his man! Naturally, Shiono gets jealous and snaps at Takoi. Meanwhile, Omaeda watches the relationship drama with the biggest shit-eating grin. Yup, his villain era has begun!
Episode 10
Ending Review
This finale is a hot mess. I thought we were gonna get a cute little half-hour of romantic fluff to wrap up the series. Instead, I get blindsided by the most bizarre plot twist. Out of nowhere, Omaeda reveals himself as some secret criminal mastermind. Huh!? Where did this come from!? Nothing about the storyline makes sense. Even worse, the confrontation isn't exciting to watch. The series has never really focused on the crime drama until now. Why does the finale suddenly spend so much time on it? I'm confused!
Despite the disastrous finale, I'm not that upset. Mostly, I was just scratching my head and laughing at the random nonsense. Wait, the story's final boss is an evil twink in glasses!? Okay, that's kinda camp… Let's roll with it! The last episode feels weirdly irrelevant. Omaeda is a minor character, so I never cared about him. I'm only here for the love story. Thankfully, nothing in the finale ruins my favourite parts of the series. Are Takoi and Shiono still together by the end? Yes. Are they still in love? Also yes. Okay, good enough for me! I can toss Omaeda's storyline into a mental trash can and happily appreciate everything else.
The most important part of this finale? Obviously, the rooftop kiss! We get this gorgeous cinematic shot of Takoi and Shiono kissing with the city behind them. But then, Shiono's inner tsundere comes out. "Cheat on me and I'll shoot you." WTF? Psycho much!? I didn't expect this love story to end with a casual threat of homicide… But then again, the entire finale has felt like a fever dream. Whatever. I've already erased everything from my memory except for the rooftop kiss. I enjoyed the couple too much in the first nine episodes to let a messy finale ruin the romance.
Duty First, Kiss Later Information
Links
- Gagaoolala Duty First, Kiss Later Gagaoolala
- MyDramaList Duty First, Kiss Later MyDramaList
- Website Duty First, Kiss Later website
- Wikipedia キスは捜査のあとで Wikipedia
- YouTube Duty First, Kiss Later YouTube
Creator
Su (すう) is a Japanese artist whose BL manga was adapted into a live-action drama. Duty First, Kiss Later was released in 2026.
Director
Asami Masashi (浅見真史) and Ouchi Takehito (大内隆弘) are Japanese directors who co-directed the 2026 drama, Duty First, Kiss Later. Previously, Asami was one of the co-directors of Stay By My Side After the Rain (2025)
Thank you for reviewing this one. I thoroughly enjoyed waiting each week for a new epsiode, excepting for that last one. Gosh, everything felts so rushed.
My friend and I were actually having a full-blown, rant, meltdown over the near character assassination the writing does to Shiono's character at the end of episode 10. Specifically the line "If you cheat on me, I'll shoot you" or something to that effect..
Are we tripping when we say that having that be the last words Shiono says in the S1 reframes his character to a controlling, jealous hot-head? I mean that during that last conversation we see them to having Takoi essentially calls him [Shionon] out for his paranoia and jealousy, and it seemed to get through to Shiono then he goes on to say that. I was like "come on".
Am I tripping?