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

Miyata used to be a quiet, soft-spoken teenager. He had always admired Takashi, his high school senior. Not only did Takashi come from a wealthy family, but he was also an exemplary student with top grades in his class. Despite the perfect facade, Miyata noticed that Takashi seemed sad and lonely when no one was watching. After a chance encounter in the library, the two teens befriended each other and started hanging out together.

Miyata and Takashi fell in love, even though Takashi's family disapproved of their same-sex relationship. Faced with scrutiny, the two teenagers agree to elope after sharing their first kiss. On the night they were supposed to run away, Takashi waited for his companion at an empty train station. Hours passed, but Miyata never showed up for their late-night rendezvous. Takashi graduated soon afterwards, while Miyata moved away to another town. The couple separated, and they have not kept in touch ever since.

Years later, Miyata is in a stable relationship with his girlfriend, and a marriage proposal is on his mind. Miyata works as a magazine editor for Tokyo Business. He's in charge of publishing a serial column for a popular business journal. For one of his recent assignments, he's supposed to meet Professor Iwanga from the Faculty of Economics at Tohou University. Miyawa seems surprised when this professor turns out to be Takashi, using a different surname than previously. This meeting is the first time Miyata and Takashi have reunited since leaving each other in high school.

Miyata and Takashi begin working together. As the editor, Miyata must ensure Takashi submits his articles on time. Even though their communications can be done electronically, Takashi keeps making excuses for Miyata to see him in the office. On each visit, Takashi makes subtle passes at his ex and suggests they reconnect more intimately. Miyata declines these invitations because he doesn't want them to get involved outside of work. "Let's forget the past and focus on being business partners," Miyata tells him.

As Takashi's flirtation intensifies, Miyata can no longer cope with their working arrangement. He requests another editor to take his role instead. Before parting ways, Takashi asks Miyata for dinner to talk things out for one last time. Miyata lets his guard down and gets drunk during the meal. Takashi brings Miyata to his apartment, where the atmosphere grows intimate. Miyata, feeling vulnerable, finds it hard to maintain his distance from the man he used to love. He must grapple with the unresolved emotions stirred up by their past.

Love Is Better the Second Time Around focuses on past regrets. The main characters must confront their troubled history, including a misunderstanding that drove them apart as teenagers. Their relationship is like examining an old scar. The pain from the trauma has faded, but it still subtly haunts the protagonists. Although this series isn't angsty, the couple's emotional baggage creates a compelling source of drama. I'm intrigued by whether they can regain trust and rekindle their love the second time around.

Despite the emotional drama, Love Is Better the Second Time Around doesn't take itself too seriously. The quirky humour manifests through snappy banter and tongue-in-cheek moments that have me chuckling. Some scenes are delivered with a subtle smile and a mischievous wink, inviting viewers to embrace the playfulness. Even the love rivals are funny. I adore Shiraishi's character, who stirs the pot and makes catty remarks with a shit-eating grin. Although Love Is Better the Second Time Around isn't a comedy, its amusing antics lighten the mood and ease the tension from the narrative.

The BL genre contains many cutesy stories with lovey-dovey exchanges. In contrast, Love Is Better the Second Time Around has sharper edges. It understands that romance doesn't always have to be sweet, so there are naughtier jokes, cheekier dialogue, and sleazier storylines. It also highlights risqué activities, including casual hookups and even masturbation in the shower. While this series has no explicit content, it is more irreverent than your usual BL drama. Love Is Better the Second Time Around seems geared toward an older audience, appealing to their mature tastes.

Takashi's actor (Robin Furuya) does a phenomenal job as the suave leading man. With his dimpled smile and dreamy eyes, he has a charismatic screen presence. During the romantic moments, Robin is oozing with seduction and draws you in with his sultry gaze. His costar (Makato Hasegawa) is less captivating, although he still brings a subtle charm to his role. Both actors are styled elegantly. I love Takashi's wardrobe, which consists of sleek suits, turtlenecks, and wire-framed glasses. He conveys an air of sophistication that fits his character's scholarly persona.

The first four episodes of Love Is Better the Second Time Around leave a positive impression. The series entertains me with its playful mischief and riveting relationship drama. However, the last two episodes dampen my enthusiasm. Toward the end, I expected more focus on developing Miyata and Takashi as a couple. Instead, the story delves into Takashi's family trauma, a complicated plot that is difficult to unpack in forty minutes. It also introduces a new love rival. While Kyosuke is devilishly handsome, his character seems like an unnecessary distraction.

With too many plots crammed into the last two episodes, Love Is Better the Second Time Around suffers in quality. Important scenes are rushed, while the romantic development takes a backseat. I wished the storyline was simpler and only focused on the couple's relationship drama. Although I like the final scene, it isn't enough to overcome my distaste for the clunky narrative flaws. Alas, I finish the series with a critical opinion. I'm still fond of Love Is Better the Second Time Around, but what could've been a solid BL recommendation now feels less satisfying.